Oxford offers apartments with community amenities near Big Surf at 3777 E McDowell Rd in Phoenix, with resident spaces such as two pools with a spa, a 24-hour fitness center, a clubhouse lounge with Wi-Fi, a dog park, grilling courtyards, and controlled-access gates. Big Surf refers to the former Tempe water park landmark near McClintock Drive and the Loop 202, so this search is best understood as looking near the East Phoenix, Papago, and north Tempe corridor rather than beside an operating attraction.
For many long-time Valley residents, Big Surf is still a useful map reference. The Tempe water park operated for decades on North McClintock Drive and was known locally for its large wave pool before it closed, which is why people may still use the name when comparing rentals near Papago Park, Tempe Town Lake, Arizona State University, and the east side of Phoenix.
From Oxford, daily driving typically centers on East McDowell Road, 44th Street, 52nd Street, State Route 143, Loop 202, and I-10. Those routes help connect residents with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Papago Park, the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, ASU, Tempe Marketplace, and the McClintock and Scottsdale Road corridors. It is a practical location for renters who split time between Phoenix and Tempe, especially if airport access, campus access, or regional commuting matters.
The community amenities are most useful if you want things to do at home between trips across town. Oxford has two resort-inspired pools with a spa, a 24-hour fitness center, and a clubhouse or resident lounge with Wi-Fi for a change of scenery without leaving the community. The courtyards with grilling areas and a fountain give residents outdoor space for casual evenings, while the on-site walking and biking trail adds a simple option for movement close to home.
Pet owners should note that Oxford is pet-friendly and includes a dog park, which can be helpful in this part of Phoenix where many outings still involve getting in the car. The community also lists covered parking, controlled-access gates, 24-hour emergency maintenance, exterior storage availability, and detached garages, with garage availability and any related details best confirmed directly with the leasing office.
Inside the apartments, the everyday features are geared toward function: full-size washer and dryer included, high-speed internet readiness, ceiling fans, vertical blinds, spacious closets, oversized windows, and wood-like flooring. Private patios and balconies, French doors, track lighting, linen closets, and USB outlets are available in select homes, so ask the office which specific features are included in the apartment you are considering.
Oxford’s current floor plan mix includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts, ranging from the A1 one-bedroom at 663 square feet to the C2 three-bedroom at 1,135 square feet. The two-bedroom options include layouts in the 911 to 985 square foot range, including B2, B3, and B4 plans. Current pricing, deposits, move-in dates, and exact availability can change, so the leasing office is the best source for the latest details.
The honest trade-off is that this location is not ideal for someone who wants every errand, restaurant, or recreation stop to be a quiet walk away. The area is built around major Phoenix and Tempe roads, and traffic near the airport, Loop 202, and ASU can affect drive times during peak periods or large events.
If you are comparing East Phoenix apartments because the former Big Surf area, Papago Park, ASU, or Sky Harbor fit your routine, schedule a tour at Oxford and ask the team to match available floor plans with the community and in-home features that matter most to you.