Moving to Scottsdale area, need home search advice and possible alternatives (Mesa: townhouse, schools)

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by EscapingTheBurbs

this is getting interesting...

To be clear, I value a short commute. I moved from the outer suburbs of LA to downtown in order to eliminate my commute (thus the handle "EscapingTheBurbs") and it was literally life-changing. I'm willing to have a short commute to get a nice home, but 30 minutes is about my limit. Based on what I'm seeing, 85260 to the north is probably the upper limit. I have been watching the traffic online and it does seem to be rather congested around the 101/51 interchange.

The only other area up that way which I'm contemplating is McDowell Mountain Ranch. It may be a bit on the generic side but it seems like you can get a lot of home for the money compared to McCormick Ranch. But will the commute keep me close to 30 minutes? The Google traffic estimator puts it in that neighborhood.

This has all been very helpful - thank you to everyone.

The value of MMR is being right on the edge of the preserve. If you like desert landscape, it’s beautiful. Many homes have mountain views. It will be pushing your limits regarding the commute though. What about 85018? You’re $1mm will go even less far, but it’s an awesome area, very close to downtown Scottsdale and you’ll have the canal for biking.

[EscapingTheBurbs]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

The value of MMR is being right on the edge of the preserve. If you like desert landscape, it’s beautiful. Many homes have mountain views. It will be pushing your limits regarding the commute though. What about 85018? You’re $1mm will go even less far, but it’s an awesome area, very close to downtown Scottsdale and you’ll have the canal for biking.

Yes, I've been including 85018 in my search radius. And yes, MMR is appealing to us due to the access to open space and options for biking.

This is helpful, thank you.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by sh9730

What do those equestrian properties in TEMPE along McClintock run...could be a lot less money for a very nice neighborhood and manageable commute...?

If you mean Sunburst Farms, the ones that come up for sale are pretty pricey. Lots of major remodels and teardowns/rebuilds in there. Besides, the OP seems to want boarding with an arena, not keeping the horse on the property.

[More Rock]

Go to Google Maps and search for cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale to see the city limits. Scottsdale is very narrow and very long, with a large section of new land in the north recently annexed.

[EscapingTheBurbs]

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[MN-Born-n-Raised]

Originally Posted by EscapingTheBurbs

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Escaping... I understand your point. Realize in no way was I putting you in some sort of bucket. For whatever reason, this topic has come up before. Over and over again. You just have to sort through some of the rhetoric.

[smoochaz]

Originally Posted by EscapingTheBurbs

Hi All,

I just accepted a job in downtown Scottsdale and the online options are extremely overwhelming! So I thought I would consult the experts for some advice. A little about us:

- We are empty-nesters, just two of us, so schools are not a concern.
- We have four 20-something children who live in Southern California. We'd like a 3-4 bedroom house with a pool so we can enjoy visits from family.
- I've done the long commute in LA and would like to avoid that as much as possible. I'd like to keep the commute under 30 min if possible.
- We are moving from SoCal with equity, so we could spend up to $1M if needed, but would prefer to stay lower if possible.
- My wife has a horse and we will be looking for an equestrian facility nearby for her to keep it.
- I'm an avid cyclist (Road and Mountain) and would like to be in an area with a lot of options to ride.

Looking online, it seems like areas further north in Scottsdale (McCormick Ranch, Scottsdale Ranch, North Scottsdale) have what we are looking for but can get rather pricy. I've found information about communities to the east harder to come by (Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler).

I would also be interested in feedback on commuter traffic. How much should I expect going toward the areas during morning and afternoon rush hour? Is one area much easier to get to traffic-wise?

Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

I'll chime in late whether or not it's welcome not sure since I see an unsubscribe! lol - yes on the mccormick ranch etc. that's the obvious and probably most logical choice - lots of places for your wife to board her horse. I would also venture to say that I like the Eldorado Park area which is S Scottsdale area - this is up and coming still and so you'll find spotty areas needing updates. Paradise valley - while it's a bit more expensive - there are a few 3+bedroom homes in the $900s - no pool - but lots of mountainous trails to ride and hike and close to your work (local streets).

Last but certainly not least if you want to go the opposite direction - I personally love the Equestrian Estates area by S. Mountain really a beautiful community - and there is one home in your price point for sale and actually having an open house this weekend if you're in town - since I can't email you or share a link with you - I will share with you the zillow link >>> https://www.zillow.com/homes/11835-S.../8149860_zpid/

Best of luck!!!

[Movn-on]

MMR is in a great location for access to biking. It’s close to the greenbelt with access from Westworld. There is also easy access to the McDowell Mtn preserve trails. While the homes may seem generic, the views are incredible and it’s relatively close to most things Scottsdale, but bordered by nature. As far as equestrian events, I don’t know if your wife shows or not but there are always a lot of h/j shows at westworld, and I think a few good stables nearby.

[EscapingTheBurbs]

Originally Posted by Movn-on

MMR is in a great location for access to biking. It’s close to the greenbelt with access from Westworld. There is also easy access to the McDowell Mtn preserve trails. While the homes may seem generic, the views are incredible and it’s relatively close to most things Scottsdale, but bordered by nature. As far as equestrian events, I don’t know if your wife shows or not but there are always a lot of h/j shows at westworld, and I think a few good stables nearby.

Yes, the access to open space is very appealing - and that's the sense I was getting. And yes she does some hunter/jumper shows. She's doing her own research on h/j barns and that whole scene.

[smoochaz]

Commute from 85258/85259/85260 and MMR (85255) to S. Scottsdale is fine - traffic on the 101 is usually coming north from Chandler to Scottsdale so you'll be going opposite direction - and traffic from North usually gets out same exit you'll be getting on - FLW to 90th