Coronado - Phoenix, AZ

The early history of the greater Phoenix area encompasses that of Coronado/Good Samaritan. Jack Swilling explored the territory after its earliest Native American inhabitants and encouraged settlement until it became a city in 1868. Subdivisions like Coronado continued to grow throughout the 20th century, especially after the invention of the streetcar.

Established in 1908, Coronado accommodated more modest dwellings, many with varying architectural designs because of financial restraints during the World Wars. Good Samaritan’s past closely relates to the Medical Center’s development, which opened in 1911 as the Arizona Deaconess Hospital and Home.

For art lovers, The Heard Museum on North Central Avenue maintains exhibits dedicated to Native American history and southwest culture. It also holds a world-acclaimed Guild Indian Fair and Market every year with close to 15,000 attendees. Another such venue on North Avenue, the Phoenix Museum of Art has more classical and contemporary artwork.

In a prime location near city life, but without the hassle of crowded streets and downtown parking, Coronado/Good Samaritan contains several places to eat and enjoy an afternoon or evening.

A favorite dining spot, La Santisima Gourmet Taco Shop, provides as many different kinds of salsa as you can count on your fingers and toes. Try the burrito, and if you're feeling adventurous, fill it with shrimp or roasted pork shoulder. Whichever you decide on, don't forget to wash it down with a 32-ounce glass of the horchata or a margarita.

The Barrio Cafe on North 16th Street attracts patrons with its artistic material on all of the walls and homemade guacamole to share. Featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, this favorite Mexican eatery prepares its signature dish, chiles en nogada, with superb presentation and flavor.

A popular restaurant, Tuck Shop, sits on North 12th Street and features a menu full of modern comfort classics. Regulars suggest the pulled pork and brisket sandwiches. The cheese curds, another favorite, are made from local milk and beer battered to perfection.

For entertainment, a few bars lie on and near North Central Avenue. Among them, Oven and Vine on Vernon Avenue has an impressive selection of beer and wine. To inspire a relaxing evening, hang out in its dimly lit lounge, full of candles and soothing ambiance.

Closer to Route 51, Rips Bar hosts karaoke events, '80s music dance parties, and performances by live bands. Such occasions require a cover charge, but frequent visitors never complain.

Because of Coronado/Good Samaritan’s convenient location near I-10 and Route 51, most people travel by car and make use of the state’s highway system. Parking options depend on where your headed. Downtown Phoenix contains many garages, and more than 25,000 metered parking spaces and most establishments in the neighborhood have designated parking lots or spaces nearby.

Residents of Coronado/Good Samaritan without vehicles also use public transportation as an effective alternative for getting around town. The Valley Metro Bus has several stops throughout Phoenix and its website provides an interactive schedule to help customize your trip.

For those who appreciate the thrill of hopping in a taxi, contact Sunrise Cab, Lyft or Uber — all popular choices for traveling through and outside of the city. The latter two also have user-friendly apps available on smartphones for instant communication with either company.

If your prefer riding a road bike, enjoy Phoenix’s extensive cycling lanes. To help with your wear and tear, go to State Bicycle Company on North Seventh Street. Equipped with gear and accessories, this establishment’s specialists assure quality service for their customers.

Coronado/Good Samaritan includes four parks in its vicinity. Coronado Park, with its large, spacious parking lot, welcomes those interested in playing basketball, tennis or baseball. In addition to the courts and baseball diamond, it’s also outfitted with a lap pool, jungle gym, public restrooms and a couple of canopies for relief from hot summer afternoons.

Close to Coronado in size, Montery Park on East Oak Street has a large baseball diamond and soccer field. Virginia Park on East Virginia Avenue and Townsend Park on East Lynwood Street are two other less vast grassy areas, but they still include space for taking your dog for a walk and playgrounds for children to play.

For a slightly more active afternoon and if you enjoy golfing and playing tennis, consider joining the Phoenix Country Club on North Seventh Street. The Club provides discounted memberships for different age groups and those interested in social or sports packages.

The cost of living in Coronado/Good Samaritan hovers close to that of the city average, considering its proximity to so many metropolitan businesses. The typical rate for a one-bedroom apartment is $862 a month.

Gas prices run about 10 percent lower in Phoenix than the national average and the bus fare costs only $2.50 to get around town. Depending on where you live in relation to downtown and main roads, you can easily walk to certain destinations.

At the Tuck Shop, an American restaurant a couple blocks north of Coronado Park, you can order a pint of beer for only $5 and a glass of wine anywhere from $8 to $14, which closely compare to prices for alcoholic beverages in the area.

Coronado/Good Samaritan includes a few specialty stores for leisurely shopping. Just north of I-10, Maggie’s Thrift sells either new or gently used clothing and accessories. Described by frequent customers as having soul and being full of bargains, Maggie’s supports a nonprofit organization for low-income pregnant and parenting women. For authentic collectibles, wander through Lizabel’s Treasures, a rustic antique store that frequently receives new items.

In search of exceptional gifts, go no further than Bunky Boutique. Privately owned and operated, this establishment sells merchandise made by independent designers throughout Arizona. The AZlove tee shirts are a must-have, whether for yourself or your friends and family.

For kitchen essentials, one of the most reliable grocery stores near the neighborhood is Safeway on East McDowell Road.

If you’re interested in purchasing locally grown and produced groceries, Uptown Farmers Market on the southeast corner of Central Avenue and Bethany Home Road provides a space for a variety of artists, bakers and farmers to sell their goods. This mostly food-based collection of vendors open their tents for business on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.