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Photo by Michael Woodall
Urban dwellers will love the view from the waterfront condos at Hayden Ferry Lakeside in Tempe. |
Yeah, yeah, you are what you eat. That may be true on a metabolic level, but deep down we all know it’s our neighborhoods that define us. It’s a story as old as time: city mouse vs. country mouse, house vs. high-rise, quaint vs. grandiose. The process of picking where to plant your roots is, in many ways, a reflection of yourself. The right community can embrace your personality and build confidence, comfort you when you’re feeling alone and spark a lifelong romance with your home. But a neighborhood’s personality goes well beyond its ZIP code.
“Creating a community happens in two parts,” says Brent Herrington, vice president of DMB, a major master-planned community builder in the Valley whose developments include Scottsdale’s DC Ranch and Buckeye’s Verrado. “First, you have the hardware – the streets, parks, lights, sidewalks, homes. Then you have the software, and that’s the people stuff. Are the people who live in this community philanthropic? Is there an emphasis on education, social activities, family experiences? Those two parts – the hardware and the software – work together to form a community’s identity.”
The personalities of the Valley’s various neighborhoods vary like a box of chocolates. And the good news is now, more than ever, it’s a buyer’s market. This means the choices and opportunities to get into that perfect ’hood are endless. That said, it’s also important to really examine what you want to make sure you find that perfect fit. Remember, a home is a pretty big investment.
“You really need to be honest with yourself, evaluate things and think about your daily life,” Herrington says.
Don Veidt, a Valley real estate agent since 1998, urges his clients to really brainstorm before they buy. “I want to get to the critical issues of importance to a buyer and establish a prioritized list,” he says. “This includes more than price range and size. We filter for commute, schools, entertainment venues, views, age of the community, etc.”
This year, our list of some of the Valley’s best neighborhoods features a little bit of everything. We want to take some of the head-scratching out of your MLS search. To help, we’ve broken down our list of great streets/blocks/cities by personality types. Whether your life has gone to the dogs (literally), you’re a single who craves great nightlife, you want to be on the edge of sporting action, or you want the perfect nest for your growing family, we’ve found a neighborhood for you. Check out our list and do a little self-examining while you’re at it.
Vertical Dweller
Downtown TempeAs the urban-living craze has simmered in the Valley during the last five years, one locale has really found a way to make the vertical lifestyle zing – downtown Tempe.
Urbanites can choose from the Town Lake waterfront condos of Hayden Ferry Lakeside, concrete-and-brick loft units at The Orchid House, penthouse views from Centerpoint Condominiums or classic brownstones from the aptly named Brownstones at Tempe. With more than a dozen urban-living projects that are either complete or in the works, those looking to get into the heart of this college town will find a variety of choices (not to mention price tags, with smaller loft units averaging $300,000 and sky-high condos selling for $1 million and up).
Residents of this neighborhood also are treated to more than 175 boutiques, bars and restaurants. Dinner and drinks are just a stroll away, with plenty of options lining lively Mill Avenue, from RA Sushi and the historic Monti’s La Casa Vieja to newer, chic spots like I Am the Center café.
Snapshot: Tempe population, 170,000; size, about 3 square miles; median resale housing price for ZIP code 85281, $291,000.
The Upsizer and the Downsizer
ChandlerWhether you’re a growing family or an empty-nester looking to simplify, Chandler in the southeast Valley is simply the best locale to find the square footage you’re looking for and get some bang for your buck. The downsizer will be dazzled at the dozens of leftover housing boom condo-conversions complete with amenities such as pools, clubhouses and workout facilities, while those looking for room to breathe will find 4,000-square-foot single-family dwellings by the hundreds.
Commuters will relish the easy access to Interstate 10, US 60 and loops 101 and 202, and those not wanting to travel far for weekend fun will find their hub for shopping at Chandler Fashion Center. The eateries in this ’hood run the gamut, from family-friendly joints like NYPD Pizza and Famous Dave’s BBQ to more fanciful meals served up at independent hotspots like 98 South Wine Bar and Anise Vietnamese Restaurant. In addition, Chandler’s growing historic downtown district includes some of the Valley’s most unique shops and eateries in a walkable setting. The city is teaching other cities a thing or two about quality of life.
