Questions on Scottsdale (Phoenix, Tempe, Paradise Valley: environment, real estate, travel)

[Nature Girl]

"You would need to earn at least $100,000/year to buy a 2 bedroom condo."

This is where it get's confusing for me. We looked at a few different realtor sights, and saw some pretty nice homes in the mid to high 300's?? My hubby would be making over 100K a year, however, we do not want to spend over 400K on a home! What's the point? We are not looking at having the "best of the best", we just want a nice/safe neighborhood with good schools. We have seen pretty nice homes between 1600-2200 sq. ft. with a nice pool, for under 400K in Scottsdale? Why are so many people claiming you have to be rich to afford it there? I do not see it? The only thing that is discouraging us from living there is the commute. So we were thinking maybe Tempe, Glendale, or Peoria. Would you recommend these areas? We just want a "safer" city, good schools, and affordable housing. I know Goodyear is a good commute, but I have heard that it is worth it for the "quality of life" you have there. Any insights on the cities I listed would be helpful. Thanks again for all the replies! And again, if I am way off on the home prices in Scottsdale, am I seeing the "bad pockets" for that price range then??

[sablebaby]

Well see the thing is that most people can't afford (or don't to spend that much) a $400k house. There really isn't that many homes under that that are in a good area and are in good shape. Not everyone makes "over $100k" a year.

[Nature Girl]

"There really isn't that many homes under that that are in a good area and are in good shape. Not everyone makes "over $100k" a year."

Under 400K? I am really confused then? I see a ton of homes in the "nicer" pockets for less? Where are you finding this info?

[sablebaby]

I'm finding this info on the MLS as I am a Realtor. Can you give some examples of the areas that you are finding?

I looked up a part of north Scottsdale, zip 85254, which is an older area and only found 6 homes under $400k. And they were small, old, and not updated. Many areas that are even nicer and are a whole lot more expensive. In Scottsdale it's at LEAST $200/sf, most are way above that. So if you find a 2000sf home it will be above $400k. If it's in a really nice area or brand new it may $700k.

[Nature Girl]

I looked at N. Peoria "Vistancia" and you can get a brand new home for under 400K? I also looked into prices for Glendale, Peoria, Tempe, and parts of Phoenix (the good areas). The sites I looked up were, realtor.com, homes.com, Coldwell Banker, and Remax. I noticed "several" nice looking homes for under 400K in Scottsdale. Not sure of the zip codes though.

[sablebaby]

I am only talking about Scottsdale as that is what you were referring to. Yes, you can definitely find thousands of nice homes under $400k in just about any city. Yes, you can find several in scottsdale, as I said that I found 6 (which would be considered several). I'm sure one can find several more, but the majority will be above that and much more.

[Nature Girl]

Well I just looked up about 40 on realtor for Scottsdale in our price range, not 6! Not sure where you are getting your info. Your are a realtor???

[Nature Girl]

Check realtor.com and then maybe you can explain to me where you show only 6 homes lsited in that zip code for under $400K.

[sablebaby]

Okay, chill out. What I forgot is that I looked up that zip this week for under $350 not $400, so that makes a difference. I found 50 homes under $400k.

Sorry I was being very blunt toward you. I just got irritated as I thought you sounded snobby in your post about others not being able to afford Scottsdale (which is how many people act who live there). Many people can't afford a $400k home or even a $300k home. That's why people were saying you have to make a certain amount to live there. Not everyone makes over a $100k.

Yes, I am a Reatlor, although my main occupation is Psychotherapist.

[Nature Girl]

What are you talking about? When did I state other's can't afford Scottsdale? You are mistaken me for someone else! Snobby,,,far from it! We can afford more, but we choose NOT to for that very reason. I do not want to live around "snobby" people, or raise my children to feel they need to have "the best of the best". The only main reason we are looking in that area to begin with is for the better schools. We have heard they are the best over there. It's sad that just because my hubby went to college for 10 years and now makes a good salary that we are judged by his income amount. Just because you make a good salary does not make you snobby. For the record, I only mentioned our income because of the previous post. Very stereotypical of you.