Maple-Ash and other neighborhoods near Mill in Tempe (Phoenix: rentals, buying a house)

[hatsjacob]

I was noticing these older neighborhoods south and west of Mill and how old but well-kept they are. Very green and shady too, kinda reminds me of a city neighborhood in the midwest. Sort of a novelty for the area as a whole. One of the neighborhoods is Maple-Ash as noted on the street signs. Would this be a safe area, and is this a pretty tranquil area or does the university and the late-night bar and club activity in the Mill district affect these neighborhoods in a negative way?

[observer53]

I don't think the Mill Ave nightlife affects that area much at all. There are students living in some of the homes in the area (and some of those rentals are a little more run down), but I'd imagine that the strict Tempe party ordinance helps keep things quiet. I think it's a nice area, due to how different it is from the rest of the city.

[Java Jolt]

I know where this area is and I agree it's a very quaint older enclave but I personally wouldn't recommend buying a house there.

Unless a home can be found that has had extensive remodeling work done you are buying into lots of repairs.

Great deal if you are a do-it-yourselfer but if you aren't very handy and have to depend on contractors, forget it. I've had unpleasant dealings in the past with shady contractors and that's putting it nicely.

[Jkgourmet]

Java jolt is spot on. Also remember resale - older homes, historical homes, are not exactly in high demand in this area. Too many very nice, new ones that don't require so much repaire, remodeling or energy use.

[LocoAZnative]

Nice little area you will encounter more college kids in this area. So if you are looking for tranquility this may not be the best area for that. You might want to go a mile or so down the road towards Broadway and once you get past Southern you will see less college kids and more middle class neighborhoods.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by LocoAZnative

Nice little area you will encounter more college kids in this area. So if you are looking for tranquility this may not be the best area for that. You might want to go a mile or so down the road towards Broadway and once you get past Southern you will see less college kids and more middle class neighborhoods.

This is true. Actually, starting north of Broadway, south of Daley Park, there's some nice older homes. Even if you go west of the Maple/Ash area, you will find a lot of older, block homes that are decent neighborhoods. As with any older home you may have some repair issues, but those homes look sturdier than some of the ones in Maple Ash. With any older home, it's buyer beware.

[cacto]

It's a great area with a lot of it's own personality and a deep history. Many people in that neighborhood have been there for decades because of it's uniqueness. It's had a reputation for it's nightlife and bohemian vibe since the 60's and the area is a mecca for young people from all over the valley. I lived in the neighborhood for 5 years and loved it. It was the reason I moved there from North Phoenix when I was in my early 20's and had a great time. The most bicycle friendly neighborhood in AZ as well.

[hatsjacob]

That sounds like what I'm searching for. Thanks for the advice. Love the fact that it's walkable and bike-friendly too.

Originally Posted by cacto

It's a great area with a lot of it's own personality and a deep history. Many people in that neighborhood have been there for decades because of it's uniqueness. It's had a reputation for it's nightlife and bohemian vibe since the 60's and the area is a mecca for young people from all over the valley. I lived in the neighborhood for 5 years and loved it. It was the reason I moved there from North Phoenix when I was in my early 20's and had a great time. The most bicycle friendly neighborhood in AZ as well.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by Jkgourmet

Java jolt is spot on. Also remember resale - older homes, historical homes, are not exactly in high demand in this area. Too many very nice, new ones that don't require so much repaire, remodeling or energy use.

Older homes tend to be better constructed though. I know the structures in Maple/Ash, and some of the other older neighborhoods in that part of Tempe have been around since at least the 1930s & 1940s ... many are still in good shape. Of course, many of them have probably been remodeled & have had extensive repairs over the years, but that's the way it is with any home regardless of age. As I've said countless times, a house is an investment.

[Java Jolt]

Originally Posted by Valley Native

Older homes tend to be better constructed though. I know the structures in Maple/Ash, and some of the other older neighborhoods in that part of Tempe have been around since at least the 1930s & 1940s ... many are still in good shape. Of course, many of them have probably been remodeled & have had extensive repairs over the years, but that's the way it is with any home regardless of age. As I've said countless times, a house is an investment.

A vintage house doesn't always mean it's better built, even the best built homes require refurbishing and repairs every now and then.

Only when an old house has been restored or remodeled by a reliable company would I consider buying it, otherwise if you don't want a lot of upkeep or repairs it's better to buy a new home.

Might be a little more expensive to buy new but at least you will save money in the long run and avoid hassles with crooked contractors or sloppy workers.