While we continue to watch the local real real estate market here in Arizona, it is fun to keep an eye on how “Transit Oriented Development” is doing in other states, as well. I have mentioned that Denver land values have increased near light rail and I have heard similar things about Houston and other […]
Does Public Transit help “Walk-ability”
In case you haven’t noticed, I happen to think the METRO light rail system has and will continue to significantly change the way many people live in Phoenix, Tempe and in Mesa. Having been in the real estate business for the past 17 years, I have seen a LOT of changes in the industry. I […]
I-10 West light rail discussion brings out NIMBY’s?
Last week, I attended another METRO I-10 West study meeting to learn more about the light rail extension plans which will take light rail from the existing line and travel out the middle of I-10 to (approximately) 79th Avenue. How to get to I-10 is a big topic of discussion. The reasoning for traveling along […]
University Heights – Tempe AZ Community Spotlight
The University Heights area of Tempe is listed as being West of McClintock, East of Dorsey and North of Apache Blvd to 8th Street. University Heights in Tempe is not a specific neighborhood but a non- profit association of community residents, business owners, etc. encompassing a few different home subdivisions. According to the City of […]
Tempe and Mill Avenue want your .02
Many of us have opinions about Mill Avenue. About what it is, what it has been and what it can/will be. Do you think light rail has been a benefit to Mill Avenue? Does light rail hurt or take away from what it “once was?” If you would like to have that opinion heard, Tempe […]
G.A.I.N Night Rail Life Style
GAIN nights in Arizona are pretty cool. If you are not familiar with the term, it stands for Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods and is an opportunity for communities to come together to fight crime and create awareness for safer places to live. The past couple of years, my wife and I have enjoyed our […]
Living on the line
Normally, when we think of homes near light rail, we think of homes for sale along the 20 mile stretch. The fact is, there are literally hundreds of homes and thousands of apartments near light rail for lease. As of this evening, according to the MLS system, I found 210 homes for lease within 1/2 […]
Walkable Urban Communities in Phoenix?
It wasn’t long ago that the terms Urban and Walkable were unheard of in the “sprawling” Valley of the Sun. Most people would chuckle upon hearing mention of an “urban” lifestyle and Arizona in the same sentence. While strides are being made with infill development and some cool urban awareness campaigns, Manhattan, we are not. […]
Neighborhood Stabilization Program – Rail Life Style
In case you haven’t heard, and most people haven’t, the Arizona Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) provides up to 22% in purchase assistance from the Arizona Department of Housing for people purchasing a foreclosure property. Yep, free money – as long as you play by their rules. Given the large amount of foreclosure properties near light […]
Green Rail Corridor making progress
Light Rail and “green living” just fit. While not every light rail rider considers himself a “tree hugger,” it does allow many to feel like they are reducing their carbon footprint. I found yesterday’s article about stimulus funds and the Green Rail Corridor Project pretty interesting. According to Dr. Wong at the Republic, there has […]