Metrocenter or Union Hills areas? (Phoenix, Carefree: apartment, renting, condo)

[Java Jolt]

A friend of mine from the Milwaukee area is apartment hunting and was interested in northern Phoenix around the I-17 area, either Metrocenter or northward around Union Hills.

I haven't been around Metrocenter in a few years but I have heard rumors about the area going downhill. Would most apartment buildings be safe enough at reasonable rents around there?

Are there safer neighborhoods more north along or near the I-17 and reasonable rents or is it more expensive?

[las vegas drunk]

I would go with Union Hills. The Metrocenter Mall area has always been a dump, even 20 years ago when I was growing up.

[Finger Laker]

I'd definitely stay closer to union hills - but then probably go west 30 blocks

the area around union and I-17 is better than metro - but you can jump both by not straying too much further

[Java Jolt]

Originally Posted by las vegas drunk

I would go with Union Hills. The Metrocenter Mall area has always been a dump, even 20 years ago when I was growing up.

Really?

When I moved here in 1996 I was pretty impressed by Metrocenter and the surrounding area. I had heard some bad things about how it has deteriorated lately though.

Yes I think I would go with Union Hills area if it were me, seems quieter, more suburban. I'm just wondering if the rents around both Metrocenter and west Union Hills are reasonable.

[las vegas drunk]

It has always been gang infested. My mom also worked at the Dillard's and had her truck stolen out of the parking lot back in 1999.

[redjan1225]

Honestly, I would avoid any area along I-17. In fact, I just avoid I-17 as a route if at all possible but I just really hate that freeway.

Union Hills definitely has nice areas, but you have to either go west or east of I-17.

I'd stay away from any area around Metrocenter. Not a good area.

[musicforme]

Originally Posted by redjan1225

Honestly, I would avoid any area along I-17. In fact, I just avoid I-17 as a route if at all possible but I just really hate that freeway.

When did you last drive on I-17 in the Union Hills area?

The highway construction finished in late 2009 and is very drivable. I'm able to make it from Carefree Highway down to the 101 in 10-15 minutes now.

[redjan1225]

Originally Posted by musicforme

When did you last drive on I-17 in the Union Hills area?

The highway construction finished in late 2009 and is very drivable. I'm able to make it from Carefree Highway down to the 101 in 10-15 minutes now.

I drive it about once a month. That area of the I-17 is drivable. It is the rest of the freeway (particularly south) that I try to avoid.

[smokemaster]

I live just east of I-17 and Northern. It is somewhat better than MC. I-17 is a major employment center in the Valley. That has really helped things, over the years. I personally know the property manager here; you can PM for her number. You can do very well if you can produce good credit and/or job/rental history. 1 Bedroom with good a/c, DW, W/D for a little more than 600. I think there is lots of junk out there in the 500 range. Consider renting a condo from an owner; but beware of scams.

[phoenixscorpiogirl]

I lived by metro mall on 31st ave between Northern and Dunlap, never had any problems.
Now we live by Bell/Union Hills and although its not bad, Ive seen prostitutes lately...walking on Bell by I-17 and another on Union Hills...and she came knocking at all the cars windows (including mine) while we were stopped at lights!
Ive seen tweekers wandering around and some homeless but so far we haven't had any issues...but then again theres always someone home and we have dogs.