Maran, Oro Valley, Arizona City, Casa Grande ??? (Tucson, Chandler: 2010, apartment complexes)

[rich.testbcc]

Oops... The title should say: "Marana, Oro Valley, Arizona City, Casa Grande ???"

I'm seeing houses at very low prices in these areas ($50K-$100K), so I'm considering buying a home to visit the next couple winters and see if I'd like to live near Tucson.

I'm an independent software developer and won't need to commute everyday.

I'd like to know if these areas are nice to live in? I like a quiet, laid back atmosphere. I don't need bars or other "action" places.

Also, anyone know of any reasons these homes may be priced so low? I understand the country is in a depression and won't exit until 2010, but these prices seem low even considering the bad economic conditions. Could it be water problems, crime, taxes?

[amatrine]

I am in Arizona city. There a lot of foreclosures here. The reason some are around 30 and 40 k, those need work. I have seen some starters that are ok at 50 but have no fenced yard.

There really is nothing to do in Arizona City, but you are 8 miles from Casa Grande.

Over half of the apartment complexes here are foreclosed now. I think a lot of them were the same investors who dumped them. People that rented did not know until they had sherrifs at the door telling them to leave.

You can get some great deals on a home here though.

Casa Grande is a little more expensive but you are closer to amenities. There are good areas and bad areas in CG like anywhere else.

Something I found out the hard way, if you buy a house here in AZ city, do not buy near the apartments or be prepared for very loud music, etc.

We have them across the street. Cops are always there, music is always loud at night, and I wish I could go back in time and buy on another street.

Im sure it is not like that at all of them, but the people moving in and out of them so far have all been the same.

Also want to add, you are closer to Chandler here than Tuscon.

[mddd]

If you can afford it, Oro Valley would be much nicer than Casa Grande. Btter views, closer to activities and trails. Nothing around Casa Grande.

Maricopa would be a good "buy" for anyone not needing to commute. Nice adult community there "Province"

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by rich.testbcc

Oops... The title should say: "[b]Marana, Oro Valley, Arizona City, Casa Grande ???"

Easy one, Rich . . . ORO VALLEY!

[sh9730]

Yes, Oro Valley is probably the nicest "view" type area. But CG has more amenities and is almost exactly halfway between PHX and TUC and is along I 8 for the quicker trips to San Diego.

Also, anything you are seeing under 50K as someone said is probably not in best area, or needs alot of work. Now, for 100-125K you move into a whole different arena and can get a nice smaller house in pretty decent area and decent shape, at least in Casa Grande - Im not following the Marana/Oro Valley market much.

Marana of course is MUCH closer to Tucson than CG, and someday it and Red Rocks to the north will be very nice, but its still not as built up yet as CG amenities wise...but it is closer to the mountains of Tucson.

Just depends on what you want....