Thursday, June 11, 2009

This last weekend I spent hunting for a place to live in Phoenix.  This is finally what I decided on, a town home in an area called Biltmore in central Phoenix.  There is alot I love about this location.  Easy access to the 51, 2 blocks from the large Biltmore shopping mall, half a block from a large park with tennis courts and sand volleyball, a mile south of the Phoenix mountains for hiking, and older developments with no water restrictions (ie lawns are allowed and it's alot greener!).  After looking at alot of condos, it was nice to have a ground level entrance and a feeling of not walking into a glorified apartment.  I also loved the bird of paradise growing to the left of the entrance.
This is the back of the home from the alley.  It comes with a 2 car carport, not a garage but at least it's covered and shaded from the sun!
This is the balcony with a door to the master bedroom.  Also the mature orange tree is gorgeous with delicious juicy oranges.  I can't wait for it to bloom so I can open my bedroom window and breath in the sweet smell!
These two pictures show the walled in courtyard.  I'm very excited about it as I was given permission to do what ever I want back here (I don't think they realized what they gave me license to do haha)  Of course the gravel is gone and some fun landscaping activities will transpire.  It faces east so perfect for growing plants as they will be protected from the scorching afternoon sun.  A place I could afford with a courtyard was VERY hard to find so this was a huge selling point for me.  I need to work in the dirt for my own sanity, and it will be really nice for the dogs.  Also notice the outside blinds that cover the windows... totally reminds me of Germany, I loved them there and I'm excited to have them again!
Of course a pool was a requirement to survive the summer heat and for relaxing in winter.  This is the complexes pool, spa, and bbq.  Feel free to come visit me when your own home gets too cold :)
This is a home right by the pool.  The whole complex pretty much looks like this (my place is one of the more "ghetto" ones) and I really like the atmosphere of the place.  Definitely a place I can feel at home and relax after stressful days at school.
This is the kitchen.  I really like the dark cupboards and all the appliances are new with real granite countertops.  New Pergo flooring is laid through out the house.  The lighting adds a nice touch.
The dining room just off the Kitchen
And the living room.  Not sure how I feel about the red wall but they said I could paint it.
The half bath downstairs with laundry and water heater.  
The secondary bedroom.  Fair sized with compartments in the closet
Upstairs full bath.  The sink is hideous but you can't see it in this picture haha
Master bedroom, also fair sized and I like the color of the floors.
Vanity in the master bedroom, still not sure how I feel about this sink either.
Master Bathroom with jetted tub and new tile.

Balcony from master bedroom, pretty sure I'm tearing up the green flooring.