Downtown Phoenix
The downtown area of Phoenix has been undergoing a
major facelift since the building of the US Airways
Center (formerly America West Arena) and Chase
Field. Coffeehouses, restaurants, nightclubs and
shopping in the Arizona Center continue to draw
people downtown for the hopping nightlife.
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 of Phoenix include
moderately priced homes largely developed in the
1970s. Shopping in the west area is popular at the
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.
Cardinals Stadium is currently under construction in
Glendale. The Fiesta Bowl is moving to the stadium
in 2007 and the 2008 Superbowl (XLII) will be held
at Cardinal Stadium.
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.
East Side of
Phoenix
Bordering Phoenix is the town of Paradise Valley.
Northeast of Phoenix, this area draws middle to
upper-class residents. South of Paradise Valley is
the neighborhood of Arcadia. Unlike most of Phoenix,
Arcadia is filled with more mature landscape and
citrus trees. East of Paradise Valley is Scottsdale,
fondly referred to by residents as "The West's Most
Western Town." Scottsdale is more upscale housing,
catering to more upper-class residents.
Located south of Scottsdale,
Tempe is primarily a college town and the home
of Arizona State University and the Sun Devils.
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.