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.

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Comments

This same scene...footnoise from everywhere has been with us for over a year. We have reported this on this site in the past. thaithio

#34 - pl - 01/13/2012 - 06:31

We hear foot noise from all units next to us, including the unit above. This can go on at all hours of the day and night. Anyone else have this kind of issue?

#33 - caplan syndrome - 01/13/2012 - 02:53

I was told the newer buildings are better, but who knows. You can hear everything. I could hear the person next to me move her hangers in the closet. You don\\\\\\\'t hear voice noise, you hear the noise of footsteps, chairs sliding, doors, anything that slides across a non-carpet surface.

#32 - Azithromycin uses - 12/30/2011 - 23:12

I think the prob has been resolved. Optima Camelview Village could correct the issue as well.

#31 - celexa dosage - 12/30/2011 - 21:29

Parking Problems

We agree. Parking here is very difficult. We wanted to rent a condo for $3,000 month and didn't when we found out there was only 1 reserved parking place. Sure - a temporary pass can be had - but they are a hassle and only for a limited period of time. Verify your number of parking places before you rent or buy here.

#30 - Canadians - 12/06/2011 - 15:10

Owner of WKU Realty

Optima - Parking spaces not being part of the condo deed might stink but its actually very common, at least in AZ. It seems that the owner of the 3 bedroom condo hurt the value of the condo by selling the third space. But then again would the seller get an extra $25-30k for the condo with a 3rd spot? Unlikely. Sorry for your troubles. Contact us if you need help. Will Daly, 480-510-8755 ext.4

#29 - Will Daly - 12/06/2011 - 14:51

Parking Spaces

I do not understand how owners can sell their deeded parking spaces for $25,000-$30,000. Is this legal? The spaces should stay with the units. In trying to buy a 3 bedroom condo there - the parking space was sold! We are told they are unavailable to buy now, as well. How can the HOA allow this to happen. Can they honestly justify the large HOA fee ($1,000+/month) and have only one parking place? Parking at Optima is a nightmare!!!

#28 - optima - 12/06/2011 - 14:19

New Optima Camelview Listing - Amazing unti for sale - New to Market

#27 - Three Girls Real Estate Group - 12/02/2011 - 08:20

My Favorite Scottsdale Luxury Property

I have seen some negative comments here about Camelview but I have found the property to be an amazing value. The HOA is very strong - what other properties can boast that in today's economy. They have held their value overall - There are only 20 new units left to sell. Three restaurants, concierge, dry cleaners on property, 24,000 sq ft fitness center, indoor lap pool, basketball court and racquetball court - I could go on. HOAs are 1/2 what other properties have with four times the amenities. All properties are experiencing short sale and bank owned inventory - Optima Camelview has less bank owned and SS properties than many other urban developments. Call me at 480-510-8755 EXTENSION 28 we are Scottsdale Luxury Urban specialists.

#26 - Tami Johnson - 12/02/2011 - 08:12

Owner of WKU

Optima Biltmore Towers has aggressively addressed the issue of pets peeing etc in common areas. I think the prob has been resolved. Optima Camelview Village could correct the issue as well. I gotta think the renter issue will be resolved as our market improves. We will see.....

#25 - Will Daly - 10/23/2011 - 14:47

NOISE and SMELL

Moved in a few months ago, lots of renters and lots of VRBO guest. all days of the week. THe pet urine smell is over whelming, no water on patios or in the landscape areas so pee smell is everywhere.
Noise, doors slam, elevators creek, garage doors open and close 24/7. no insulation, can hear my upstairs neighbor shower, flush and walk around. i would never buy on of these.

#24 - jen - 10/23/2011 - 14:36

Noise

When you have cement and steel, mixed with floor to ceiling glass, you are going to hear noise, it travels.

The noise was horrible there. I was told the newer buildings are better, but who knows. You can hear everything. I could hear the person next to me move her hangers in the closet. You don\'t hear voice noise, you hear the noise of footsteps, chairs sliding, doors, anything that slides across a non-carpet surface. If you are lucky enough to live below carpet you are safe. I remember when the man moved in below us. He pounded on our door at 10pm asking why we have been moving furniture for 10 hours. We told him we hadn\'t been home all day! Welcome to Optima.

I was in building 7161. If the new buildings are better, I would move back. Despite the noise, I think it has grown and has a great feel. The only place I found sound proof was Waterfront and Safari Drive....

#23 - Previous Optima Resident - 09/25/2011 - 06:28

Fitness center crashers

Very frustrating that the fitness center fills up with non-residents at night and on weekends. I understand many residents are selling/trading FOBs. Its common to see house-cleaners, maintenance/landscape workers etc in the gym/basketball court/pool area. Very frustrating.

#22 - Bufft - 07/11/2011 - 18:42

Smell

Great place except that there is an overwhelming stench of pet urine during the summer. Guess its because there is no drainage so when pet owners let their dogs out the urine just builds up in the soil over time.

