Optima Camelview

7137 E. Rancho Vista Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85251

Optima Camelview is one of the most architecturally interesting properties in downtown Scottsdale with 720 urban flats in 11 six and seven story terraced towers set in a resort like setting. It's located on the northern border of Scottsdale Fashion Square between Highland and Rancho Vista Drive. It's in a great location but right now it is not super pedestrian friendly; at least not like Scottsdale Waterfront is. Even though it is very close to Scottsdale Fashion Square there is a motel in between the two so it makes walking to the mall a little sketchy. The good news is that supposedly the motel is coming down in a year or so to make way for more retail and high end condominiums. Hopefully this will lead to better pedestrian access to all that Scottsdale Fashion Square has to offer.

When the developer first announced the community it raved about how "green" the project would be because of all the landscaping that would be installed. Optima claimed that they would install so many plants that it would help to counteract the heat generated from all the metal and concrete used in the structure. I thought it was just a bunch of marketing hype and an attempt to make a big deal out of a bunch of plants. Boy was I wrong. The landscaping in the community really is exceptional and adds a tremendous amount to the entire experience. Now whether all the plants can help reduce global warming or not we can only hope...

Building amenities include an indoor lap pool and spa, two outdoor pools and spas, a HUGE fully equipped fitness center, an indoor racquet ball court, an indoor basket ball court, a putting green, a large meeting room and caterers kitchen, concierge services, decorative water fountains/water features throughout the community, electronic and manned security, secure parking, storage, an on-site dry cleaning shop, and soon a restaurant and bar.

The architecture is really interesting and fresh. The floor plans are open and for the most part flow really well. Every condominium has floor to ceiling windows, at least one landscaped terrace (water and fertilizer automatically dispensed), nice contemporary cabinets, countertops and flooring. This is a building worth checking out.

If you would like to learn more, see floor plans or a site map, or tour the site, give us a call or shoot us an e-mail and we’ll take care of you.

WRITE A REVIEW.

Ask general questions or tell us what you love or hate about Optima Camelview here; it's quick and easy. Please do NOT ask for specific real estate help here as our agents don't regularly monitor this area and won't get back to you as quickly as we like. Instead please use the "contact us" tab in the upper navigation bar.

Post this page to:

Comments

Owner of WeKnowUrban

All - the rental advertised for $1 is a typo made by another agent, not us. We use a live MLS data feed so unfortunately bad data entered into the MLS shows up on WKU and we have no control over it. The actual rental price is $4,400 per month. Sorry.

#9 - Will Daly - 09/30/2009 - 23:09

Renter

!@#$%o,
I am interested in renting a 1 bedroom unit in the Optima. Can you please tell me if there are any investors looking to rent? I have perfect credit and have always paid my rent on time, through a rental company and through an investor. Please call me with prices at 847-912-****. I currently rent in Phoenix, but would like to move to Scottsdale.
Thanks,
L

#8 - Lisa Koltun - 09/03/2009 - 13:24

As someone who owns a unit in Camelview, I would like to respond to and add my own perspective to Krista's comments.

In general, I've had a great experience with Optima, although it is very upsetting that we are in the current market, and values seem to be down a lot, and puts everyone in a bind as far as moving/selling. Unfortunately, I guess I'll be staying put a while.

There are far too many rentals - and disrespectful people who don't appreciate the fact that the owners paid $400+ a foot for these places.

Can somebody please verify the increase in HOA fees. I think the current fees are outrageous as is, and any increase would be ridiculous - if they are going to that rate, I would vote out the current HOA and get someone to run the place more efficiently.

Guest parking is bad, but I agree with towing people, especially when we paid $25K / space - Why pay that if everyone can park for free.

The security guards in my opinion always look sloppy and unprofessional - no experience with the treatment of ladies comment though.

Water purification is absent.

For the most part the amenities - pool, gym, courts are maintained immaculately.

One of my biggest complaints is the fact that we have old fashioned keys to open doors/elevators. Are you kidding me??? You must use a metal key to access the elevator after you already are in a secured area - good luck with your groceries.

Earlier this year there were some security issues - if the property had access cards, it would be very to track when and where people are and whether people are where they should or should not be.

This is by far the coolest project in Scottsdale, and I'm hoping that things turn around soon!

#7 - Doug - 07/21/2009 - 15:23

Too many issues/problems

During the 7 months I lived at Optima Camelview employees and construction workers ILLEGALLY ENTERED MY CONDO BETWEEN 5-6 TIMES. They will tell you that only upper level management has a master key (a key that will unlock any door in the development). This is not true. After I caught one of their real-estate agents in my condo with a camera I moved out. I really should have called the police and pressed criminal charges, but she looked like a grandmother; late 60's maybe early 70's. (No, my unit was not in foreclosure or anything like that)

AS SOON AS THE DEVELOPMENT IS FILLED, THE MONTHLY HOA WILL DOUBLE from .40cents/sq.ft./month to .80cents/sq.ft./month. (my 2000 sq.ft. condo will go from $800/mo up to $1,600.00/month)

Other issues: LIMITED GUEST PARKING SPACES AVAILABLE. VEHICLES WILL BE TOWED if they are in an undesignated “guest" space more than 24 hours. (I can not count how many $$$$ vehicles I have seen towed. I personally think the security guards and tow truck drivers enjoy towing luxury vehicles)

During summer months the LOADING DOCK AREA (BY THE MAIL ROOM) where trash is contained STINKS SO BAD DURING THE SUMMER IT WOULD MAKE ME GAG.. They add enzymes but this does not always work well over 110 degree temperatures.

WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK. Management finally admitted to me in confidence that the system is too complicated and no-one knows how to make it work, interpret the directions, or fix it.

When I lived here the STEAM ROOM SMELLED MOLDY. I spoke with property management numerous times regarding this and even provided them with the necessary information regarding cleaning and maintaining steam rooms. I hope this has changed my now.

Also when I was here, a few of the ETHNIC SECURITY GUARDS TREATED WOMEN LIKE SECOND-CLASS CITIZENS. However, there were also a few courteous American ones as well.

Positive: the POOL WAS ALWAYS CLEAN and smelled of chlorine.

After spending 1.5M I would expect a little more.

#6 - Krista - 07/20/2009 - 15:05

There are 52 condos currently for sale at Optima Camelview Village of which nine are short sales or bank owned property. 7 condominiums are 'under contract' (meaning a buyer is in the process of getting a loan and doing her inspections). Of these 2 of the condos are short sales or bank owned.

#5 - Will Daly - 03/27/2009 - 11:47

Start Previous Page

Name

E-mail (Will not appear online)

Homepage

Title

Comment

To prevent automated Bots form spamming, please enter the text you see in the image below in the appropriate input box. Your comment will only be submitted if the strings match. Please ensure that your browser supports and accepts cookies, or your comment cannot be verified correctly.

This comment form is powered by GentleSource Comment Script. It can be included in PHP or HTML files and allows visitors to leave comments on the website.