Update on Goodyear - SCARED (Phoenix, Chandler: sales, 2009, homes)

[SunLuver]

OK, so I have searched all the threads and did find some useful info on the general Goodyear area (Palm Valley, Estrella, Canyon Trails...north/south of the I-10...etc) but many of it was info from 2008.

My husband and I are planning on buying within the next month...we've decided to stick to the west valley due to commute time (preferably central-south west valley...vs north west valley). We've looked at resale and new builds...overall looks like you get more bang for your buck on a new build but we're not opposed to buying older as long as it's fairly turn key.

We're looking in the $200-$230 range, 1 story home at least 2200sf and some back yard space...we've driven through all the main areas several times. Estrella is really nice...Palm Valley we like a lot...looks like Canyon Trails is the best bang for our buck and it seems nice enough although not as established as Estrella and Palm Valley.
We're looking at Taylor Morrison homes in Canyon Trails....but I want to know from people who have been in the area for a long time or at least are familiar enough with Goodyear over the years - from your experience does that community look like it's starting to show signs that it wont develop positively as we come out of this recession/crappy market? I hear stories about communities that were starting to shoot up but with the market have just gone down hill...

The home that just became available is going for $200k, sits on 9600sf lot, 3/2 with option for a 4th BR, 2250sf, and some really fantastic upgrades (stainless apps, 20x20 tile, high end cabinets, granite). In your opinion, is that a great deal in this market or pretty standard? Does it look like the market would drop a lot more for that type of home within the next year?

I know you may be thinking "lady, nobody has a crystal ball!!!" but I'm sure the experienced folks that have been here long enough have a better intuition about these things than some newbies from south Florida.

Thanks!!!

[Finger Laker]

i live in goodyear and am still very bullish on it's development - they have had some impact, like most places - however things are still moving forward

for example canyon trails is still getting built up (they are working on an LA fitness right now at Yuma/Cotton and a frys will come shortly to sarival & yuma) despite there being some economic casualties in that area

the city seems to have a pretty solid plan in place and I really enjoy living in the city

I live around van buren & estrella and it's as quiet as it's ever been

the only thing I would caution is that if you are going new build to have faith the builder will be there to finish the community (unlike some of the brown communities in that area) and understand it will take a while for the neighborhood to fill out and promised amenities delivered in some cases

if you liked goodyear in 2007 and liked it in 2008 and there is no reason to not like it in 2009 going forward

[SunLuver]

Thanks FL.
What do you mean by "brown communities?"
I figured Taylor Morrison was a big enough developer that they wouldn't be pulling out and moving on...but I"m not sure, could be wrong.
In that area there's Shea, Centex, Standard Pacific, Beazer....maybe others but not sure...those also seem like reputable large developers.
Surprise seems to be selling a lot quicker but that's way too far out for us.
We're thinking we'd rather Estrella even though it might be an extra 10 minutes out because that just doesn't look like it would ever turn out to be a dump.
Oh, and what's that place called "Romans" on Yuma (across from that shopping center near cotton)? It looks like some type of bar that has been around for decades...is that a safe place that just looks menacing? LOL.
Thanks for your input.

[Ponderosa]

Goodyear will be fine. They have so many irons in the fire - regional mall, private universities, ASU campus, CTCA hospital, I-10 and 303 extension. Goodyear will be the SW Valley equivalent of Chandler. Goodyear education and income demographics are among the highest in the Phoenix metro area. Goodyear is a baby still. Only a very small part of Goodyear planning area is developed. Most of Goodyear will be SOUTH of Estrella if you can believe that.

[SunLuver]

SOUTH OF ESTRELLA MNT????? Wow, at what point does the commute towards central Phoenix just become too much???
I guess it's comforting to know that there's much more ahead for that city/town....right now it just looks like south of I-10 (near cotton) is still patchy with areas of development. I see some shopping centers up already and some on the way....but then I see lots of development that hasnt been completed....and lots of farm land....well, not that there's anything wrong with farm land but you start to wonder, what if this stays not terribly developed - what will the resale value look like 5 years from now?

[Finger Laker]

don't worry about the "mobile" portion of goodyear which is the extreme S on the other side of the estrellas - it's far from developed and would come into play later and never really be a downtown commutable community

brown family builders was a local builder who went under

there isn't a lot of development that hasn't been completed - there is just land that doesn't need to be developed right now

the only major project that was pushed back was the regional mall, but that will go as soon as we get some kind of national turnaround ....... national retailers are obviously a bit hesitant about their expansion

as far as Romans - nothing to be afraid of ......... it's just a dusty cowboy bar and offers a bit of character ..... wasn't that long ago there was no target or anything else over there and when you went to romans you parked on the side of the road (pretty much where you pull into the target from yuma rd)

not really my scene, but a nice bar to hit every now and again .... not dangerous, not dirty ....... there is another throwback place off jackrabbit trail and the I-10 called Waddells Longhorn Saloon

Ponderosa is right on about the development still going on - the location of the proposed college campus cluster will be north of Desert Edge Highschool off Estrella Pkwy ...... downtown goodyear is in development and will fill in around the new ballpark - the CTCA hospital is opening and is an amazing facility

[Ponderosa]

We could be riding the light rail of all things! Goodyear is trying to get over a billion transportation dollars to extend the light rail or put in dedicated bus lanes along I-10 from Estrella Parkway to the planned LR terminus at 79th Ave.

I would not be surprised to see development near Mobile in the next few years. This is fairly close to Maricopa and I suppose the "vibe" there would be more Maricopa than Goodyear. Otherwise, build out is decades away. The observations you have about farms and empty fields applied to Gilbert, Chandler and Ahwatukee not that long ago. The land gets gobbled up quickly here when things are clicking.

[SunLuver]

Thank you Ponderosa and Finger Laker,
You're both quite kind and appear to be well educated with the surroundings.
Maybe we'll soon be neighbors

[grippit]

Goodyear should have a bright future due to the reasons given above. Mayor was reelected, only one change on the council. They did just recently approve a sales tax hike for budget shortfalls. We'll have to see the effects of that long term on businesses/individuals. MLS search shows $200k on home described is o.k. for new-build. There are bank-owned properties available for less. Of course with resale, you don't get the new-build warranty. But often times the back yard is finished, saving $1000's. Enjoy the west valley. Goodyear, AZ - Official Website

[LBTRS]

We live in Canyon Trails, Oasis at Canyon Trails by Centex. We have lived here a year and have had no trouble or felt like were were not living in the right neighborhood. We're very happy here and looking forward to the area being developed more as Goodyear sets up the city center around Estrella and Yuma.