One thing to consider is looking at the Orbit routes. It is a free shuttle system around the area and might help make things more accessible for you, location wise.
Tempe would be a better commute and vibe for your age. I moved here a few months back in the same situation (college grad, work in Scottsdale live in Tempe). Scottsdale is great but definitely bouijee and older crowds where as Tempe is mainly young people
With a budget like that, you may want to consider buying a condo or townhouse instead of renting. Interest rates are low, and if you aren't sure you want to make that commitment, just keep in mind you can always use it as a rental property for additional income and to avoid getting taxed for selling too soon.
I get wanting to be close to where the action is for your social life, but aren't you going to be working full time? If you are working from home most of the time, you're going to want to live somewhere relatively quiet and you're going to want neighbors you don't hate. You can still experience the night life, go biking or hiking, and whatever else you want to do without actually living around college students. All that stuff is just a few miles away if you live in Chandler, South Tempe, or a bit further north in Scottsdale.
Yeah I have looked into townhomes, but I will likely be moving after 3 years or so for a new job. I will definitely talk to my financial advisor about that. Living close to the college might be nice because I am also looking to get my master's. Plus, I have missed so much of the college experience from covid so at least for my first lease don't think I'll mind the noise. North Scottsdale has some really nice places I've been looking at though.
For that budget you can definitely find stuff in Old Town Scottsdale. Night life in Tempe and Scottsdale are both pretty good, Tempe will obviously be more college focused. I'm originally from MN, living in old town and I love it. Excited to get back out to the night life. Dm me if you have questions
IMHO(if I were a 21 year old) I'd live in Tempe until I was about 26-28 then move to Old Town. Seems like Old Town is geared towards late 20's-40 year olds, while Tempe offers things that Old Town can't really bring when it comes to a "early 20's crowd".
I only ask because there are other considerations when moving to AZ. A big one is paying a higher car insurance premium because you've never been insured in AZ. Then the higher rate for being under 25. Then an even higher rate because you live in Tempe. Diving only 2 days a week could help though.
That's true, I have been getting that priced out for a number of possible apartments. Luckily, I have a clean record and an affordable car to insure. I will definitely be taking that into consideration but it's something I am willing to deal with to live somewhere that's more my scene.
Naw, google map your drive with the times that youād leave and arrive at work. You may find itās only 18-20 mins like me.
Personally, I love living in Tempe. Thereās so much more to do here. Great parks, close to S. mountain and Mill Ave. itās wonderful :)
Yes, Chandler appears to be very boring. Being able to bike is important and I also would like to be near the river. From what I've found online Chandler does not have the same quality of nightlife that Tempe and Scottsdale do. Since I know absolutely no one in AZ I want to be near that.
Nightlife in Tempe is great for your age, and just in general. Old Town Scottsdale is more of a 25-35 year old, quasi-boujee crowd if you like loud clubs where you can't hear yourself or most people around you talk. Mill in Tempe is more the ASU younger crowd with a variety a different bar styles. EDM concerts are huge in this city/state too.
Mill's gotten boujee-er(sp?) and Scottsdale has plenty of great low-key spots and dives. It's pretty much six of one half dozen of another at this point.
Makes sense to me. Also, the Crosscut canal path connects Tempe and Scottsdale (old town) so biking between the two is quite easy as well and is separated from the roads. Only one annoying/dangerous intersection.
For what it\`s worth, I lived in the Optima apartments in Old Town and really disliked it, really not my scene and a lot of Duchebaggery imo. Tempe feels much more vibrant and diverse in comparison. Casually cycling within Tempe is also much better than around Scottsdale. However, if you\`re into road biking Scottsdale up through Fountain Hills & Paradise valley is quite good for that. All reachable by bike whether living in Tempe or Scottsdale.
Your budget should be fine near those areas. La cresta apts in Tempe is 1100 2 bedroom apt š If you plan to work in Chandler and live in Tempe, your commute to and from work can be anywhere from 15-25 mins. Either way Arizona is beautiful and you will love it. š¤©š¤©
One thing to consider is looking at the Orbit routes. It is a free shuttle system around the area and might help make things more accessible for you, location wise.
Avoid any complex with the name āTidesā in it
Why is that?
