·        Downtown: Also known as the Copper Square area, downtown Phoenix has grown into a popular place for locals and visitors. There are shops, restaurants, hotels, and much more located in downtown Phoenix. Right now the downtown area is getting several new additions to its skyline. There are currently 2 high rise residential buildings under construction with 2 more about to begin construction as well as a 39 story W hotel that is set to break ground soon. A light rail system is also currently under construction in downtown Phoenix. The project which costs $1.2 billion will be completed in 2008. Arizona State University is also opening a downtown Phoenix campus this year.

·        Maryvale: This area of Phoenix is one of the most diverse in Phoenix. The lower housing costs have attracted many immigrants to the area. Maryvale offers several restaurants, the Desert Sky Mall, and Cricket Pavilion an open air amphitheatre.

·        Glendale: The city of Glendale is home to the Phoenix Coyote’s (NHL) and the Arizona Cardinal’s. The 2008 Super Bowl XLII is scheduled to be played in Glendale.

·        Laveen: Laveen is mostly made up of residential homes and farms. There are several dairy farms in the area as well as cotton and corn fields.

·        Ahwatukee: Ahwatukee is really separated from the rest of Phoenix by South Mountain. The area is mainly populated by middle aged adults and young professionals. There are several upscale apartment complexes in Ahwatukee. Middle class and upscale homes are also in the area. Over the last two years housing prices have risen 40% making the homes in Ahwatukee some of the most expensive pieces of real estate in the Phoenix area.

·        Tempe: Tempe has a population of 160,676 and is the where the headquarters for US Airways as well as the Arizona State University are located. Tempe is largely made up of single family residences.

·        Paradise Valley: Paradise Valley is home to Arizona’s most expensive real estate. A large portion of the residences in Paradise Valley are single family homes on acre lots. The average price tag for a home in Paradise Valley is $1.39 million. This area also has the highest per capita income in the state.

·        Scottsdale: Scottsdale has become a posh vacation destination and was dubbed one of the most luxurious places in the nation by The Travel Channel. The New York Times also referred to Scottsdale as The Beverly Hills of the Desert. In 2005 Scottsdale ranked in the top 10 for luxury homes sales in the United States. The city is known for its premiere shopping, golf courses, and homes. The majority of the housing in Scottsdale is considered upscale with the average price of a home being $570,000.

·        Mesa: Mesa is the third largest city in Arizona behind Phoenix and Tucson. With a population over 451,860 Mesa is larger than St. Louis, Pittsburgh, and Salt Lake City and is the second largest suburban city in the United States. Mesa has several affordable family neighborhoods.

·        Chandler: The city of Chandler has seen a lot of growth over the past 10 years. In 2000 the Census reported that there were 176,582 people living in Chandler and in 2004 the population had grown 25% to 220,705. Chandler’s population mainly consists of younger families and middle class professionals. There are several family neighborhoods in the area.

·        Gilbert: Gilbert is another area on the fast track. Still small enough to be considered a town Gilbert’s population grew 46% from the years of 2000 to 2004 from 109,697 to just above 150,000.

·        Peoria: Named after Peoria, IL this Phoenix suburb has roughly 123,239. Peoria is also home to spring training for the San Diego Padres.

 

·        $100,000-$200,000: The majority of homes in this price range are located in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Chandler. They are mostly existing homes with an average age of 15 years. There are also apartments, condos, and townhouses in this price range that range from $4,000 to $14,000 a month for rent located in Mesa and Scottsdale. The square footage of these homes ranges from 1100 to 1600 sq. ft.

·        $200,000-$300,000: Homes in this price range are single family dwellings, town homes, condos, or apartments. They are located in Phoenix, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Peoria, Laveen, and Glendale. The square footage ranges from 1300 to 2200 sq. ft. on most of these homes. Most of the homes in this price range are newer homes that have been built from 2000 on.

