From Luxury to Adventure: Exploring Phoenix's Diverse Suburban Oasis

Phoenix, Arizona, isn't just a vibrant city; it's surrounded by incredible suburbs, each with its own unique appeal. From luxurious enclaves to tech hubs and family-friendly neighborhoods, these suburbs cater to every lifestyle. Here's a glimpse of the top 10 suburbs in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

1. Scottsdale: The Oasis of Luxury

• Population: 242,753

• Avg. Age: 47.7

• Median Household Income: $97,409

• Known for: Luxury, art, world-class golf, upscale shopping, and gourmet dining. Also offers outdoor activities like hiking and horseback riding.

2. Chandler: Balancing Sophistication and Warmth

• Population: 279,458

• Avg. Age: 36.7

• Median Household Income: $91,299

• Known for: A unique blend of tech-driven progress and Southwestern charm, featuring high-end shopping, local farmers' markets, theaters, and the annual Ostrich Festival.

3. Gilbert: From Hay Shipping to Innovation

• Population: 273,136

• Avg. Age: 34.5

• Median Household Income: $105,733

• Known for: A growing city with top-rated schools and parks, offering outdoor concerts, farmers' markets, and green spaces for relaxation.

4. Mesa: Aerospace, Education, and Adventure

• Population: 509,475

• Avg. Age: 36.2

• Median Household Income: $65,725

• Known for: Being an epicenter for aerospace ventures, higher education, and tech enterprises while maintaining access to the natural beauty of Arizona.

5. Paradise Valley: A Haven of Opulence

• Population: 12,682

• Avg. Age: 54.9

• Median Household Income: $203,659

• Known for: Upscale estates, breathtaking mountain views, and celebrity residents, offering a level of opulence seldom seen elsewhere.

6. Glendale: History and Excitement

• Population: 249,630

• Avg. Age: 33.8

• Median Household Income: $60,499

• Known for: Historic downtown, antique shops, the State Farm Stadium hosting Cardinals games and concerts, and various events and festivals.

7. Peoria: Adventure and Serenity

• Population: 194,917

• Avg. Age: 40.3

• Median Household Income: $81,017

• Known for: Sprawling Lake Pleasant Regional Park, a vibrant P83 District with dining options, serene suburban life, top-tier educational institutions, and sustainable growth.

8. Surprise: Expect the Unexpected

• Population: 149,191

• Avg. Age: 41.9

• Median Household Income: $76,623

• Known for: Spring Training baseball games, well-maintained parks, a growing hub for education and healthcare, a commitment to sustainable growth, and diverse housing options.

9. Fountain Hills: Where Nature Meets Elegance

• Population: 24,987

• Avg. Age: 59.7

• Median Household Income: $87,080

• Known for: Panoramic views, natural beauty, renowned art fairs, craft shows, local markets, spacious parks, hiking trails, and community engagement.

10. Avondale: Balance and Thrills

• Population: 90,564

• Avg. Age: 31.6

• Median Household Income: $69,241

• Known for: Phoenix Raceway, beautiful parks, family-friendly spaces, a flourishing local economy, delightful dining, and a warm and welcoming community.

These Phoenix suburbs offer something for everyone, making them top choices for those seeking a balanced, vibrant, and fulfilling lifestyle in the heart of the Southwest.

81-Year-Old Birding Expert Wins Hearts and Volunteer of the Year Title

Theona Vyvial, a dedicated volunteer in Gilbert, has been named Volunteer of the Year by the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association.

For almost two decades, she has been leading bird-watching tours at the Riparian Preserve, introducing people to the world of birds. Her passion for conservation and her ability to make it contagious has made her an integral part of the community.

Alongside her bird-watching tours, she also delivers meals and leads field trips for seniors at the Gilbert Community Center, contributing significantly to the town's fabric.

D-backs Roar Back: Game 7 Showdown Awaits After Thrilling Win Against Phillies

The D-backs' Corbin Carroll is buzzing with excitement as they head into Game 7 of the National League Championship Series. The team forced a Game 7 with a 5-1 win over the Phillies in Game 6, marking their first-ever elimination-game win on the road.

Carroll and his teammates are thrilled about the opportunity to make it to the World Series with a win. Although the Phillies were previously unbeaten at home during the postseason, the D-backs were the first team to conquer their home ballpark this postseason.

Stellar pitching by Merrill Kelly, early leads, and aggressive base running have been keys to their success.

Now, they face the chance to reach the World Series for the second time in their franchise history. It's a remarkable turnaround for the D-backs, who were behind 0-2 in the series and now have a chance to make history by ousting the Phillies on their home turf.

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Sip & Shop: Where Pandemic Inspiration Blossoms into Community Treasure

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a unique gem emerged in Gilbert, known as "Sip & Shop, A Local Collection." Nestled in the SanTan Village Mall, this one-of-a-kind establishment has not only weathered the storm but flourished, offering a haven for more than 55 small businesses under one roof.

A Retail Oasis of Variety:

At Sip & Shop, diversity is the name of the game. From local foods, jewelry, clothing, and home décor to seasonal and holiday items, this charming store has something for everyone. Yet, it doesn't stop at merchandise. Sip & Shop also hosts a range of classes, making it a versatile haven for shoppers and learners. The "sip" part of the equation is equally exciting, as the store supports local wineries and distilleries, featuring rotating selections each weekend.

A Pandemic-Born Dream:

Tiffany Shultz, the owner of Sip & Shop, comes from a background in journalism and marketing. She initially ventured into PR and marketing and later delved into organizing events. After experiencing the world of events through various clients, she decided to host her events. A partnership with the town of Queen Creek paved the way for her event planning endeavors, which took off in 2014.

However, when the pandemic disrupted the events industry, Shultz's plans came to a halt. To adapt to the changing times and continue supporting her network of vendors, she initiated Sip & Shop as a temporary pop-up store in SanTan mall in November 2020.

What was meant to be a six-week pop-up turned into a thriving business that has lasted for nearly a year and a half. In a heartwarming twist, vendors who were left without opportunities during the pandemic joined Sip & Shop.

Today, the store boasts a waitlist of vendors eager to participate, emphasizing the sense of community among the businesses and their customers.

Supporting Aspiring Entrepreneurs:

Shultz's vision for Sip & Shop extends beyond providing retail opportunities. She aims to nurture aspiring entrepreneurs, young and old alike. With a mission to create a space for young creators to showcase their talents, this business has become a hub for children with entrepreneurial aspirations.

The store sells an array of products crafted by children aged 7 to 16, from resin keychains to cactus pin cushions.

A Growing Community:

Shultz's transition from festival producer to store owner has been a thrilling journey. Her favorite aspect of the business is witnessing other businesses thrive and being part of a vibrant community. Customers often express how the store brings them happiness, reflecting the positive impact Sip & Shop has on its patrons.

As Sip & Shop continues to flourish, Shultz has her sights set on a second location in the Queen Creek area, aiming to accommodate around 50 businesses. The expansion will include a broader selection of food from local vendors and a welcoming patio area, elevating the shopping experience.

For those who wish to explore the variety at Sip & Shop or apply to become a vendor, visit their website at sipandshoparizona.com.

Sip & Shop has truly blossomed as a heartwarming community treasure, offering support, growth, and happiness to all who visit.

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Add Verde Canyon Railroad ’s Fright Night to your list of things to do this fall!

👻 You can find this stationed at the Clarkdale Depot until October 31. Who wants to go? (only 2 hours from Phoenix)

Click for More Info

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Know somebody who lives in the Gilbert Area and would benefit from being kept in the know?

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