Tag Archive for: Phoenix Arizona

Phoenix: Relax and Enjoy the Good Life in the City

Phoenix: Relax and Enjoy the Good Life in the City

Phoenix: Relax and Enjoy the Good Life in the City

 

Golf, tennis, pickleball, major league sports franchises, museums, and more. Phoenix has a wealth of recreational and entertainment opportunities to keep you occupied. Residents also have countless ethnic and gourmet restaurants, each one better than the next. Consider these recreational and dining opportunities.

 

Resort and Native Landscape Golf

Courses in the northern part of the Valley may be more famous, but the City of Phoenix has several great ones in its own right. Try these resort and public courses.

 

Arizona Biltmore

Various VIPS, including U.S. Presidents, have played the fairways here. Chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. built the courses. Choose between the Adobe course, built in 1928, or the shorter Links course.

 

Wildfire

Nick Faldo and Arnold Palmer each designed a course ap8ece at this JW Marriott club. The Faldo course has long fairways and numerous bunkers, while the Palmer curse is longer and more challenging.

 

Lookout Mountain

Located at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, this Troon Golf Experience offers gorgeous views. Twelve holes play through preserve land, giving golfers uninterrupted views of Piestewa Peak and Lookout Mountain.

 

Papago Golf Club

Set in the heart of Papago Park, this picturesque park is a golfing gem located less than two miles from Sky Harbor International Airport. Created by the architect of Torrey Pines in California, the course has iconic views of Papago Buttes, Camelback Mountain, and downtown Phoenix.

 

The Raven Golf Club at South Mountain

Lined with pine trees, this course has some of the best greens in Phoenix. The Raven is well maintained, has an expansive practice area, and is known for its good pace of play.

 

Tennis and Pickleball

Tennis has long reigned in second place behind golf as Phoenix’s go-to recreational sport, and now pickleball joins it, sharing many of the same courts. Dozens of city parks have first-come-first-served tennis, pickleball, and multi-use courts. You’ll find some of the best facilities at the following locations.

 

Phoenix Tennis Center

This full-service facility offers 25 post-tension courts, leagues, tournaments, reservations, leagues, professional instruction, a junior players program, and a pro shop.

 

Encanto Sports Complex

This multi-sports facility has eight lighted tennis courts and three lighted pickleball courts, along with instruction and leagues.

 

Other Court Facilities

Athletes will also find tennis and pickleball courts at Mountain View Community Center and the Rose Mofford Sports Complex.

 

Thanks to the recent rise of pickleball, these sites offer pickleball-only courts:

  • Pecos Community Center
  • Sunnyslope Community Center
  • Washington Activity Center
  • Deem Hills Park
  • G.R. Herberger Park
  • Pecos Park

 

Exceptional Dining Experiences

If you have to select just one cuisine to focus on in Phoenix, it would be Mexican and its close relative Southwestern cuisine. Among the restaurant to try are:

  • Bancorp PHX
  • Testal Mexican Kitchen
  • Tru Taco (pop-up at Jewel’s Bakery & Café)
  • Barrio Café

 

Don’t forget the upscale restaurants. You’ll find exquisite fare at places like Kai in the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort, but you’ll also want to try these stand-alone offerings:

  • The Arrogant Butcher
  • Quiessence at The Farm
  • Binkley’s Restaurant
  • Vincent on Camelback

6 Best Restaurants in Phoenix

6 Best Restaurants in Phoenix

 

Phoenix is home to some of the most highly regarded eateries, not only in Arizona and the Southwest but across the United States. XX of these restaurants are considered the best by residents of Phoenix as well as snowbirds and visitors that alight in the city.

 

Durant’s

Durant’s has been a Phoenix fixture for many years. Durant’s has relied upon a simple formula for being a Central Avenue staple that includes delectable steaks, perfect cocktails, and magnificent service. In the end, Durant’s is perhaps the most popular steakhouse in the greater Phoenix metroplex.