·        $300,000-$400,000: This price range has a wide range of home types, locations, and square footages. Single family, condos, apartments, and town houses are found in this price range. There are newly constructed homes or existing homes ranging from 3 years old to 35 years old. Homes in this price range can be found in Phoenix, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Peoria, Scottsdale, and Glendale. Square footage in this price ranges from 1600 to 3500.

·        $400,000-$600,000: Several homes in this price range are apartment/condo style homes in high rise buildings currently under construction in Phoenix. There are also single family residences located in Gilbert, Mesa, Peoria, Scottsdale, Glendale, and Chandler in this price range. Square footage ranges from 1100 to 3500 square feet.

·        $600,000-$700,000: Homes in this price range are existing homes and ones that are currently under construction. They are located in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Mesa. The new construction homes are mainly apartment/condos located in high rise buildings. Square footage ranges from 2100 to 4500 sq. ft.

·        $700,000-$800,000: This price range mainly consists of apartment and condo style homes. Some are currently under construction and there are also some that are 5 to 7 years of age. Square footage ranges from 2500 to 5000 square feet. These homes are located in Phoenix, Chandler, Ahwatukee, Mesa, and Scottsdale.

·        $800,000-$900,000: Homes in this price range are located in Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale, Ahwatukee, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Laveen. There are newly constructed homes as well as existing ones. Square footage ranges from 2500 to 5000 sq. ft.

·        $900,000-$2 million: Homes in this price range are generally located in Phoenix, Chandler, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley. The homes have several luxury amenities and typically have square footage from 4500 to over 5000 sq. ft.

·        $2 million-$5 million: This price range includes townhouses and single family residences. They are located in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and Paradise Valley. The square footage can exceed 6000 sq. ft. in some homes. Homes in this price range have luxury amenities through out.

 

·        Cubs Park Chicago Style Grill: This inexpensive yet tasty spot is located in North Phoenix. The Chicago style eatery offers such delights as huge hot dogs, brats, Italian sausages, burgers, and sandwiches. There are also fried onion rings, zucchini, and mushrooms. The most expensive thing on the menu is just over $5. Cubs Park also offers a good selection of domestic beer and cocktails.

·        Joe’s Real Barbeque: Open since 1995 Joe’s has quickly become a staple in the Phoenix area. Locals refer to it as the best Barbeque in town. Joe’s menu features ribs, chicken, and beef all smoked to perfection. Sides include huge baked potatoes, coleslaw, potato salad, bb-q beans, applesauce, and mac n cheese. There is even a homemade desert menu. Prices range from $3.99 to $11.

·        Sweet Tomatoes: This is a restaurant where you can eat a quality meal for as little as $10-$15. Their buffet style bars offer delicious salads, soups, pastas, and baked goods.

·        Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill: Z’Tejas isn’t your ordinary chain restaurant. With several locations in the greater Phoenix area this is a great place to get a fantastic meal. Menu items include salads such as Southwestern Caesar and Jerk Chicken Salad. The soup menu offers Tortilla Soup and Chef’s specialties. The entrée menu features specialties such as a Chicken Avocado Sandwich, Gorgonzola Steak, Voodoo Tuna, Diablo Chicken Pasta, Santa Fe Chicken Enchiladas, Wild Mushroom Enchiladas, and Crab Stuffed Chicken. Z’Tejas also offers a full bar menu with some of the best frozen margaritas around. Menu items range in price from $4.25 to $16.95.

 

·        Chevy’s Fresh Mex: This is a Tex mex chain with the chain restaurant prices but not the chain restaurant taste. The salsa at Chevy’s is one of the best anywhere and along with their guacamole and tortillas it’s made fresh each day. Their menu is full of Tex mex specialties such as the quesadillas or for the hungrier diner the Superior Diner is always a great choice. Nothing is over $16 on the Chevy’s menu. Be sure to order one of their signature frozen drinks like The Ultimate Margarita.

