Questions about 85233 in Gilbert (Mesa, Chandler: real estate market, rental, HOA)

[hootie]

I've been renting for the past three years in AZ. I've lived a year each in Gilbert, Mesa (ghetto), and Tempe, and by far my favorite was Gilbert (friendly people, safe, clean). So since the real estate market is going to be down for a while and I know wherever I buy I will be stuck for a while, I really am trying to make sure I'm not moving into an area that has a problem that I am unaware of. My wife works in Tempe by ASU, and I only travel once a week to work out at the airport. We wouldn't mind living in Tempe (south of th 60) but we want to stay under 300k. We both really like Gilbert but we don't want to be WAY out there, so were thinking of buying a house in the 85233 zip (north of elliot). Anybody have any comments on the area? Good, bad, ugly? I've never lived or known anyone who lives there so anybody's comments are much appreciated, also if anybody has any comments about any other area that we should be looking at, I appreciate it. Thanks!

[Captain Bill]

Hootie, there is a really nice lake community called The Islands that runs between Elliot and Warner (and a little south) to the east of McQueen, all in 85233. I checked the MLS and there are quite a few homes in there in your price range.

The area to the north of Elliot and east of McQueen is also nice, and there is a ski lake up there also.

Val Vista Lakes is a little farther west starting at Val Vista Dr and Baseline, and it has a few homes in your range.

Bill

[SMG]

I live in 85233 near Gilbert Rd and Ray Rd...great area.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by hootie

I've been renting for the past three years in AZ. I've lived a year each in Gilbert, Mesa (ghetto), and Tempe, and by far my favorite was Gilbert (friendly people, safe, clean). So since the real estate market is going to be down for a while and I know wherever I buy I will be stuck for a while, I really am trying to make sure I'm not moving into an area that has a problem that I am unaware of. My wife works in Tempe by ASU, and I only travel once a week to work out at the airport. We wouldn't mind living in Tempe (south of th 60) but we want to stay under 300k. We both really like Gilbert but we don't want to be WAY out there, so were thinking of buying a house in the 85233 zip (north of elliot). Anybody have any comments on the area? Good, bad, ugly? I've never lived or known anyone who lives there so anybody's comments are much appreciated, also if anybody has any comments about any other area that we should be looking at, I appreciate it. Thanks!

If you think you might be stuck for awhile don't buy just yet.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by Captain Bill

Hootie, there is a really nice lake community called The Islands that runs between Elliot and Warner (and a little south) to the east of McQueen, all in 85233. I checked the MLS and there are quite a few homes in there in your price range.

The area to the north of Elliot and east of McQueen is also nice, and there is a ski lake up there also.

Val Vista Lakes is a little farther west starting at Val Vista Dr and Baseline, and it has a few homes in your range.

Bill

Hi Bill,
I really like the Islands but I'm not comfortable in some of the areas around there. It's mostly pleasing to the eye but sketchy as you go father south. I would chose Val Vista Lakes over the Islands, although no area is crime proof these days.

[GT350]

I live near Gilbert and Warner.. Great area right next to Gilbert Towne Center. Lots of nice restaurants, movie theaters, and shops. We've been able to kick Walmart out now for three years... I think they finally got a hint. Elliot/Cooper is nice also.

[GT350]

Originally Posted by sheena

Hi Bill,
I really like the Islands but I'm not comfortable in some of the areas around there. It's mostly pleasing to the eye but sketchy as you go father south. I would chose Val Vista Lakes over the Islands, although no area is crime proof these days.

I agree...You know your neighborhood is going downhill when Goodwill moves in....lol

The worst lake community I've seen is south of Chandler Blvd, between Gilbert and McQueen. Not sure if there is an HOA in that subdivision...

[Artliquide]

I live in 85234 right on the border of 85233. I love it here. Not too far out, like you said, and despite living on a horse property (lots of space, rural environment), there are a lot of entertainment businesses around. I also like it because it's not as pretentious as some areas of Gilbert, and a bit more homey.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by Artliquide

I live in 85234 right on the border of 85233. I love it here. Not too far out, like you said, and despite living on a horse property (lots of space, rural environment), there are a lot of entertainment businesses around. I also like it because it's not as pretentious as some areas of Gilbert, and a bit more homey.

Funny I was trying to decide between a rental at the Islands today(85233) or Val Vista Lakes(85234). I guess we are sticking with Val Vista Lakes. If they go for what I offered in rent

[Artliquide]

Originally Posted by GT350

I agree...You know your neighborhood is going downhill when Goodwill moves in....lol

Oh please. I have a Goodwill right down the street, and I wouldn't call my area sketchy. Where would we all take our excesses if it weren't for Goodwill?