Relocating to Area- South Scottsdale questions.... (Phoenix, Mesa: apartments, to rent, crimes)

[rabidgoldfish]

We are relocating from Michigan to the area and are trying to choose between a couple of homes to rent. One is in South Scottsdale around E Thomas Rd & N 64th St. I've seen a lot of conflicting info on S. Scottsdale on here, and am just wondering if someone could weigh in on this particular area?

Also, looking on Google Maps shows large, geometric shapes in that area- 3 circles and a rectangle. Can anyone tell me what those are?

Thanks in advance!

[LocoAZnative]

My sister use to live in the apartments behind the Fry's there and besides car breaks and petty crimes you will be fine. I believe those are water resivoirs you are seeing on google maps.

[joninaz]

I'm near there and it's a great starting point to many things.

The circles are City of Phoenix water tanks, which are buried up to the top - you could drive by them 1000 times without noticing them - but they are visible on Google maps, etc. from above.

In any case, if you were to stand at that intersection:

- To the Southwest are some really nice neighborhoods such as Sherwood Heights - larger homes on big lots with desert landscaping (kind of rare for the burbs as every home is in that style). These are folks across from one of the largest urban parks in the country (and stunning red rock buttes). I know a few athletes and well known authors who live there.

- To the Southeast is a nice neighborhood (Hy-View) of circa-1960 ranch homes. It's bordered by the canal on one side and Papago Park on the other, creating an island effect (no through traffic), so it's safe and quiet. The areas on the other side of the canal, South of Thomas, are also pretty decent in character. In these areas, due to location, there's been some cool renovations to a number of homes... not McMansions, but added swank to the Brady-era abodes. Here you are 5 minutes to Old Town, Mill Ave in Temp, and Arcadia (PHX), 10 minutes to the airport and 20 to downtown or mid town PHX.

- To the Northwest are some offices, and then a funky/cool community of attached homes that are kind of art-deco in style - Ingleside?. Just beyond that are some fairly nice 70/80s era neighborhoods with many good homes and some awesome ones near Arizona County Club.

- To the Northeast is Scottsdale's "Barrio," which is a small neighborhood of working class Latinos, some of whom are related to the work crews who built the canals circa 1900. It's a tad worn/sketchy but relatively safe. And it's only a few square blocks. Mixed in/adjacent are some nice apartment communities. Once North of Osborn and East of 68th, it turns once again into classic 70s burbs. In fact if you go a few more streets you then run into the very swank Valley Ho/Trader Vics neighborhood on the edge of Old Town.

There are some streets/buildings I might not want to live by due to their being more of a rental/who cares area, but overall the bulk of the area is made up of good people who take care of their places. And, as mentioned, you're very close to a lot of scenes... dining, nightlife, urban recreation, etc.

[SGTFDA]

I was just out there house hunting last week. I'm a just retired police Sgt. and was looking for a nice safe area. A Scottsdale Officer told me to stay north of Thomas in S Scottsdale. Ended up finding a very nice house in the Carriage lane plan in S Mesa 2 blocks off 101. Expand your search a little outside Scottsdale and you will find a better house for less money and lower taxes. There are a lot of homes with issues out there. If you look at enough you will find what you are looking for.

[homlish560]

S. Scottsdale is certainly an older section but still quite a few nice areas.

It's not Ghetto by any stretch!!!!!!!

[lennon4ever]

I think South Scottsdale would be a good area for light rail but I keep hearing they don't want it there or anywhere in Scottsdale. Is there a good reason for this?

[LocoAZnative]

Originally Posted by lennon4ever

I think South Scottsdale would be a good area for light rail but I keep hearing they don't want it there or anywhere in Scottsdale. Is there a good reason for this?

Because Scottsdale is full of elitist snobs and they fear it will make it easier for people to get there and rob them.

[Desertafterdark]

I'm moving to the Indian Bend area in June. My place will be around 70th and Coronado. I talked to several local police and they told me this area is safe. It’s a very old area of Scottsdale, with much residential. I was told I can walk my dogs any time of night, and it’s a mix of young, old people, and families.

I take what the snobs say here with a grain of salt. I've lived in "north Scottsdale." and now will be in south Scottsdale. Every place has its good and bad, and I've seen drug dealers making transactions at some of the upscale parks in North Scottsdale when I use to walk my dogs there.

Personally I would rather live around blue collar, than blue hair. Would love to hear from others who live in the area I'm moving to. I would like to know what kind of stores are in all of the shopping malls/centers in the area.

I would like to also know where there are some reasonable furniture consignments shops (not the upscale ridiculously priced ones) are, as well as some furniture and bedroom stores for someone on a budget. I don't want cheap, but I don't want upscale either. Any advice would be appreciated.

Desert After Dark

[Jukesgrrl]

Originally Posted by LocoAZnative

Because Scottsdale is full of elitist snobs and they fear it will make it easier for people to get there and rob them.

This made me laugh because it reminded me of a similar situation. I lived in Washington, DC, many years ago when their metro-wide subway was being constructed. The DC neighborhood of Georgetown strongly rejected a subway station in that neighborhood. They've been regretting it for more than 30 years now. It hurt local businesses, it hurt property values, driving in the neighborhood is worse than ever.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Desertafterdark

I'm moving to the Indian Bend area in June. My place will be around 70th and Coronado. I talked to several local police and they told me this area is safe. It’s a very old area of Scottsdale, with much residential. I was told I can walk my dogs any time of night, and it’s a mix of young, old people, and families.

I take what the snobs say here with a grain of salt. I've lived in "north Scottsdale." and now will be in south Scottsdale. Every place has its good and bad, and I've seen drug dealers making transactions at some of the upscale parks in North Scottsdale when I use to walk my dogs there.

Personally I would rather live around blue collar, than blue hair. Would love to hear from others who live in the area I'm moving to. I would like to know what kind of stores are in all of the shopping malls/centers in the area.

I would like to also know where there are some reasonable furniture consignments shops (not the upscale ridiculously priced ones) are, as well as some furniture and bedroom stores for someone on a budget. I don't want cheap, but I don't want upscale either. Any advice would be appreciated.

Desert After Dark

Although Scottsdale's boundaries have run further and further north over the years, I don't think anyone's definition of "south Scottsdale" includes Indian Bend Road. I'd call that "north central" Scottsdale, but certainly not "south" which to me is south of, say, Osborn Rd. You're moving into a very nice area, indeed. Best of luck to you!