Deer Valley Phoenix, AZ

Development of the area began with a handful of mining settlements in the 1880s. The search for gold never panned out and efforts to irrigate the area for farming also turned out fruitless. The area was incorporated into Phoenix city limits during the 1960s. The completion of Interstate 17 brought more people in the 1970s.

The area began booming into the current community with the opening of Loop 101 through the area in 2001. Today, the community receives health care at the John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital and ample shopping and entertainment at places such as the Deer Valley Towne Square.

While chain restaurants dominate near the freeways, local favorites lie just off the beaten path. In just a few short years, Pork on a Fork has gained a strong following. It started by selling fresh pork products from the family farm. Two years later, the restaurant opened with a traditional barbecue menu featuring family recipes prepared over a pit of pecan wood and coals. The attention to detail that creates the succulent food also matches the service. Diners understand why USA Today named it one of the 10 Best Barbecue Joints in the country.

Say “mahalo” as you surf over to Da Valley Grill. The owners moved here from Hawaii and deliver a homespun touch to the Asian fusion menu. The restaurant keeps the atmosphere alive with items such as the Kalua Pork and Spam Musubi, a treat rarely seen this far from the islands.

East Coast transplants can also enjoy a taste of home. Times Square Neighborhood Italian Restaurant expanded to a second location in 2014. Both offer pizzas, pastas, fresh seafood and sandwiches. Unlike many Italian restaurants, they serve breakfast seven days a week. Be sure to check out the homemade dessert menu. Many visitors consider their meal incomplete without a cannoli to wrap it up.

You do not need to go far to find quality dining and nightlife. Looking for laughs? Sit back for hearty food and hearty laughs at Crack Ups Comedy Club. The club features rising stars from the standup circuit, along with a full menu and full bar. They named the entrees after famous comedians from the past and present, such as the George Carlin (loaded nachos), Kevin Hart (deep-fried shrimp) and Eddie Murphy (fish and chips). Headliner shows typically take the stage on Fridays and Saturdays, with open mic nights on Wednesday and Thursday. Weekend shows require a cover charge and two-drink minimum while the open mic shows are free to all.

For a more sophisticated experience, drop by Magnum's Cigars, Wine and Spirits. The 450-square-foot walk-in humidor stocks a thousand cigars made around the world. The store also sells 350 single-malt scotches, 600 beers, 250 tequilas and a variety of rums and vodkas. You can take in the atmosphere even longer at the in-house lounge, with many of the scotches, beers and wines available by the glass.

People here generally drive to their destinations. A journey along Interstate 17 to downtown takes roughly 25 minutes. Loop 101 surrounds the north valley. A trip west takes you out to Interstate 10 while, driving east brings you around Scottsdale and into the east valley. Dedicated HOV lanes on Interstate 17 and Loop 101 speed along carpools of two or more during rush hours each weekday.

Valley Metro runs several bus routes through the area. In addition to routes along 7th Street, 19th Avenue and 35th Avenue, a Park and Ride center located at Bell Road and Interstate 17 extends the number of options to get around. Racks and lockers make it friendly for bicyclists, and drivers appreciate the 350 parking spots, all but 10 of them covered.

Designated bike lanes line Deer Valley Road, Union Hills Drive, 35th Avenue and Cave Creek Road. Portions of at least a dozen other roads in the area also include bike lanes. The Phoenix Deer Valley Airport serves as the main facility for general aviation in the greater Phoenix area. Despite no scheduled commercial flights it ranks as one of the busiest airports in the world for takeoffs and landings.

Several notable parks call this neighborhood home. The Adobe Dam Regional Park sits on more than 1,500 acres. The ample space includes a golf course, softball and volleyball fields, a Wet N' Wild waterpark, a go-kart track and even a 600-foot-long model airplane runway. The Maricopa County charges a $6 per vehicle entry fee.

If you prefer swimming, soccer, tennis or basketball then you should check out Deer Valley Park. Visitors to the Phoenix city park also enjoy the playground, picnic areas and exercise course. The pool opens for the summer months and charges daily fees of $3 for adults and $1 for children and seniors, with season passes available.

Dog lovers and their furry friends will enjoy the Echo Mountain Off Leash Arena at Grovers Basin. Fenced areas separate big and small dogs so they can run free. Shade trees, water and benches ensure pets and humans can relax and enjoy themselves. This park allows you to save a few bones with free admission and parking.

The city of Phoenix also operates Buffalo Ridge Park. Along with the lighted softball and basketball courts, you can show off your throwing skills at the 18-hole disc golf course.

Annual events in the area include Vaseo Village Haunted House. The large apartment community started hosting the Halloween event in 2009, and it grows bigger each year. Along with the haunted house, you can find food, music, face painting and other fun along the Nightmare on 7th Street.

Most people get around by driving, so the relatively low gas prices certainly help. Fuel typically costs 11% less than the Arizona average. Trips on Valley Metro buses and light rail trains cost $2 one way and $4 for a full day pass when purchased in advance. The system imposes a $2 surcharge for tickets purchased on buses.

For entertainment, movie tickets typically cost $10, while draft beers typically range around $3 to $3.50 during happy hours. The overall cost of living comes in slightly less than the city average.

The Deer Valley Towne Center mall along the Agua Fria Highway serves as the largest retail center for the area. Tenants include an AMC 30 Imax theater, Target, Ross, Michaels, and variety of restaurants.

For groceries, this section of Phoenix is close to Fry's, Safeway, WinCo, and Walmart Neighborhood Market. If you like to buy in bulk, a Costco is located off Wescott Drive near I-17. When you want to just pick up a couple of necessities, Circle K and Walgreens are both located off 35th Avenue.

Fashion and style fill the racks at Roka Boutique. The store features the latest trends in both women's and men's clothing. The store sits on the cutting edge of fashion and technology. Apps for iPhones and Android devices contains specials, alerts about new items, a customer loyalty program, and even a way to share photos of you and your new clothes with other Roka customers.

Growing families will appreciate Other Mothers. More than just a thrift shop, this store sells new and gently used clothing, nursery furniture, and baby equipment. While Other Mothers is focused on kids' clothing, they sell items for all ages.

Dreadnought Comics specializes in out-of-print comics and related collectibles. Dreadnought Comics stands out for the service and the displays. Instead of thumbing through comics in bins, vertical displays hold all 5,000 comics in stock. Each cover stands out, visually presented as a work of art.