Where can I afford to buy with $300,000 (Phoenix, Mesa: short sale, real estate market)

[sheetz23]

I've done my searching on this site and others and now I'm asking for your ideas. I lived in Goodyear from 2004-2006. I'm moving back to Phoenix sometime this year (hopefully) and need help deciding where to go. Since the real estate market has "corrected" there are now many more options than I had six years ago. I'm retired so jobs aren't an issue. I don't mind single family or townhome. I need 2 or 3 bedrooms, prefer something newer (built after 2000), would like easy access to paved bike paths (preferably within the community), and I don't want to have to travel too far for my favorite stores (Trader Joes, Whole Foods/Sprouts, Chipotle, Costco, Cheesecake Factory). What areas do you all recommend? I'm coming out in March and I've only got about a week so I'd like to narrow things down to a few key areas. Where would you go in the Phoenix area if you were me and had $300,000 to spend on a place. Thanks for taking the time to help me find what is hopefully my last home!

[observer53]

You've got a lot of choices. I'm a south Tempe/Chandler fan, which gives you access to all your favorites, including an AMAZING Whole Foods at Ray and the 101.

[aztoga]

Hmmm... well, as you know, there are SOOOO many areas to choose from.

I'm in the Arcadia area and enjoy the proximity to Scottsdale, Tempe, Papago Park... and it's a nice area for active people. Many people jog and ride bikes along the canal--a favorite stretch starts at about 44th street and takes you east past lots of green areas at the base of Camelback Mountain, and on into Old Town Scottsdale where there are coffee shops, cultural activities, even more paths, and a fabulous library. I'll bet you could find a smaller home or condo in your price range in this general area.

I think that the southern part of Scottsdale would be nice for you too. There's a lovely bike path that runs just east of Hayden Road between Indian School road and McDonald (approximately) which will take you past newly remodeled parks with tennis courts, the dog park, green areas, and small ponds. There's a Trader Joe's at Scottsdale Road & Lincoln, too.

Best of luck, and welcome back!

[AzDreamer]

Here's a link to a site with lots of bike path maps. I like the MAG map for the Phoenix metro area.

ADOT Multimodal Planning Division

[AZJoeD]

$300K, No Problem. Pretty much anywhere in the valley. I personally think you should consider Trilogy in Vistancia in Peoria, or Corte Bella in SCW. Both are over 45 communities, not old people mostly boomers or second homes.

Two other areas to consider are Westbrook Village in Peoria (homes are a few years older, but still nice) and Fountain Hills.

You should have no problem finding a newer (2001+) 3BD/2BA/2CG, 1800 sq ft home from $245K in any of these communities. And, you won't have deal with the Short Sale or REO headaches.

[redjan1225]

If I had $300K, I'd buy a home somewhere near a mountain preserve. From the 51 north, exit 32nd Street and turn right. The area east of 32nd Street and north of Mountain View is my favorite residential area in Phoenix. I recently looked at a home there for $359K that had 4 bedrooms and a pool. Some of the homes are older, but several are newer as well. The preserve is a great place to hike, bike, and view nature. The Whole Foods is at Tatum and Shea. Trader Joe's aren't as convenient. I can think of two (North Scottsdale and 20th Street and Camelback). Cheesecake Factory is at the Biltmore. Sprouts is at Tatum and Cactus. Costco is coming to Paradise Valley mall. Chipotle you'll need to research yourself since I'm not a fan.

Wishing you the best of luck in your move. Sure wish I had $300K to pick the home of my dreams and pay cash for it.

[MarianR]

I'd buy where we did - Leisure World in east Mesa. We love it! Fits all your wants except houses are a bit older. Not sure where nearest Whole Foods is, but Sprouts and Costco are very close.

[Hatetheheat01]

There is also a Trader Joe's at Tatum & Shea.
P.V. Mall Costco opened in September.

For $300,000- I would find a nice new or newer townhome out in Surprise, Desert Ridge area, Peoria or Anthem.

[Ritchie_az]

Right now, for 300k, you could buy almost anywhere.

[AZJoeD]

And don't forget if you contract before April 30 and close before July 1, you may be eligible for the $6500 Home Buyers Tax Credit.