Durant’s, with its luscious dark wood and rich leather booths, is a favored eatery among Phoenix locals. With that said, it is also a dining destination of choice for snowbirds and travelers who like to be in the local loop when it comes to their time in the city.

In addition to highly regarded steak selections Durant’s also serves fantastic seafood entrees. In addition, Durant’s bar is a bustling after work happy hour watering hole during the week.

 

Kai

Many Phoenix residents list Kai as the best bistro in town when called upon to identify their favorite eatery. One of the distinguishing features of Kai is its locally sourced menu that features ingredients from area tribal farms. The Kai menu has an overall Native American culinary slant.

Understanding that Native American cuisine remains somewhat “foreign” to many, Kai offers a delightful tasting menu. The selections on the tasting menu can be paired with appropriate wine selections if a patron so desires.

The eatery is comfortably appointed. Kai features one of the most pleasant patios in Phoenix.

 

Binkley’s Restaurant

Located in a lovely historic home in midtown Phoenix, Binkley’s Restaurant is named after its creator, chef-extraordinaire Kevin Binkley. The menu at Binkley’s is always changing. The thrust of it is a creative presentation of multi-course tasting opportunities.

Bear in mind that at Binkley’s when reference is a made to a multi-course tasting menus, the chef really means it. You need to plan on at least three hours at the bistro and be prepared for up to 20 delectable courses.

Dining at Binkley’s is always a remarkable event, with the meal starting on the patio. From there, guests move to the bar and finally end up in the classy dining room. The dining room provides a full view of the open kitchen where guests can watch Binkley and his team prepare incomparable cuisine.

 

Pizzeria Bianco

Who would have guessed? One of the country’s most highly regarded pizza bistros is located in the heart of Phoenix. True pizza critics have made this distinction even when considering the famous pizzerias in New York and Chicago.

Pizzeria Bianco is the tasty brainchild of Chris Bianco and features wood-fired brick oven selections with traditional Neapolitan pizza crust. All menu selections are made from scratch from the best ingredients. Pizzeria Bianco locally sources whenever possible.

Pizzeria Bianco is one of the most popular eateries in Phoenix. Thus, if you plan to dine at Pizzeria Bianco you need to be prepared to wait. The pizzeria does take reservations, but only for groups of six or more.

 

Nobuo at Teeter House

Nobuo is a Japanese-inspired eatery that has been the talk of the city since its doors opened a decade ago. Nobuo Fukuda remains at the culinary helm of his creation.

Luncheon at Nobuo is a masterful selection of delicious small plates and bowls. In the evening, the Nobuo dinner menu focuses on seasonal selections, including fresh fish and other seafood. Dinner at Nobuo is a magnificent multi-course affair. Reservations are always required.

 

Little Miss BBQ

Little Miss BBQ is located fairly far afield from the hottest dining districts in Phoenix. In fact, Little Miss BBW is situated in an industrial area on University Drive at a point where Phoenix meets Tempe. Despite its off the beaten path location, Little Miss BBQ is considered by many to be the barbecue restaurant of choice in the Arizona capital city.

Little Miss BBQ presents what is called Central Texas barbecue. The menu includes beef brisket, ribs, turkey, pulled pork, pork sausage, ribs, and turkey. The menu selections are cooked with pecan wood and Arizona oak. Little Miss BBQ is nearly always busy, so be prepared to wait.

 

Jessica Kane writes for TIPS Alcohol Training, offering TIPS responsible alcohol service training online for both on and off premise needs.

 

8 Prime Reasons to Call Phoenix Home

8 Prime Reasons to Call Phoenix Home

 

If you find yourself contemplating a move, Phoenix might have ended up on your list of possible communities to call home. Phoenix is one of the most talked about cities in the Southwest, if not the United States. There are variety of reasons why so many people happily live in Phoenix. Indeed, there are eight prime reasons to call Phoenix home.

