For those experienced Arizonans or those living in AZ the longest... (Phoenix: insurance, custom home)

[jerseyexpat]

So this would be what I should be asking:

I want a safe neighborhood,
progressive thinking people,
not afraid of diversity,
not afraid of children,
safe for kids to play in,
and a place where spending $200K can get me home with more than 5,000 sq ft lot even IF I would have to build my own.
preferably a place with low property taxes.

disclaimer: HOA not necessarily a deal breaker.

where would you recommend?

[Kimballette]

I'm a huge fan of the historic districts that are still undergoing gentrification so are not yet as expensive. Homes might be above your budget, but the Coronado and Garfield neighborhoods are more affordable and charming. We have a few members who live in historic districts who might chime in.

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[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by jerseyexpat

Someone like me that looks at cookie cutter homes sees something totally different compared to AZ where there are more older and newer cookie cutter homes. It was good conversing with you all, I see that even though these homes in my range are not "expensive" the sense I am getting is that $200K can travel far in AZ if one knows where to buy. I admit the attraction of cookie cutter homes to someone from NJ is night and day for those around them all the time.

One caveat to that; if you are willing to put up with a longer commute.

[jerseyexpat]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

One caveat to that; if you are willing to put up with a longer commute.

Suggestions would be much appreciated...I am willing to put in the work and research.

A) I been watching property brothers on HGTV, something that bothered me was many on the show pay for ranch style homes, only about 1500 sq ft on a lot that is only 6000 sq ft and they are paying well over $350k. Granted they have to gut the home and remodel it.

B) My research of AZ says that I can get a cookie cutter home with 2500 sq ft on a lot of near 10,000 sq ft for around that price.

How can I split the difference and get half way to "B" with only $200K.

[DetroitN8V]

Look in less desirable areas. Either those that have higher crime or those that are further out.

You'll need to weigh commute versus your house wants. If a commute isn't a big deal, keep going further out until you get what you want.

[KurtAZ]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

Never heard of anyone who had a 2 hour commute unless they lived in Tucson. 30-45 minutes is typical, 1 hour is long.

Sorry...erring on the high side. If say you were commuting from Peoria to Chandler everyday...with traffic...you can easily be in the 1.5 hour range, agreed 2 hours is high but just last week it took me 48 minutes to get from Chandler to the 202 Red Mountain due to 2 accidents on the freeway. Like Detour Dan says...bring some extra minutes.

[AZcardinal402]

Originally Posted by jerseyexpat

So this would be what I should be asking:

I want a safe neighborhood,
progressive thinking people,
not afraid of diversity,
not afraid of children,
safe for kids to play in,
and a place where spending $200K can get me home with more than 5,000 sq ft lot even IF I would have to build my own.
preferably a place with low property taxes.

disclaimer: HOA not necessarily a deal breaker.

where would you recommend?

Hm. That 200k 5000sq ft thing is going to be tough unless you want to live out in the country. I don't think you could spend 200k and get 5000 sq ft even in Laveen.

Maybe around Prescott Valley or something?

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by AZcardinal402

Hm. That 200k 5000sq ft thing is going to be tough unless you want to live out in the country. I don't think you could spend 200k and get 5000 sq ft even in Laveen.

Maybe around Prescott Valley or something?

I think he's referring to the lot size, not the house. Even the smallest lots will usually be around 5k sqft from what I've seen.

[jerseyexpat]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

Look in less desirable areas. Either those that have higher crime or those that are further out.

You'll need to weigh commute versus your house wants. If a commute isn't a big deal, keep going further out until you get what you want.

humor? this early in the morning...

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by jerseyexpat

humor? this early in the morning...

????

You asked how to get more house for your money, right? There's no secret to it. Less desirable areas have lower housing prices. Areas with poor schools, higher crime, or further distance from employers and attractions are less desirable and are often less costly. Decide what you can live with to find your sweet spot, housing-wise.