Good sections of Phoenix metro (Scottsdale, Chandler: highrise, landscaping, condos)

[Valley Native]

They say turnabout is fair play. So now, I'd like to counter the thread listing the bad areas of the Phoenix area by shedding a more positive light on where the good sections are.

Arcadia: an older, greenbelt section of east Phoenix with close proximity to all the amenities, and views of Camelback Mountain. Most of the homes are kept up very well, and most businesses cater to a somewhat more upscale crowd without being too "snooty".

Paradise Valley: the Phoenix suburb with the highest percentage of millionaires ... and the average home value is well over $1 million as well. A very scenic area that combines natural desert with upscale living, and many famous high end resorts.

Biltmore area: located south of Paradise Valley, bounded by approximately 24th Street on the west, 32nd Street on the east, Camelback Road on the south, and Lincoln Drive on the north. It is similar to Paradise Valley, only with less of a desert feel. In comparison, it's even more similar to Beverly Hills with the number of mansions, and upscale resorts/clubs.

East Camelback Corridor: the area east of the 51 freeway along Camelback Road that is a hub for midrise office buildings, higher end shopping, and a good variety of trendy restaurants & bars. I've heard it be referred to several times as the "Biltmore slums", which isn't as derogatory as it may sound.

Downtown Phoenix: Some will disagree, but downtown has become less of an eyesore in the past few years, and more agreeable to business & residents alike with the addition of highrise condos, more office space, the new improved convention center, and other projects that should attract more than just homeless people & those who come out of the woodwork only at night. Still, more improvements are needed before downtown can truly be considered a world class destination.

Central Corrdior: the section along Central Avenue north of downtown that extends to approximately Camelback Road. Also known as "uptown Phoenix", this section can easily be considered a second downtown area with the number of highrise office buildings, and the availibility of transit during almost any time of the day.

Scottsdale: the whole city is now one of the places to be ... even the southern section. Recent improvements in downtown Scottsdale attract a large number of shoppers, tourists, and those who are into the "after hours" bar & club scenes. The McCormick Ranch area in the north central part is a lush greenbelt with beautifully landscaped corridors, and homes that are kept up very nicely.

Kierland Commons: this area that bridges Phoenix & Scottsdale in the NE section of the Valley is one of my favorite suburban developments with an urban twist. The high end shopping choices are similar to Biltmore Fashion Park or Scottsdale Fashion Square. Midrise lofts & office space, as well as a five star resort hotel, have been recent additions to this area.

Downtown Tempe: also known as the Mill Avenue District, this area is a mecca for the club & bar scene among the younger crowd. The only drawback is the number of panhandlers that pepper the area after dusk. I personally prefer Mill Avenue during the daytime hours when it's a little less crowded.

Sun Cities: both Sun City and Sun City West are established, well groomed retirement sections. The plus sides: hardly any crime, little vandalism, no graffiti, and no kids! Also, most necessities & amenities are within walking distance for the many seniors who live there. The down sides: not much in the way of things to see or do, unless you're into circled streets and golf.

[ivanabacowboy]

Desert Ridge/City North. NE Phoenix, basically just a couple miles west of Kierland. Desert Ridge Marketplace, Mayo Clinic, Marriott Desert Ridge resort and golf course, excellent 101 access. Tho be forewarned-huge chunks of this area are under construction at present, so be prepared to dodge traffic barriers and construction equipment for a while. ;-)

City North is still under construction, basically adjacent to Desert Ridge, and is eventually planned for about a zillion housing units, retail and etc. Essentially from what I understand, similar to the Kierland Commons layout and idea, but including bigger retail (Bloomingdales and I believe Nordstroms and Macys). I believe some of the initial retail/restaurant pieces start opening next month if I heard correctly. The major department stores have an ETA of 2010.

Two other mega live/work/dine/play/golf/retreat/spend your disposable income developments are in some stage nearby. Palisene just a couple miles east of Desert Ridge/City North (right up the street from Kierland) which is rumored to have some really really high end retail, and One Scottsdale (literally just across the street from Palisene) which I suspect is more of the same. I am not sure if Palisene has broken ground (their website gives an ETA of opening initial phases in 2011 or 2012). One Scottsdale has, the site is torn up and under development now, and I think the office building on the corner (I heard the new Dial headquarters) appears to be nearing completion of major construction.

[ivanabacowboy]

Desert Ridge
Desert Ridge :: Phoenix's Premier Master-Planned Community

City North
CityNorth

Palisene
Palisene

One Scottsdale
One Scottsdale

[crystalys]

I would like to add the Moon Valley area in North Phoenix. Similar to Arcadia in that it has mostly older homes, although the more north and east you go, the newer the homes. There are a few Mountain Preserve areas including North Mountain (Pointe Tapatio) and Shaw Butte Mountain. Many public parks, a few golf courses, bike trails and proximity to all major freeways without being right on top of them. It is quiet, safe and very green with the older landscaping.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by crystalys

I would like to add the Moon Valley area in North Phoenix. Similar to Arcadia in that it has mostly older homes, although the more north and east you go, the newer the homes. There are a few Mountain Preserve areas including North Mountain (Pointe Tapatio) and Shaw Butte Mountain. Many public parks, a few golf courses, bike trails and proximity to all major freeways without being right on top of them. It is quiet, safe and very green with the older landscaping.

You're absolutely right. Moon Valley is another section that would be considered one of the nicer areas. It has older, established neighborhoods ... and possibly larger, more expensive homes than much of Arcadia. You're right that it's not too close to the freeways. In fact, the best way to find Moon Valley is on surface streets. Thunderbird between approximately 7th Street and 19th Avenue would be the best route.

We could also add Anthem and Sun Lakes to the list of nicer areas ... although both seem worlds apart. Sun Lakes is similar to Sun City being that it's mostly for seniors. It's located in the far southern part of Maricopa County, south of Chandler. Anthem is is the far northern section of the Valley, and one of the newer developments in recent years.