Central Scottsdale - Scottsdale, AZ

For much of its history, this neighborhood was home to settlers who had ventured out west. You can still see remnants of this past in the local love for all things cowboy-related. It wasn't until the 1920s that developers started building resorts and golf courses in the area. Despite these attractions, the population of full-time residents remained relatively small until a building boom in the 1980s. Since then, the neighborhood has become increasingly popular and continues to grow. To this day, the area's biggest business is tourism. Visitors from all over the world come to enjoy world-class golf and spend a week at the popular health clubs and resorts.

The beautiful scenery has also attracted a host of artists over the years. Participate in the First Friday art walks to get a guided tour of local galleries. These tours are free and begin at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.

The influence of local culture can clearly be seen in the types of restaurants that populate Scottsdale Ranch. You won't be hard pressed to find excellent barbecue and Tex-Mex fusion cuisine. For a great taste of local fare, visit Little Miss BBQ where you can get a big serving of brisket, coleslaw and their signature jalapeño grits. The laid-back and welcoming atmosphere means no one will judge you if you leave with a little BBQ sauce on your shirt.

To sample dishes with a new take on Mexican food, visit the award-winning Blue Adobe Grill. The menu includes a list of traditional dishes such as tacos and enchiladas as well as many dishes that incorporate seafood, such as the lobster dip and salmon wrap. The Hatch chile chicken corn chowder is a favorite among visitors and has even won awards as the best chowder in the state.

If you're looking for a place to share a drink with friends, you have your choice of local wine bars, taverns, and clubs. For an old-fashioned and a great view of the neighborhood, visit the Second Story Liquor Bar. Wednesday nights are "Whiskey School Nights" where visitors can pay a fixed price to sample and learn about various whiskeys.

With the music scene still trying to gain traction, there are some great smaller venues that are worth visiting if you enjoy local bands. The Pub Rock Club is a small venue where you can hear up-and-coming rock bands. After concerts, the DJ plays a mix of Top 40 songs that are great for dancing.

Convenient freeway access from Scottsdale Ranch means that you won't be stuck in traffic congestion when you travel through the city of Phoenix. If you just want to get from one end of the neighborhood to the other, public buses are a great way to travel. Ample street parking and parking decks also make it easy to get out and explore.

Bike lanes and sidewalks make the neighborhood pedestrian-friendly and allow you to enjoy the great weather safely and easily. Taxis are also readily available, although more and more residents are taking advantage of riding sharing programs like Uber and Lyft, which typically cost less than a taxi ride.

No matter what kind of activities you enjoy, you'll find a park close by to cater specifically to your interests. For offbeat adventure, head to the Paradise Valley Skate Park or to the Coyote Basin Park, where patrons can launch rockets and fly radio-controlled airplanes. The seven dog parks in the area include the brand-new Paradise Valley Dog Park.

In 2013, the city of Phoenix wrapped up its urban park initiative, whose goal it was to plant thousands of trees throughout the city. The highlight of this project is Encanto Park, home to over 1,700 trees and a long list of amenities that include a fishing lagoon, racquetball courts and a pool, giving the entire community a great place to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.

The cost of living in Scottsdale Ranch runs on par with the rest of the city and offers housing priced above the national average, including some luxurious homes. The real expense incurred in living in Scottsdale Ranch comes from housing, with a one-bedroom apartment renting for over $1,000 per month.

Getting around town can be relatively cheap, however. Kids can ride the transit system for free and an all-day bus pass costs just $4. The average price of gas is about 10 cents below the national average. You can get a nice beer at the local pub for $3 or $4.

Famed for its shopping options, Scottsdale Ranch not only hosts an annual fashion week that attracts designers and buyers from around the world, right down the street you'll find the well-known Scottsdale Fashion Square. With high-end stores such as Prada, Gucci, and Armani providing access to exclusive items, this isn't your average shopping center.

When you're in the mood for a vintage or gently used item, check out Poor Little Rich Girl on East Indian School Road. This must-stop spot features a wide variety of designer purses, jeans, dresses and accessories for women of all shapes and sizes. If you don't find what you are looking for here, check out Uptown Cheapskate - Scottsdale on East Shea Boulevard. Also a designer consignment shop, this quaint store carries men's and boys' clothing in addition to women's and girls' clothing and accessories.

When it comes to stocking your fridge, Food Lion has locations around the city, or choose a store that specializes in organic products. Check out Nature's Garden Delivered for a great selection of healthy foods. The Tatum Ranch Farmer's Market opens on Sundays and provides a convenient place to purchase local produce.