·        El Bravo: El Bravo’s is an expensive authentic Mexican restaurant that has been open in Phoenix for close to 20 years. Locals and visitors flock to El Bravo’s for their mouthwatering specialties. Their chips, salsa, and sauces are even sold so you can enjoy them at home. With nothing on the menu over $10 you’re sure to find more than one thing that hits the spot.

·        Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy: Abuelo’s is another chain Mexican restaurant with authentic Mexican food. The atmosphere along with the extensive menu provides a memorable dining experience. Menu items include several salads, soups and entrees. Favorites at Abuelo’s are the queso dips, fajitas, chimichangas, burritos, and the papas con chile. Abuelo’s also offers a full service bar. Prices at Abuelo’s range from $4.25 to $20. 

·        The Tee Pee: Chips, salsa, and margaritas what could be better. These along with other authentic Mexican dishes make the dining experience at The Tee Pee a tasty one. Aside from the fact that you can eat there for less than $15 per person. The menu consists of meal options and combinations all sure to please. Be sure to try the green corn tamales they’re legendary.

 

·        Little Louie Italian Restaurant: Little Louie is the perfect place to find a great pizza or other Italian dishes for not a lot of money. With larges costing only $9 and lasagna for $4. There is also fresh creamy cheesecake for only $3 a slice.

·        Pronto Ristorante: This neighborhood Italian restaurant serves authentic Italian food for moderate prices. Entrees cost between $12 and $20. The menu includes appetizers, salads, pizzas, and pasta, chicken, and pork entrees.

·        Fiamma Trattoria: An extension of New York City’s Fiamma Osteria this restaurant located in the hip James Hotel has a modern feel with unique yet traditional dishes. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner their specialties include Rigatoni, Tortelli, Cavatelli, and the roasted chicken. Prices at Fiamma range from $9 to $23.

 

·        China Village Restaurant: Favorites at this inexpensive Chinese restaurant include chow mein, chop suey, and Peking duck. China Village offers a wide selection of authentic Chinese dishes. Menu prices range from $4 to $9.

 

·        Rockfish Seafood Grill: This is a great place to enjoy seafood without having to spend a lot of money. Rockfish Seafood Grill also has a wonderful family environment. Some of the items on their menu are Mexican Shrimp Martini which is a blend of shrimp, avocado, and tomato salsa and its served with tortilla chips, Seared Ahi Tuna Salad, Louisiana Gumbo, Tilapia Sandwich, Sizzling Pecan Trout, Cajun Shrimp Pasta, and Santa Fe Fish Tacos. They also offer a children’s menu as well as full service bar. Menu prices range from $6 to $20.

 

·        Desert Botanical Garden: Located in Central Phoenix the botanical garden offers over 50 acres of beautiful exhibits and is home to more than 139 endangered plants.

·        Phoenix Zoo: The Phoenix Zoo is a great destination for families. It is ranked in the top 5 for children’s zoos. The zoo has a new addition Kasih a baby orangutan. There are also many other exciting animal exhibits to visit. The zoo is open 7 days a week and admission prices are $14 for adults ages 13-59, $9 for seniors ages 60+, $6 for children 3-12, and children under 2 are free. There is a Safari Train that costs $3 and takes visitors all over the zoo.

·        Golf: The Phoenix area is home to a number of premier golf courses. Several hotels and resorts in the area have deals for their guests at certain courses.

·        Shopping: Phoenix provides a wide variety of shopping experiences. From high end fashion to off beat specialty stores.

·        Sports: The Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Coyotes (NHL), and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) all call Phoenix home.

·        Out of Africa Wildlife Park: This park gives people a chance to observe animals in their natural habitats. Animals you’ll encounter at the park are lions, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars, bears, leopards, hyenas, and wolves. There are shows at the park that allow visitors to see the animal’s natural instincts in the wild. Safari rides, feeding encounters, and photo opportunities are just a few of the activities offered at the park. Ticket prices are as follows adults $28, senior citizens $26, children 3-12 $20, and children under 3 are free.

