Thoughts on South Mountain future? (Phoenix, Tempe: new house, neighborhoods, gated communities)

[Kate2345]

I live the Baseline corridor of south mountain (I supposed defined as Baseline between central and 48th St.) I just moved here and I’ve been told it’s changed quite a lot in the last 10 years. I see lots of retail and housing development but the area is still very downscale compared to many areas of the valley, even though we have the beautiful South Mountain Park. What are your thoughts on the long term in this area? Are you long or short South Moutain?

[JGMotorsport64]

Originally Posted by Kate2345

I live the Baseline corridor of south mountain (I supposed defined as Baseline between central and 48th St.) I just moved here and I’ve been told it’s changed quite a lot in the last 10 years. I see lots of retail and housing development but the area is still very downscale compared to many areas of the valley, even though we have the beautiful South Mountain Park. What are your thoughts on the long term in this area? Are you long or short South Moutain?

It’s improved but I think the area always stays a working class/Hispanic area. Nothing wrong with that

[Kate2345]

There are a lot of pricey developments though. Avance, Navarro Groves, Arbors, etc.

[phx1205]

Originally Posted by Kate2345

There are a lot of pricey developments though. Avance, Navarro Groves, Arbors, etc.

Take a drive from the 10 down 32nd St, 24th St, 7th St and you will understand why the Baseline corridor will never be considered a desirable place to live.

[exit2lef]

It says something that much of the new housing in the area is in gated communities. The areas that used to be flower gardens, farms, and citrus groves are being remade into isolated compounds while older, lower income neighborhoods remain largely unimproved.

[JGMotorsport64]

Originally Posted by exit2lef

It says something that much of the new housing in the area is in gated communities. The areas that used to be flower gardens, farms, and citrus groves are being remade into isolated compounds while older, lower income neighborhoods remain largely unimproved.

Its a shame that we sprawl over unique things with bland stucco blobs

It’s an area for those that want a new house for cheaper than other areas. Kinda like Laveen or Tolleson except they have a brighter future

[Kate2345]

Exit and JGM you have made some really good points. I’m not sure about cheaper though as many of the new houses in this area are 500-750k. That doesn’t sound very cheap to me, but you may have a bigger budget. I think part of the draw may be the proximity to downtown Phoenix.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Kate2345

Exit and JGM you have made some really good points. I’m not sure about cheaper though as many of the new houses in this area are 500-750k. That doesn’t sound very cheap to me, but you may have a bigger budget. I think part of the draw may be the proximity to downtown Phoenix.

I have a former coworker now retired who lives in one of the newer developments (but not gated) She likes it. It really has changed a lot from 24th St east, to a lesser extent from 7th St east. And yes, the proximity to downtown is nice. I live in south Tempe, and when I don't take the bus to work, I drive across town on Baseline. Easy commute.

[WSPHXPELON]

Originally Posted by JGMotorsport64

It’s improved but I think the area always stays a working class/Hispanic area. Nothing wrong with that

Very well put, thank you.

Originally Posted by Kate2345

...I’m not sure about cheaper though as many of the new houses in this area are 500-750k. That doesn’t sound very cheap to me...

It doesn't sound cheap to me either! To each their own, but if I were going to spend that much on a home I personally would not be looking in that area. (Not that there's anything "wrong" with it, that just wouldn't be my preference in that price range)

[Prickly Pear]

I think South Phoenix is going to change after the South Central light rail expansion. I've heard of people already calling it "SoMo" which made me vomit in my mouth a little. Sunnyslope and Lower Grand will be there with it.