Confused about Scottsdale (Phoenix: for sale, foreclosures, lofts)

[winters816]

We are relocating for a job in Scottsdale. I can't seem to find anything about areas to avoid here. We want to spend under 260k and want good elementary schools,we have 3 kids. Basically what any family would want. I have found all these zip codes and I am so confused. We are an active family and are very into soccer,water sporting and jeep excursions. I dont even know where to start any advice would be helpful.


Scottsdale (85250)
Scottsdale (85251)
Scottsdale (85257)
Scottsdale (85260)
Scottsdale - Desert Mountain
Scottsdale - Grayhawk
Scottsdale - Kierland
Scottsdale - McCormick Ranch
Scottsdale - McDowell Mtn Ranch
Scottsdale - Tatum Ranch
Scottsdale - Whisper Rock

[azdr0710]

85250 and 85251 are in the more central part of Scottsdale...near downtown Scottsdale and mostly a very large mix of older homes, condos, lofts, everything....very convenient to everything....your price range will not get you a great house in these zips, but you will find some condo conversions, small houses, other stuff

85257 is south Scottsdale with a rep as being the "worst" part of Scottsdale only because houses are older, not as flashy, and smallish....it's just an average area with a mix of people....not at all a slum, but not ultra-desirable....it's actually the most convenient area in Scottsdale because of access to all parts of the valley and business nearby....you will find a place here for your price range

85260 is in the Airpark area up north....lots of employment centers up there...lots of fast-moving traffic....this area has built up a lot in the last 20 years....lots of regular condo stuff. some older houses on large lots scattered around (ripe for tear down)....

Kierland, Grayhawk, MMR, and DM are each large upscale fairly new developments with good reps....don't think you can touch them for <$260K unless you can squeeze the family into a very small condo.....these are all in N Scottsdale, which has a a very good rep, but you'll have to drive everywhere.....I really wouldn't live this far north....just hate driving a couple miles or more for a gallon of milk, but lots do drive......lots of for sale signs up there, but Scotts mailing address keeps them pricey....lots of subdivisions that all look alike


McCormick Ranch is back into the central part of town....very convenient, lots of choices of house types....big variety....it was developed starting in the late 1960s and has newer area (1980s)....good rep, very stable feel...not as flashy as N Scottsdale

Tatum Ranch is far N and W and practically in Phoenix city limits, I think....west of all these other places you mention....large 1990s subdivision feeling...lots of pink tile roofs on small lots with little soul, I think.....drive everywhere....I think there are lots of foreclosures here, I read.....will be a convenient location in several years as it is a bit closer in, but still feels far N to me

Whisper Rock is way far N Scottsdale...holy cripes - the address says 32000 North !!!!!......but this whole N Scottsdale area has the best rep in Scotts because of the large houses, golf courses, pretty setting in the hills....some snob appeal here, too.....lots of Hummers, upscale shopping......I just feel this area is overgrown with too-expensive houses and is not convenient to town....

prices have come down even in Scotts but not as bad as other less desirable valley/Phx areas....maybe an average 10-40% lower in Scotts than four years ago, depending on desirability of location.....

your price range may not get as decent a place for a family of five in Scottsdale as you're hoping for.....get hold of a realtor and get out here and scour the areas hard!.....it's a very big, busy place.....decide what you need and don't need.....commute may be an important factor....

[pbenjamin]

Tatum Ranch and Kierland are both in the City of Phoenix.

[nolagirl]

Scottsdale & Phoenix are right next to each other, have you considered Phoenix? You have a much better chance of finding a decent house in that range outside of Scotts limits. You pay more for a Scotts address.

[TransporterG]

Another tactic you can try is to first identify the schools you want the kids to attend. Not all of Scottsdale has great public schools, but there are also many charter schools.

[azdr0710]

yes, as pbenjamin says, Kierland is in Phoenix city limits, but definitely has a "Scottsdale" feel to it because of prices and surroundings....in fact, believe it or not, all areas N of Cactus and W of Scottsdale Rd are in City of Phoenix.....

Tatum Ranch has less of a Scottsdale feel

some realtors call zip 85254 the "magic" zip code as it has a Scottsdale mailing address (to impress your friends, evidently) but is in Phoenix city limits, so slightly lower taxes....it could be convenient to your new work....

[KarmaPhx]

I used to live in the 85254 zip code, it was confusing to many why I lived in Phoenix and had a Scottsdale mailing address.

[winters816]

Thank you everyone, I actually am interested in a great home 85254 4 bedrooms, pool, 2500sqft. for 250k so I am finding houses in N scottsdale in my price. I really seem to like Liberty Elem school but there is sooo much area to cover at this point and I am just starting. Where I am now taxes average 5500-8000/yr for property tax so I am giddy right now.

[observer53]

Property taxes here are amazingly low compared to many other places. Good luck with your search!

[Robert A]

Originally Posted by KarmaPhx

I used to live in the 85254 zip code, it was confusing to many why I lived in Phoenix and had a Scottsdale mailing address.

My wife grew up at 56th/Greenway and I have had a hard time convincing her she did not grow up in Scottsdale.