The Fireside in Scottsdale, AZ

Pros

• AJ is patient and welcoming to questions.
• The staff provide very fast responses.
• The management team is helpful and quick to respond to issues.
• The maintenance staff does an excellent job.
• The location is very convenient for residents.
• The common areas are well-kept.
• The properties are quiet, comfortable, and clean.
• AJ and Selena are doing a fantastic job and are appreciated by vendors.
• Edd is a genuine, caring, and respectful property manager who makes move-ins smooth.
• The Fireside East community feels safe, friendly, and well managed.
• The rent is very reasonable and the property is desirable.
• The landscaping with big trees and the spacious, pet-friendly layouts contribute to a pleasant living experience.

Cons

• The AC is not turned on until April 30, leaving residents to endure sweltering heat.
• Rents are rising at an incredible pace, with a one-bedroom around $1,000 per month, and mice and roaches have been reported.
• The property is run by a greedy corporation and management are described as smiling puppets.
• The place is described as a dump.
• The reviewer notes a mold-related issue that may have caused health problems, suggesting a traumatic experience.

Review

The Fireside in Scottsdale is best suited for an older adult who wants a quiet, well-kept apartment community with responsive on-site management, a strong safety profile, and a location that makes everyday errands and social activities convenient. Residents who value a walkable setting, large patios or balconies, spacious floor plans, and pet-friendly policies will find the layout and atmosphere appealing. The combination of utilities that are included and a management team that is consistently praised for accessibility and reliability creates a practical, low-drama living experience for those who want predictable, everyday comfort without the frills of a high-end senior living campus.

Those considering alternatives should pay close attention to climate control and cost volatility. A significant consideration is the policy that the AC is not activated until the end of April, which can leave rental homes uncomfortably warm during spring and early summer. For anyone who requires reliable, year-round cooling as a non-negotiable, this policy is a hard constraint. Prospective residents who are sensitive to mold or pest issues, or who expect rents to stay stable rather than rise, may also want to explore other options. The combination of a few isolated but serious concerns means that this community will not suit every budget or preference, especially for those with strong demands for pest control and environmental health.

On the upside, the resident experience is anchored by standout pros that matter day to day. Maintenance responsiveness is a clear strength, with staff like AJ delivering timely repairs and a willingness to address questions promptly. The on-site management, particularly figures like Edd and Selena, earns repeated praise for walking new residents through processes, maintaining a safe, clean environment, and cultivating a welcoming feel. Common areas are described as well-kept, and the broader community life is enhanced by the location - near Old Town Scottsdale, with nearby groceries and shops - creating real conveniences that offset some daily lodging costs. This practical backbone often translates into a smoother move-in and ongoing peace of mind.

Nonetheless, several cons temper the otherwise favorable picture. The heat policy is the most conspicuous drawback, with warm months potentially extending discomfort and undermining the sense of home during peak Arizona temperatures. Rent growth is another frequent bone of contention, with long-standing residents noting meaningful increases that can challenge budgeting over time, even if utilities are included. Complaints about pests, and at least one report alleging mold on a patio, introduce legitimate risk considerations that warrant thorough vetting during tours and lease discussions. While many residents sing the praises of management, those who view corporate ownership as a disservice may see these patterns as evidence of a broader price-and-control dynamic.

In weighing the key positives against the drawbacks, the balance tilts in favor of the Fireside's practical strengths for those who can tolerate the heat policy and price trajectory. The immediate, tangible benefits - responsive maintenance, dependable on-site managers, a clean and safe environment, and a convenient, amenity-light lifestyle - provide real value for residents who prize ease and reliability over bells and whistles. The strong sense of community fostered by hands-on managers, plus a location that reduces daily errands and shortens commutes, helps offset some of the daily friction created by higher rents or the need to pre-plan cooling solutions. The environment feels more like a well-run apartment community than a full-service senior living campus, which is exactly the fit for residents who want independence with dependable support.

For anyone actively evaluating this community, a focused decision checklist is essential. Schedule a detailed summer temperature check of a candidate unit and confirm the exact date the AC can reliably be turned on in practice. Request a current pest control summary and a transparent plan for any mold concerns, including recent remediation activity and preventive measures. Ask for the latest lease terms, including any upcoming rent changes and available promotions, to understand the true monthly cost trajectory. Speak with long-tenured residents or a current tenant about the consistency of management responsiveness across weekends and holidays. If this combination of location, management accessibility, and practical convenience aligns with priorities, The Fireside deserves serious consideration. If annual cooling reliability, strict environmental health standards, or stable, modest pricing are non-negotiable, alternatives should be pursued with urgency.

This part of Scottsdale, Arizona, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities within a short distance. With several restaurants catering to various tastes, pharmacies for easy access to medication, cafes for socializing and enjoying a cup of coffee, physicians and hospitals for medical care needs, places of worship for spiritual fulfillment, and transportation options including an airport nearby, this area provides everything needed for comfortable senior living. Additionally, there is a park within reach for outdoor activities and relaxation. The community here is welcoming and the services available make it an ideal location for seniors looking for a convenient and well-connected neighborhood in Scottsdale.

Restaurants

• The Vig McCormick (0.3 miles)
• Zipps Sports Grill (1.2 miles)
• McDonald's (1.2 miles)
• White Castle (2 miles)
• Toca Madera Scottsdale (2.7 miles)
• Shake Shack (2.7 miles)
• Francine (2.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• Walgreens (3.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.1 miles)
• Fry's Pharmacy (4.9 miles)

Cafes

• Dutch Bros Coffee (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (4.9 miles)
• Butters Pancakes & Cafe (5.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (5.9 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (6.1 miles)

Physicians

• One Medical (2.7 miles)
• Valley Sleep Center - Scottsdale Center (2.8 miles)
• Advanced Fertility Care (3.2 miles)
• Medical Plaza 1 (3.2 miles)
• HonorHealth Virginia G. Piper Cancer Care Network - 10460 N. 92nd St (3.2 miles)
• Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers (3.4 miles)
• Scottsdale Cardiovascular Center (3.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Piper Surgery Center (3.2 miles)
• Greenbaum Surgery Center (3.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church (3.6 miles)
• Christ Church of the Ascension (4.9 miles)
• Impact Church (5.3 miles)
• Salt River Assembly of God (5.5 miles)
• Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church (6.4 miles)

Transportation

• Scottsdale Municipal Airport (SDL) (5.7 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (6.4 miles)

Parks

• Kierland Park (6.8 miles)