Found a place for next winter!! (Phoenix, Scottsdale: rentals, condos, homes)

[Burkmere]

Originally Posted by Jkgourmet

OR a condo that was built TO BE a condo rather than built to be a rental apt.

Good idea! Any of those in the Shea and Scottsdale Rd area ?

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by Jkgourmet

OR a condo that was built TO BE a condo rather than built to be a rental apt.

Our current place is a condo built to be a condo, and theyre noisy as heck. The only difference between condos and apartments is that you can buy a condo. There are no structural differences. The new condos we've rented and visited all had sounds you could clearly hear coming from upstairs. We listen very carefully because we don't want to end up in another condo that is plagued with noise. We considered buying/renting an upstairs condo, but they all seem to have vaulted ceilings, which we're not the biggest fans of.

[Burkmere]

Originally Posted by BIG CATS

Our current place is a condo built to be a condo, and theyre noisy as heck. The only difference between condos and apartments is that you can buy a condo. There are no structural differences. The new condos we've rented and visited all had sounds you could clearly hear coming from upstairs. We listen very carefully because we don't want to end up in another condo that is plagued with noise. We considered buying/renting an upstairs condo, but they all seem to have vaulted ceilings, which we're not the biggest fans of.

We were actually talking about apartments converted to condos (like Barcelona..which I will rent for three months this winter) and condos built to be a condo. I guess the assumption is that generally condos built to be condos will be quieter. Of course, I suppose it all depends on the particular condo, etc. I'm thinking more and more that after this winter, I may also make Phoenix my permanent home, and thus my interest in maybe buying a condo. I'll have a time to check that out this coming winter.

[Jkgourmet]

Originally Posted by BIG CATS

Our current place is a condo built to be a condo, and theyre noisy as heck. The only difference between condos and apartments is that you can buy a condo. There are no structural differences. The new condos we've rented and visited all had sounds you could clearly hear coming from upstairs. We listen very carefully because we don't want to end up in another condo that is plagued with noise. We considered buying/renting an upstairs condo, but they all seem to have vaulted ceilings, which we're not the biggest fans of.

Respectfully, I disagree. A properly constructed condo building is built with different (cheaper) sound buffering materials than an apartment developer would use. Does that mean condos built to be condos are soundproof? Nope.

And townhouses, even end units, can be noisier than apts.

Ultimately, it's a matter of construction and who your neighbors are. Even in an SFR, if you're stuck with noisy neighbors, it can cause huge problems.

To OP: I believe you will find condos built to be condos farther east on Shea and farther south on scottsdale and harden rds. McCormick Ranch is lovely and has townhouses. Key for you will be a good, honest realtor who knows the local condo/townhouse market. Suggest strongly that you walk around the complex and talk to residents before you buy.

Personally, if I were buying, I'd be doing what your friends have done and go with one of the sun City SFR homes.

[Burkmere]

Originally Posted by Jkgourmet

Respectfully, I disagree. A properly constructed condo building is built with different (cheaper) sound buffering materials than an apartment developer would use. Does that mean condos built to be condos are soundproof? Nope.

And townhouses, even end units, can be noisier than apts.

Ultimately, it's a matter of construction and who your neighbors are. Even in an SFR, if you're stuck with noisy neighbors, it can cause huge problems.

To OP: I believe you will find condos built to be condos farther east on Shea and farther south on scottsdale and harden rds. McCormick Ranch is lovely and has townhouses. Key for you will be a good, honest realtor who knows the local condo/townhouse market. Suggest strongly that you walk around the complex and talk to residents before you buy.

Personally, if I were buying, I'd be doing what your friends have done and go with one of the sun City SFR homes.

Thanks for the info! I'm single so it would just be "me" and I'm not into maintenance a bit but possibly I should/will consider a SFR at some point.

[Jkgourmet]

Originally Posted by Burkmere

Thanks for the info! I'm single so it would just be "me" and I'm not into maintenance a bit but possibly I should/will consider a SFR at some point.

