Help a 20-something buy his first house. 150-175k - Looking NE PHX/N Scottsdale? (Glendale: foreclosure)

[zona2OC]

I posted a similar thread about 4 months ago, but since that time I've gained more clarity and wanted to run this by you smart folks again to get a sense of possible locations.

Background:
Late 20s, grew up largely in AZ, moved away for a job, looking to return and buy first house.

Timetable:
Flexible, can move whenever I'd like after about June.

Budget:
150k-175k, student loans make doing FHA 3% smarter than 20 down. Budget keeps TCO of a house on par with what Im paying now in rent.

Commute Considerations:
Not a big issue. I work from home, fly 2-3 times a month for a few days at a time. I can live anywhere I'd like. GF of 3.5 yrs will be attending grad school in Glendale, so we are looking more towards the north side of metropolis to lessen commute headaches.

Family Considerations:
School districts not a concern outside of future resale value. No kids, both GF and I strongly opposed to idea of ever having kids.

House Requirements:

-2/2 - Prefer large master with a couple other rooms for us each to have an office environment.
-~1500 sqft probably plenty
- SFH - I need the peace and quiet for job. On phone and web conferences quite a bit, also need my little zen area to relieve stress and separate work from real life. Can't deal with noisy neighbors in condo/townhome atmosphere.
- I like the cookie cutter clay tile roofs and stucco, looking for something built after 2000ish or so. Don't want to hassle with replacing pipes/wiring/appliances etc.
- Prefer yard with less upkeep (rock landscaping, no pool, etc)

Where I'm currently leaning:
NE PHX/N Scottsdale - N/S Between Bell Rd and North of 101, E/W Between 17 and Scottsdale Rd.

I prefer the more relaxed, scenic, spaced out area with less congestion than south PHX. Would keep GF commute to school ~30 mins. Obviously this area will be right up against my upper boundaries of price, but I was hoping my flexibility in time and requirements would make finding a shortsale/foreclosure easier.


Bottom line:
What does the forum think of this area? Are there specific neighborhoods that could fit the bill for my range/requirements? Any other areas that may be better suited?

Would appreciate any feedback the forum has to offer, whether it directly addresses my post or not.
Thanks!

[AZJoeD]

The area you are looking is fine, and you should have little trouble finding a home with your criteria.

Although, I might recommend you expand your search area to just north of the 101, you will find some newer homes there, and further west toward the Arrowhead area. You will find some nice homes near Arrowhead and be closer to school. Plenty of shopping, dining and activities in the area around the mall.

[PlainWhite]

I was strongly opposed to the idea of having kids when I was in my 20s also

You're not going to get anything north of the 101 in Scottsdale in your price range, unless you'd consider a condo. You'll have better luck the closer you get to the 51.

[zona2OC]

Thanks, looking more towards glendale and less towards scottsdale the more I look at prices and commute times. Really like those Arrowhead master communities I see as well.

Good info thus far!