Hi renters,

Welcome to Rent Check PHX. In today’s issue, I’m adding to the list I started last month of local businesses in Phoenix where you can buy everyday goods.

We’ll also talk about the current standoff between house sellers and buyers, as well community events that are coming up this month.

I’ll be back in your inbox next Wednesday, Aug. 26. Hope you enjoy the newsletter!

Jessica Swarner

Newsletter Editor, Rent Check PHX

*Paywalled content noted with 🔒

🏠 In July, home sellers across the US outnumbered buyers by over 50%, with high prices and mortgage rates holding buyers back.(Phoenix Business Journal, 🔒)

🏘️ Arizona political figure Anna Tovar argues that lawmakers need to do more about housing supply and this stalemate between sellers and buyers. (Arizona Capitol Times)

🌡️ Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is suing landlords who allowed temperatures in their rentals to rise as high as 98.9 degrees. (Smart Cities Dive)

🔑 A new poll shows that two-thirds of Arizona voters support higher-density housing, including multifamily housing, casitas, and smaller lot sizes. (ABC 15)

⛳️ Should we turn golf courses into affordable housing? Nevada’s doing it. (Vox)

🚈 If you want to learn more about a proposed West Valley light rail extension—and maybe give feedback on it—you can attend these open house meetings. (KJZZ)

🚪 Designers are replacing doors with curtains—here’s why they recommend the swap. (Apartment Therapy)

Sick of Amazon? Here are more Phoenix businesses where you can buy everyday items

shelves with multicolored folded cotton towels

Organic cotton towels on sale at Organic Living in Phoenix. (Jessica Swarner/The Copper Courier)

Last month, I ran this story highlighting five local business that offer everyday goods—places where Phoenicians can shop in person and avoid Amazon or big-box stores.

That story got so much attention that I’ve decided to turn it into a running list that I’ll be adding to every month!

For August, I visited two north Phoenix businesses: Organic Living and Pet Food Depot.

That means the list now has a bookstore, a hardware store, a home goods store, an outdoor goods store, a store selling bath and body products, and two pet stores.

If you have ideas for other Phoenix stores I should add to the list, email me!

Read about the newly added businesses

Typically in this section, I share listings for homes or townhomes. Today I’m looking instead at apartment complexes that have units for under $1,000 a month.

🔑 Stonybrook Apartments: This complex near McDowell Road and 67th Avenue has a 540-square-foot one-bed, one-bath available now for $988 a month. There are more options of the same size that range from $1,003 to $1,173 a month. The complex is offering up to one month of free rent if interested tenants apply within 24 hours of a tour. There’s a gym, a playground, and two pools on the property. Pets are allowed.

🔑 Ardella on 28th: This complex has studios and one-bed, one-baths available from $870 to $919 a month. They’re offering a free month of rent for people who “look & lease,” but the details of the special are unclear. People who apply at the time of a tour receive waived application and admin fees. The complex near Cactus Road and the 17 has a pool, fitness center, and pet park. Pets are allowed.

🔑 Arcadia on 49th: This complex near Thomas Road and 52nd Street has studios and one-bed, one-baths listed for $805 to $990 a month, with square footage ranging from 450 to 550. They’re offering up to eight months of free rent for select units and say to call the office for details. The complex has a gym, two pools, and a pet park. Pets are allowed.

If you come across any interesting, weird, or surprisingly affordable listings that you think should be featured here, please send them my way!

Email here

Listings available as of Aug. 18. I’m not paid to share these listings, but that doesn’t mean I can personally vouch for them. Please do your research before applying and signing a lease!

This is a space to share events that are focused on connecting with community and spending time with neighbors.

If you have an event you’d like to submit, reply to this email or email me!

Here’s what’s coming up:

🍻 Coronado Happy Hour

When: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 5-7 p.m.

Where: Arizona Wilderness Miracle Mile

“Come beat the heat and meet some neighbors for happy hour!”

🚈 Valley Metro West Phoenix Extension Open House

When: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Desert West Community Center

“Join us for an open house to learn more about the West Phoenix Extension. Attendees will have an opportunity to: Share what’s important to you; meet one-on-one with Valley Metro and City of Phoenix staff; provide current contact information, preferred language, and method of communication for future project notifications. Spanish translation available.”

☕️ Coronado Coffee Meetup

When: Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: Cartel Coffee

“Meet up with neighbors for a casual coffee social!”

🗣️ Coronado Miracle Mile Committee

When: Tuesday, Aug. 25

Where: Arizona Wilderness Miracle Mile

“The goal of the committee will be to determine how we as a neighborhood can better advocate for and improve the Miracle Mile area. Is there a way we can add some branding to the area? Can we help advocate for a safer McDowell road so pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles can all safely access businesses? Is there an event that we can help plan to highlight and promote the area? Initial meeting on Tuesday August 25th @ 6pm at Arizona Wilderness MM. This will be a casual, informal meeting where we can talk about the area and throw out ideas. We can also determine a meeting schedule for the committee going forward.”

♻️ Valley Alley Swap

When: Sunday, Aug. 30, 8 a.m. to noon

Where: 120 N. Central Ave., Phoenix

“A FREE space for neighbors and community members to come together, hang out, connect, and share resources. Each month will have a different theme. It’s part yard sale, part mutual-aid station, part community gathering and a space for neighbors to share, support, and connect with one another.”