Relocating to Phoenix from Chicago (Scottsdale: apartment complex, renters, new house)

[Rum4Jobu]

Hello Everyone,

I constantly recommend this site to everyone I know who's relocating! I moved about seven years ago from Southern California to Chicago for work and this site was invaluable to me. I bought a nice building in a good area and couldn't have done it without the info I found here!

That said, I'm moving for work, yet again. This time hopefully for the last time (fingers crossed). I will be relocating to the Phoenix area (driving down right after Thanksgiving). I'll be renting for about a year to 18 months til I get some renovations done on my property here and sell it.

My employer is in the northern part of Phoenix (85053). Looks like it's off of the 17 and Bell Rd. I am trying to find a decent apartment (1 bedroom or studio) for under 800 a month. It's just me (single guy) and no pets. As long as I'm sure that my stuff will be there when I get back and my car won't be broken into once a week, I'm fine. I looked at some other threads and did some google-fu, but most apartments don't have good reviews apparently. I'm not sure if it's just sour grapes from renters or real issues. I try to immediately avoid anywhere I hear the word "bedbugs" (shudder)!!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I think I already found the truck company I'll be using (Penske) after looking at another thread!

Thanks again, any assistance is appreciated. If anyone has any Chicago questions, let me know.

[Dewey59]

Geographically, I would look a little further west - closer to Rt 51 and maybe further north as well. A better area than the 17 and Bell.

Financially, my very limited knowledge of what apartment rent goes for says that $800 might not get you much in that area, but I could be way off on that. Do some searching on some of the apartment sites on the net to see what you can get in that area.

[smoochaz]

goto apartments.com and look in the 85032 zip code - try to stay above Bell/Union Hills Drive - you'll find some communities. Good luck!

[Rum4Jobu]

Originally Posted by Dewey59

Geographically, I would look a little further west - closer to Rt 51 and maybe further north as well. A better area than the 17 and Bell.

Financially, my very limited knowledge of what apartment rent goes for says that $800 might not get you much in that area, but I could be way off on that. Do some searching on some of the apartment sites on the net to see what you can get in that area.

I'm mostly looking at studio's or 1 bedrooms. From what I can see there seem to be some decent listings. I'll try the area you mentioned and see what I find.

Thanks!

[Rum4Jobu]

Originally Posted by smoochaz

goto apartments.com and look in the 85032 zip code - try to stay above Bell/Union Hills Drive - you'll find some communities. Good luck!

I'll check those out. I've been using Trulia and another site (can't remember the name off the top of my head for some reason). I'll try out Apartments.com also and that zip code.

Thanks!

[petroglyphin]

I made the same move on 2009. Don't pay attention to the apartment reviews.

[Rum4Jobu]

Originally Posted by petroglyphin

I made the same move on 2009. Don't pay attention to the apartment reviews.

A lot do seem like sour grapes.

Thanks!

[deboinair]

I actually bought a brand new house in the same exact area off of I17 and Bell. Pay no attention to the people downing it. If you are on Bell rd. Yes you will see people like the meth heads walking around. But the neighborhoods are very safe. I've been here going on three years and have had ZERO PROBLEMS. Plus you have every major shopping off of Bell. I litereally drive like three minutes and I have Sprouts, Target, Safeway, and different restaurants.

But if you don't like the mix of rough and new, then I suggest you move to Happy Valley or Anthem. You want to stay close as possible to your job because quite honestly Phoenix is blowing up and the traffic is ridiculous since I moved out here.

I suggest renting from a person. You can get a better deal and they don't go up on rent like the complexes do. If you only plan to rent for one year than go for an apartment complex. Trulia.com is good for renting from a person or google for a realtor nearby and talk to them and they will find you a place.

I like living in Phoenix but I must say the natives are extremely socially awkward or anybody who lives here past 10 years. It's weird, it's like they have a faint case of Asberger. You won't encounter that type of behavior all the time, just a warning when you start working here or going out.

[More Rock]

Just stay away from Scottsdale. Maybe check out Sunnyslope.

[Rum4Jobu]

Originally Posted by deboinair

I actually bought a brand new house in the same exact area off of I17 and Bell. Pay no attention to the people downing it. If you are on Bell rd. Yes you will see people like the meth heads walking around. But the neighborhoods are very safe. I've been here going on three years and have had ZERO PROBLEMS. Plus you have every major shopping off of Bell. I litereally drive like three minutes and I have Sprouts, Target, Safeway, and different restaurants.

But if you don't like the mix of rough and new, then I suggest you move to Happy Valley or Anthem. You want to stay close as possible to your job because quite honestly Phoenix is blowing up and the traffic is ridiculous since I moved out here.

I suggest renting from a person. You can get a better deal and they don't go up on rent like the complexes do. If you only plan to rent for one year than go for an apartment complex. Trulia.com is good for renting from a person or google for a realtor nearby and talk to them and they will find you a place.

I like living in Phoenix but I must say the natives are extremely socially awkward or anybody who lives here past 10 years. It's weird, it's like they have a faint case of Asberger. You won't encounter that type of behavior all the time, just a warning when you start working here or going out.

Thanks, I was thinking about checking out craigslist for back houses and such.