Living near a Light Rail stop in Tempe? (Phoenix, Mesa: apartment complex, to rent)

[oscottscotto]

What light rail stops in Tempe would you suggest living by? And by "live by", I guess I mean definitely within a mile of. And yes, you must choose, even if to you that means choosing the "lesser of evils" regarding areas. I believe there are about 6 or 7 stops in Tempe/western edge of Mesa is there not?

As for a living situation, the wife and I would be looking to rent in an apartment complex. No house buying or house renting at this point.

We were in Tempe for a week a year or so ago, and like the area directly around ASU/Mill ave. But it seems many here claim that the area is not so great, even though it looked fine to us. The key though, as listed above, is walking access to the light rail - wherever we end up (Tempe/Gilbert/Chandler). So if you could help me out with that, thanks. Are there any light rail stops in Gilbert or Chandler as a second living option? By the way, we can go up to $700-$800 a month for a one-bedroom apartment but would prefer less ... if that makes any difference.

And this is not by any means a definite move or even probable at this time, just brainstorming in case ...

[joninaz]

There's no rail in Gilbert or Chandler. It slices through Tempe for a few stops... Mill is the only decent stop to live near, if you want adult housing. The others are next to the stadium and Rural (both lacking in housing while also being high traffic areas) and along Apache, which for living space is mostly bare boned student apartments. Rail pokes into Mesa, but for less than a mile and it's pretty 3rd world. That said, if Tempe is the goal, look near Mill as a first choice.

You will not want to walk a mile in our summers, unless early morn or after dark. It's great right now, but most of us can't stand walking 50 yards from a car to a store in the summer. Some will say it's doable, but if you have to do it for every ride, every day, suited up for work or other outings... it would be tough.

That said, rail is not the only option. Tempe has a nice local shuttle service called the Orbit. It reaches into many neighborhoods and is superior to rail for many, as it moves in multiple directions and stretches into many hoods.

[hootie]

I would be alot more concerned about getting robbed than the summer heat. Other than Mill Ave, just drive by those stops and ask yourself if you'd feel comfortable walking alone in those areas? Plus its alot faster NOT to use the light rail. If it was underground and fast then it might be worth the risk, but in its current design, i wouldn't say so.

[ArizonaBear]

Actually; the (mostly student housing admittedly) apartments between Rural and Dorsey just S of University are not bad as a group. That enclave has quite a few East Indian/Pakistani kids and they are quite respectful

The above area is served by the Rural/University as well as the Dorsey stations

[LocoAZnative]

There is a little known up and coming area between Priest and Mill on Washington where there a lot of new apartments. Light rail runs right in front of this area. There is a strip mall at Priest and Washington that has a Starbucks and a few little quick places to eat. I can see this area growing there are some field around where I can see grocery stores and such going up in the future. Also, this area is in great proximity to Papago park ( I love hiking here and the dogs love to climb the rocks). Plus, Scottsdale Rd is down the street a lot of businesses there.

[HX_Guy]

Originally Posted by hootie

Plus its alot faster NOT to use the light rail. If it was underground and fast then it might be worth the risk, but in its current design, i wouldn't say so.

Have you ever considered that some people don't own a car, or don't want to drive their car all the time? Even if it's not faster, it's not always about how fast can you get somewhere...maybe someone likes to kick back and read the paper in on the way to work.

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by AZnative4Life

There is a little known up and coming area between Priest and Mill on Washington where there a lot of new apartments. Light rail runs right in front of this area. There is a strip mall at Priest and Washington that has a Starbucks and a few little quick places to eat. I can see this area growing there are some field around where I can see grocery stores and such going up in the future. Also, this area is in great proximity to Papago park ( I love hiking here and the dogs love to climb the rocks). Plus, Scottsdale Rd is down the street a lot of businesses there.

This area stood out to me when I rode the light rail. Cute little area with some new development/shopping.

[LocoAZnative]

Originally Posted by sablebaby

This area stood out to me when I rode the light rail. Cute little area with some new development/shopping.

Yup and I forgot to add just hop on the rail there and you are in downtown Tempe or Phoenix aswell

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by sablebaby

This area stood out to me when I rode the light rail. Cute little area with some new development/shopping.

Frankly; I was pleasantly surprised to see many hidden 'gems' since I was not driving for once

[HX_Guy]

Yea it's pretty amazing how much more you see when you're just a passenger as opposed to focused on driving. The light rail is awesome.