Snapshot: Chandler population, 250,000; size, 71 square miles; median resale housing price, $297,000.
The Cowboy
Carefree/Cave CreekIf you love the smell of rawhide in the morning, the northeast Valley communities of Cave Creek and Carefree are ones where you can really saddle up. Your first hint that things are a bit different ’round these parts comes when the postman at the modest post office greets you by name.
While the housing selection runs a bit high-end, the wide-open spaces, ranch-style architecture and feeling of being away from it all – even though you’re really just a mountain bluff away from the big city – all make dropping the extra dollars seem worthwhile.
You and your 10-gallon hat can run wild at the many Western-themed biker joints that line the winding Cave Creek Road or, as the locals like to call it, “main drag.” For family fun there’s the Buffalo Chip Saloon & Steakhouse, which comes with an on-site blacksmith, tire swing and outside dance floor, or if you’re heading out solo, dine in at the Horny Toad restaurant or the historic Harolds Corral. And if this neighborhood’s wild side isn’t enough to entrance you, you’ll also take pleasure in the nearly constant 10-degree cooler temperatures that these towns boast.
Snapshot: Carefree and Cave Creek population, 8,000; size, 38 square miles; median resale housing price, $610,000.
The Rural Fancier
Queen CreekIf you plan on putting ponies in your front yard, you’ll fit right in at any of Queen Creek’s numerous equestrian neighborhoods. This town is paramount for horse types and even boasts equestrian amenities at its city parks. You’ll find a path and staging area at Desert Mountain Park at Hawes and Ocotillo roads. The Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre at Riggs and Ellsworth roads is under construction and will showcase multiple 100-stall barns, lighted arenas, trails and washing racks, among other hoof-friendly facilities by year’s end.
This far southeast Valley region also offers an endless menu of home choices, from master-planned school/park/neighborhood packages to sprawling acreage perfect for practicing those barrel-racing techniques. Plus, commercial development kicked in long before the economy soured, so Queen Creek residents are now privy to convenient shopping and restaurant offerings found throughout the Valley. For something special, you can always treat yourself to a little dinner under the stars at San Tan Flats. Though the owner is still battling a “no dancing” ordinance, his customers are treated to live music on the weekends.
Snapshot: Queen Creek population, 22,000; size, 26 square miles; median resale housing price, $194,000
Season Ticket-Holder
Glendale’s Sports & Entertainment District Runner-up:
Downtown PhoenixSupporting your hometown athletes can be a full-time job, especially when season ticket prices run well into the thousands. If you like to live in the thick of things, especially where ESPN is concerned, then the sleek townhomes and condos at Glendale’s Westgate City Center will fit you like a well-tailored jersey. The 1,400- to 1,800-square-foot, three-story dwellings called The Quarter look out on the University of Phoenix Stadium, the setting for Super Bowl XLII, as well as Jobing.com Arena. There’s also the 10-story glass tower Majestic, with units priced between $400,000 and $2 million. Reservations are currently being taken, but the project is not slated to open for two years. When complete, expect the luxury tower to boast amenities fit for Hollywood types, including a circular rooftop pool and a fitness club complete with a bamboo retreat. With two major sporting venues within steps of your front door, not to mention spring training dugouts for the White Sox and Dodgers in the works just a block away, it’s game on for most of your weekends.
If you bleed purple and orange or want the option of catching a (very out-of-the-park) homerun ball from a regular season baseball game, then our second-place pick is Downtown Phoenix. Choose from a variety of loft and condo units near the sporty intersection of Jefferson and Fourth streets, including Stadium Lofts located just southwest of Chase Field, and treat yourself to the beer-batter meals at Alice Cooperstown or Jackson’s on Third Street.
Snapshot: Major cross streets for Glendale, 91st and Glendale avenues, and for Phoenix, Jefferson and Fourth streets; median resale housing price for Glendale ZIP code 85305, $340,000, and for Phoenix ZIP code 85004, $493,000.
