Information about area in North Phoenix (Scottsdale, Tempe: apartment complex, rentals, condominiums) - Arizona (AZ) - City-Data Forum

Boston2Phoenix · 12-31-2009, 08:26 PM

Hi,
I am moving to Phoenix on March 1st and found what looks to be a nice condo for rent at Parkside Condominiums in North Phoenix. The address is 1920 E. Bell Rd. in Phoenix. Can anybody tell me anything about this area? Is it safe? What are the schools like? We have a 4 year old son, so schools and safety are my number 1 concern. I am coming to look at the end of January, but I am trying to get as much information as possible to narrow my search. Thanks in advance for your help. I really appreciate it.

azdr0710 · 12-31-2009, 08:37 PM

have lived in the Phx area for most of 35 years....that address is not a great spot, but not at all a slum....it's a mix of regular businesses, some bars, furniture stores, everything.....Bell is a fairly busy road.....there will be a mix of resident "types" there....

check if this is Phoenix or Paradise Valley school district...PV might be better, I think, but may be further east on Bell.....

safety?...you might be able to do better, but stay away from drugs and trafficking in Mexicans ("illegal aliens") and you'll probably be OK!

many, many areas to check out here....big, big city....lots of variety

artyst · 12-31-2009, 08:46 PM

I think you might be happier in a condo anywhere around Paradise Valley Mall which is east and south of where you're looking.

azdr0710 · 12-31-2009, 08:57 PM

yes, the entire PV Mall area, centered on Cactus at Tatum, would be very good if you can afford it, which you might be able to....

if you do look there, anywhere E of 40th St. would be fine....good schools, too, and safer-feeling....I used to live in this area and would move back there if necessary....lots of shopping choices and very, very convenient....also, very busy, lots of traffic, fast-paced....

observer53 · 01-01-2010, 05:18 AM

You'll have a year before you really have to worry about schools, which will give you time to get to know the area and find a more long term situation. You don't say where you will be working, that can certainly make a difference here, as long commutes get old.

I agree with what's already been said about the PV Mall area and about the area you initially asked about. But there are literally SO MANY choices, that finding something safe and suitable for the shorter term (6 months or so) while you get more familiar with the area and find a place for the longer term, would be my choice. The place you initially asked about (and I'm sure there are others) would fit that bill.

ivanabacowboy · 01-01-2010, 06:52 AM

From what I have seen in that area, I would not place it as my first preference, but it isn't what I would say is a "terrible" area. Would I rank it as "safe"? Let's put it this way, if someone asked me if as a single female I would walk the neighborhood alone after dark and be comfortable-I couldn't say yes. One of the girls I work with relocated from Ohio and she lives around there tho. There are definitely much worse areas, but there are definitely much much nicer areas. I would head further east if you have the option to do so, or east and south by the mall as mentioned.

If you head down Bell pretty much just about 4 miles east of that area, the neighborhood becomes dramatically nicer once you reach near Tatum. I live in the areas between there (generally Desert Ridge area) and Kierland-just about 8 miles directly east of the address you are inquiring about. I did not explore renting condos (inherently leery of private landlords), so I rent at a apartment complex. If you need any input on complexes in this part of town, I and other posters can point you to some pretty nice ones.

Few questions:
1) What is your budget?
2) Where will you be working?

If you have never been to Phoenix, recognize geographically the area is HUGE. To give you an idea, my zip code is Phoenix. My niece's zip code is Phoenix. She lives over 30 miles away from me...

If you are totally unfamiliar with the Phoenix area, as the other poster identified, that gives you a year to potentially change your mind on where you live and settle on somewhere different once you arrive and explore the neighborhoods. So even if you don't initially make the "best" choice, you will have an opportunity to reconsider before your child starts school.

Boston2Phoenix · 01-01-2010, 07:28 AM

Thanks for the quick replies. I have been to Phoenix a few times, but only on vacation. I will be working in Downtown Phoenix on N. 1st Ave. What is the commute like from the PV Mall area to Downtown? I have considered Tempe, but I also have family in North Phoenix. I do really like Scottsdale, from what I have seen, but I'm not sure if I can afford it. My budget is about $1000/month.

observer53 · 01-01-2010, 08:23 AM

PV Mall area to downtown would not be too bad, you would likely use the 51 freeway to come south to Interstate 10 and downtown. There is also an express bus from that area, which you should also consider. Those run only during morning and evening rush hours, but they can take a lot of expense and hassle out of a commute. www.valleymetro.org

There may be parts of Scottsdale that you could afford (rents have dropped in a lot of areas. The commute would not be much different from central Scottsdale. There are lots of rental websites. Google some of them up and take a look around.

asufan · 01-01-2010, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by observer53

PV Mall area to downtown would not be too bad, you would likely use the 51 freeway to come south to Interstate 10 and downtown. There is also an express bus from that area, which you should also consider. Those run only during morning and evening rush hours, but they can take a lot of expense and hassle out of a commute. www.valleymetro.org

There may be parts of Scottsdale that you could afford (rents have dropped in a lot of areas. The commute would not be much different from central Scottsdale. There are lots of rental websites. Google some of them up and take a look around.

I agree, the PV mall area seems like a good choice. Just a couple miles East of the 51 to provide easy access to downtown or North Phoenix. I'm trying to think of the name of those orange santa fe style condo's at the South side of the mall there on the golf course. Anasazi, maybe? I know a lot of those are selling for low prices, might be some good rentals in there. Good views as well.

azdr0710 · 01-01-2010, 01:23 PM

yes, they're Anasazi....well-built and a bit older (1980s)....they went condo a few years ago and may be having trouble selling now....should be plenty of resales and private rentals in there, in addition to any still lingering from the condo converter...check recent comps!

lots and lots of choices in the entire PV Mall area - officially called Paradise Village by the City of Phoenix planning dept...

the commute down 51 to downtown from the PV area will be very busy during rush hours, but not horrible....there are carpool lanes if you can wangle up a passenger or check out public transport....

and, my monthly reminder: the geographical area of the City of Phoenix called Paradise Valley is NOT the same as the incorporated Town of Paradise Valley, lying just south of the geo. area of the same name.....