ASU grad student purchasing condo: quiet but close locations? (Phoenix: apartment complex, rent)

[Usehername]

I'm a 24yo female grad student going to ASU for the next several years. My parents are going to invest in a gated-community condo; I'll pay rent to them while I'm living there.

We're looking in the borders of:
the river (N)
Price Fwy (E)
Superstition Fwy (S)
and 143/60 (W)

My mom thinks we should get one on the orbit bus line for my convenience; I think it will probably be too close to partying undergrads. Thoughts on where to look and to avoid?

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Usehername

I'm a 24yo female grad student going to ASU for the next several years. My parents are going to invest in a gated-community condo; I'll pay rent to them while I'm living there.

We're looking in the borders of:
the river (N)
Price Fwy (E)
Superstition Fwy (S)
and 143/60 (W)

My mom thinks we should get one on the orbit bus line for my convenience; I think it will probably be too close to partying undergrads. Thoughts on where to look and to avoid?

Some of the Orbit bus lines (there are more than one) go FAR from partying undergrads. The closer you are to the 60 (Superstition) and, say, from Rural Rd east, the further you get from that type of environment. You may NOT find a gated community, though, there aren't that many in Tempe. I don't know that gated is required to be safe in Tempe. There's also paid bus lines to help you get to campus, as well, depending on exactly where you end up.

[smokemaster]

a) condos are very cheap now.
b) cash works best.
I offered 40 for one a few weeks ago, and got a quick counter for 61K. It had sold for 270K. Only rents for 725; so I passed. Nice golf course.

[AZJoeD]

Why not take a look at the complexes called Riverwalk, Red Rox and Belaflora. These 3 are all clustered together on 53 St. & Van Buren, Phoenix. All are gated, newer buildings, in good condition and have low maintenance fees. I used to work at Belaflora and I can tell you that there are many young professional people and grad students living there.

They are only about 1.5 miles from ASU. Often overlooked because they are in Phoenix not Tempe, but they are closer than many in Tempe.

Mod Cut

[smokemaster]

I've seen those popping up on E. Van Buren. Looked like about 50K for a 1 br/ and they are newer than most. How is the jet noise over there?

[AZJoeD]

It never bothered me, but I was there in the day time. I wasn't sleeping (except at my desk). I do not think it is a big issue, but I guess you would have to visit a night time to see if it bothers you.

[aivin adams]

i live east of price freeway at university shadows. its not gated but i think its safe. its super quiet. its super nice. its super cheap.

i love it. great investment. altho east of the freeway, its still tempe (you get the right zip code ) and so i think it is at its floor, pricewise. will always be a valuable rental.

[asufan]

Try checking out the 700+ unit complex called Villagio Tempe on Rio Salado just East of the Price Freeway. Don't get it confused with the Villagio Tempe apartment complex. It is just East of your boundary, but is only 3 miles to the University, and close to the Tempe Marketplace. Above all of the condo's I would check out the Brownstones around Wilson and 5th Street just on the West end of Downtown Tempe. There's other Brownstones in the area as well. I think these would come up as "Townhomes" on an MLS search rather than condos. If given the choice, I would always go with a townhome over a condo for resale reasons. If you are sold on condo's, there are others in the area such as Hayden Square (just off Mill Avenue), and 525 Town Lake Condos (gated), Regatta Point (next to 525 Town Lake) and others.

[Usehername]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'm taking it all in.

[eventusstultorummagister]

AZJoeD made an excellent suggestion (positive rating applied!). I think it suits your needs very well.

If you desire peace and quiet do NOT consider Hayden Square, trust me!!!