 

The True Splendor of Phoenix

At the top of the list of why to live in Phoenix is the majestic beauty of the area. Nestled in an amazing valley, Phoenix has mountains on both sides of that expanse. In addition, there are other lovely peaks within the city itself, including Camelback Mountain and South Mountain. Phoenix is renowned for stunning desert vistas and some of the most breathtaking sunsets to be found anywhere. Calling Phoenix paradise definitely is not a misnomer.

 

A Recreational Dream

Phoenix offers a true plethora of recreational activities, opportunities that outpace what is found in most other cities in the country. Although a cliché, when it comes to recreation in Phoenix, there really is something for everyone. These activities include hiking, tubing, cycling, rock climbing, fishing, and golf on award-winning courses.

 

A Winter Paradise

Yes, Phoenix can be toasty during a trio of months in the summertime. Accepting that, during the rest of the year, the weather in Phoenix is brilliant. Phoenix has one of the most lovely climates in the wintertime, a reality that has made it a premiere congregating point in the U.S.A. for snowbirds. Even in the hotter summer months, the city is well-equipped in many ways to maximize the comfort of residents and guests alike. There are plenty of indoor activities during the day and evenings and nights in Phoenix prove to be pleasant with regularity in the summer.

 

Reasonably Priced Housing

Many housing markets in the West and Southwest have experienced explosive pricing the past five years. The Phoenix housing market has been more moderate. There remain single family residences, townhomes, condos, and apartments in broad price ranges. There is solid housing stock for everyone from people looking for homes to raise families and individuals seeking a place to retire.

 

Rich Heritage and History

Another prime reason to call Phoenix home is its tremendously rich heritage and history. The Phoenix metropolitan area is home to nearly two dozen different historical points of interest and cultural centers. Some of the finest examples of Native American art are showcased at the iconic Heard Museum.

 

Thriving Business Community

As the state capital, and the prime business center of the state — indeed of all the Southwest — the employment outlook in Phoenix is strong. Job opportunities abound in virtually all sectors. In addition, Phoenix residents have access to some of the most highly regarded institutions of higher learning west of the Mississippi River.

 

Tremendous Entertainment

Yet another reason Phoenix fairly tops the list of the best places to reside in the country is the tremendous entertainment options in the city. Phoenix is home to restaurants and bistros with unimaginably delectable menus. The city in the dessert is known for bright theatre, vibrant music venues, and nightclubs where residents and visitors can dance the night away.

 

Traffic and Travel

A big city myth needs to be busted when it comes to Phoenix. Because of the size of the city, people tend to presume traffic congestion is an issue. In fact, time and again Phoenix is rated as the major U.S. city with the easiest commutes. In addition, Phoenix is home to Sky Harbor International Airport, with direct connections to all major U.S. cities and many foreign destinations beyond the shores. As an aside, Phoenix is a quarter day’s drive to popular destinations in California and Mexico as well as to Las Vegas.

If you are like many people who’ve at least had occasion to visit Phoenix, these reasons likely already resonate with you. If you’ve not had the chance to spend time in the Arizona capital city but are considering it as a possible future home, a visit to the city is highly recommended. Such a visit will allow you the chance to check out these stellar features Phoenix has to offer to you.

 

Storyrock Homes For Sale

 

Best Communities in Scottsdale & Phoenix

Best Communities In Scottsdale & Phoenix

 

Scottsdale is the sprawling suburb of the relatively urban Phoenix metropolitan area. It provides a quiet, cozy and upscale living for the residents who wish to settle down away hustle and bustle yet still have an urban feel.

Originally founded as a resort city, Phoenix and its many suburbs, including Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, and Chandler, have grown rapidly in the past 40 years. They have developed into the full-scale urban center with diverse economic and vibrant cultural scene unique to each city.

Scottsdale, like the rest of the metropolitan area, has been built on a grid system and is often separated by hills, mountains, and desert landscapes. Downtown Scottsdale is filled with historic sites, boutique shopping, and a lively entertainment district.

