Phoenix, known as The Valley of the Sun for its 300 days of sunshine each year, is fragmented into many neighborhoods and suburbs. Visitors first notice the sprawling low profile of most of the valley, with two exceptional high-rise downtown neighborhoods.

Downtown Phoenix

The downtown area has been undergoing a major facelift since the construction of the US Airways Center and baseball arena, Chase Field. Coffeehouses, restaurants, nightclubs and shopping in the Arizona Center continue to draw people downtown for the nightlife. Many new restaurants have opened, including A League Of Our Own. 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 the park at Patriots Square, the Arizona Science Center, the Phoenix Museum of History and the Phoenix Art Museum.

West Phoenix

The inner neighborhoods include moderately priced homes largely developed in the 1970s. Shopping in the west area can be found at Desert Sky Mall, and Cricket Pavilion, which offers an open-air entertainment amphitheater.

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 offers shopping and diverse dining choices.

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. Upscale apartments coexist with middle class housing here. 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 found 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 with a casual, leisure pace.

East Side

Bordering Phoenix is the town of Paradise Valley, which draws middle to upper class residents. Fine shopping is available at the Paradise Valley Mall. East of Paradise Valley is Scottsdale, fondly referred to by residents as "The West's Most Western Town." Highly sought after for conventions and vacations, this area has upscale housing and topnotch restaurants such as Ruth's Chris Steak House at Lincoln Drive and Scottsdale Road. World class shopping is provided at the lovely Borgata of Scottsdale.

Located south of Scottsdale, Tempe is primarily a college town and the home of Arizona State University. Local festivals such as Fall Festival of the Arts are extremely popular down on South Mill. The University is located in its center, ringed by family and student housing.

Continuing east we find Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert. Chandler remained largely an agricultural community until a growth spurt, which began in the 1970s. Much of this area houses young families and middle-class professionals in stucco and tile developments. Local shopping is enjoyable at the Superstition Springs Center Mall at the northwest corner of Highway 60 and Power Road.