Rancho Santa Fe Avondale, AZ

The city of Avondale has roots dating back to the 1860s, when its founder, William “Billy” G. Moore, ended up in the area and eventually settled close to the Agua Fria River. First referring to the territory as “Coldwater, “Moore took pride in the water source that still characterizes the region today. At the turn of the century, Moore established a stage shop, saloon, general store and even a post office. Before long, Avondale became a small town, and later the modern city it is today. Multiple times a year, Avondale holds “out and about” events to celebrate the holidays and encourage community involvement. Often combined with an art walk, these festivals happen in the historic Avondale district across the river on Western Avenue.

As a rapidly growing commercial region, Avondale bursts with eateries and venues for entertainment. Classic fast food chains of the southwest like Panda Express, Jack-in-the-Box and Culver’s supply Avondale Boulevard with endless options for a quick meal. A substantial amount of sit-down restaurants also populate area, such as Ruby Tuesday with traditional American fare and Carlos O’Brien’s for Mexican entrees. One of the most popular restaurants near the I-10 Corridor in Avondale, Pita Kitchen lies on McDowell Road. Serving casual Greek food, the menu as well as the friendly and accommodating service make this establishment stand out in a crowd. For an introduction to traditional Mediterranean fare, try the kebabs, gyro or chicken swarmaza — all succulent and filling. The Kitchen also serves salads, hummus with pita and other meat-free entrees for vegetarians. In the opposite direction but still close to I-10, the Kreative Kupcakes Bakery showcases some of the most delectable desserts in Avondale. Made with exceptional care and distinctive ingredients, this shop impresses even those who don't go crazy for sweets. If you love nutty flavors in your cupcakes, be sure to pick out a peanut butter sugar cookie, or if you prefer fruity tastes, go with the lemon chiffon or strawberry shortcake. Though on the expensive side, this shop's high-quality baked goods makes it well worth the price. For authentic Mexican food, head over to family-owned Don Pancho on North Central Avenue. Described as having some of the best Mexican food in the West Valley, the establishment’s extensive menu, impeccable service and affordable prices make it worth a look. Even the beans and rice, though modest, satisfy diners more than mere side dishes. Featuring Cajun and Creole fare, well-liked local spot Flavors of Louisiana on West Ranch Santa Fe Boulevard provides patrons with savory meals — especially the crawdad pie — and features a friendly staff. Whether you desire mild seasoning or wildly spicy flavors, this restaurant delivers. For the viewing pleasure of avid moviegoers, a Harkins Theater shows films just a few miles east on McDowell Road. Well reviewed, the theater provides patrons with a tidy and cozy atmosphere at a more reasonable cost than the national chains that lie further away.

The portion of Avondale along the I-10 makes a desirable location for anyone seeking frequent and immediate access to Phoenix’s highway system. Downtown Phoenix lies only 20 minutes if you get on I-10E from Avondale Boulevard. If you need to get to a shopping center but don’t own a car, take route 17 on the Valley Metro Bus down McDowell Road. The $2 fare on over 100 bus routes make using public transportation in the area extremely affordable, and the discounts for young people, senior citizens and those with disabilities cut costs even further. The easy-to-navigate transit system website even allows you to create a custom schedule for your trip. Though the main road can be quite congested with traffic, cyclists remain safe and comfortable on the smooth roads and well-established bike lanes. Phoenix drivers pay heed to bikes on their commutes, remaining conscious of respecting the shared space.

A highlight recreational feature of the Avondale/I-10 Corridor comes in the form of the Avondale Sports Center on Avondale Boulevard, home of six volleyball courts, four basketball courts and two indoor soccer fields. The building also contains a 4,000-square-foot multipurpose room that its owners graciously rent out to dance instructors, party planners and even a non-denominational church to hold Sunday services. During the week, the Center hosts leagues and classes, and on the weekends, it almost always holds a tournament or special event. The closest park to the neighborhood, Friendship Park sits a quick drive north on Avondale Boulevard. With several athletic fields and basketball courts, the park welcomes anyone eager to start a game or just practice. This park serves as the location of many community activities and programs, such as “Super Saturday” at the end of January — an event for families who want to share their love of football before the Super Bowl. For hiking enthusiasts, Estrella Mountain Regional Park sits less than a 15 minute-drive away. A favorite of many who live in Buckeye, Goodyear and Avondale, visitors to this park enjoy hiking trails in the vast acreage of desert and mountains. Be sure to bring plenty of water and check in with a park host at the visitor center for a brief introduction to the park’s rich history and information about upcoming activities.

Living in Avondale comes with a lower cost of living than in the heart of Phoenix, especially if you know the most convenient and resourceful places to eat and shop. As for housing, apartments rent runs between $700 and $800 a month. Overall, the cost of living in Avondale sits about 5 percent less than the Arizona average. Goods, services and housing are more affordable there, and groceries, health care and transportation cost about the same as in the rest of the nation.

The open and uncrowded neighborhoods along the I-10 corridor provide plenty of reliable places to shop, including Walmart, Target, Sam's Club, and Costco -- all less than a 10-minute drive away. An equal distance away, Fry's Supermarket and Sprouts Farmers Market proffer two top-quality grocery stores for residents, with fresh produce and frequent sale prices. For a leisurely shopping experience, Avondale hosts a few specialty shops. If you're in need of a custom-designed cake for a wedding or birthday party, stop by Pixy Cakes on West McDowell Road. With treats such as custom cupcakes and cake in a jar, Pixy Cakes will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth. Antique store enthusiasts will enjoy browsing items at the Brass Armadillo on West McDowell Road in Goodyear. This antique mall hosts more than 500 dealers, each with their own display case of eye-catching items. And with 55,000 square feet of antiques to explore, be sure to wear your walking shoes!