Walkable, Entertainment, Urban, Arty and Diverse Neighborhoods In Phoenix (Tucson: affordable apartments, to rent)

[azdr0710]

Where does that tunnel come from/lead to?


the pictured tunnel goes under Camelback Rd between the Biltmore shopping center (Fashion Park) and the retail/offices of the Esplanade development (one of former Gov Symington's projects, who was later to resign in disgrace as the S and L scandal blew up)....

I, too, know nobody who uses the term "CenPho"....but I'm not a downtown artist....

Westgate is a very new area....doesn't really have a stable feel yet, to me, as it only developed aruond the new stadium over there.....

the Biltmore area could work for you, but stay E of 16th St and W of 32nd St on Camelback for the maximum "walkability".....

7th Ave, not Street, is not at all an intimidating road....don't freak over it being too-huge....it's not really busy or noisy

[nickw252]

Originally Posted by cmist

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It remains true that its a very small area in relationship to the staggering footprint of the city. One only has to look at map and draw a little black line around the little walkable parts you are referencing. For a city of this size, there are very few affordable neighborhoods near anything remotely interesting, considering the artsy lofts are 300k+ for studios. Hardly within reach of a 24 yr old college student, unless they are living on a trust fund.

I am currently looking at housing in an urban/walkable environment and have found numerous artsy lofts and studios for $200,000 and less.

[nickw252]

Originally Posted by cmist

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Moderator cut: personal attack
It remains true that its a very small area in relationship to the staggering footprint of the city. One only has to look at map and draw a little black line around the little walkable parts you are referencing. For a city of this size, there are very few affordable neighborhoods near anything remotely interesting, considering the artsy lofts are 300k+ for studios.

I am currently looking at housing in an urban/walkable environment and have found numerous artsy lofts and studios for $200,000 and less. I do agree with you about the small amount of walkable neighborhoods though.

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[fcorrales80]

[quote]

Originally Posted by Obamanation

Thanks, for someone out of town I believe I am doing well here.

Pictures are very good to further the discussion. Where does that tunnel come from/lead to?

Someone answered the question about the tunnel. It connects the Biltmore Fashion Park (mall, but not a traditional mall) to the Esplanade which has more restaurants, shops, bars, clubs, theater, salons, condos, hotel, offices, etc...

Without getting too far off topic, the "new" aspect of the core has something to do with some attitudes in the Valley; but much has changed between 2000, 2005, and 2009 and still much more to come. For those that remember the "old" days, I'd suggest getting reacquainted with your "new" city and for newcomers that move here for a more suburban atmosphere to also know they have an urban core to spend car-less days, evenings, weekends away from the daily drive and grind; or if they get tired of the drive and grind, a place they can look for the urban, walkable living.

As for CenPho; it is really an interactive community that has recently found a center (Roosevelt Row, Grand Ave) and an event (First Fridays) that creates the feel for the neighborhoods that make up the unique place in Phoenix; here are some links to give you a little more information about the community and "Central Phoenix living:"

Welcome to CenPhoTV

CenPho

Still, it doesn't shock me how many "Phoenix" residents do not know about their own city, some even claiming to "know the area well" but can't name some of the oldest neighborhoods, organizations, and community groups in the city...

Also, where are the currently running rail stops?

Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa. Here is the Valley Metro Link with light rail info:

Valley Metro | Welcome (http://www.valleymetro.org/metro_light_rail/ - broken link)

And a map:

http://www.valleymetro.org/images/up...light_rail.pdf

[cmist]

Originally Posted by nickw252

I am currently looking at housing in an urban/walkable environment and have found numerous artsy lofts and studios for $200,000 and less. I do agree with you about the small amount of walkable neighborhoods though.

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I havent looked back in a while to see how things have changed since the market crashed, but I remember seeing some grand opening prices and being floored at the pricing. Its been awhile now that I think about it, but it still feels like yesterday.

Even at 200k for a small loft seems high, but I understand its all about location, location, location, and if you appreciate the location, it becomes worth it.

I think my main argument was that for a city of this size, you would expect a little more action at the core, and maybe even a little more diversity, like something for all types, but it just doesnt feel worth the price to me.

And that is my own opinion, not intending to offend or belittle anyone.

[Obamanation]

Biltmore looks a little better, but what exactly is in this Esplanade area? No website for it. Does Biltmore have nightlife also? BTW people I am not about parties 24/7 all the time, but I do like to have options and also lack of it reflects on the demographics as a whole.

[cmist]

Originally Posted by Obamanation

Biltmore looks a little better, but what exactly is in this Esplanade area? No website for it. Does Biltmore have nightlife also? BTW people I am not about parties 24/7 all the time, but I do like to have options and also lack of it reflects on the demographics as a whole.

Heres a link to a site I just googled real quick. For more type in Phoenix Camelback Esplanade.

Esplanade Center - Phoenix, AZ

[fcorrales80]

Originally Posted by Obamanation

Biltmore looks a little better, but what exactly is in this Esplanade area? No website for it. Does Biltmore have nightlife also? BTW people I am not about parties 24/7 all the time, but I do like to have options and also lack of it reflects on the demographics as a whole.

The "Esplanade" and Esplanade Center are different things BUT in the same location, LOL! The Esplanade doesn't have a website as it is not a single development from a single developer, or a single entity running the entire "neighborhood." The Esplanade WAS going to be a "one developer" project by former Gov. Fife Symington (interesting financial debacles and legal trouble/fall from grace). However, that was kaput and thus it became a more realistic and less "master planned" atmosphere where the Ritz Carlton sits right next to townhouses, condos, and mid-rise/high-rise lofts, office buildings, a movie theater, bars/clubs, and restaurants:

Picture of one condo building taken from another across the street:





Near Saks at the Biltmore (I've had this pic for many years so it is old but looks similar, upgrades have been made):



From a "green belt" with pedestrian trails and a golf course in the Biltmore Neighborhood looking south at the mid-rise buildings on Camelback and in the background, a section of downtown Phoenix with Chase Field and Bank of America Building most prominent in the shot. NOTE this is another old picture... new towers downtown are absent from the picture along with condo towers at the Esplanade near the Ritz and more office buildings (two currently under construction, near completion with interior work now ongoing):



Biltmore Resort Grounds; they let guests walk around as many of the trails, pedestrian courts, fountains, etc are not walled off but connected to the neighborhood (the fancy and gorgeous pools are not however, LOL):



What kind of nightclubs/spots most interest you? Are you looking for high energy dance floors, cool urban lounges, live music? An example at the Biltmore would be Crush, a.k.a the Crush Lounge:



A closer pic of the tunnel floor, beautiful glass tile mosaics and patterns in the tunnel:



What else do you like to do? This might narrow down neighborhoods as well and how much you can afford would be a realistic location guide more so.

[Obamanation]

That looks awesome. I really like big colorful dance clubs, and also pool halls with an upscale flair. Depends on the night so diversity of options in one neighborhood is good. I'll give anyplace a try unless it's a total creepy/smoky blue collar type joint. If upscale and down to earth feelings can be combined that is ideal. I'm not terribly concerned with housing immediately since I will be at ASU in a dorm or college apartment.

[Obamanation]

Oh and also, anyone with more pics of the Melrose area would be appreciated. Also:

1. Is the Wild Horse Casino any good?

2. Anything else in Tempe besides ASU and Mill; what about this Tempe Town Lake area?

Thanks again everyone.