HELP: Moving to phoenix (Nov.-Dec.) (Mesa, Glendale: wood floors, apartments, to rent)

[Maswood]

Hello to all,
I was recently offered a job in phoenix and will be relocating later in the year (Nov-Dec). I came across this site and would appreciate your input concerning neighborhoods to rent a place. I would also be grateful for any other input related to relocations to phoenix.

I am a 25 yr single male. I would like to rent something small (studio or 1 bedroom). I am clueless as to what neighborhoods will be good options. I will be working in zip 85004.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Ritchie_az]

I'd be cautious finding an apartment near downtown. I'd look more towards Avondale, Glendale, Peoria, Tempe (you could take the light-rail), Mesa, or north Phoenix. Good luck!

[Maswood]

Thank you for the info :-)

[fcorrales80]

Originally Posted by Ritchie_az

I'd be cautious finding an apartment near downtown. I'd look more towards Avondale, Glendale, Peoria, Tempe (you could take the light-rail), Mesa, or north Phoenix. Good luck!

Why LOL! the downtown area is the safest precinct in the city. It is also one of the only neighborhoods in the entire state where development is still on track and construction is strong. There are some studios and one bedrooms in downtown that are available in the price range of $600-$1200 depending on the size, style, location to the light rail, and type of building. In a newer high-rise or mid-rise, look for higher-end prices. In exquisitely refurbished or kept up historic buildings also look to pay a premium. However, there are some modern remodeled and some plain apartments that are small and affordable. You'd have a pick from historic 1890's brick apartment buildings to new high-rise developments to choose from. Some zip codes in or near downtown are 85003, 85001, 85004, etc.

[handiquack]

Personally, if I had my choice, I'd live in the 'burbs and commute downtown. I'm a big fan of the Southeast part of the Valley but on my most recent trip I became keen to the Northwest like Avondale and Glendale. It's really nice up there (for the most part).

[Cyborg13]

85004...right in the middle of downtown. You can find some apartments down there, depends if you want to live literally right in the middle of the city. If you are not looking at buying (not sure why...), it is pretty much up to you how much commute you can stand, and you may as well find something close to downtown. Rents are pretty similar all over the valley, whether it be in Peoria, Mesa, or south Scottsdale. I live in Peoria and commute to the airport (southeast downtown).

[fcorrales80]

Originally Posted by Cyborg13

85004...right in the middle of downtown. You can find some apartments down there, depends if you want to live literally right in the middle of the city. If you are not looking at buying (not sure why...), it is pretty much up to you how much commute you can stand, and you may as well find something close to downtown. Rents are pretty similar all over the valley, whether it be in Peoria, Mesa, or south Scottsdale. I live in Peoria and commute to the airport (southeast downtown).

Rents are NOT similar all over the Valley; this is an inaccuracy that would put the OP in a wrong state of mind. Peoria, Mesa, and Avondale might have similar rents, but Scottsdale, downtown, uptown, Biltmore, arcadia, Old Town, north Scottsdale, Tempe etc. have rents for one and two bedrooms that exceed $2000 a month. It would be a disservice to tell someone they can rent a very nice and "luxury" apartment in Peoria (which one can get for $600-750 a month) and say you can get the same type of "luxury" apartment in Scottsdale or Central Phoenix for the same amount.

Just in downtown alone you'll need to add $300 to the base rent for an apartment in the same "class." However, if you want to be close to urban amenities, public transportation, nightlife, etc. and are willing to give up granite counter-tops for a cheaper top, hard-wood floors for tile or carpet, cherry kitchen drawers and wood, and stainless steel appliances for white, black, or mixed to pay $600-750, etc then that is the trade off one will have to make.

Just as an example, there are more expensive places, but the cheapest and smallest apt at Alta downtown (in the 85004 zip right in the middle of downtown by the Arizona Center, light rail, the stadiums, hotels, restaurants, and on and on) is $860/month for about 700 sq ft:
http://www.mark-taylor.com/altaphoenix/index.asp

http://www.mark-taylor.com/altaphoenix/rates.aspx

Whereas the SAME apartment company offers 2 bedroom, 1100 sq ft apartments in Surprise for $699-920 a month:
http://www.mark-taylor.com/villas/index.asp

http://www.mark-taylor.com/villas/rates.aspx

The trade off is more expensive rent but a savings on commuting for work, sports, nightlife, universities, museums, etc. etc. All comes down to what lifestyle is important to you.

[HX_Guy]

What the hell...why are people so anti living downtown and pro living in the 'burbs and commuting 20+ miles to work...how does that make any sense? Especially for someone who is 25 years old.

I would 100% look for something downtown. There are quite a few options, from old to brand new, light rail is right there, tons of eating options and a few night life, ASU downtown campus so there are quite a few young people around all day (expect summer of course) and you're in the middle of the city so nothing is really more then 25 minutes away.

[fcorrales80]

Originally Posted by HX_Guy

What the hell...why are people so anti living downtown and pro living in the 'burbs and commuting 20+ miles to work...how does that make any sense? Especially for someone who is 25 years old.

I would 100% look for something downtown. There are quite a few options, from old to brand new, light rail is right there, tons of eating options and a few night life, ASU downtown campus so there are quite a few young people around all day (expect summer of course) and you're in the middle of the city so nothing is really more then 25 minutes away.

That is what I don't understand either. I don't get the aspect of telling a young adult seeking some vibrancy, nightlife, and the sort that downtown isn't desirable and that living in Peoria or Mesa is as that is quite the contrary.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by HX_Guy

What the hell...why are people so anti living downtown and pro living in the 'burbs and commuting 20+ miles to work...how does that make any sense? Especially for someone who is 25 years old.

I would 100% look for something downtown. There are quite a few options, from old to brand new, light rail is right there, tons of eating options and a few night life, ASU downtown campus so there are quite a few young people around all day (expect summer of course) and you're in the middle of the city so nothing is really more then 25 minutes away.

Originally Posted by fcorrales80

That is what I don't understand either. I don't get the aspect of telling a young adult seeking some vibrancy, nightlife, and the sort that downtown isn't desirable and that living in Peoria or Mesa is as that is quite the contrary.

Agreed, I've lived in the burbs all my life, but if I were the OP's age (and I've considered it for myself not all that many years ago) and hadn't inherited a house I was already living in, I'd be seriously looking at living downtown.