Overwhelmed and Confused On Apt Search, Please Help! (Scottsdale, Hayden: apartment complex, rentals) - Phoenix area - Arizona (AZ) - City-Data Forum

Nick0578 · 06-11-2009, 01:14 PM

I visited Scottsdale to look at apartments...what an INCREDIBLE place! I am beyond excited to move.

I want to pick an apt ASAP, but have a few questions!

What is the demographic for each of these complexes? (age, income, family vs, singles)
How central vs. out of the way are they from the main parts of Scottsdale?

I'm 31, like to have a good time, but not into the being out till 2am drinking thing. Day time activity, more sophisticated night crowd is more my speed.

Thank you so much in advance for your help! I can't wait to come out there!!! -Nick

The Regents (Frank Lloyed Wright)
Monaco (North Hayden in N Scottsdale)
La Privada (Via Linda off Shea, N Scottsdale)
Dakota (Thompson Peak Pkwy, N Scottsdale)
Montierra (N Scottsdale Road)
Aliante (off of Shea in N Scottsdale)

ivanabacowboy · 06-11-2009, 06:45 PM

Glad you are excited about your upcoming move! All of these will put you in a very nice area-so I basically dont think you can go wrong with any of them on your list. Did you visit these specific complexes or just sort of drove around and found them?

I am not directly familiar with the specific complexes (ie I know basically where they ARE but havent personally visited them) other than Dakota at McDowell-it is the only one on your list that I investigated when I was moving here. I liked it, it was a large complex. If I remember correctly, it was one of the few that had fireplaces which is what put it on my list. But it also wasn't exceptionally "convenient" to stuff I wanted to be near.

Montierra would be the most "conveniently" located on your list because that puts you just a skip away from Scottsdale Rd and the Shea/Scottsdale corridor (ie shopping, restaurants). Maybe 6-8 miles north of Old Town/downtown and the whole canal/Scottsdale Fashion Square area, and just 2-3 miles or something south of Kierland area. Tho freeway access would be a good 4-5 miles maybe at Shea & 101.

I thought La Privada went or was condo? Tho they may be renting now.

Based on what you say you are looking for, did you check out any of the areas near Kierland (Scottsdale Rd & Greenway-just basically a couple miles north of Shea/Scottsdale) or Desert Ridge (just a few minutes northwest of Kierland)? I live in this area so I may be sort of partial to it. The demographic is "pseudo-sophisticate-urban-suburb" (LOL!) and "live like you are on vacation". These would definitely be in your age demographic as well. Income/education etc demographic=fairly high. As far as age, Desert Ridge may be a bit "younger" vibe than Kierland, but there are people of all ages in both. To give you an idea, there aren't really "nightclubs" in this part of town. There are restaurants from mid-range to insanely expensive that have some pretty awesome bars to hang out in. (I like Sapporo's at Thunderbird & Scottsdale right by Kierland.)

I live at Desert Club apartments (any google will find them) just about a mile or 2 north of Kierland, couple miles east of Desert Ridge. Totally convenient, freeway access, resorts, restaurants, golf courses, a hospital within about 2 miles, movie theaters in walking distance, pretty quiet.

As far as "main" parts of Scottsdale, realize that the city is 30 miles long. What is "main" is relative to what you want to be near.

But again, any of these will put you in a nice area, and they are all within a fairly small area. The entire area would be fairly higher income, educated etc. So the difference basically comes down to "can I walk to X" vs "it might take me 5-10 minutes to drive to X".

I am about 10 years older than you, but I can tell you had I moved out here 10 years ago, my choice of where to live would've been exactly the same. I love this area.

Also if you are renting, you don't need to sign a real long term lease, then can get out here and "feel your way around" to see which areas you like better.

Where will your job be? Definitely take that into consideration. You could end up in a great neighborhood but with a monster commute.

Nick0578 · 06-11-2009, 08:52 PM

Thanks for the great response!

I am a personal trainer, and will likely be doing a lot of in home training so I don't think I'll be able to avoid commuting.

30 miles, is Looong. I knew it was a big town, but didn't realize it was THAT big! I guess I have my work cut out for me!

It sounds I can't really go wrong no matter what area I end up in. I guess I'll go for the beautiful full mountain view!

Thanks!
Nick

Nick0578 · 06-15-2009, 12:56 AM

Hi, any other thoughts on the areas I mentioned originally? I ruled out La Privada thinking it might be a little too much on the retiree side for me. And I've seen a lot of reviews about Dakota having pest control issues. Thoughts?

STL-TO-SCOTTSDALE · 06-25-2009, 12:29 PM

Hello everyone,

I will be moving to Scottsdale very soon and was wondering if any one can give me information about where to live in Scottsdale. I did a little bit of research online but I am unable to find any substantial information. I have lived in st.louis for about 2 and half in an area called "central west end". It is considered safe, trendy and very close to nightlife, restaurants, entertainment. I would love to live in a similar area. I am a 28 yr old single male, prefer to live by myself. My budget is 750 for a studio or 1 bedroom. I really appreciate it if you can give me pointers to specific apartments. I will be working in 85260 area.

Thanks in advance,
VJ

Finger Laker · 06-25-2009, 12:34 PM

STL - maybe something near desert ridge (101 & tatum)??

STL-TO-SCOTTSDALE · 06-25-2009, 12:43 PM

Thanks for the response. Some one suggested "Old Town Scottsdale, between Thomas Rd and Camelback Rd." Any opinions on that? When I check for apartments online, they all look nice but also have really bad reviews.

Finger Laker · 06-25-2009, 12:52 PM

don't live in the area, so it's hard for me to say

old town isn't a bad place to be, but from the people I know who live there in nice places they're paying a bit more than $750

STL-TO-SCOTTSDALE · 06-25-2009, 01:15 PM

Where do the people you know live? Can you point to any specific apartment complex?

Thanks,
VJ.

omle · 06-25-2009, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STL-TO-SCOTTSDALE

Thanks for the response. Some one suggested "Old Town Scottsdale, between Thomas Rd and Camelback Rd." Any opinions on that? When I check for apartments online, they all look nice but also have really bad reviews.

I do love that area, and if I were renting I'd definately check it out.

That said, I think the area you would be most interested in would be east of Scottsdale Rd. and north of Thomas, around Indian School up to North of Camelback. The one mile between Thomas and Indian School (while I like the area) I don't think is what you are looking for.

Have you checked Craigslist to check out the condo rentals? They are a bargain now.