Handy TypesWoodlea and Coronado Neighborhoods, PhoenixWoodlea and Coronado are situated at Seventh Avenue and Indian School Road and Seventh Street and McDowell Road, respectively. Although these historic neighborhoods are often over-shadowed by the showy Encanto/Palmcroft or Willo neighborhoods, they make a compelling argument as far as your mortgage payment is concerned. For those willing to park the Dumpster in front of the house and begin ripping up and knocking down, the quaint and unique homes found in these neighborhoods offer an excellent return on investment.
Shadowed by mature greenery, the homes are a bit smaller in these blocks, averaging in the 1,200- to 1,400-square-foot range. But if you’re willing to put in the aesthetic touches and maneuver the tedious permit approval process that often accompanies work on historic homes, you can come away with a real Tudor, bungalow or Spanish Colonial gem.
When you want to take a breather from a hard day of rerouting ductwork and installing wiring, there are plenty of hotspots to hit up in these neighborhoods, from the dim, swanky Durant’s and the hip burger joint Fez, both on Central Avenue, to the wickedly popular Barrio Café on 16th Street near Thomas Road.
Snapshot: Woodlea and Coronado size, approximately 2 square miles; median resale housing price for ZIP code 85013 (Woodlea), $227,000, and for ZIP code 85006 (Coronado), $160,000.
The HistorianF.Q. Story Neighborhood, PhoenixDon’t be fooled by the well-maintained front porches, palm-lined roads and perfectly manicured lawns that sprinkle the streets just north and south of Interstate 10 between Seventh and 15th avenues. These homes are old – approaching 90 years for some. But the adoration for the cherished F.Q. Story neighborhood (named for Boston wool merchant Francis Quarles Story) has helped freeze-frame a page in Phoenix’s architectural history. The end result is a pristine historic neighborhood with rows of Spanish Colonial Revival cottages, English Tudors, Craftsman bungalows and transitional ranch homes.
If it’s a step back in time you seek, you’ll get it here, complete with original concrete, wood floors, windowsills and ornate trim. Many of the homes also have been updated with posh modern amenities such as granite counters and stainless-steel appliances. While many price tags hover around the $600,000 mark (there are a few in the $1 million range), you can still find a bargain 1920s or 1930s home in this ’hood for $200,000 or less if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves or call in the contractors for some renovation work.
Just a short drive (or future light rail ride) to various Downtown corridors makes dining out easy, especially if you’re hip to the tasty choices served at the Willo Bread Company and neighboring My Florist Café.
Snapshot: F.Q. Story size, 602 homes; median resale housing price for ZIP code 85007, $188,000.
Culture BoundThird Avenue and Palm Lane, PhoenixIf you’re lucky enough to land a house near Third Avenue and Palm Lane just east of Phoenix’s Heard Museum, then you’ll be one of a handful of Phoenicians who call this charmingly ritzy nook of the city home. Residents here are usually the first to know when new installations go in at the Phoenix Art Museum, as it’s less than a block away. Phoenix’s main library branch is also in this neck of the woods, and heading just a mile south will get you to the Arizona Science Center and Heritage Square Park, where you’ll find some of the city’s best slices at Pizzeria Bianco. Homes are rarely on the market here and are priced near or above $1 million.
Snapshot: Neighborhood size, 2-3 blocks; median resale housing price for ZIP code 85004, $493,000.
The Rail RiderSunview Estates, Phoenix Central CorridorIn the 1960s, the vast front lawns and stretched out ranch homes just east of 15th Avenue near Bethany Home Road celebrated being nestled up to one of the first enclosed shopping malls in the state of Arizona. Fast forward to 2008, and this ’hood, dubbed Sunview Estates, has a new set of bragging rights. Not only has the beloved Spectrum Mall (formerly Christown) gotten a facelift, complete with a new list of tenants like Super Target, but the western end of the first leg of the Valley’s light rail line happens to be here.
If you’re looking to commit to the Valley’s foray into futuristic mass transit, then you’ll find an easy ride here. Plus, the Sunview neighborhood gets you into that sought-after central corridor. Homes here tend to go for $600,000 and up, but widening your search by a few blocks will open up some $400,000 options. And if you’re looking to enroll your child in a private school, the nearby tuition institutions are endless, with Rancho Solano, Brophy, Xavier, St. Mary’s and Phoenix Christian all within a 10-minute drive or less.