Scottsdale is one of Arizona’s most prosperous suburbs. The average income in Scottsdale is $51,564 a year, while the US national average is $28,555 a year. Homes run an average of $642,000 and rent for roughly $3,200 a month for two bedrooms. Scottsdale is also one of the most connected satellite cities in the valley, the average commute from here is 17 minutes, with the national average of 26 minutes. Scottsdale offers a wide range of living arrangements including loft and urban living, family-oriented communities, and exclusive golf-courses and retirement communities. Whether you’re looking for buy a new home or rent an apartment, Scottsdale has something for everyone.

Desert Ridge

Desert Ridge Homes For Sale

 

This master-planned community on the north-east of Scottsdale offers access to the most prestigious entertainment venues in town. The community hosts the largest Marriott Resort with an enormous spa center and two championship golf courses.

Desert Ridge is well-connected to the city center and the rest of the Phoenix area via the Loop 101. Every year the neighborhood continues to grow, rapidly adding new properties and communities to the inventory. One of the most promising developments is Desert Ridge Town Center, which will add over 1 million square feet of commercial and residential property. T

he abundance of green lawns and paved trails, and small parks makes Desert Ridge the perfect spot for joggers and pet-owners. The local school district has excellent elementary, middle and high schools. Housing in the area consists of small single-family homes and large exclusive family-homes.

Kierland

Kierland Real Estate

The Kierland neighborhood is located near a local retail and entertainment hub. It offers upscale shopping in the Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter. Each mall is filled with well-known chain stores, such as Gap, Nike, Apple, and Pottery Barn.

Kierland is also a hot tourists destination. Vacationers from all around the country flock the area in the winter month attracted to the city’s year-round sun. The Westin resort has one of the largest convention centers that host business conferences and political rallies. Kierland Golf Club provide sunny green lawns for golfers of any level.

The area is also home to the Scottsdale Airport, which provides custom solutions and unique travel arrangements for residents with private aircraft. Housing options are lush and diverse. From large family homes to cozy condominiums, Kierland has just the home for you.

DC Ranch

DC Ranch Golf Scottsdale 2018

 

DC Ranch is located in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains. This community is located on the historic Desert Camp, a site where Scottsdale pioneers set up their first ranches. The architecture and the landscape of the district are specifically tailored to mirror this heritage, and adds an extra layer of appeal to the historically minded.

The neighborhoods entertainment infrastructure includes shopping centers, cafes, tennis courses, indoor and outdoor pools. The community also offers world-class golf courses for members and residents. Housing options include luxury townhomes, patio homes, upscale apartments and mansion properties.

Scottsdale is a perfect place for the middle-level professionals to settle down and start a family. It is safe, prosperous and cultured. Your kids will have an opportunity to enroll in the best public and private schools. And, of course, crowds of snowbirds choose this destination for a reason. It offers a unique architectural style, exquisite quality of services and the great choice for leisure and entertainment.

Commuting Guide to the Greater Phoenix Area

Phoenix is home to over 4.5 million citizens who reside in 6 major cities – Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix and Gilbert.

Commuting Guide to the Greater Phoenix Area

 

Unlike other highly populated cities, the Valley of the Sun is known for its urban sprawl. It’s in every homeowner’s best interest to find a neighborhood that works best for their commute, or to find methods of commuting that work best for them. Be sure to be on top of the best routes and neighborhoods with this commuting guide to the Greater Phoenix area.

Scottsdale

Scottsdale is home to a little over 240,000 residents and is a hotspot for families. Though located east and northeast of Phoenix, it is known as the “Most Western Town in the West.” Scottsdale offers tons of great school districts, housing types and a booming entertainment district. Best of all, the housing market is on the rise. Hop on the Loop 101 or Loop 202 to take advantage of the 30 minute ride to downtown Phoenix for a morning commute.

Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix, the heart of the Valley just off the 202, has become increasingly an popular area due to the growth of ASU’s downtown campus. With more students and workers preferring to live closer to Valley transit systems and work, the housing market in historic Phoenix neighborhoods has seen a sharp increase. Depending on the time of day and job location, commuters are looking at a 15-25 minutes commute by car.

