Why are all the houses so boring? (Phoenix, Scottsdale: real estate, rent)

[Spuggy]

Originally Posted by Hiruko

I would strongly beg to differ. In the luxury space, there is a lot of variety and great architecture. If you are looking in $200-400k subdivisions, then I agree with you. However, with more money comes more options.

A little more custom features but I found even the million dollar homes ate just gussied up versions of the standard home style. That said we found a home in a lower price range that the home owner had customized a few features of the house and we love it. It just takes a while to find just the right home that can be adapted with clever aesthetic changes or meets your taste.


Major point, there is no HOA in our neighbourhood, which allowed for changes on the outside of the property. I love the general architecture look and landscaping in pheonix but I get what the op is saying.

[JGMotorsport64]

Originally Posted by Spuggy

A little more custom features but I found even the million dollar homes ate just gussied up versions of the standard home style. That said we found a home in a lower price range that the home owner had customized a few features of the house and we love it. It just takes a while to find just the right home that can be adapted with clever aesthetic changes or meets your taste.


Major point, there is no HOA in our neighbourhood, which allowed for changes on the outside of the property. I love the general architecture look and landscaping in pheonix but I get what the op is saying.

True but it’s like that everywhere. The newer suburbs in the south, for example, are generally high slope black shingle roofing over variously colored brick homes that while pretty mesh together into a blob.

https://goo.gl/maps/rV3GrMgAjZT2

Like this

If OP wants something that’s not cookie cutter, look at some of the nicer older areas of town in Central Phoenix, Gilbert, Tempe, and South Scottsdale.

I personally like the older ranch homes present in a huge chunk of Phoenix.

[fluffythewondercat]

Well...

I said I hated beige exteriors. I said I hated Santa Fe style homes.

Guess what we bought?

[tripper76]

You will need a realtor that knows the city well.

There are little pockets with more interesting home styles. Look for remodeled ranch homes. It will likely be an old home because I don't think anything else besides beige stucco has been built here in 20+ years.

[DetroitN8V]

The OP is clearly missing much of the area or has a budget that only allows him to look at boring tract homes. There is a lot of variety out there, mostly in the central core, but uniqueness costs.

[More Rock]

I dunno, lack of imagination? My dad used to complain about the boring sea of tan houses. Then he moved to Seattle and complained about the lack of sun.

[MN-Born-n-Raised]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

The OP is clearly missing much of the area or has a budget that only allows him to look at boring tract homes. There is a lot of variety out there, mostly in the central core, but uniqueness costs.

Actually, boring can often be fairly expensive. Like the all tan or white houses in Scottsdale Ranch or Grawhawk, or 50 other developments that range from $500K to the $1M range.
Often, master planned communities (which are in the severe minority) == less boring to my eyes. Yes, they are more-or-less tract homes with different fronts but with an array of colors. I live amongst orange, green, grey, yellow and ___________ colored homes. They are all softer colors that need to get approved by the HOA. The homes styles are a mix of Bungalow, Cottage, Craftsman, Monterey, Spanish, Territorial, Ranch and Traditional. Homes in alleys, tucked back garages, and some are multi dwelling as well.

Saying that, custom homes qualify as unique products and they do cost more. And you are right, some cool areas are often more central. Like the Wilo district. But they are not exactly expensive. They range from $300K to $600K. I think the area is pretty cool. I could live there but the houses are a little too small. Plus, all of those "911" signs stuck in the yards made me wonder about the crime.

[Voebe]

Originally Posted by Handymanjojo

I really want to find a house I like, but they all are so boring and so ugly. I’m so sick of the same beige wall/ tile floor combo in every house in every price point. Or the supper goddy paint colors. Even the brand new houses are done up in that same beige wall and beige tile combo. I’m so sick of looking at houses- there’s nothing fresh or hip in any price point

Well, on one hand, it's not my impression that Phoenix is generally known as a hotbed of creativity or artiness or non-conformity.

On the other hand, "hip" is not the opposite of "boring." And there's nothing wrong with neutral colors.

[grmi66]

Originally Posted by MN-Born-n-Raised

And you are right, some cool areas are often more central. Like the Wilo district. But they are not exactly expensive. They range from $300K to $600K. I think the area is pretty cool. I could live there but the houses are a little too small. Plus, all of those "911" signs stuck in the yards made me wonder about the crime.

I lived down the street in the Coronado District. Crime was rampant along all the streets that bordered a major street, but go in two blocks and it was essentially crime free. Those neighborhoods really look after their own and you get to know all of your neighbors. I knew my friend Joe across the street had a hard time sleeping at night and at 2 AM would be watering his lawn or using his flashlight to find weeds. Or if a sketchy guy started walking around the neighborhood, the community Facebook page would light up warning people.

Most of the crime downtown is property crime. Homeless and tweekers looking to for anything that they can use. The one time someone broke into my backyard shed all that was missing was a box of old clothes before my dogs scared them off on their return trip to my yard.

[49erfan916]

rich people problems...