NEIGHBORHOODS

Location: 32nd & Shea Blvd.

Description/History: 

This long-established neighborhood in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve has a rich history of mid-century homes, eclectic homes and even custom homes built into the foothills. In the late 90s and the early 2000s, the SR 51 extension bisected this area and caused it to lose some of it’s charm. It struggled through the housing crash of 2009 but has been on a steady upward trajectory since then.

Freeway Access: 

This micro-neighborhood has some of the best freeway access in the valley as it sits directly on the 51 which then leads either to the 101 or the I-10/202 in about 10-15 minute commutes nearby.

Things To Do: 

Located in the middle of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, hiking, biking and trail running are plentiful here. There is also a bouldering gym and airsoft arena right nearby. The old Paradise Valley Mall area (Cactus and Tatum) is less than ten minutes away and features lots of restaurants and shopping.

Restaurant Headliners: 

Press Coffee, Taphouse Kitchen, 32 Shea, Zipps Sports Grill.  

Location:  Camelback & 56th St.

Description/History: 

There is much debate about the boundaries of Arcadia but traditionally Arcadia proper has been 44th St. to 68thSt., Camelback to the Canal. Originally citrus farms, the neighborhood began to change in the 50s as Phoenix expanded and the land became too valuable for just agriculture. Most of the lots are large and grassy, often serviced by irrigation (flooding of lots to grow grass). Homes in Arcadia are typically some of the biggest and most expensive in Phoenix metro. Following the real estate crash in 2009, Arcadia was the first neighborhood to recover to pre-crash pricing, making it one of the strongest and most resilient part of town to live in. All of the areas surrounding Arcadia have benefitted from it’s desirability and there are now a lot of areas, particularly to the west and south that claim to be “Arcadia Lite”. Real estate in those areas has also done extremely well over the last decade.

Freeway Access: 

Located in the very center of the city, freeway access is good, but it is about a 10-15 drive to the closest freeways, whichever direction. The 51 to the West, the 202 to the south and the 101 to the east being the closest.

Things To Do: 

Camelback Mountain dominates the landscape here. Not only are there exceptional views of the southside of Camelback, but Camelback provides a great place to hike, albeit, it is very challenging. Arcadia is just minutes away from Old Town Scottsdale, which features an abundance of shopping, nightlife and art museums. (See the Old Town Scottsdale Section for more). The Village at Camelback is fantastic gym with an emphasis on tennis and it is located at 44th St. & Camelback. Both The Phoenician Resort and Royal Palms Resort are in the heart of Arcadia too.

Restaurant Headliners: 

Steak 44, Le Grande Orange, The Henry, Buck & Rider, Chelsea’s Kitchen, Hash Kitchen, The Vig

Location:  South Central Scottsdale. Scottsdale Rd. & Camelback. 

Description/History: 

 Old Town Scottsdale, also known as downtown Scottsdale, was once a bustling western town with cowboys and saloons. Now it’s a city that caters to the affluent. This area of Scottsdale has thrived over the last decade. Single family homes nearby have zoomed up in value and many have either been fully remodeled or scraped and built brand new. Luxury multi-family options can also be found throughout Old Town, with really nice condos, townhomes and penthouses available just a short walk from shopping, bars and restaurants. 

Freeway Access: 

 Directly to the east of Old Town, ten minutes away is the loop 101 and about 15 minutes south is the loop 202. 

Things To Do: 

  Art museums, historic tours luxury shopping and posh restaurants are all in abundance. The nightlife is hyper-active, especially on the weekends and draws people from all over the world. Frontier town is like stepping into the past, where you can experience an Old Western town. Just minutes from Old Town, you can play golf at a multitude of courses or even Top Golf. Camelback mountain is a short drive away and offers challenging hiking. There is no shortage of things to do in and near Old Town Scottsdale.

Restaurant Headliners: 

  The list is long, but some of the more well-known ones in include, The Mission, Olive & Ivy, Farm & Craft, City Hall Steakhouse, Toca Madera, Citizen Public House and many more!

Location:   Via de Ventura & Scottsdale Rd. East to Hayden Rd. 

Description/History: 

  McCormick & Gainey Ranch represent the next major enclave north of Old Town. Built primarily in the 70s and 80s, this area of Scottsdale is considered very central to most everything. The homes in McCormick Ranch were originally on the smaller side and the ones that have not yet been renovated/updated still feel very dated. But the subdivision has had a massive renaissance over the past decade, with many homes transforming dramatically. Gainey Ranch is a bit newer than McCormick Ranch and features homes that are often two stories with 80s/90s floor plans and features. Similar to McCormick Ranch, if original, the homes feel dated, but the ones that have been updated are stunning. 

Freeway Access: 

  Directly to the east, 10 minutes away is the loop 101.

Things To Do: 

 This area of town sits directly upon the green belt which is an area designed to capture flood waters in times of heavy rain. When dry, the green belt is a great area to run, ride bikes, walk dogs, etc. Sprinkled throughout, one can find numerous man-made lakes and golf courses that add to the scenery. McCormick and Gainey Ranch also feature excellent restaurant options, cool coffee shops and even some boutique shopping. Hiking, golf courses and Top Golf are also nearby. 

Restaurant Headliners: 

  Grassroots, Crust Simply Italian, Pomo Pizzeria, Butters Pancakes & Café, Hash Kitchen