El GHEKO - Tucson, AZ Area Guide

The most famous resident of this area was the novelist Harold Bell Wright who lived in the area from around 1914 until 1933. The area where his home stands became known as the Harold Bell Wright Estates. This became the "H" in the El Gheko community name. Several of the streets in the area have names from characters in the novels such as Brian Kent Drive and Barbara Worth Street. The actual home of the novelist has been restored and has a private owner.

Along with all the usual fast food fare like McDonalds and other well-known outlets, choices abound in this neighborhood when it comes to dining.

Renee's Organic Oven has been serving up healthy, organic lunch and dinner since 2007. Renee's menu consists of locally sourced ingredients and many gluten-free options on the menu. The entrée-sized Greek salad with feta dressing made in-house remains one its most popular lunch items. The meatballs with jalapeño cream sauce holds the place as one of the most frequently mentioned entrée items. Renee's even has a twist on an old favorite dessert, the humble slice of cheesecake. Renee's cheesecake features a filling made with a goat and cream cheese blend for an even creamier filling, making it a perfect pairing with the fair-trade coffee at the end of your meal.

For over 20 years, the Peking Palace has been satisfying the locals hunger for authentic Chinese food. For lunch, a large buffet with many choices for entrées, such as a hot steaming bowl of egg drop soup, broccoli beef, or Chinese-style BBQ ribs, and multiple sides dishes fills you up fast. The dinner menu features items like "ravioli," traditional dumplings you can order either steamed or fried with a spicy dipping sauce. Other dinner favorites include Peking duck, which puts this restaurant on the map as one of the only Chinese restaurants in Tucson to have it on the menu. You also have the option to replace any animal protein with tofu.

The nightlife of the area mainly consists of casual neighborhood pubs. The quintissential local bar is Jeff's Pub, which offers more than just beer and drinks. Hours of operation run from 8 a.m. until 2 a.m. every day, and it serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner to hungry locals. Along with standard pub fare like burgers and chicken wings, you can also get a shrimp salad, and don't be surprised when your server asks you if you want gravy on your French fries. Karaoke night rocks the house every Friday and Saturday night, and poker players can pull up a chair and enjoy Texas Hold 'Em tournaments every Tuesday night. Off-track bets on the dogs and ponies can be placed anytime during open hours, seven days a week.

Cars remain the main mode of transportation in this area. SunTran buses service the El Gheko area for public transportation needs, and the stops for the routes lie conveniently located throughout the area.

Getting to downtown Tucson couldn't be easier. Located roughly 20 minutes away from downtown, East Speedway Boulevard runs directly from El Gheko to downtown.

Hailing a cab from the street proves difficult as most taxis operate on-call only for this area. Two main taxi companies service this area, 24-7 Taxi Service and Discount Cab Company. No specifically designated biking lanes exist in this area to use.

Palo Verde Park has a reputation as a family-friendly park and quiet place to enjoy both sports and nature. After enjoying a stroll around the walking tracks that encircle this park, take a quick dip in the small pool, available year-round. A swing set and slide reside in an area for the kiddos to play. Separate areas around the park provide space for playing soccer, baseball or softball and basketball. Another area has been set up for park goers to hang out with their pets. The pet areas give small dogs under 30-pounds their own space, and larger dogs have their own separate area to run and play. Outside the designated areas for dogs to roam free, they must be on a leash.

The cost of living comes in slightly higher for residents of El Gheko than those who live in Tuscon. A one-bedroom rental in the area costs an average of $602 monthly. A full fare on SunTran sets you back $1.50, though kids age 5 and under ride for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Gas prices sit about 16 percent cheaper than the national prices. The average price of a domestic pint in the bars averages around $2.60, with imported beers, expect to pay about $4.

With these neighborhoods combining to become one larger community, El Gheko has many opportunities for shopping at both large chain stores such as T.J.Maxx and Target as well as specialty stores and boutiques.

The larger grocery stores dot the neighborhood, including Trader Joe's and Safeway. For more specialty goods, the Kimpo Oriental Market in the Burcham Plaza Shopping Center provides great produce and a large selection of ramen and other authentic Asian groceries. El Vaquero Meat Market also gives residents quality meats and even grills for the locals every weekend.

The area also houses some smaller boutique shops. A Fine Line Stationary & Gift Boutique provides residents with unique selections of cards, jewelry, and an in-house floral consultant to find any shopper the perfect gift.