Retirement and rentals (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sun City: where to stay, apartment, condos)

[Bucco123]

Will try to keep this concise, but we are a retired couple (71/70) in good health who retired to Florida in 1998 and ready for a new adventure. We have bought and sold 3 homes just in Florida (we were previously in Pennsylvania).

We have grown tired of home ownership and want to rent. We would prefer an apartment type/condo but unable to find any age restricted of this type in the area with only rentals. We would certainly be open to a condo or apartment rental that will allow us to walk to restaurants, shops etc. We love to walk ! We also love high rise living but understand that is not the norm in that area so will accept a multi story building. I dont believe that the amount of rent is an issue at this point.

Anyone have any general advice for locating a good rental of the type described in the Phoenix or Scottsdale area OR anywhere in the great state of Arizona ?

[vkovac]

Originally Posted by Bucco123

Will try to keep this concise, but we are a retired couple (71/70) in good health who retired to Florida in 1998 and ready for a new adventure. We have bought and sold 3 homes just in Florida (we were previously in Pennsylvania).

We have grown tired of home ownership and want to rent. We would prefer an apartment type/condo but unable to find any age restricted of this type in the area with only rentals. We would certainly be open to a condo or apartment rental that will allow us to walk to restaurants, shops etc. We love to walk ! We also love high rise living but understand that is not the norm in that area so will accept a multi story building. I dont believe that the amount of rent is an issue at this point.

Anyone have any general advice for locating a good rental of the type described in the Phoenix or Scottsdale area OR anywhere in the great state of Arizona ?

hi, i am just curiouse, why you moved to AZ? not that I am so attached to FL, but we are also 60/61, almost retired, not working, or working from home. Right now we live in Baldwin Park, Orlando, a new community, where you can walk to restaurants, stores, Library (very strange builder decision but here we have million $$ houses, single family houses and also appartment complexes where young kids are renting (they are well behaved, place is wsell taken care) and somehow we cohibited so far)..., the whole idea of walking, biking, pools is representing pretty much our lifestyle..., we should be happy..., but at the same time an unsatisfaction is growing in us that all this FL outside - lushy green and well maintained lawns are not accessible for mostly of the year, you run the A/C on 70 and pay and watch the "nice" (90-95) weather outside trought the window..., so we are looking soon to become a "snow birds"...., buy something small on North, or moving in CA? (where was 60 degrees this Summer!!!)..., just wonder is there a place in US where to stay all year long 70-72 - this is my weather...

[AZJoeD]

I will recommend a couple places:

Scottsdale Shadows - You can get a nice condo for about $1000 mo (heating and AC included). Nice concierge buildings, adjacent to the green belt where you can walk or ride a bike for miles. Only a few miles from downtown Scottsdale (long walk) with shopping, dining, nightlife, etc. This is not an adult community, but is predominately older. (see pic)

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/AZJoeD/20100417033634208051000000-o1.jpg (broken link)

Other ideas:

The Biltmore area in Phoenix around 24th & Camelback. Nice urban area, walk to stores & restaurants. Several complexes with rentals from $700.

3rd Ave Palms just north of downtown Phoenix is 2 blocks from light rail, walk to restaurants, Heard museum, etc. Nice gated community.

Of course if you want an "adult" community there are the "Sun Cities". Suburban, but very walkable, safe and inexpensive.

[jambini]

The Sun City areas have plenty of rentals. Sun City Grand has condos on the east side that are nice. Sun City is full of rentals and condos. Sun City is a nice community. Example: the sheriff will call you to let you know that you left your garage door open.

[Bucco123]

Thanks to all you who responded. I am thinking that it might be wise to simply rent a condo (as high rise as possible) forgetting any age restrictions for a year and look around.

Just from internet searching, we like the Scottsdale area...any comments on condo rentals in that area ?

Thanks again...we really appreciate any and all comments