·        Fiddlesticks: Located in Scottsdale this entertainment center has go-carts, bumper boats, laser tag, mini-golf, and kiddie rides.

·        Castles N Coasters: This amusement park is a great way to spend a day in Phoenix. There are thrill rides and rides for the less brave as well. Prices range from $5 for individual rides to $25 for all day unlimited passes.

·        Copper Square: Considered the downtown area of Phoenix Copper Square spans over 90 city blocks and has an assortment of nightclubs, restaurants, shops, and bars.

 

·        Legacy Golf Resort: This resort isn’t just for avid golfers. It is also perfect for families, business meetings, or weekend getaways. The resort offers 328 large guest suites and a beautiful championship 18 whole golf course. Activities offered at the resort include golf, volleyball, tennis, swimming, and hiking. Golfers will love the putting greens, practice facility, and driving range. The resort also provides a large outdoor pool along with a children’s pool. The onsite restaurant Trail’s End Bar and Grill has a menu with entrees ranging from grilled mahi mahi to New York strip steak. Guest suites come in either studios, one bedroom, or two bedroom options and each one comes complete with a full kitchen or a kitchenette, a refrigerator, washer and dryer, and private patios. There is even a concierge service available that a can help you schedule your vacation activities. Rooms start at a nightly rate of $215.   

·        Hyatt Regency: The Hyatt Regency is a great hotel for both the business traveler and vacationers. Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix the Hyatt Regency is only a few minutes away from a number of area attractions. The Hyatt Regency offers a restaurant, bar and lounge, swimming pool, gift shop, tennis courts, and fitness facilities. Restaurants with in the hotel are the Compass Restaurant, Terrace Café, and Einstein Bros. Café. Nightly rates start at $229.

 

·        Golf: The Phoenix area is very well known for its golfing. Golfers ranging from the experienced to those who are just starting consider the golfing experience to be superior in the Phoenix area. There are several PGA golf courses in the area and several resorts have courses on their grounds. Green fees can range from $75 to over $1000 for area courses. 

·        Phoenix Zoo: The Phoenix Zoo has been ranked in the top 5 zoos in the country for their children’s zoo. But the zoo isn’t just fun for kids. Adults also love seeing all the animals the zoo offers. One of the zoo’s most popular exhibits is their new addition Kasih a baby orangutan. There are also many other exciting animal exhibits to visit while at the zoo. The zoo is open 7 days a week and admission prices are $14 for adults ages 13-59, $9 for seniors ages 60+, $6 for children 3-12, and children under 2 are free. There is a Safari Train that costs $3 and takes visitors all over the zoo.

·        Desert Botanical Garden: Located in Central Phoenix the botanical garden offers over 50 acres of beautiful exhibits and is home to more than 139 endangered plants.

·        Castles N Coasters: This amusement park is a great way to spend a day in Phoenix. There are roller coasters, water rides, games, miniature golf, and go carts. Prices range from $5 for individual rides or attractions like mini golf, go carts, or games to $25 for all day unlimited pass to all the attractions at the park.

·        Out of Africa Wildlife Park: Out of Africa Wildlife Park gives people a chance to observe animals in their natural habitats. Animals you will encounter at the park are lions, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars, bears, leopards, hyenas, and wolves. There are shows at the park that allow visitors to ovserve the animal’s natural instincts in the wild. Safari rides, feeding encounters, and photo opportunities are just a few of the activities offered at the park. Ticket prices are as follows adults $28, senior citizens $26, children 3-12 $20, and children under 3 are free.

·        Arizona Mills Shopping Mall: Arizona Mills in one of Phoenix’s most popular shopping malls because of the excellent selection of outlet stores they offer. Outlet stores you can find at Arizona Mills are Virgin Megastore, Sketchers USA, Tommy Hilfiger Company Store, Vans, Puma, Kenneth Cole, Guess, Gap, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Athletes Foot, American Eagle, and Bakers Shoes.

