ISO Soul, Affordability and Newishness (Tucson, Drexel Heights: countertops, appliances, townhomes)

[twentyfourtoes]

My husband and I currently live in Bisbee, we're considering relocating to Tucson. I'm afraid our wishlist is rather long. We want to be close to the "soul" of Tucson, not living out in Drexel Heights or Rita Ranch, but we also want a reasonably nice house, not huge or brand spanking new but either new-ish or really well remodeled, with a bit of space out back and a big garage. And our budget tops out around $160.

There are some nice houses in budget to the east of Davis Monthan, but I'm wondering if that area is so far it's more like a satellite than part of Tucson - and inconvenient to the highway to boot. It looks a bit sterile, but the houses are good in size and layout. We have friends in Flowing Wells, which also seems nice but maybe a bit disconnected from the main.

Any suggestions? I have heard rumors that Satan lives in South Tucson , but I'm wondering if there are some upcoming and charismatic areas down there that are safe - the homes near the 17th st. market seem charming, but I don't know if that's technically ST or not.

[AzHuny]

Actually there can be some great homes downtown, under 160,000. However if your wishlist is to have 5,000 square feet, and granite countertops you may have to rethink your priorities .

Thankfully, there are lots of neighborhood pockets that have plenty of character or soul, and if you're willing to take a few days to really search an area, you can find them. As of my search just now on MLS there are 493 3 bedroom homes for under 175,000 in just the interior areas of town, not the outskirts. Some need updating, or a little TLC, some are newer, but further away from the crowds.

One of my favorites I just found is a 3 bedroom 1 bath around River and 1st for 165,000. The peacock wallpaper is so old and retro it's back in style

[AzHuny]

Unless you were saying your monthly budget for living expenses were at $160 dollars a month. Then I'm at a lost how to help you 8)

[twentyfourtoes]

Lol. No, I'm such a frugalista that might be an interesting challenge, but I meant $160K. I'm looking for something between say 1400-1800 sq, with some garage and yard and NO POOL. My biggest weakness is probably my enthusiasm for big bathrooms, I salivate over the idea of counter space and a separate tub in a bathroom, our current "master" bathroom (our only bathroom) - is 5*6. The kitchen can be older as long as it's laid out well with good counter and cabinet space. I'd rather have fewer, bigger rooms than a bunch of little ones, we're just two people.

Can you tell me what constitutes this "South Tucson" that everyone tells me I must stay away from? I mean in layman's terms, what is the area to avoid? Is it the area in the triangle between I-19 and I-10?? anything below 22nd and west of campbell?? On the actual zipcode map, Sam Hughes is within ST, that certainly isn't a neighborhood anything but my checkbook is afraid of. I was blown away by how expensive the Armory Park area is, I always thought of it as a cute little budget spot.

[azdr0710]

Armory Park has been discovered for years and many places in there have been fixed up very nicely, but it's only one part of downtown....El Presidio, also downtown, is discovered as well.....

there is an incorporated City of South Tucson covering one square mile roughly on the northeast side of I-10 where it makes the swing near I-19.....and there is south Tucson (small "s") covering much of, well, south Tucson.....there are nice pockets in south Tucson, which locals might say is very roughly south of 22nd St and west of DM, but some of it is pretty rough....

Sam Hughes is very definitely not in south Tucson....

you've probably realized the $160K budget may be difficult for absolutely all you want....

[borregokid]

Here is one for $169,000 it looks like the bank wants cash and its centrally located. 842 E Seneca Street, Tucson, Arizona 85719 (MLS# 21300408) - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - AZmoves.com

To me it looks to be attractively priced. The bargains that were around a year ago have mostly been bought up. Most also have some fixing issue and are as is. When you do your research use TARMLS.com and enter your criteria. Its updated daily and you can tell which houses are already sold. The other websites dont eliminate the sold homes. If you didnt mind home owners association fees you could expand your search to townhomes which would give you an open floor plan.

[twentyfourtoes]

Thank you! I actually considered that Seneca house but it was creeping quickly over budget for an "as is" with no appliances. I think we've found something at about that latitude but a bit further east, nearer to Craycroft. We had to make a few sacrifices - no gorgeous bathroom for me this time - but it looks cute and solid. 5408 E Willard St, Tucson, AZ 85712 - Zillow . I'm not sure I got as much "soul" as I was looking for either, but there are quite a few things in walking distance and the neighbors seem friendly.