New Homes & Lifestyles

Condos: Convenience & Luxury - Luxury infill townhomes and condos take advantage of the shopping, entertainment, transportation and employer base of established neighborhoods.

The traditional condo buyer is often thought of as the young professional, in their mid-20s, purchasing their first home or the seasonal buyer purchasing a second home in the Valley. However, neither is the case for all new condo projects, as certain infill developments are finding another sophisticated condo lifestyle audience. These buyers are interested in a home that allows them the freedom to enjoy an active lifestyle, yet not give up the luxury design and amenities they have become accustomed to in their previous homes.

Location is a primary attraction for these buyers, which is why many infill developments are finding their audience in this ever expanding demographic. Established on the few pieces of land remaining within some of the most desirable ZIP codes throughout the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area, infill communities are close to shopping, dining, entertainment and other activities. Infill buyers are willing to trade the benefits of a single-family home for the maintenance-free living of a condominium or townhome, and homebuilders are taking notice.

Established luxury home builder Monterey Homes created Monterey Metropolitan with the goal of developing luxury townhome living within active areas of Scottsdale and Phoenix. Its first community, Sandalo features 44 units just off Scottsdale Road and Shea Boulevard.

"We saw an opportunity to provide active professionals with a community that not only offered them luxury living, but was set in a location with convenient access to all the nightlife, shopping and entertainment options where they spend their time," said Todd Bowden, president of Monterey Homes.

Most Sandalo buyers have previously owned a home and are looking to either downsize for ease of maintenance or relocate to a neighborhood befitting their lifestyle. Nearly 70 percent of Sandalo buyers are between the ages of 35 and 55. This buyer is looking for luxury amenities like two-bedroom, two-bathroom or three-bedroom, three-bathroom condos or townhomes, complete with granite countertops, spacious master bathrooms, high-end appliances, and two-car garages.

"We wanted our first Monterey Metropolitan community to have an ageless quality to it," said Bowden. "We approached world renowned architect Bing Hu, to create units that were not only functional but also had a timeless design that would never lose its appeal in the ever evolving world of townhome architecture."

Sandalo sold 65 percent of its residences without opening a single model. Bowden credits the community's success to the quality of the homes, but also acknowledges that the proximity to shopping, restaurants and the plethora of businesses throughout the area appeals to buyers.

However, infill developments aren't only for active professionals. In North Phoenix's historic community of Moon Valley, a new development began construction this summer. Sevilla is a 66-unit luxury condominium community being created by Noteware Development.

Like Sandalo, Sevilla is also centrally located near shopping, entertainment, transportation and hospitals as well as a variety of large employers. However, due to its location within the community of Moon Valley, Sevilla is attracting a different type of buyer. This community is becoming popular with Moon Valley residents who want a more carefree lifestyle, yet don't want to leave the neighborhood to which they've grown accustomed.

"A community with the rich historical background like Moon Valley, has a certain portion of residents who never want to leave the area," said Jim Noteware, CEO of Noteware Development. "We're developing Sevilla on the last parcel of open land in Moon Valley, so residents who are ready to leave their large homes can still remain near everything that's been a part of their lives for years."

Residents who have raised their entire family in the same neighborhood and are now facing an empty nest are reluctant to leave the familiarity of their surroundings. Yet, they no longer have the need for a large home. As these buyers prepare for retirement they're looking for a residence with maintenance-free living that allows them the freedom to travel frequently without having to worry about the upkeep of their homes.

Behind the gates of Sevilla, buyers find beautifully landscaped grounds surrounding one-, two- and three-bedroom homes beginning in the $300's. Residents can enjoy relaxing by the pool and getting to know their neighbors, an opportunity that Noteware believes isn't common in single- family home neighborhoods.

"Single-family homeowners barely know their neighbors anymore," commented Noteware. "At Sevilla, I feel we're not just building units, we're building community, which is something I think our buyers are looking to add to their lives."

At his other developments, Noteware has seen an influx of extended families moving into the same area as their relatives, and expects the same at Sevilla. A trend has developed of adult children urging their parents to buy homes in the community in which they live or nearby. This allows for the family to be close to each other and for children to care for aging parents, yet everyone has the space to live their own lives.

While there is no end in sight for the rapid geographic expansion of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area, many buyers are choosing to forego the spacious homes and large yards of suburban living. They are opting instead for the freedom, convenience and activities available with infill condominium communities.