·         Copper Square: Considered the downtown area of Phoenix Copper Square spans over 90 city blocks and has an assortment of nightclubs, restaurants, shops, and bars.

 

·        Fiddlesticks: Located in Scottsdale this entertainment center has go-carts, bumper boats, laser tag, mini-golf, and kiddie rides. Fiddlesticks is a great evening activity for families.

·        Professional Sporting Events: Sports: The Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Coyotes (NHL), and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) all call Phoenix home. The average ticket price for these sporting events range in price from $30 to $80 for general seating.

·        Fat Tuesday: Fat Tuesday’s is a daiquiri bar that offers a large selection of frozen daiquiris served from huge spinning daiquiri makers. They also serve beer. There are two outside patios and a DJ. It’s a great place to relax and hang out with friends.

·        Denny’s: With several area locations in the Phoenix Denny’s offers a great way to start the day. Their menu has breakfast, lunch, and dinner items that are all served 24/7. Prices range between $3 and $12.

·        Einstein Bros. Bagels: Open for breakfast and lunch Einstein Bros. offers a menu with 20 different flavored bagels, cream cheese, panini’s, salads, and bagel sandwiches for either breakfast or lunch. This is an inexpensive breakfast choice with their most expensive menu item being just over $8. 

·        Dunkin Donuts: Dunkin Donuts has several locations in Phoenix ensuring no matter where you are your never very far away from them. Aside from their large assortment of donuts they also serve bagels, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and coffee drinks. Prices range from $1.50 to $5.

·        Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy: Abuelo’s is a chain Mexican restaurant with authentic Mexican food. The atmosphere along with the great food provides a memorable dining experience. Menu items include several salads, soups and entrees. Favorites at Abuelo’s are the queso dips, fajitas, chimichangas, burritos, and the papas con chile. Abuelo’s also offers a full service bar. Prices at Abuelo’s range from $4.25 to $20. 

·        Pronto Ristorante: This neighborhood Italian restaurant serves authentic Italian food for moderate prices. Entrees cost between $12 and $20. The menu includes appetizers, salads, pizzas, and pasta, chicken, and pork entrees.

·        Joe’s Real Barbeque: Open since 1995 Joe’s has quickly become a staple in the Phoenix area. Locals refer to it as the best Barbeque in town. Joe’s menu features ribs, chicken, and beef all smoked to perfection. Sides include huge baked potatoes, coleslaw, potato salad, bb-q beans, applesauce, and mac n cheese. There is even a homemade desert menu. Prices range from $3.99 to $11.

·        Chevy’s Fresh Mex: This is a Tex mex chain with the chain restaurant prices but not the chain restaurant taste. The salsa at Chevy’s is one of the best anywhere and along with their guacamole and tortillas it’s made fresh each day. Their menu is full of Tex mex specialties such as the quesadillas or for the hungrier diner the Superior Diner is always a great choice. Nothing is over $16 on the Chevy’s menu. Be sure to order one of their signature frozen drinks like The Ultimate Margarita.

·        Fiamma Trattoria: An extension of New York City’s Fiamma Osteria this restaurant located in the hip James Hotel has a modern feel with unique yet traditional dishes. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner their specialties include Rigatoni, Tortelli, Cavatelli, and the roasted chicken. Prices at Fiamma range from $9 to $23.

·        Rockfish Seafood Grill: This is a great place to enjoy seafood without having to spend a lot of money. Rockfish Seafood Grill also has a wonderful family environment. Some of the items on their menu are Mexican Shrimp Martini which is a blend of shrimp, avocado, and tomato salsa and its served with tortilla chips, Seared Ahi Tuna Salad, Louisiana Gumbo, Tilapia Sandwich, Sizzling Pecan Trout, Cajun Shrimp Pasta, and Santa Fe Fish Tacos. They also offer a children’s menu as well as full service bar. Menu prices range from $6 to $20.