Fountain Hills, AZ

Until 1970, the land under Fountain Hills was just another stretch of desert on the outskirts of Phoenix. That all changed when C.V. Wood Jr. and McCulloch Oil Corporation installed the area's namesake fountain and built the neighborhood as a planned community that immediately attracted well-to-do Phoenix residents. The town of Fountain Hills incorporated in 1989, and continues to draw an affluent crowd.

With its robust arts scene, Fountain Hills brings in a significant amount of tourism. Each year, the neighborhood hosts the Fountain Hills Great Fair and the Thunderbird Artists' Fountain Hills Fine Art & Wine Affaire. The intimate Fountain Hills Theater hosts a regular series of musicals and youth theater performances, and the River of Time Museum provides an exceptional series of exhibits about the history of the Verde River Valley.

Restaurants in Fountain Hills serve a variety of cuisines at a surprisingly wide range of prices. Whether you're in the mood for a quick snack or a multi-course meal, Fountain Hills has an eatery to suit. Many restaurants line North Saguaro Boulevard, though locals have no trouble finding eateries in other parts of the neighborhood.

Fountain Hills residents can't get enough of the cheap and authentic Greek food at Munich Gyros on Shea Boulevard. Fill up on the generous gyro plates, and don't forget an order of flaky baklava for dessert. The restaurant has both eat-in and takeout options. When you want tapas, the shrimp street tacos, stuffed dates and coconut flan at Sofrita represent perfect choices. Even pets get top-rate service at Sofrita since servers bring your pooch a bowl of water and a treat bag.

Saddle Bronc Grill features thick, juicy burgers in a warm, rustic setting. However, the taco Tuesday fish tacos represent a hidden gem here, as huge tortillas fill your plate with lime, vegetables and avocado alongside potato Tuscany soup.

Residents of Fountain Hills tend to prefer a late dinner with cocktails to a rowdy night on the town, so nightlife options are limited. Locals hang out at the Tap House Bar and Grill, a laid-back joint with a jukebox, regular karaoke nights and occasional live music acts. If a dive bar fits your fancy, the ultra-casual Alamo Saloon on Saguaro Boulevard is your best bet. For a more upscale yet casual ambiance, try the Grapeables Wine Bar. Sip a glass of pinot noir while you enjoy the views from the patio and listen to the bar's ever-changing lineup of live music acts.

Given the distance between Fountain Hills and the rest of the Phoenix metro area, many residents opt to drive from place to place. Alternatively, you can call a cab in advance or schedule a ride with Uber. The 514 Express Bus also runs through Fountain Hills, giving residents an easy way to get to Scottsdale or downtown Phoenix.

Some of the major roads in Fountain Hills feature bike lanes, so you can ride safely. Few residents commute on foot, but walking on the hilly streets makes an excellent workout. If you prefer to drive, free street parking is readily available, and you can access Highway 87 in 10 minutes or less from many spots in the neighborhood.

Fountain Hills residents live within a short drive of several parks, including Golden Eagle Park, Fountain Park and McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Sports lovers visit Golden Eagle Park to use the tennis, basketball and sand volleyball courts. The park's ball fields host local teams, and two playgrounds accommodate kids of all ages. For a more rugged recreational experience, check out the trails and the Arizona countryside at McDowell Mountain Regional Park, which covers a hilly stretch of land just north of Fountain Hills. The park hosts regular events, including fitness hikes and educational nature walks.

The most iconic park is Fountain Park, where the neighborhood's namesake fountain shoots up an enormous stream of water at regular intervals throughout the day. The neighborhood's youngest residents love the park's splash pad and playground, while adults utilize the lakefront path and picnic area. If you have a dog, the Desert Vista Dog Park provides a convenient off-leash area. Residents use all Fountain Hills parks free of charge.

The cost of living in Fountain Hills sits approximately 25 percent higher than the Phoenix citywide average. Be prepared for higher costs in almost every area, with the exception of utilities and healthcare. Housing costs account for a significant percent of the high price levels; a one-bedroom apartment rents for an average of $1,465.

Daily expenses in Fountain Hills stick to more manageable levels. A ride into Phoenix on Express Bus 514 costs $3.25. If you want to have a beer at one of the neighborhood's bar and grill restaurants, expect to pay at least $6. Fountain Hills gas prices tend to sit approximately five percent lower than the nationwide average

Shopping in Fountain Hills consists mainly of national chain stores, with a few unique local shops mixed in. Downtown Fountain Hills houses the bulk of the neighborhood's stores, with most options lined up along East Palisades Boulevard and North Saguaro Boulevard.

If you're looking for high-end shopping, check out the carefully planned selection of women's clothes and accessories at Crystal Blues Boutique. Most items are geared toward a middle-aged crowd, and some items feature eye-catching Swarovski crystal detailing.

With its hand-poured candles, the charming Put a Handle on Your Candle is another local favorite. Protect your skin from the effects of the desert sun with the store's selection of natural, chemical-free skincare products.

For groceries, Fountain Hills residents usually choose between the Bashas' or the Safeway on East Palisades Boulevard. The Bashas' bakery bakes its doughnuts and pastries from scratch, while Safeway is known for its friendly staff and speedy deli. Stop by the Fountain Hills Farmers Market on Thursdays to pick up Arizona-grown organic produce, homemade breads and locally made raw honey. For a true farm-to-table experience, drive to the All Roadrunner Park on Saturdays for a large selection of produce, meats and cheeses.