Moving to Phoenix in July (Mesa, Glendale: apartment complexes, to rent, condo)

[Norf1981]

Hi,

I am moving to phoenix in July. My wife will be working at a school located on the northern edge of South Mountain park. I am interviewing for a couple jobs (civil engineer) that would both have me working somewhere between phoenix and tempe. We are interested in getting an apartment in downtown phoenix (copper square), tempe or northern phoenix, so that we will be equedistant from both our jobs. How bad is the traffic in phoenix?!? Specifically, how bad is it travelling from downtown out in the mornings and back in in the evenings? What are the public transit options? I would prefer if my fiance could drive to work and I could take public transit. We only have 1 car at the moment and would like to keep it that way if possible. Can anyone suggest any good apartment complexes for us? We have a 70 lbs dog (lab/border collie mix).

We'll be in town this weekend (jun. 8-11) to check out all our options, and would like some advice on where to start.

So far we are looking at:
-Roosevelt Square
-Camden Copper Square
-Mandarina
-Red Rox
-Any suggestions?

P.S. Don't tell me to break down and buy the extra car. I know I could do that. I'm only interested in getting answers about other options.

[Jethro]

You will be going the opposite direction of the traffic on your commute so it shouldnt be a problem.

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by Norf1981

Hi,

I am moving to phoenix in July. My wife will be working at a school located on the northern edge of South Mountain park. I am interviewing for a couple jobs (civil engineer) that would both have me working somewhere between phoenix and tempe. We are interested in getting an apartment in downtown phoenix (copper square), tempe or northern phoenix, so that we will be equedistant from both our jobs. How bad is the traffic in phoenix?!? Specifically, how bad is it travelling from downtown out in the mornings and back in in the evenings? What are the public transit options? I would prefer if my fiance could drive to work and I could take public transit. We only have 1 car at the moment and would like to keep it that way if possible. Can anyone suggest any good apartment complexes for us? We have a 70 lbs dog (lab/border collie mix).

We'll be in town this weekend (jun. 8-11) to check out all our options, and would like some advice on where to start.

So far we are looking at:
-Roosevelt Square
-Camden Copper Square
-Mandarina
-Red Rox
-Any suggestions?

P.S. Don't tell me to break down and buy the extra car. I know I could do that. I'm only interested in getting answers about other options.

If you wish to commute via public transportation, you should probably establish where your job will be before you decide where to live. Once you know your work location, you can try to choose a place to live that is only one bus ride (no transfer) from your workplace. You should also try to take into account the new light rail line, which will offer another commuting option when it opens at the end of 2008.

In general, public transit in the Phoenix area is better than its reputation, with reasonably good bus service and the rail line on the way. Still, the area is largely designed for the car, so you'll want to avoid long walks to and from bus stops and long waits in the desert sun while waiting for transfers.

Of the apartment complexes you have named, only Roosevelt Square is familiar to me, but I think it's a great choice. It's at the north end of downtown in an area that was once seedy but is rapidly becoming an arts district. It's also right by a future light rail station. But again, decide your work before deciding where to live.

More information about public transportation: http://www.valleymetro.org

[sheena]

Originally Posted by Norf1981

Hi,

I am moving to phoenix in July. My wife will be working at a school located on the northern edge of South Mountain park. I am interviewing for a couple jobs (civil engineer) that would both have me working somewhere between phoenix and tempe. We are interested in getting an apartment in downtown phoenix (copper square), tempe or northern phoenix, so that we will be equedistant from both our jobs. How bad is the traffic in phoenix?!? Specifically, how bad is it travelling from downtown out in the mornings and back in in the evenings? What are the public transit options? I would prefer if my fiance could drive to work and I could take public transit. We only have 1 car at the moment and would like to keep it that way if possible. Can anyone suggest any good apartment complexes for us? We have a 70 lbs dog (lab/border collie mix).

We'll be in town this weekend (jun. 8-11) to check out all our options, and would like some advice on where to start.

So far we are looking at:
-Roosevelt Square
-Camden Copper Square
-Mandarina
-Red Rox
-Any suggestions?

P.S. Don't tell me to break down and buy the extra car. I know I could do that. I'm only interested in getting answers about other options.

Well so far you are on the right track with letting your wife drive and you taking the public transportation. I agree with the other poster, find out where you'll be working and then if you must take the public transportation try not to transfer. You'll pony up for that car soon enough after a few bus rides.


Do you have to live downtown? Why not look into the Ahwatukee area? It's a short drive to South Mountain and lots of apt complexes. You maybe able to land a job there and walk to work. I worked in Ahwatukke for years. Lots of corporate there.

[Cj81]

I would also choose Roosevelt Square over the others you posted. Its a great complex withing walking distance of several places. Camden Copper Square would be my second choice. I have no idea where the bus goes but if you are living at Roosevelt Square in Dec 08 you will have a light rail stop right out front. I would also suggest looking into renting a condo in the area.

[wit-nit]

Ahwatukee are is a good choice. Driving is a bear anywhere in the Metropolitan area. Not much better than L.A.
This weekend you may even encounter some freeway constuction areas where the freeway is closed and you need to find an alternate route(s).

[ibarrio]

Not much better than L.A.

Disagree. Phoenix is a lot better the L.A. L.A. can have bumper to bumper at midnight on a Saturday. 6-7 lanes of hell

The worse it has been for me in L.A. was 5 hours to drive around 100 miles.

The worse I have seen it in Pheonix was after the Cowboys played the Cards with NASCAR traffic in the area as well. It was 1.45-2 hours to drive from Glendale to Mesa...which included stopping for food and surface streets. Not bad. But then my standards are different..maybe that is bad. Who knows.

[wit-nit]

Phoenix has 3-4 lanes of hell from 6 am till 7 pm and all the time when there's an accident or construction going on.
How many hours have you sat in the Tunnel when there's a fender bender?

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by nitram

Phoenix has 3-4 lanes of hell from 6 am till 7 pm and all the time when there's an accident or construction going on.
How many hours have you sat in the Tunnel when there's a fender bender?

No way. Freeways are wide open, meaning traffic flows near speed limit, after rush hour (9am - 3pm) and after 7 pm. NOTHING like L.A.