South Mountain - Phoenix, AZ

The desert on the north side of South Mountain was initially the site of a number of flower gardens that Japanese immigrants started in the early 1900s. Workers picked the rocks out of the field by hand and developed an irrigation system to provide water. As the flower fields spread, small shops sprung up along Baseline Road to attract both shoppers and commuters on the way home.

The flower gardens started to give way to development in the late 20th century as the land became too valuable to farm. Developments such as Highland Terrace sprung up from 24th to 40th Street, soon followed by small malls, fast food and drug stores.

There are no museums or annual events in the Highland Terrace neighborhood. The closest cultural centers include the Phoenix Art Museum and Heard Native American Museum in downtown Phoenix as well as the Nelson Fine Arts Center in downtown Tempe.

For authentic brisket, ribs and pulled pork, locals head north a short distance on 24th Street to the Texas BBQ House. This downhome restaurant doesn't have a fancy interior, but people flock here to buy meat by the pound, including three different types of brisket and St. Louis, spare or beef ribs. The Texas Po' Boy sandwich combines a pound of three different meats on a freshly baked roll. A side of cream corn, macaroni and cheese or coleslaw provides a perfect accompaniment to lunch or dinner.

Gallagher's sports grill has several locations in the Phoenix area. The South Mountain location remains popular because of the great food, cold beer and multiple flat screen TVs, but also because it provides one of few good dining options in the area. Wednesday means the menu includes discounted wings that come in a variety of flavors, including hot raspberry chipotle, bourbon glaze and ghost pepper teriyaki for the real adventure seekers. All-you-can-eat Alaskan cod pulls the locals in on Friday nights.

Although closer to downtown Phoenix than South Mountain, Lo-Lo's Chicken and Waffles maintains a stellar reputation with both residents and visitors. Professional athletes make this a must-stop spot during a Phoenix visit to take advantage of its large portions and signature fried chicken and waffles. Lo-Lo's serves breakfast all day at this popular location that frequently has diners lined out the door.

South Mountain or Highland Terrace neighborhood has no nightlife, but a short drive takes you to either downtown Phoenix or Tempe, where craft breweries and cocktail bars support a variety of ways to enjoy an evening. The Duce rests on South Central Avenue, just a few blocks from downtown Phoenix. This converted 1928 warehouse includes a boxing ring, the bar from a Chicago night club and the original bleachers from a local high school. You can order a vintage handcrafted cocktail such as a peach cobbler or a cherry sidecar, or choose a more modern drink, such as hillbilly tea. On any given evening at The Duce, expect to find people competing in a Hula Hoop competition while others dance. As a fun place for fun people, The Duce can't be beat.

For live music and rooftop dancing, you must head to Bar Smith on east Washington Street in downtown Phoenix. Two separate dance floors allow customers to flow between different kinds of music. Hip-hop and techno rule this place on most nights, but other genres also make an appearance. Get there before 10 p.m. to avoid a cover charge.

Valley Metro provides public transportation to Highland Terrace and most of the Valley of the Sun. Riders can catch a bus along Baseline Road from early morning to late evening seven days a week. Along with bus transportation, Valley Metro links to a light rail service that riders can take to north central Phoenix or west Mesa.

While public transportation attracts some, most residents maintain a personal vehicle for getting around the area. I-10 and I-17 combine with U.S. 60 about 3 miles east of Highland Terrace to provide easy access to Phoenix, Tucson and the East Valley. Traffic along Baseline Road loads up during rush hour, but it remains the only option out of the area.

The roads in the neighborhood provide for safe biking, but they don't go very far. The Highline Canal runs through the neighborhood, creating a smooth dirt trail for biking, walking or jogging. It connects with a canal system that runs through the Valley, creating more than 180 miles for exercise and recreation.

South Mountain Park covers 16,000 acres, making it one of the largest municipal parks in the nation. The park sits directly above Highland Terrace, and although a hiking trail goes up the side of the mountain, most people prefer to drive a few miles and take the Central Avenue entrance. South Mountain Park focuses on biking, horseback riding and mountain bikes. There are some ramadas for picknicking, but visitors really just enjoy spending time with nature, taking in the scenery and looking for ancient petroglyphs.

As part of the Sonoran Desert, the park provides some danger in the form or rattlesnakes and extreme summer heat. Rangers advise hikers to wear shoes that cover the ankles and to give the snakes room. Hikers should always take plenty of water, even during the cooler part of the year because it doesn't take long to become dehydrated.

A number of fun runs and charity races call South Mountain park home every year because of the scenery, challenging road course and convenient location to central Phoenix.

The cost of living in the South Mountain Highland Terrace Neighborhood runs about 6 percent less than other areas of Phoenix and 10 percent below the national average. A one-way ticket to downtown Phoenix on public transit costs $2.25, and the median rental price of a one-bedroom apartment costs about $650.

A pint of beer at a local sports bar goes for about $4 for a domestic and $6 for an import or craft brew. Gasoline prices hover around 12 percent less than the national average.

Shopping in the Highland Terrace Neighborhood does not exist. Target anchors a small mall a couple miles to the west that also houses Ross, Famous Footwear and some small eateries.

For a unique shopping experience, residents must either head north to Phoenix or go around South Mountain into Ahwatukee. Clothes Minded draws shoppers by providing a collection of unique fashionable clothes and accessories. One-of-a-kind items like a lace poncho and a quilted pencil skirt provide reasons to keep coming back often to see the latest inventory. Home decor such as finials, "humane" hide rugs and Volcano room spray make for great gifts. Clothes Minded has an online presence through Shoptiques, a company that links the best boutiques in the world "so no one has to look like anyone else."

In downtown Phoenix, Bunky Boutique specializes in fashionable clothes from all eras that work well in the Arizona climate. Unique designs from LAmade, Level 99 and Scotch & Soda are just some of the items available on Bunky's racks. Bunky's Blog not only promotes the store, but also events in downtown Phoenix.

For shopping at major retailers, Arizona Mills Mall sits just 3 miles east of Highland Terrace, providing outlet shopping from national retailers such as Nordstrom, Aeropostale, Charlotte Russe and Chico's. Arizona Mills also hosts a large cineplex and the biggest IMAX theater in the southwest.

For groceries, locals head to Fry's, Safeway, or Whole Foods. A farmers market opens every Sunday morning at the Farm at South Mountain, a large agricultural area tucked away in a secluded neighborhood that also houses three restaurants and provides a great place to hold a wedding.