Generally speaking:

Sun city and most 55+ communities include landscaping maitenance. Condos include exterior maitenance of the building like paint and roof. A/CPA, heating units, hot water heater,etc. can be the condo's problem or the owner's problem. Townhouses may be like the condo, but sometimes the HOA doesn't even include maitenance on the roof or exterior paint.

There are MANY variables, and the maitenance may not be much more for a SFR with hoa landscaping than for many townhouses.

Another consideration (a big one). I LOVED living at scottsdale and shea when I was in my thirties. Now, at sixty, I'd rather be hanging with people my own age. And as a man, you can count on being a busy boy in a 55+ with the ladies.

[Burkmere]

Originally Posted by Jkgourmet

Generally speaking:

Sun city and most 55+ communities include landscaping maitenance. Condos include exterior maitenance of the building like paint and roof. A/CPA, heating units, hot water heater,etc. can be the condo's problem or the owner's problem. Townhouses may be like the condo, but sometimes the HOA doesn't even include maitenance on the roof or exterior paint.

There are MANY variables, and the maitenance may not be much more for a SFR with hoa landscaping than for many townhouses.

Another consideration (a big one). I LOVED living at scottsdale and shea when I was in my thirties. Now, at sixty, I'd rather be hanging with people my own age. And as a man, you can count on being a busy boy in a 55+ with the ladies.

My guess is that I wouldn't be busy with the 40 year olds then? Hey, but you never know!

Thanks for the info. My friends, who live at Sun City Grand are two years younger than me and really tried to get me to consider buying there, etc. I notice they "do" have condos there, too...La Salano...which is a possibility also...can still participate in the activities of the Sun City Grand residents, but own a smaller place...

The great thing about this upcoming winter is I can use the Shea and Scottsdale Rd area condo to use as a vantage point to discover more...

[Jkgourmet]

Not to be snotty, but most 40 year old women (especially in Scottsdale) aren't going to be all that interested in a man your age unless your rich. (I'm saying that kindly - my husband is 14 years olde4 than me, and no, he's not rich.)

Many of the homes in SC communities are 2 bedroom 1200-1400 square-feat. Little maitenance required and you can easily hire handymen to help.

[Burkmere]

Originally Posted by Jkgourmet

Not to be snotty, but most 40 year old women (especially in Scottsdale) aren't going to be all that interested in a man your age unless your rich. (I'm saying that kindly - my husband is 14 years olde4 than me, and no, he's not rich.)

Many of the homes in SC communities are 2 bedroom 1200-1400 square-feat. Little maitenance required and you can easily hire handymen to help.

Not to be snooty back, but I've had plenty of "normal" 45 year olds interested. Picky me. So...to be decided. LOL.

Anyhow, thanks for the info about the SC homes. I'm really looking forward to exploring when I'm there next winter. I may have to buzz down again before then to get even more of a lay of the land. My friend in SCGrand have gone back north, but my college buddy who showed me around lives in Scottsdale and has for 25-30 years and is retired so I may have to hook up with him again.

[smoochaz]

Originally Posted by Burkmere

Thx for the tip about quality. Yes my condo rental is right by Mosaic apartments. I picked the rental primarily because of the area and my friend who has lived there for a long time in north Scottsdale said it would be a good area in which to start. I could see myself buying a condo in the future there though and perhaps again living in the greater Phoenix area call time. I'm anxious to check it out this winter!

I was a little at a loss though for finding websites that have either furnished apartments or furnished condos that the owner posted for sale. I did find this listing on craigslist but I'm wondering if I was looking in the wrong places. Of course I was looking for this winter so maybe too far ahead?

airbnb is popular with homeowners who rent their furnished condos/homes - also vrbo - but I think airbnb is used most IMO. Also of course some owners also list their furnished homes with realtors... seems like you have a good friend guiding you - central location where you are so great beginning