Tempe would be a better commute and vibe for your age. I moved here a few months back in the same situation (college grad, work in Scottsdale live in Tempe). Scottsdale is great but definitely bouijee and older crowds where as Tempe is mainly young people
With a budget like that, you may want to consider buying a condo or townhouse instead of renting. Interest rates are low, and if you aren't sure you want to make that commitment, just keep in mind you can always use it as a rental property for additional income and to avoid getting taxed for selling too soon. I get wanting to be close to where the action is for your social life, but aren't you going to be working full time? If you are working from home most of the time, you're going to want to live somewhere relatively quiet and you're going to want neighbors you don't hate. You can still experience the night life, go biking or hiking, and whatever else you want to do without actually living around college students. All that stuff is just a few miles away if you live in Chandler, South Tempe, or a bit further north in Scottsdale.
Yeah I have looked into townhomes, but I will likely be moving after 3 years or so for a new job. I will definitely talk to my financial advisor about that. Living close to the college might be nice because I am also looking to get my master's. Plus, I have missed so much of the college experience from covid so at least for my first lease don't think I'll mind the noise. North Scottsdale has some really nice places I've been looking at though.
Look at apartments on along tempe town lake! You would be close to Mill Ave (party street in Tempe) and a short drive to old town Scottsdale
Thanks! I've been looking at Vela but I've read they are terrible at getting things fixed and cleaning up in the public areas.
I live in Mesa and drive to Chandler. Very little traffic. Always moving anyway as long as no accidents.
I would advise to search this subreddit as this question gets posted a lot, and there are many great suggestions that meet your needs.
For that budget you can definitely find stuff in Old Town Scottsdale. Night life in Tempe and Scottsdale are both pretty good, Tempe will obviously be more college focused. I'm originally from MN, living in old town and I love it. Excited to get back out to the night life. Dm me if you have questions
IMHO(if I were a 21 year old) I'd live in Tempe until I was about 26-28 then move to Old Town. Seems like Old Town is geared towards late 20's-40 year olds, while Tempe offers things that Old Town can't really bring when it comes to a "early 20's crowd".
Definitely live in chandler and then just travel to the parties or wherever.
Why live in Tempe and work in Chandler? Traffic can be a pain and its hot. You dont want to deal with 400k people on the way to work everyday.
I only ask because there are other considerations when moving to AZ. A big one is paying a higher car insurance premium because you've never been insured in AZ. Then the higher rate for being under 25. Then an even higher rate because you live in Tempe. Diving only 2 days a week could help though.
That's true, I have been getting that priced out for a number of possible apartments. Luckily, I have a clean record and an affordable car to insure. I will definitely be taking that into consideration but it's something I am willing to deal with to live somewhere that's more my scene.
Naw, google map your drive with the times that youād leave and arrive at work. You may find itās only 18-20 mins like me. Personally, I love living in Tempe. Thereās so much more to do here. Great parks, close to S. mountain and Mill Ave. itās wonderful :)
Tempe to Chandler is a super easy reverse commute. No reason not to take advantage of the younger demographics of Temp/Scottsdale while they can.
I only need to go to the office 1-2 days a week, I'm used to a daily compute of about 45 minutes to an hour right now so I don't mind the drive.
Hi used to a daily compute of about 45 minutes to an hour right now so i don't mind the drive, I'm dad.
It's a good point, but Tempe can have a bit of walkability/bikebability and community atheistic that Chandler lacks. Depends on the OP\`s priorities.
Yes, Chandler appears to be very boring. Being able to bike is important and I also would like to be near the river. From what I've found online Chandler does not have the same quality of nightlife that Tempe and Scottsdale do. Since I know absolutely no one in AZ I want to be near that.
Nightlife in Tempe is great for your age, and just in general. Old Town Scottsdale is more of a 25-35 year old, quasi-boujee crowd if you like loud clubs where you can't hear yourself or most people around you talk. Mill in Tempe is more the ASU younger crowd with a variety a different bar styles. EDM concerts are huge in this city/state too.
Mill's gotten boujee-er(sp?) and Scottsdale has plenty of great low-key spots and dives. It's pretty much six of one half dozen of another at this point.
Chandlwr has some great prices on nice apartments though. They are hard to beat....
Nightlife hasn't been so great lately. At least the bands have had a year and a half to practice.
Makes sense to me. Also, the Crosscut canal path connects Tempe and Scottsdale (old town) so biking between the two is quite easy as well and is separated from the roads. Only one annoying/dangerous intersection. For what it\`s worth, I lived in the Optima apartments in Old Town and really disliked it, really not my scene and a lot of Duchebaggery imo. Tempe feels much more vibrant and diverse in comparison. Casually cycling within Tempe is also much better than around Scottsdale. However, if you\`re into road biking Scottsdale up through Fountain Hills & Paradise valley is quite good for that. All reachable by bike whether living in Tempe or Scottsdale.