Phoenix continually ranks among the top destinations for Angelenos looking to move out of the city. Arizona’s state capital offers similarly sunny weather, a lower cost of living, and a solid mix of urban conveniences and outdoor recreation.
A homebuying budget of $890,000 goes a long way in The Grand Canyon State, scoring you an estate-sized bungalow in an amenity-rich master-planned community in the Phoenix suburb of Queen Creek.
For the same amount of cash, you could purchase a three-bedroom townhouse in a gated development in South Los Angeles’ Leimert Park neighborhood, just steps away from the Expo/Crenshaw Metro station. This historic community is known for its friendly neighbors, monthly Art Walk and locally-owned businesses.
Here we compare these two new construction residences, both priced at around $890,000, that suit different needs and lifestyles.
The Colton is a 3,818-square-foot, single-story model in Toll Brothers’ Whitewing at Whisper Ranch development. Priced at $891,995, this three- to four-bedroom bungalow touts an expansive interior courtyard that floods the home with natural light. There are two covered patios, which can be customized to the buyer’s liking — the model home showcases a striking pool, outdoor kitchen, fireplace lounge, dining area, and even a beer garden with a tap-inspired water feature.
Inside, the chef-worthy kitchen features dual islands, premium appliances, and a walk-in pantry with nine-foot ceilings for maximum storage. The great room and dining room open onto the covered patio and a secluded bonus room is imagined as a bar and billiards room with a secret bookcase door. In the primary bedroom, you’ll find a generous walk-in closet and a rejuvenating ensuite bath with a freestanding soaking tub, frameless glass shower, double sink vanity and water closet.
Within the gated community, residents will enjoy amenities including a clubhouse with an outdoor kitchen and dining area, fireplace, bocce court, fire pit, plus an off-leash dog park and children’s playground. Queen Creek is roughly 45 minutes from downtown Phoenix and offers a family-friendly vibe and big-box retailers like Target and Home Depot.
If walkable streetscapes and transit access sound more appealing to you, the aptly-named Expo Walk in Leimert Park should fit the bill. This collection of 78 contemporary-style townhouses comes complete with automated and eco-friendly features, from Nest thermostats to Lutron light switches and solar energy systems.
Residence 73 is an attractive corner lot that follows Plan 5A/C, known as The Elizabeth. Asking $889,990, this three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom home encompasses 1,660 square feet of living space. Expect a two-car, side-by-side garage and a first-floor flex space with its own bathroom and reach-in closet — perfect for an office, fitness studio or guest bedroom.
The second floor is open-concept with a linear flow. There’s a spacious, quartz-topped island with breakfast bar seating, a double bowl sink and integrated dishwasher. A staircase with a minimalist glass railing leads to the secondary bedroom and master suite — each containing its own ensuite bathroom. For added convenience, there’s an enclosed laundry room with a Whirlpool washer and dryer.
The elegant master suite sports large windows, a walk-in closet with built-in organizers and a spa-like ensuite. This space is appointed with a solid surface quartz dual vanity, a tiled shower surround with a recessed soap niche, and a private toilet room. Expo Walk includes an outdoor amenity space with an entertainment lounge, barbecue, fire pit, fireplace and ping pong table.
Whether you’re searching for a close-knit townhouse community that lies within Los Angeles County limits or you’re leaning towards a luxury master-planned development in Phoenix’s East Valley, either one of these new construction residences would be a winning choice.
