Safe, Affordable Neighborhoods in Phoenix? (Mesa, Scottsdale: section 8, real estate, rent)

[nowannamove]

We are thinking about buying a plex in phoenix. We will live in one unit (pt only) and rent out the other(s). What neighborhoods would you recommend?

Our neighborhood criteria are:
1) We need to be within 45 minutes of Anthem. And within 45 minutes of Mesa.
2) We do not want to pay HOAs
3) Not gang or drug infested.
4) We need to feel safe walking around in morning or at night.
5) Inexpensive as possible

Can you please respond with suggested neighborhoods, including your description/take on said neighborhoods - what is good and not so good about them. And, roughly where are said neighborhoods located. Anywhere in phoenix metro area, including surrounding cities

[nowannamove]

I should add - I am particularly interested in learning about any clean/safe/inexpensive areas around the downtown area.

[Jkgourmet]

I'm not sure it's going to be possible to meet your requirement of being within 45 minutes of both Anthem and Mesa. Especially if you mean central or east Mesa (Mesa is a pretty big place, you know).

I guess downtown Phoenix would be kinda in the middle but it won't be cheap. Unless it's in an unsafe neighborhood. North Phoenix might also be a possibility, but define what you mean by "inexpensive."

One more thought: duplex's are not too common here. Especially in the newer, better neighborhoods.

Between your location requirements and the desire for a duplex, I'd say your basic real estate search is deeply flawed.

[khuntrevor]

Originally Posted by Jkgourmet

I'm not sure it's going to be possible to meet your requirement of being within 45 minutes of both Anthem and Mesa. Especially if you mean central or east Mesa (Mesa is a pretty big place, you know).

I guess downtown Phoenix would be kinda in the middle but it won't be cheap. Unless it's in an unsafe neighborhood. North Phoenix might also be a possibility, but define what you mean by "inexpensive."

One more thought: duplex's are not too common here. Especially in the newer, better neighborhoods.

Between your location requirements and the desire for a duplex, I'd say your basic real estate search is deeply flawed.

EXACTLY! Affordable in the NoVa market is 400,000, The Bay area 600,000--here we are in uncharted waters. You would probably be able to just buy two houses next door to each other, and definitely condominiums at a low price before you could find a Duplex. It's not Queens or Philadelphia by any stretch of the imagination.

[Howard Roark]

I am not sure about safety. All bets are off on that one. For safety I would say Gilbert per se. Crime rate is lowest in Gilbert. Or a very high end housing area with absolutely no section 8.

I lived in section 8 neighborhoods half my life, so I know how they destroy values and how the drugs were flowing. Coast to coast.

[AZgarden]

Um, Gilbert is no where near 45 minutes from Anthem. I think North Scottsdale would be in the ballpark. North of the 101 and around Tatum Rd. No duplexes there either , though. If I were you, I would re think this plan.

[roundball]

Moon Valley or on the West side of the Scottsdale airport? Older more established areas with good schools.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by roundball

Moon Valley or on the West side of the Scottsdale airport? Older more established areas with good schools.

But no duplexes in that part of Scottsdale. The duplex part of the picture is going to be the most difficult to find in areas that meet the other criteria. Like PhxBarb, I think you may need to rethink this one. Two condos in the same complex? Perhaps, as khuntrevor suggests. But a duplex, probably not.

[nlwrnc]

Affordable Central Phoenix neighborhood, featuring solidly built modest ranch homes. Good schools (Sunnyslope and Washington H.S.) CONVENIENT!!!! Close to I-17 and SR51, handy 15-minutes to Sky Harbor, parts of the area have gentrified some, others are ripe for it. Check out a rectangle bordered between 7th Avenue and 19th Avenue between Dunlap and Bethany. Light Rail station at 19th Avenue and Montebello scheduled to continue north to Peoria with stations at major intersections will keep this long-ignored part of the city well connected to downtown.

Don't rely solely on the naysayers that only recommend the east valley. Your buck goes farther here, and most of the homes range between 1,500 and 2,000 square feet with nice lots and shade trees.

As a long time resident I would encourage you to take a Sunday drive through these neighborhoods, zig-zagging through the interior. When you're ready, find a good realtor who specializes in Central Phoenix. Don't let anybody sell this area short. Check it out for yourself.