Snapshot: Size, less than 1 square mile; median resale housing price for ZIP code 85013, $227,000.
School District SnobMadison School District, Phoenix Runner-up:
Scottsdale Unified School DistrictMerely whisper the letters “PTA” at a Central Phoenix lunch hotspot and the phrase Simis Elementary School undoubtedly will be shouted back at you with enthusiastic verve. The parents of children who attend this much-desired Madison School District institution are passionate to say the least. And yes, the school does perform well, excelling by state standards and delivering high test scores year after year.
Low teacher turnover, programs tailored to educate the gifted and those with special needs, as well as a strong parents’ organization, have made the Madison District – and Simis in particular – the top choice when choosing a neighborhood. Just about any home in the central corridor can get you either within the boundaries or close enough for a variance. But be prepared to pay for it; coveted homes are easily $500,000 and up.
The same goes for second-place district neighborhoods in Scottsdale. In fact, a home in some of this district’s more northern communities easily climbs above the $1 million mark. Options in the lower Arcadia neighborhoods (south of Indian School Road) can get you into the district for $300,000.
Snapshot: Central corridor size, about 10 square miles; median resale housing price for ZIP code 85013, $227,000; for ZIP code 85021, $200,000; for ZIP code 85014, $210,000; for ZIP code 85020, $215,000; for Scottsdale, $450,000.
Single but LookingDowntown ScottsdaleLet’s face it: If you’re single and on the prowl, you’re already spending every weekend in Old Town Scottsdale. Why not live there, too? The dwellings around these parts are about as hip as hip gets, from posh condos to modern lofts to retro throwbacks. Successful singles can take ownership of a two-story loft, condo or penthouse at the Hotel Valley Ho’s Tower building just off of Indian School and Scottsdale roads, or at Optima Camelview Village near Old Town, for a cool million. But you don’t have to be independently wealthy to reside in ZIP code 85251. Despite the rumors, there are semi-affordable options in this city.
Some smaller condos can be found in the $300s, and the smaller square footage can be a good investment to trade in when you meet your match. House hunters also will find some treasures with an artistic and historic feel in the city’s Paiute neighborhood just west of the downtown. Best of all, you’ll never be short on great spots for a date, whether it’s a cool and casual night out for Thai at Malee’s, a hyper night of socializing and karaoke singing at Geisha a Go Go, or a late-night rendezvous of drinks and intimate conversation at the Mondrian Scottsdale Hotel’s super sexy Red Bar.
Snapshot: Downtown Scottsdale size, about 3 square miles; median resale housing price for ZIP code 85251, $340,000.
Rooms With a ViewThe Pointe Tapatio, North PhoenixThe Valley is certainly not short on coveted money views, but more often than not, a lot overlooking the city runs a pretty penny. View-seekers will delight at the bargains to be found in the central Valley’s Pointe region. Nestled next to the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, the homes that dot upward from the Dreamy Draw near State Route 51 and Northern Avenue might just boast the best views in Phoenix – at about half the cost of nearby Paradise Valley.
Hillside pools, expansive windows and mountain-view patios are regular features, and residents of this quiet neighborhood are also treated to regular wildlife and some of the best tamales in town, thanks to the Pointe’s Aunt Chilada’s restaurant. Toasting the weekend is made easy with margaritas on the patio. Plus, home is just a short walk away. This central location also makes for an easy commute to just about anywhere; a trip to Scottsdale, Glendale, Chandler or north Phoenix clocks 15 minutes on the road.
Snapshot: Pointe region size, 2 square miles; median resale housing price for ZIP code 85020, $215,000.
Family-FriendlyDC Ranch, North ScottsdaleRunner-up:
Desert Breeze, ChandlerBuilt to mimic a rustic ranch-style small town with loads of parks, porches, a golf course and community centers, Scottsdale’s DC Ranch, which was built by DMB Associates, is already the frontrunner in family-friendly neighborhoods. Add a community activity calendar that offers something for families almost every day of the week and you have a built-in vacation right outside your front door.
