South Scottsdale - Scottsdale, AZ

Once home to the Hohokam people, Scottsdale's modern history began in 1888 when United States Army Chaplain Winfield Scott moved to the area with his wife after purchasing 640 acres. Development began in the area now known as Old Town in the South Scottsdale neighborhood, with cotton farming providing a livelihood for most residents. After seeing major commercial development during the 1900s, South Scottsdale became a hot stop for wealthy tourists and celebrities.

Be sure to stop by the Scottsdale Historical Museum to brush up on the local history, and experience South Scottsdale's burgeoning art scene by browsing Native American jewelry and galleries. Head to the pedestrian bridge over the canal for festivals such as ArtBridge Thursdays by Artisan Markets.

South Scottsdale's popular downtown area has attracted some of the area's best chefs, resulting in a diverse selection of upscale gastropubs, cheap cafes and Mexican eateries. You find both organic vegetarian dishes and pork shoulder sandwiches along the same stretch of N Scottsdale Road, and the Western and Sonoran desert themes make their way into every establishment's decor and signature plates. Although most restaurants have pricey menus, you can find a few cheaper places farther from downtown.

For craft beer, cocktails and dishes that blend home-town favorites with fine dining, stop by Citizen Public House. Find a seat in the upscale leather booths, and be sure to try the mule drink or Thai margarita for a strong pick-me-up. If your stomach's growling, you can't go wrong with the lamb burger or short ribs smothered in dried cherry BBQ sauce.

For unique Arizona comfort foods, follow the smell of bacon into Pig & Pickle. Be sure to sample the pork shoulder tostadas, or go the healthy route with a vegan burger and dump salad. If you still have room, end your meal with the seared carrot cake, a chocolate-infused dessert served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.

Aside from its creative culinary offerings, South Scottsdale also delivers one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in the Phoenix area with upscale cocktail lounges, trendy nightclubs and Western pubs hosting live music. To beat the crowds, check out hidden gems such as Old Town Tavern for a casual night conversing with neighbors. Enjoy live music most nights, and take advantage of some of the most affordable beer in Scottsdale. Try the Firestone Walker IPA craft beer for some bold flavor while you make your way to the rooftop patio for some people-watching

Whether you're driving, biking or riding the bus to work in the morning, South Scottsdale's efficient transportation system makes for an easy commute. Catch a bus at one of the Valley Metro's frequent stops, or hop on the Pima Freeway for easy access to central Phoenix. Locals enjoy free street parking even in the downtown area, but you may need to hunt for a spot in popular areas such as Old Town. If you need a ride home after a few margaritas at Citizen Public House, call Uber, True Cab or another local taxi service for a reliable pick-up.

Although many residents drive through the neighborhood, bicycles rule the road in South Scottsdale with year-round biking weather and bike lanes along major roads. It's not uncommon to see dozens of bikes parked on the racks outside the shops and restaurants located downtown. Bike-friendly roads provide a safe ride, and areas such as Old Town are especially welcoming to both bike and foot traffic.

Visit one of South Scottsdale's free public parks to bike along scenic trails, fish in one of the lakes or just read a book under a shade tree. Local families go to El Dorado Park to let their kids explore the south and east playgrounds, and the skate park draws in the teenage crowd. Come here in the morning for your daily jog on the 5k track.

A little ways north you find Chaparral Park, a pet owner's paradise with an off-leash dog park. Stop by in the summer to take a dip in the swimming pools or let the kids play in the splash area. Buy a family pass for a minimal fee to enjoy endless access to the pool complex.

South Scottsdale carries a higher cost of living compared to the rest of Phoenix. For renters, expect to pay anything from $800 to $1,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, with the most affordable complexes situated at the south end of the neighborhood.

If you need to take the bus into downtown Phoenix, get ready to pay $4 for a Valley Metro day pass. Filling your tank costs about 1 percent more than the national average gas price, and going out to a local bar like Old Town Tavern means paying $4 to $5 for a pint of your favorite brew.

South Scottsdale has earned a reputation as a shopper's paradise with its trove of high-end boutiques, antique shops, thrift stores, and art galleries that whisper of the neighborhood's Western heritage while catering to the designer-handbag crowd. For window shopping, head to the neighborhood's retail heart in downtown Scottsdale and along Goldwater Boulevard.

For a hearty helping of South Scottsdale's unique retail character, take a stroll through the traditional Spanish architecture and Old West themed storefronts of Old Town. Here, jewelry stores and fashion shops await where lanterns hang from wagon-wheel lamp posts below palm trees and desert flora.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Scottsdale Fashion Square, a chic air-conditioned indoor mall housing all the upscale fashion brands like Gucci and Prada along with mid-priced anchors, shoe stores and restaurants. Be sure to check out the latest flicks at the movie theater after a day of shopping.

When you venture off the beaten track, you find hidden treasures like Chief Dodge Indian Jewelry & Fine Indian Arts. Stop in to find intricate turquoise and silver jewelry to complement any Western outfit, or browse through dreamcatchers and other gifts. The Native American artists working there are always happy to explain the meaning behind the designs, and they even do repairs.

Bibliophiles love to hang around Poisoned Pento browse a vast selection of titles, including an entire shelf dedicated to Sherlock Holmes. Despite the shop's name, the owners stock a great selection of romance, sci-fi and other genres. Poisoned Pen has also become a hot spot for local authors doing book signings.

Whether you're looking for vintage furniture, collectible figurines or autographed baseball meoribilia, make Antique Trove one of your regular treasure-hunting stops. This antique mall has plenty of space to move around, and each booth brings its own unique character to the scene.

You never have to travel more than a mile to reach the nearest grocery store with options like Fresh & Easy and Food City around every corner. Don't forget to check out the Scottsdale Old Town Farmers' Market on Saturdays for organic produce.