Apache Junction, AZ

Once a barren desert outside of Phoenix, the area now known as Apache Junction first entered the spotlight when miner Jacob Waltz claimed to have extracted a gold mine in the late 1800s. By the turn of the century, the area saw its initial development when the Apache Trail was constructed. To experience the area's rich history for yourself, check out the Superstition Mountain Museum or the Goldfield Ghost Mine.

If you're looking for a taste of Apache Junction culture, browse the desert landscape paintings at Value Art, or take part in the annual Lost Dutchman Days to watch a parade, rodeo and art show.

Apache Junction's glory days of goldmines, cowboys and Western film come alive in the town's hearty spread of restaurants and hometown bars. Park your car near the junction or along Apache Trail to explore the local dining scene that ranges from cheap cafes to more upscale desert eateries.

If you're looking forward to a special night out at a local destination spot, take the worthwhile trip to Mining Camp Restaurant for an unbeatable view of the Superstition Mountains. Walk past the sign that says "Loosen Yer Belt" into a charming dining room straight out of the Old West. When you're ready to order, make like a cowboy with fried chicken surrounded by baked beans, coleslaw and biscuits.

The Handlebar Pub and Grill is the place to go to enjoy craft beer and live music on the weekends, but the food is anything but your standard bar grub. If you're looking for a fail-proof meal, order a stack of the pecan wood-smoked ribs with a side of blue cheese potato salad. The Handlebar's real trick lies in taking Western staples and adding a touch of gourmet flavor.

When you have a hankering for a honky tonk, head to Superstition Skies Restaurant & Lounge to dance to live country music. This is the place where locals go to mingle with neighbors, so be ready for a packed dance floor on the weekends.

Despite its remote location, Apache Junction's low traffic and an easy 35-minute drive into central Phoenix continues to draw residents. The neighborhood doesn't offer much in the way of public transportation, but the Superstition Freeway connects car drivers to Interstate 10 for easy access into downtown Phoenix and the surrounding suburbs. When you get home from work, enjoy plenty of free street parking throughout the neighborhood.

If you need a quick pick-up, call Prestige Taxi or an Uber driver for a ride home from the mall. If you prefer to travel by bike, take advantage of the bike lanes on Old West Highway. Apache Junction creates a safe environment for walkers and bikers with well-maintained sidewalks, but you need a car to accomplish most of your errands.

Explore Apache Junction's free public parks and cheap recreation areas when you want to go for a hike or just enjoy a quiet picnic. Head to Lost Dutchman State Park to view towering rock formations and fields of cacti from the clean hiking trails, and feel free to bring your canine companion along with some water for both of you. Day access to the park costs you just a few bucks.

If you're looking for a neighborhood green space, stop at Prospector Park to grill some hot dogs while your kids enjoy the playgrounds. Sports enthusiasts love this local hangout for its basketball, tennis and racquetball courts as well as softball fields and horseshoe pits.

Apache Junction's suburban location places the cost of living just a little below average for the city of Phoenix. Renters can expect to pay around $500 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. No bus stops service the neighborhood, but the nearest stops a few miles west charge around $4 for a day pass. Going out means paying about $4 to $5 for a pint of beer, and gas prices hover around 9 percent below the national average.

Shopping in Apache Junction paints a picture of the Old West with pawn shops, antique stores and tack shops alongside grocery stores and other mainstays. Walk along Apache Trail for an assortment of low-key shops run by your Apache Junction neighbors. A slew of bargain shops await, but high-end fashion lovers may need to make the drive into Phoenix for their favorite brands and boutiques.

When you need to escape the summer heat, take a stroll through Superstition Springs Mall to find anchors like Sears and T.J. Max along with jewelry stores, small fashion hubs and snack shops. Supplying low to mid-priced fashions, this local mall has become a favorite of budget-conscious shoppers.

If the local culture strikes your fancy, stop by Rex's Collectibles to rummage for hidden treasures. The dusty desert outpost may not look like much from the outside, but inside lies a trove of antique tools, farm equipment, tools and collectible items from the past and present.

Specialty shops find a welcome home in Apache Junction, and Obie's Trains and Hobby Shop has become the local favorite of locomotive hobbyists. The owner and staff are always willing to give you a hand with your malfunctioning engines, and you find model trains of all sizes to start or finish your collection.

With local markets and chain grocers lining Apache Trail, you never have to travel far for your daily bread. Pick up your groceries at The Good Apple Natural Market to find organic goods and vegetarian fare, or visit Fry’s & Fry’s Marketplace for some fresh produce. You can also browse through local picks at the Superstition Ranch Market.