It’s been 10 years since the first lot was carved into the side of the McDowell Mountains, and since then this Scottsdale neighborhood has grown to fill most of its 2,600 developable acres. Weekends here are chock-full of activities like the annual winter Homestead Celebration, winter break pizza parties, baseball outings, “dive-in” movies, Friday teen nights and more. The community’s list of social groups also runs the gamut, from youth sports teams to volunteer clubs. Home prices easily reach into the millions, but all that social programming is rolled into your HOA fees, giving you more bang for your buck.
If you’re looking to spend less, check out Chandler’s Desert Breeze neighborhood near Chandler Boulevard and McClintock Drive. You might see the occasional low-flying small aircraft cruising in and out of nearby Stellar Airpark, but your kids will never notice because they’ll be too busy traversing the massive Desert Breeze Park via miniature train.
Snapshot: DC Ranch size, 2,600 developed acres; Desert Breeze size, about 1 square mile; median resale housing price for DC Ranch, $706,000, and for Desert Breeze, $250,000.
The Live-/Work-SeekerRoosevelt District, PhoenixThere are few areas of the Valley that truly capture the feel of a downtown neighborhood. But with its front stoops, rear garages and three-storied row homes, the city’s Roosevelt District nails it. The design of housing units popping up in this area, such as the modern McKinley Row project, has been the ideal formula for live/work arrangements, which is why you’ll find a large artist population in the area. With a growing number of galleries and active community art events (First Fridays are swarming with people these days), the studio-life personality comes alive.
But you don’t have to be a left-brained entrepreneur to make this neighborhood work for you. The convenient location near Downtown, major bus routes, Interstate 10 and the Valley’s upcoming light rail system makes this a great spot for busy professionals who want to live close to work. Plus, you’ll find a wealth of independent, tasty eateries such as Cibo Urban Pizzeria, Cheuvront Restaurant and Wine Bar, The Roosevelt and MJ Bread.
Mix in easy access to the arts, museums and sporting events, and marrying business with pleasure has never been so easy.
Snapshot: Roosevelt District size, 10-12 blocks; median resale housing price for ZIP code 85003, $268,000.
Small-Town Boys and GirlsVerrado, BuckeyeYou live in a John Mellencamp song, you want to know everyone’s business and the notion of walking down to the corner market to pick up a pie simply strikes your fancy. If this description fits you, you’ll be right at home in Buckeye’s Verrado community, which was built on small-town principles. In fact, this sprawling community on the eastern slopes of the White Tank Mountains has “small town” built into its branding campaign.
Verrado residents enjoy a founder’s square in the center of town, along with a main street lined with a local market, boutique restaurants and various fountain and garden squares. Front-porch parties are also a mainstay, but if you’d rather dine out, you’ll find tasty options like Grazie Pizzeria and Wine Bar or the Verrado Grille located within the Raven Golf Course Clubhouse. Small town has never felt so distinguished.
Just be sure to budget plenty of time for the commute into the rest of the Valley; a drive from Verrado to Downtown Phoenix during rush hour can clock nearly an hour.
Snapshot: Verrado size, 8,800 acres; median resale housing price for ZIP code 85396, $262,000.
The Food CriticBiltmore Area, PhoenixWhen it comes to finding cutting-edge cuisine, traditional flavors and fusion dining, you’ll find plenty of palate-pleasers in and around the Biltmore area, including high-end establishments like Wright’s at the Biltmore, The Capital Grille, Houston’s and Chistopher’s Fermier Brasserie. Just a stone’s throw east of the Biltmore lies even more diverse options, like tasty burgers at Delux, a romantic ambience at Daniel’s and quality people-watching at Chelsea’s Kitchen. Of course, you’ll always be able to get away with a $10 to $15 menu range in this neighborhood, too, thanks to options at Biltmore Fashion Park like California Pizza Kitchen, The Cheesecake Factory and Paradise Bakery, which opened in the spring.
If you can swing it, a home within the Arizona Biltmore resort area will run you $1 million and up. But you can get the same bragging rights by checking out the western end of the 85016 ZIP code. Smaller redbrick ranch homes can be found from the $300s, and larger traditional ranches can be had for $600,000 to $800,000.
Snapshot: Western Biltmore neighborhood size, 1-2 square miles; median resale housing price for ZIP code 85016, $253,000.