Glendale

One of the original suburb ‘pockets’ located West from Phoenix, Glendale was once no more than a mere stop on the way to Wickenburg along the US 60. Now, this bustling Westside city is home to over 240,00 residents. The city is comprised of a number of large neighborhoods, and is positioned west of the I-17 and east of Loop 101. That means Glendale is only a 20 minute drive to the heart of downtown.

Tempe

Home to Arizona State University’s main campus, Tempe is both a college town and suburban escape. Three freeways run through or border the city of Tempe, including the US 60, the Loop 202, and the southern part of the Loop 101. This makes travel through Tempe to other major cities a snap, with a 25 minute commute to Phoenix and a 18 minute drive to downtown Scottsdale.

Mesa

Mesa is often the first stop for many heading east. With a population of over 480,000 and a spread over 133 miles, Mesa is easily one of the largest cities within the Greater Phoenix area. The cost of living in Mesa is 5% lower than the national average, making that 30 minute commute to Phoenix and 20 minute commute to Scottsdale icing on the cake.   

Gilbert

Gilbert is another one of the Greater Phoenix area’s idyllic suburban cities. Located in the east valley, Gilbert is home to a combination of suburban homes and farmland. The local school district is above average, making Gilbert one of the premier locations for families. Roughly 40 minutes from Phoenix but 30 minutes from Scottsdale, the drive from Gilbert is a breeze on the Loop 202 or US 60.

No matter where you live, it’s always best to have a commuting plan. Phoenix is laid out in a grid system, making general directions and distances pretty simple for commuters. And thanks to the many multi-lane freeways that run throughout the Greater Phoenix area, it never takes too long to get from one city to the next.

Driving

With a metro area so spread out, driving may seem like the first and most desirable option. If this is the case, commuters should consider investing in an ideal commuter car. Invest in a car that’s comfortable, fuel efficient and has a enough space for the whole family. In Arizona, 22.8% of household own at least one car – higher than the national average.

Public Transportation

The Valley Metro has a number of bus routes that can take commuters all across the valley. There are also neighborhood circuits that cost a dollar or under in Glendale, Scottsdale, and Tempe.

As of 2018, the US Census Bureau announced that the Phoenix metro area is the sixth most populous

The Metro Light Rail currently extends from the tip of Glendale at Metrocenter Mall and runs all the way to Mesa, passing through the heart of downtown Phoenix and Tempe. There are currently plans in the works for extending the lightrail all the way to the Cardinals Stadium.

Biking

Cities all across the greater Phoenix area have become increasingly bike friendly over the past few years. Scottsdale, Tempe, and Phoenix have all begun campaigns to increase bike networks, teach cycling skills and enforce new bicycle laws to encourage the use of bikes throughout the city. Many neighborhoods have even widened roads and added bike lanes to busy streets.

 

Whichever neighborhood, town or mode of transportation you choose, being ahead of the commuting game is any citizen’s first step towards living a happy life in the greater Phoenix area.  

Whether you are buying or selling a home in any of the metros above, The Holm Group is here to assist you. The Holm Group represents both buyers and sellers throughout the valley. Whether it’s a custom home, luxury home, town home you can rely on The Holm Group to ensure a smooth and successful transaction. Remove the stress from buying or selling and let and call The Holm Group today at 480-206-4265.

Hot Markets in American Real Estate

Phoenix investment property

Which areas of the United States should residents of Canada consider? After all, there are so many diverse regions, and many have unique features and benefits that give them a huge amount of all-around appeal. Interestingly enough, one of the hottest areas to consider a purchase of real estate is in the Phoenix, AZ metropolitan region.

Phoenix, AZ real estate includes suburban cities like Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert. It also includes the wonderful city of Scottsdale too. Phoenix is the state’s capital and is home to all kinds of fantastic recreation, culture, sporting venues, shopping, dining, and more. Phoenix, Arizona homes will include upscale properties such as condominiums on top-notch golf courses, large luxury homes in gorgeous subdivisions, and traditional single family homes in remarkably safe and friendly neighborhoods.

