Is my dream house in the Ghetto? (Phoenix, Mesa: crime, credit)

[miss_melissy21]

I have been living in Gilbert for 8 months. I moved from Michigan and work in Scottsdale and Mesa. I have been looking for a house for months. I found it and when I told some co-workers the location they called it the Ghetto?? The address is sunrise rd, Laveen, AZ. It is a 2.5 acre horse property set up on south mountain with a view of downtown. I LOVE it! Please help......

[Bondurant]

Take a drive out there and see for yourself. "Ghetto" is really a person to person concept.

[miss_melissy21]

I know that central street area was not the nicest. But this house isn't on central.

[Finger Laker]

I have no idea where that is ..... but while some horse properties may be a little rustic and unkempt, I don't generally think of areas where you have 2.5 acres lots as being ghetto

I'd definitely check out the neighborhood, crime reports, go into the local grocery stores, gas stations, etc and get a feel for how you will be living

if it's something you are comfortable with then do what feels right to you ..... while others may decry your ghetto environment, you'll be the one enjoying space away from your neighbors with a blend of downtown & mountain views

[Captain Bill]

Originally Posted by Finger Laker

I have no idea where that is ..... but while some horse properties may be a little rustic and unkempt, I don't generally think of areas where you have 2.5 acres lots as being ghetto

I'd definitely check out the neighborhood, crime reports, go into the local grocery stores, gas stations, etc and get a feel for how you will be living

if it's something you are comfortable with then do what feels right to you ..... while others may decry your ghetto environment, you'll be the one enjoying space away from your neighbors with a blend of downtown & mountain views

This is good sound advice. In addition, talk to neighbors.

[observer53]

Agree with Finger Laker and Captain Bill. Those rural areas around Laveen may be a different story than some of the denser areas where people have raised some concerns. I've been in one of those rural areas, but it was years ago. if the one you describe is like what I saw, I can understand the appeal.

This post, among many, illustrates the problem created when people throw out the term "ghetto" as a knee jerk reaction to mention of a general area they don't like, or have heard they shouldn't like, or because they've heard someone else call it "ghetto", often without actually knowing anything about the specific area in question. It's a way overused term I've really come to dislike.

[Ponderosa]

I always wanted to have a setup like that on South Mountain. I know the area you are talking about. I have had several friends over the years who lived around there. They all loved it. It is near the so called ghetto of south Phoenix. In fact, the poorer areas are all around. BUT, there are a lot of nice properties in there and the views are awesome. To heck with what people say, go for it. You will always have the label because of your address. You know better.

[azdr0710]

I want Finger Laker to be my personal life coach!

[Finger Laker]

I accept most forms of payment - credit pending at least a 740 FICO, cash, bank checks, chicken, rocks or widgets

[nickw252]

I know nothing about the area but judge for yourself. I live downtown and all the time I hear people ask stupid questions like "aren't you scared for your safety?!?!" or "Isn't that dangerous?!?!"

I think some suburbanites have troubles thinking outside of their beige stucco box in their "gated" subdivision.