Downtown Chandler - Chandler, AZ Area Guide

In 1891, Dr. Alexander Chandler, the first veterinary doctor in Arizona, purchased 80 acres of land from the Federal Government. He built new irrigation systems that brought life to what was then a desert area. By the early 1900s, Dr. Chandler held an 18,000-acre ranch, which became the heart of the city. He sought the help of architects and planners to subdivide his ranch and draw plans for a township. One year after his first land sale, the settlement began to take off, with new businesses sprouting up and down the main road, including the Bank of Chandler. By 1920, the area had more than 20,000 residents and automobiles had become the main form of transportation. Price Corridor houses a wide selection of artistic venues, from performing arts to artisans and local artists. The Chandler Center for the Arts is a brilliant venue that hosts comedy, drama and other acts. The area does not feature local museums.

Residents here can find a wide selection of national and regional restaurant chains, ethnic specialties and unique local flavors. What was originally the first post office in the area now houses a cozy and popular wine bar. Vintage 95 features an upscale lounge patio and an intimidate interior with leather chairs, low lights and a warm fireplace. It’s the perfect place for catching up with friends or having a drink with co-workers. The affordable, yet selective wine list includes locally produced flavors as well as international favorites. Don’t leave without trying the bruschetta with shrimp, served over a light and tangy orzo salad. Yoli’s Café, a pleasant little gem in a small house with a courtyard, serves the best breakfast and lunch in town. This bistro hits the mark with savory skillets, omelets, gravy and homemade biscuits. Build your own burger or cold sandwich for lunch. Try the Monte Cristo on Hawaiian toast or the Luau pulled pork, which comes with green chilies, pineapple slices and a soft Bonillo roll. Tile-roofed kitchen facade, high ceilings and a lush patio make El Zocalo one of the finest looking restaurants in the neighborhood. This Mexican eatery sits in Downtown’s popular San Marcos Plaza. The menu includes favorites like homemade tortillas, zesty margaritas and gigantic nachos. Opt in for the lemon cake or the creamy chocolate cheesecake for desert. Whether you want an exciting escape or a relaxing night out with friends, Price Corridor delivers. When the sun goes down, locals gather at Max and Ted’s 480 Neighborhood Bar, a tavern that provides touch-screen video games, billiards and plenty of people-watching opportunities. Display your karaoke skills on Saturday nights, and stop by on Wednesdays for poker competitions. Rock, pop and R&B music pulsates from dawn until dusk at The Reef, a colorful nightspot decorated with bright pink neon lights. DJs take over on the weekends, controlling the groove of the packed dance floor. A selection of local rock and pop bands play during the weekdays.

The city-owned Chandler Airport sits in the Southeast Valley, offering simple access to major cities. This excellent business airport acts as the base for charter transport and sightseeing excursions. Three major and easily accessible freeways serve the needs of the community. Santan Freeway covers the east; Price Freeway covers the north; and Interstate 70 twists through the southwestern part of the city. Public parking is available in many parts of the neighborhood without additional fees. The Valley Metro operates 365 days a year, with an extensive selection of routes travelling in and out of the area. Many of these bus routes make connections with the Metro Light Rail, a train service that runs from Mesa to Tempe and Phoenix. Residents can hail a taxi off the streets or book a trip with one of the local companies. Uber and Lyft are also available. Ample sidewalks and pedestrian detection systems make walking within town a safe and enjoyable experience. Price Corridor contains clearly marked bike lanes at every turn, making it safe for cyclists. The Maricopa Association publishes an updated regional bike map of the area every year.

Runners, triathletes and cyclists can make Price Corridor their home base while participating in the annual Rock and Roll marathon or Iron Man Challenge. Bring your bike to Chandler Bike Park, a free, non-supervised facility built especially for BMX fans. Play a ball game with friends at Snedigar Sports Complex, which provides clean soccer fields, basketball courts and a 9000 square foot recreation center. You can also bring your dog for a run at the gated dog park. The complex does not charge fees for regular recreational use, though many local leagues do. If you have little ones, then take them for a day of ice-skating at the Ice Den Chandler. This facility houses two regulation-sized ice surfaces, hockey courts and skating lessons. One they get tired of skating, they can spend some time at the large video game arcade.

The cost of living in Price Corridor is higher than the Phoenix average, but that’s because it offers top-of-the-line businesses, loads of recreational options and upscale entertainment. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages around $825 per month. Hitching a ride in one of the public buses or light rail costs about $2.00 for a one-way trip. Gas prices here stay 8 percent lower than the national average, and drinking a pint of beer in a local bar comes out to $5.

Price Corridor includes a smart assortment of souvenir shops, national chains and locally made crafts. Chandler Fashion Center, a premier regional mall, features premium retailers, including H&M, Apple, and Coach. Check out The Dancing Waters fountain in the outside area, a dazzling display of water, music and lights. For the latest in women's fashion, check out Katybug Faye Boutique, a place that stocks an assortment of beautiful accessories, shirts and jeans. Tootsie's Boutique, named for the owner's grandmother, provides a selection of Popits, adorable flip-flops, wedges, hats and hair accessories that hold interchangeable charms, as well as custom-fitted toe rings, clothing, accessories, jewelry and home decor items. If you need one-of-a-kind, unique items, try Tootsie's. Most residents shop for essentials at Sam's Club or use Walmart's grocery pickup service for groceries ordered online. For a fresh supply of organic produce, stop by the Whole Foods Market or Sprouts Farmers Market. Gilbert Farmers Market opens on Saturdays to sell locally sourced fruits and vegetables.