Music MavenOrpheum Lofts, Downtown PhoenixStep into the elevator of the Orpheum Lofts, built out of the former Phoenix Title and Trust Building, and the walls seem as if they’re singing to you. One of only a few Art Deco high-rises remaining in Downtown Phoenix, this 1931 structure at 114 W. Adams Street in Copper Square has been completely made over on the inside and offers units ranging in size from 700 to 1,800 square feet. Better yet, many units overlook the Orpheum Theatre, which sits directly across the street.
The Copper Square location gives residents easy access to regular music and theater performances at the Orpheum as well as blockbuster shows at Dodge Theatre and classical performances at nearby Symphony Hall. And if your inner Guitar Hero is still craving a muse, then you can always grab a bite at Downtown’s Hard Rock Café.
Snapshot: Orpheum Loft size, 11 stories, 90 units; resale price ranges from $300,000 to $800,000 per unit.
The Compulsive ShopperKierland Commons, Phoenix/Scottsdale borderIf you like to swipe the Visa, then you’ve probably hit the Kier-
land Commons strip once or twice in your life. But if you’re a shopaholic and your disposable income will allow for it, you can now live near your hobby. Units at Kierland Landmark and Kierland Plaza Lofts range from $1 million to $2 million, with a few smaller units (1,000 square feet) reselling for $750,000 or so. Branded as a contemporary urban lifestyle, these dwellings are decked out with the best in European stylings, and all residents have access to full-service fitness centers, rooftop patios and pools, and views of the Kierland Main Street shops.
As an added perk, your closet and appetite will never want for anything thanks to the 70-plus shops, bars and restaurants that lead to the various lobbies. Fine-dining options include urban Italian specialties at North, New York-style Parisian at Zinc Bistro and tropical libations at Tommy Bahama Café. It’s the perfect ending to a day of power shopping near home.
Snapshot: Kierland Commons size, 750 acres; resale price ranges from $1 million to $2 million per unit.
Fido-FriendlyAgritopia, GilbertIf you live for your dog, then you need to find a place he can call home, too. One trip to Gilbert’s Cosmo Park on Ray Road just off the San Tan Freeway will mesmerize you and your four-legged friend forever. Not only does the Gilbert city park boast an awesome no-leash area for pooches to run wild, lighting for night use, pet drinking and waste stations, but it’s also adjacent to one of the friendliest canine communities in the Valley – Agritopia.
This farmhouse-themed neighborhood is filled with brightly colored Craftsman-style bungalows, and a drive through the community will unveil more than one tail-wagger lounging on a porch. Plus, dinner out with the family can now include the pets, too. Located within the community, Joe’s Farm Grill serves up a tasty menu of homemade burgers, fries and shakes, and outside picnic table seating is very dog-friendly.
The community’s numerous paths also allow for nightly walking adventures with furry pals. And when you really just want to take a walk on your own, you can head to the Farm Stand in the center of town for a few fresh, homegrown treats.
Snapshot: Agritopia size, less than 1 square mile; median resale housing price for ZIP code 85296, $255,000.
The Shut-in44 Monroe, Downtown PhoenixJust because you don’t care to socialize doesn’t mean you don’t like to live in exquisite surroundings. Test the indoor waters at 44 Monroe, a truly cool high-rise in Downtown Phoenix at First Avenue and Monroe Street. This address is equally a winner for those who want to be a part of the scene; but if you’d rather just spend the weekend in, you’ll love the options that this building provides. Without ever leaving the premises, you can put in some laps at the pool; enjoy access to the spa and sundeck that overlook the city and surrounding mountains; get some business done at the in-house, state-of-the-art business center; and watch the sunset from the patio terrace.
With such well-appointed units that boast luxury kitchens and travertine floors, you may never want to leave. But if you can manage to make it a few feet out the door, an elevator trip to the first floor will get you to a market for groceries, which you can then enjoy in the fully functional clubhouse kitchen. Living in the heart of Downtown also gives you the power to blend seamlessly with daytime business crowds, who nosh at nearby Arizona Center eateries or at more unique options like City Bakery behind Chase Field.
Snapshot: 44 Monroe size, 34 stories; prices range from $500,000 to $3.5 million per unit.