As we get closer to December when the new light rail trains begin to carry passengers in Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa, we are seeing a lot more media coverage. A few weeks ago, there was a story in the AZ Republic talking about the development along the 20 mile route and the amount of public and private development created since 2004. The figure; SIX Billion dollars. 

According to the article.. "The price tag includes projects already completed, developments under construction and announced projects within a half-mile radius of the line that officials from those cities say will likely come to fruition, according to Ben Limmer, a Metro light rail planner." They also had a breakdown (as provided by Metro) that mentioned the following. (yes, we know the real estate market is different today than it was a few years ago)

$6 billion Total value of public and private investment in transit oriented projects along the light-rail line since 2004.
15,000 Approximate number of residential units that are planned, under construction or already completed along light rail since 2004.
7 million square feet Amount of commercial space that is planned, under construction or completed close to light rail since 2004.
1800 Approximate number of hotel rooms that are planned, under construction or completed along the line. 

While that is a lot of cabbage, it is important to note (also mentioned in the article) that much of this development is in areas that would have built even without light rail. However, there is no doubt that many projects have been put in the works because of their proximity to the line. You see, rail is more appealing to many because it is more tangible than say, a bus route. ie: The stops create more opportunity to build community, to build small business etc. 
The timing for light rail in Arizona couldn't get much better. As gas prices continue to climb, people are embracing public transportation more than ever. While the "cost" of the  20 mile system has been reported as $1.4 Billion, there are many factors to consider when evaluating future expansion and success of the overall project. Time will tell how many people will ride, how many will be occasional users and how many will use it as an effective way to get to school and work every day. Following the project a little more closely than the average person, I have been amazed at the amount of work, planning and design that has gone in to bringing light rail to Arizona. I get the feeling that many people believe someone throws down a few tracks, buys a few "electric buses" and bam, we have a new transportation system. This just isn't the case.. Come December though, I bet Metro hopes to make everything look "easy."

Below is a pic of the new stop near Chase Field. How cool to be able to get to a baseball game so easily. Actually, the Suns play just on the other side of this stop as well! Other places of interest along the line include ASU, the Mill Avenue District, Central Avenue in Phoenix, several museums etc. etc.. Yep, times are a changin' in the valley. Come on along for the ride..

To Live, work and play, our great city is hard to beat! Tempe is very centrally located with easy access to light rail, our freeway systems and to the airport. Here, you will find some amazing housing opportunities, a great arts community, wonderful restaurants, great schools, lot's of different jobs, enthusiastic sports fans and a wonderful lifestyle in an amazingly convenient location that is close to many of the things our great state has to offer.

If you have any questions about the community of Tempe Arizona, please feel free to contact Nick Bastian - Realty Executives, Tempe AZ via the web or feel free to call us at 602-803-6425 or toll free at 1-888-343-6425.