#21 - Smug - 07/11/2011 - 18:37

Paul - A cork barrier is required to prevent noise transmission to other units, including neighboring units. If you're hearing footfalls, it could be the other owners ignored this requirement. Of course, you may also have neighbors who like to stomp around in boots or high heels. These are the same people who can't simply close their front doors; rather, they SLAM them as hard as possible. That is the primary noise I hear in my unit and it's maddening, especially when you're jarred out of sleep because of it. Good luck.

#20 - Bear - 03/06/2011 - 19:55

Wow, 36 units up for sale currently. Anyone know the reasons behind the mass exodus?

#19 - Jeff - 03/05/2011 - 12:02

As someone who has an intimate understanding of the Camelview HOA bugdet i can assure you that the developer is not subsidizing the budget. The fact is the HOA is in good shape and as long as level headed homeowners take over once the turn over happens there should be no need to raise HOA assesments. As far as Pauls noise comments great care went into the sound details at Camelveiw to minimize sound transmition and i have heard of very few complaints. You do live in a multi-family environment, you are going to here some noise.

#18 - Spartan - 03/02/2011 - 08:05

I am in litigation regarding \"noise\" in the unit. If you wish info, just e mail me at plangseth93@hotmail.com

#17 - paul langseth - 01/25/2011 - 17:55

Camelview HOA magic

As an owner of multiple dwellings and assorted real estate, I find it bizarre that in order to get a current HOA report on the Optima Camelview, it is impossible; The only one disseminated is a 'projection' of a 2010 budget from November, 2009. It is obvious that the HOA is being subsidized by the current builder/owner. Once the magic number is hit to turn the HOA over to the owners...watch out...either there will be major hikes of HOA fees or major decreases in services. Only a true HOA accounting can predict the future...not the nonsense that is being given out now.

#16 - jerry - 12/13/2010 - 23:26

HOA Fees

As someone who has invested in three Optima buildings, the assessments will likely take a steep increase. Optima is notorious for setting them extremely low to begin with. I had one unit go from $120 a month to $200 per month within 2 years. Presently that unit is at $255 and the building is 6 years old. This is for a 678 sq ft one bedroom...

#15 - Tony - 12/06/2010 - 10:00

Owner of We Know Urban Realty

Mrs Miller - I don't believe that HOA fees will double at Optima Camelview Village once all units are sold. That is extremely unlikely. Did you read that on this web site or ???

Paul - I hadn't heard of noise problems like that before. And for that matter I hear very few complaints from people in other high/mid-rise buildings; usually construction quality is superior in such structures.

#14 - Will Daly - 09/08/2010 - 16:47

noise

We hear foot noise from all units next to us, including the unit above. This can go on at all hours of the day and night. Anyone else have this kind of issue?

#13 - paul langseth - 08/31/2010 - 20:51

hoa

Why will the HOA double after all the units are sold. The HOA are already to much. In today economy I\\\'m sure they could get better prices for maintence. Are they just lazy or do they not care?

#12 - Mrs. Miller - 08/17/2010 - 15:50

Owner of WeKnowUrban

David - The requirement of a sound barrier underneath hard flooring is pretty common in high rise buildings, not just Camelview Village. Sound barriers include sheets of cork, thick felt and/or a thick gooey almost glue like material. I had cork laid under the wood floors of our condo. Are you getting a lot of noise or just the occasional annoyance? W

#11 - Will Daly - 04/03/2010 - 23:16

We've lived at Camelview for less than a month. Generally, it's been a good experience - except for noise disturbances.

I note in the CC&Rs that there is a mandated "underlay" for noise suppression in under the flooring. Can anyone tell me about that? Particularly since it doesn't seem to work.

#10 - David - 04/03/2010 - 09:56

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

Optima is a great complex, however cell phone and air card reception there is very poor. This is true for several carriers in the 7141 building.

#4 - Jon S - 03/11/2009 - 18:55

buyer

Looking for a two bedroom unit.

#3 - don weibel - 03/09/2009 - 19:37

Optima Camelview condos

!@#$%o,

I may look to purchase one of these condos in the next 2-3 months...... but don't want to act until they bottom-out in price.

Please let me know what you have available. Thanks

#2 - Philip Tortora - 03/02/2009 - 15:54

Prices at Optima Camelview are being affected by the bank owned and short sale listings (mostly short sales in this community right now). In the first half of 2008 resale prices dropped 18% from the average price in 2007. In the second half of 2008 prices dropped another 7.12%. So far in 2009 prices have dropped another 10.18%. We expect to see more foreclosures and bank owned listings in 2009.

#1 - Will Daly - 02/15/2009 - 06:42

Of the 49 condominiums for sale at Optima Camelview Village, 11 are either short sales or bank owned. Of these prices range from $285,000 to 999,900 with prices per square foot running from $284 to 571.

#0 - Will Daly - 02/13/2009 - 07:33

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