Nick Bastian's Blog

I am loving this time of year! The Diamondback's are off to a good start, the Sun's are beginning their playoff games and we get an early look at the Devil's this weekend! If you are an ASU football fan, come check out the annual "Spring Game" beginning at approximately 12:30.  (Gates open at 11:30) This is also an opportunity for fans to select their seats for the upcoming season. You are a Sun Devil fan, right?

Chase field has always been a great place to watch a ball game. This years addition of a HUGE "video monitor" that is the widest in the major leagues, measuring 136 feet wide by 46 feet high, or about eight times the size of the "old" screen makes it even better. Throw in a luxury suite, right behind home plate stashed with all kinds of great food and refreshments and you have yourself a pretty decent day. If you want to add to the fun, turn on the plasma tv by one of the big cushy chairs and watch a golf tournament at the same time! Not just any tournament but the one played in Augusta Georgia. You may have heard of it? Yep, it's called The Masters. Guys, it is hard to beat a Sunday like this! :-)

If you get a chance, you need to go to the ball park and see this HUGE screen. Heck, even from the "cheap seats" you will be amazed. :-) 

There are many factors that will go help in the decision when you purchase your next home. Of course, location plays a major factor in most sound real estate purchases. To help find out how "walkable" a neighborhood is, you can check out this nifty web site that will give your neighborhood a "score" based on the amenities near by.
My neighborhood in South Tempe scores a "decent" 66. At 70, a neighborhood is considered "very walkable" according to the guys at WalkScore.com Here is their break down..

90 - 100 = Walkers' Paradise: Most errands can be accomplished on foot and many people get by without owning a car. 70 - 90 = Very Walkable: It's possible to get by without owning a car. 50 - 70 = Some Walkable Locations: Some stores and amenities are within walking distance, but many everyday trips still require a bike, public transportation, or car.
25 - 50 = Not Walkable: Only a few destinations are within easy walking range. For most errands, driving or public transportation is a must.
0 - 25 = Driving Only: Virtually no neighborhood destinations within walking range. You can walk from your house to your car!

Most of our valley is pretty spread out and the thought of walking to conveniences isn't even a consideration. Take a look at this site, it is kind of fun.. In fact, give your house a try and let us know YOUR score! :-)

Thanks to my buddy Brad Andersohn at TechKnowBabble for the find!
I'm Nick Bastian. I sell real estate in Tempe and the east valley. If you have any questions about our communities or would like housing information, please feel free to visit our web site at http://www.nickbastian.com/ or feel free to call me at 602-803-6425.

Soon", as in, the next month, or so, we will begin to see light rail cars being tested in Tempe. So far, the only testing of the cars has been at the METRO operations and Maintenance facility and along Washington street in Phoenix. The next phase of testing should be a little more interesting because of the dynamics of more traffic and pedestrians in the area. The following information was sent from the Tempe Chamber of Commerce. I have also talked to some friends at METRO but have not yet been given a firm date on the Tempe tests. Phoenix testing took place as recently as last week.

METRO LIGHT RAIL TESTING TO BEGIN

METRO will soon begin testing light rail vehicles in Tempe. This spring you will begin to see vehicles on the Tempe Town Lake bridge and on the tracks near Third St. in the Mill Avenue District. By summer testing is expected to move west into downtown Phoenix and east into Mesa.

Each vehicle in the METRO fleet must be checked to ensure it meets safety and performance specifications. The rail, signals, power system and all other components are also tested to ensure quality performance.

Light rail is an extremely quiet mode of transport that is brand new to the Valley. Please be aware of the safety precautions required on and around the region’s newest transit system:

• With light rail being so quiet, listen for bells and look for flashing train headlights.
• Pedestrians must use the crosswalk and obey all signals.
• Don’t stop your car or bike on the tracks.
• Obey the traffic signals; turn left only with a green arrow.
• No biking, walking or skateboarding in the track way.

For more information visit MetroLightRail.org/Safety on the Web.

I took this picture recently on Apache Blvd. It appears they are doing some "last minute" work on the overhead lines. Light Rail is sure to change the heartbeat of several neighborhoods along it's route. We will be following closely to bring you information on some of the great real estate opportunities that will be created by this project.

If you have any questions about the community of Tempe Arizona, please feel free to visit our web site at http://www.nickbastian.com/ or feel free to call us at 602-803-6425 or toll free at 1-888-343-6425.