We built a house in an up and coming area that was being newly developed.  Since I have lived here my whole life I thought I knew what I was doing!  Of course it was during the building boom.  Not much existed but farms, ranches, new strip malls and schools.  A few years later it is a different story.  Our new neighborhood is riddled with graffiti.  The last place you would expect to see crime and gangs…right in this pristine and new tree lined community.

The purpose of this it to inform others about Phoenix and the surrounding communities.  Real estate can always be a good deal if it is in the wrong place to live.   Here are a few facts and tips:

Phoenix: Being the main draw to tourists and visitors it is the most populated city here in AZ.  But, being a native I can say there are selected places to actually settle down in.  Downtown has new lofts that are modern and new age but have yet to find a real draw for everyday people.  Most places are far from shopping and parks.  The smog and traffic leave something to be desired.  There are still many streets riddled with condemned houses and the homeless.  I’d say move there because your job is next door or your single and love culture.  Great Museums!

Scottsdale: Often if anyone famous visits our fine city they stay in Scottsdale.  Nothing comes close to the nearly pristine conditions you can find on every corner and building.  The shopping is spectacular with a wide variety and convenience.  Really, the customer service is the best.  But, you get what you pay for.  Look at paying up to 10% more just for the zip code.  And, on top of that, expect to work hard to keeping up with the Jones’s.  Great place to visit: Old Town Scottsdale!

Mesa: Talk about a split city.  Mesa has really worked hard the last 10 years to renovate their Main Street.  Putting a lot of dollars into sculptures and a huge convention center.  And, it has been worth it.  Now you can shop, eat and work in a quaint and picturesque little area.  The housing is riddled.  It is a strange demographics of working poor and elite socialites.  Some streets are full of old run down cars while others boats and RV gates.  And, the streets touch. It is also known to be a very religious community.  Great place to see: Main Street.

Chandler: Well the fabulous mall certainly put it on the map.  Located at the 101 and Chandler Blvd.  It is surrounded by shopping and great restaurants.  What a great place to live.  Right in the middle of all the cities and a freeway is always close by!  I have however seen some old and probably what some some would see as historic district filled with what should be condemned houses and in need of an HOA!  But, there are a majority of new homes in gated communities that are real perfect!  Great Shopping!

Avondale: It’s pretty far from downtown but, if you are looking for a little more quiet and new….Here it is.  Not far off the freeway it is easily accessed and easily navigated.  With a majority new homes and shops it is great for a new family that is looking for a deal on a house!

Laveen: Let’s think country.  This community is tucked up near South Mountain and filled with new communities and farmland backing up to each other.  It is still quaint and small with some great custom lots and cookie cutter homes.  Not close to the freeway, no shopping but grocery, and has some rough neighborhoods that are filled with section 8 housing.  Look carefully.  Great place to hike or see South Mountain!

Gilbert: Talk about a town that has grown by leaps and bounds.  They have managed to keep the small town feel and add the eloquent shopping.  A great place with custom and clean homes.  Perfect place for a family.  TOTAL family community.  Everyone has kids and dogs!  Quite a haul from Phoenix but may be worth it!  Great idea of Perfect Suburbia!

Glendale: It is the community that used to be new… and, is now old.  Most things are older and worn.  Homes, shopping and buildings.  But, it does add to the charm.  Some areas are still decent and others not worth looking at.  Great thing to do: Close to the I17 freeway and has a spectacular chocolate affair near Valentines Day!

Paradise Valley: Great place to shop and enjoy the outdoors.  On the edge on the city it is a bit isolated.  pretty far from Phoenix but with a great view.  A little hard to navigate and a lot of homes are custom.  Great Sunday drive!

Queen Creek: What a great city away from the city.  More for families that don’t need a lot of shopping or eating out.  Limited fun and access.  But has a total country feel!  Great way to get out of the city!

Well, These are just of few of our fine cities that make up Phoenix and the surrounding areas!

We arrived a little early waiting for our friends to join us (which almost never happens), so we sat in the bar.  I have to say that the bar was hopping!  Yes, it was happy hour and the bar and bar tables were packed.  Luckily they had really comfy chairs around the room that you could order from.  The service in the bar was great, even though the room was practically full.  I was a little hungry, so we started out with an appetizer.  My husband has dubbed it the best garlic cheese bread ever!  We will probably have to get it every time we go there, since it is so tasty.

We were pleased there was no waiting at 6:00 pm on a Friday night when our friends got there.  The ambiance of the restaurant was very laid back and classy, just how we like it in Arizona.  The waiters were all dressed up in normal steakhouse attire, which makes the restaurant feel a little more formal.  We took our son last time and we had no issues with blending in with a toddler.  Everything we have tried so far has been delicious.  Their steaks are cooked just how you ask for it and have a fantastic flavor.   This time my husband had a steak with mushrooms and a balsamic sauce, it was mouth-watering good.  The steaks start from $20 and hamburgers starting at $11, with most Entrees starting around $15.  The service was excellent.  They had to refill our waters several times and they were always on top of it.  They server bread at the table once you order and offered more bread once that was out.   I know some places have changed to only bringing bread upon request, so it was nice not to have to ask for it.  We lost track of time, so we were almost late for our movie, but all in all it took about an hour and a half to order, eat and pay.

Everyone ordered drinks, but I have to say the presentation was unique.  My husband ordered a Vodka Red Bull and our friend ordered a Rum and Coke.  They both came with the alcohol in a bar glass and the mix in on the side (Red Bull and Coke) as you can see in the picture.  The drinks tasted good.  They also feature freshly squeezed citrus drinks and the lemonade was tart, just how I like it!

I would recommend The Keg Steakhouse and Bar to friends and will definitely be going back!