There is a tremendous amount of diversity where the population of Phoenix and its environs are concerned. This is the reason that the Scottsdale real estate market tends to be a bit different from that of Phoenix. For instance, the median income of the city is around $41,000 per year, and the average age of the resident of Phoenix is only 25 to 44. This makes it a very “young” city with a great deal of business and potential for growth.

The other interesting thing about real estate in this area is its trend for downward pricing even as demand increases. The reason for this is the current status of the overall real estate market. We all know about the financial problems of the world, and we all know about the effects these problems have had on the housing market, but this has had a unique impact on both Phoenix and Scottsdale homes for sale. As more people begin to invest in homes in the region, the prices continue to decline. This is most likely due to the fact that the area has experienced terrific growth over the past two decades, and many owners have become affluent enough to move into other areas without rushing to sell their current home. This is music to the buyer’s ears, particularly with mortgage rates at record lows too.

There is also a somewhat active market in Phoenix and Scottsdale foreclosure properties as well. We all know that a short sale is not always going to be readily available, but the foreclosure market is more active than ever before. A savvy Canadian buyer can hook up with a reliable realtor and really find themselves a wonderful bargain in this exciting corner of the country especially with the current exchange rate of the Canada dollar.

To find your bargain in this exciting corner of the country contact The Holm Group today at 480-206-4265 or fill out the short form below for a no obligation consultation.

 

Where Should I Move When I Move To Phoenix?

Where Should I Move When I Move To Phoenix?

Where Should I Move When I Move To Phoenix?

The Desert…sunny, beautiful, fast-paced and very hot in the summer! Yet, you won’t ever regret living in Phoenix, Arizona. There is much to see Phoenix, AZ real estate and a large selection of homes to choose from. To start with, let’s review the basic territories of Phoenix. The city is divided into many urban villages. Some of these neighborhoods are historical communities that were eventually annexed as part of one larger city.

The villages of Phoenix include Ahwatukee Foothills, Alhambra, Deer Valley, Desert View, Camelback East, Central City, Laveen, Encanto, Maryvale, Estrella, Rio Vista, North Mountain, South Mountain, North Gateway and Paradise Valley (not the same thing as the town Paradise Valley). Besides these villages (15 in total) there are also larger regions within the city and these are more commonly referred to when traveling through Arizona. New residents will immediately notice nine districts: the downtown area, the midtown area, North Phoenix, South Phoenix, West Phoenix and Arcadia. There are also three other regions separated from the city: the Biltmore Area, Sunnyslope, and Ahwatukee.

There are many types of homes available throughout the city, from affluent residential homes to luxury mansions and even mobile homes. Arcadia homes for sale are among the most luxurious and expensive homes in the city. Phoenix, Arizona homes in the downtown area are conveniently located to many of the top attractions in Arizona.

Some of the most notable Phoenix landmarks include Fortune 1000 companies within the downtown area, including Allied Waste, Avnet, Apollo Group, PetSmart and Pinnacle West. Technology is one of Phoenix’s largest industries. Other important industries include the Luke Air Force Base (in the western part of the suburbs) as well as agriculture, most notably citrus fruits and cotton.

Each of these areas in Scottsdale, Phoenix offers a friendly neighborhood with a diverse population. Arcadia homes for sale have swimming pools and acreage. The Arizona downtown region has urban homes of interest to city travelers and full-timers. Even in the Biltmore area in Phoenix Arizona has homes with luxurious amenities.

If you are interested in Phoenix AZ real estate, talk to a real estate agent at The Holm Group. You can find Phoenix, Arizona homes or look for foreclosed homes with the help of a professional. Foreclosed homes, and even bank-owned properties often sell at a discount. In fact, these homes make up the majority of Arizona home sales. Regardless of how much you have to spent, you can be assured of a comfortable living in the Copper State.