Have a Question about Phoenix?

[Nick J.]

So, I just received an email from someone I know here on BP asking about 2 addresses and my opinion of the area.

It got me thinking, if anyone else has questions about the Phoenix area, if you're considering purchasing a property and you're not very familiar with it, you can ask me.

All you have to do is gimme the address, intersection or neighborhood. Just don't be too vague, I understand if you don't want to give me the exact address but don't ask me about Mesa or Peoria or I'll just give you a vague answer :). I'll give you a fair opinion of the neighborhood, maybe some history of the neighborhood etc...

I won't tell you if you should or shouldn't do this or that, I'll just give you my knowledge of the area and hopefully it will help you. Unless your personal friends with the person (seller, wholesaler, realtor) selling you the property, you may get fluff from them where as I won't give you fluff.

Just offering to help, I don't know if anyone knows my beloved city better than I do so use me if you need it, I won't mind.

[Nick J.]

Justin, central and 7th? you talking Phx? b/c central and 7th ave or St. never intersect silly goose, you knew that. I've never been there. I used to love, and I mean LOVE Jordan's Mexican food at Central and Thomas until they closed up. We still go to their 7th ave and Bethany location. That's only when I don't get to eat at a family friends we call Mexican Joe. He and his wife and mother.....................love it!!! they can cook!!!!!

Matt, show me a place in the entire USA that is safe and family friendly?

You're right, the ROI right now in Phx for buy/holds are going to be low considering the low costs of purchasing a home and rents have been getting dragged down really hard. Surprise though is a great city/suburb. Growing up, we considered it Little Sun City because of all the elder/retirees that were migrating there. Back then, it was considered 'out of city limits' and really far. Now a days, it's but a quick jump on the 101 freeway. Also, it's not considered Little Sun City anymore. Surprise was built/over built during the boom and there are some amazingly sweet deals! Just remember, ROI won't be that great on a long buy/hold for a while.

In regards to Glendale and Peoria, too spotty to say one way or the other. Glendale, you're going to find is older than Peoria in terms of the homes. The neighborhoods are what I consider lower-middle class if that makes sense. With the expansion of Peoria, Surprise and El Mirage suburbs, Glendale has fallen behind.

Peoria, if you're in the northern parts of it are just fine. Thankfully, unlike Glendale, it's not as 'landlocked' so they've been able to expand/develop neighborhoods greatly, even all the way up to Lake Pleasant area which is really cool!

My only other consideration would be to consider central Phoenix area where without becoming a racist, a majority of Hispanic/Americans reside. Central Phoenix to me isn't just about lower home values but 'better long term' decisions. In most of the central phoenix neighborhoods where its primarily Hispanic, you'll find longer term tenants who keep the house,lawn and minor repairs in better shape than most, if not all other ethnic background residents. If you want decent ROI on long term buy/holds, rent to a great Hispanic family in central Phoenix.

Hope that helps in some way.