Phoenix
Phoenix, known as The Valley of the Sun for its 300-plus days of sunshine each year, is fragmented into many neighborhoods and suburbs. Visitors first notice the sprawling low profile of most of the valley, with two exceptional high-rise downtown neighborhoods. Greater Phoenix
Greater Phoenix includes the older North Central Phoenix area, which extends through the central Camelback corridor to just past Northern Avenue. "North Central" is relative, as the area has grown so much in recent years. Beautiful upscale mansions and stately homes grace this area, which is dotted with fragrant citrus trees.
Downtown
The downtown area has been undergoing a major facelift since the building of the America West Arena and Bank One Ballpark. Coffeehouses, restaurants, nightclubs and shopping in the Arizona Center continue to draw people downtown for the hopping nightlife. Many new restaurants have blossomed, including A League Of Our Own. Incorporating the themes of Phoenix's early history with culture and local events, Copper Square is a full square-mile hotspot for activities and action. Downtown attractions include a walk in the park at Patriots Square or delve into the new Arizona Science Center, Phoenix Museum of History or the Phoenix Art Museum.
West Phoenix
The inner neighborhoods include moderately priced homes largely developed in the 70s. Shopping in the west area is provided by Desert Sky Mall, and Cricket Pavilion offers an open-air entertainment amphitheatre for concerts and attractions.
The growing west side continues to spread outward. Visit charming Historic Downtown Glendale and Catlin Court for first-rate antique opportunities. The newer Arrowhead Towne Center Mall affords shopping and diverse dining choices.
Outlying Areas
Further out from the city you will find a small pocket of higher priced homes called Litchfield Park, developed in the 70s largely for the enlisted soldiers and officers of nearby Luke Air Force Base. Rooted in agriculture, the cotton fields are slowly giving way to new homes and businesses. Smaller communities like Avondale, Buckeye and Goodyear are seeing steady development as well.
Southwest
Rainbow Valley and the Estrellas are a mix of newer stucco and tile homes edging out the existing prefab housing and trailers nearby. Golfers, hikers and campers, check out the scenery at Estrella Mountain Regional Park.
South Phoenix
Largely comprised of low-cost housing and industry, the walled and gated community of Ahwatukee is a notable exception. Ahwatukee residents are mostly older adults and urban professionals, and upscale apartments coexist with middle class housing. Be sure to take the South Mountain Park Scenic Drive while you are visiting this area. Fabulous sunsets are the pride of Arizona and best enjoyed from a desert wilderness vantage point. Nearby shopping can be accomplished at the new Arizona Mills Mall just across the freeway.
Northwest
Past Peoria and Glendale are the communities of Sun City, Sun City West, Youngtown and Surprise. Hikers will enjoy the White Tank Mountain Regional Park. The Sun Cities and Youngtown are largely retirement communities with a casual, leisure pace.
East Side
Bordering Phoenix is the Town of Paradise Valley. Northeast of Phoenix, this area draws middle to upperclass residents, and fine shopping is available at the Paradise Valley Mall.
East of Paradise Valley is Scottsdale, fondly referred to by residents as "The West's Most Western Town." Highly sought after for conventions and vacations, this area has upscale housing and topnotch restaurants such as Ruth's Chris Steak House at Lincoln Drive and Scottsdale Road. World class shopping is provided at the lovely Borgata of Scottsdale.
Located south of Scottsdale, Tempe is primarily a college town and the home of Arizona State University. Local festivals such as Fall Festival of the Arts are extremely popular down on South Mill. Arizona State University is located in its center, ringed by family and student housing.
Continuing east we find Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert. Chandler remained largely an agricultural community until a growth spurt, which began in the 70s. Much of this area houses young families and middle-class professionals in stucco and tile developments. Local shopping is enjoyable at the Superstition Springs Center Mall at the northwest corner of Highway 60 and Power Road.
Anthem and New River
Found in the extreme northern end of the Valley are the small communities of New River and Anthem just off of Interstate 17. New River is an older, small community with retirees and families, while Anthem sports an upscale planned community within the New River area. Find shopping nearby at the Prime Outlets Mall.
Carefree and Cave Creek
The northeast Valley finds the towns of Carefree and Cave Creek, home to upscale resorts like the Boulders Resort and spa. Carefree is a popular retirement village and many residents are upper-class. Cave Creek residents are more middle-incomes and families. Attractions here include unique shopping at el Pedregal Festival Marketplace or dining and drinks at Crazy Ed's Satisfied Frog.
Fountain Hills
Traveling farther east to the edge of the McDowell Mountains brings you to the beautiful town of Fountain Hills. The centerpiece of the city is the world's tallest fountain jetting water 560 feet from the center of the lake in the town's park. This powerful white plume can be seen for miles around. Originally a cattle ranch, this planned community had eyes for retirees in the 70s and now prides itself on its small town appeal.
Apache Junction and the Superstition Mountains
This virtual desert wilderness has yet to see grand scale development, although some newer stucco and tile communities provide stark contrast to the clusters of retirement mobile homes. Take a tour through Goldfield Ghost Town and ride an authentic narrow guage mining traing, or try your hand at gold-panning.
Wherever you decide to visit, the Valley of the Sun gives rise to fabulous scenic drives sprinkled with plenty of western folklore and entertainment. See you soon!
Copyright © 1999-2008 wcities.com all right reserved
