The Lakes - Tempe, AZ

The Native American tribe known as the Hohokam first settled in this area. After building an extensive canal system that still exists, they abandoned the area in the 15th century.

In 1865, Fort McDowell drew U.S military service members and workers to the area. The success of the fort, located about 25 miles northeast of present Tempe, led to the establishment of early permanent communities up and down the Salt River.

To learn more local history, visit the Tempe History Museum free of charge. It location lies just 10 minutes from Dava-Lakeshore.

During the spring and fall, engage with local culture at the Tempe Festival of the Arts, which Sunshine Magazine rates among the top 200 art festivals in the nation. The multidisciplinary Tempe Center for the Arts also creates a hub of local artistry, and draws large crowds with regular events and performances.

Although the streets of Dava-Lakeshore primarily dedicate themselves to housing, an eclectic variety of restaurants and businesses surround the neighborhood. Check out the cluster of restaurants situated just blocks from the southeast corner of the neighborhood.

Start your morning off strong with simple, hearty breakfast at Biscuits. Try the huevos rancheros or the fluffy blueberry pancakes.

Nearby, satisfy your Italian cravings with a bit of everything from the affordable lunch buffet at VinciTorio's. Warm up with the wickedly rich cream of mushroom soup, and choose one of its notable eggplant dishes for your entrée. During the summer, enjoy the outdoor patio.

Get the best drunken noodles of your life at Yupha's Thai Kitchen. Its simple, elegant atmosphere and varied menu sets this place apart from the overflow of local Thai restaurants. Dine in, or take it to go.

For light Mexican tastes, a nice atmosphere and a full bar, check out La Casa de Juana when darkness falls. Enjoy the bright, festive environment, and try the fish tacos and green Mexican fried rice. As the night continues, stand up and belt it out at Boston's Bar and Grille's karaoke night, or check out a live band at Flanny's Bar & Grill. Additionally try catching a $3 movie at the comfy discount theater nearby, Pollack Tempe Cinemas.

Tempe in Motion provides bus, bike and light rail facilities to the city and encourages alternatives to driving around town. The public transportation service Valley Metro services the city with a network of useful routes, including Dava-Lakeshore's well-used route 108 along Elliot Road. Since the membership-based taxi service Uber came to Tempe, locals can skip waiting to hail a cab or calling one hours ahead of time.

The residential streets of Dava-Lakeshore welcome bikers, and the busy South McClintock Drive has a designated bike lane to promote biker safety. The nearest walkable cluster of businesses overflows from the southeast corner of the neighborhood.

When behind the wheel, keep an eye out for the city's ParkitT logo. The logo indicates one free hour of parking on designated public spaces, garages and lots. In addition to metered parking, Tempe's City Hall Parking Garage provides hundreds of parking spaces, with the first hour free and a $1.50 charge for each additional hour during the week. On weekends, most parking there is free.

From the center of Dava-Lakeshore, drive 3 miles east to reach Highway 101. Drive 5 miles north to reach U.S Highway 60 or 5 miles west to access I-10.

Sprinkled strategically throughout Tempe, the city's free parks provide residents a community backyard in which to relax, learn and connect with one another. Kick back and explore the green spaces of Tempe, which never lie more than a half-mile away.

Although Dava-Lakeshore has no parks within its small borders, the 11-acre Corbell Park edges the neighborhood to the west. Take a picnic, and let your kids explore the playground or kick a ball on the soccer field. Make your dog's day when you bring her along, but keep her leashed to avoid a fine.

Remember to keep updated with Tempe's changing program of events. Its recurring events include many outdoor shows and concerts in its parks.

Keep an eye on your budget in Dava-Lakeshore, which maintains an affordable cost of living that runs 13 percent lower than Tempe's city average. Exemplary of the cost of living here, residents find one-bedroom residences at an average of $760.77 in the neighborhood.

Pay $2 to get to city center via Valley Metro's public transportation, or $4 for an all-day pass. Drivers find that neighborhood gas prices coast at a pleasant 14 percent lower than national prices. A beer at a local pub sets you back about $4.

In addition to several shops located in the southeast corner of Dava-Lakeshore, independent stores and boutiques surround the neighborhood. Keep it local when you check out the antiques at Gepetto's Woodshop, or finally get that manicure done at Number 1 Nails.

Next, sift through the second-hand stores located nearby at the intersection of South Rural Road and East Elliot Road. Down the block, find a great new-for-you outfit at Back to the Rack.

Neighborhood grocery stores include Safeway, which services Dava-Lakeshore from the southeast corner of the area. A small grocery named Tempe Farmers Market provides locally sourced food to the community, while the Tempe Community Market takes place year round on Sundays about 20 minutes away from Dava-Lakeshore.