One of the things Phoenix is known for is having near-perfect weather year round. Early Spring is exceptionally nice. For this reason, the Phoenix area is popular for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. One of the more leisurely outdoor activities is taking a simple walk.

If you enjoy the occasional stroll, here are a few Phoenix neighborhoods you’re sure to love:

Downtown

Walk Score rated the Downtown area as the most walkable neighborhood in Phoenix. Everything is accessible in this area by foot, leaving you with no need to get into your car. Walk Score says that with around 236 restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in the Downtown area, walkers can come across an average of seven of them every 5 minutes. Heritage Square, which we shared with you in our historic places post is located in Downtown. The Margaret T. Hance Park, which is home of the Japanese Friendship Garden & the Irish Cultural Center, plus a playground, picnic area and dog park is all also located Downtown. The Light-rail is very easy to access from the Downtown area as well should you need it.

Encanto-Palmcroft

Encanto-Palmcroft is a Historic District in the Phoenix area. This neighborhood is around 75 years old and many of the homes were built prior to World War II, offering a glimpse of old world charm. The period revival homes and tree-lined streets make it easy to forget how close to Downtown you are. Every two years in spring, the community opens up about a dozen homes to the public. The next home tour fair will be March 26, 2017. You can find details and ticket pricing here. One of the largest parks in Phoenix, Encanto Park, is also in this area, so if checking out charming architecture isn’t your cup of tea, the park is sure to please. Encanto Park is a 222-acre oasis that was listed on Forbes Magazine list of Americas Best City Parks. Also, cutting through the neighborhood is Grand Avenue with its art galleries, boutiques, unique bars, and converted warehouses.

Evans Churchill

The Evans Churchill neighborhood borders Downtown Phoenix. Evans Churchill is one of Phoenix’s more artistic areas, hosting art walks every first and third Friday of the month. These walks enable you to enjoy the spirit and culture of the downtown Phoenix area while you mingle with hundreds of visitors and residents. Tour art galleries, venues, and other eclectic spaces. The Phoenix Center for the Arts is located in this area, and offers art classes for youth, teens, and adults if looking at all of the artwork gets your creative juices flowing.

Garfield

The Garfield area is another Historic District within walking distance to the Downtown area. The neighborhood originated as a group of farms until Phoenix’s population began to rise.  According to the City of Phoenix, Garfield was developed from 1883 to 1955. The neighborhood was one of the first additions to the original Phoenix town site. It is also an excellent example of a “streetcar subdivision,” where residential development was directly related to the establishment of a streetcar line through the neighborhood. With the homes being built over a period of more than 50 years so the neighborhood is a densely populated community with a variety of home styles including Craftsman, Southwest, Ranch and International.

Roosevelt Row

Roosevelt Row, affectionately known as “RoRo” to locals, is mainly a commercial area that is well known for its live music, concerts and boutiques. It connects to both the Garfield and Evans Churchill neighborhoods. The flower shop at Fifth Street and Roosevelt has been in continuous operation since 1948. Roosevelt Row is also an artistic area and partakes in the first Friday art walk activities. The area hosts several major events each year such as the Chili Pepper Festival and Pie Social. There is also the Taste of Trucks event which features unique food truck dining experiences. Roosevelt Row knows that the summer months can be HOT under the sun and offers “Vampire Hours” for walkers from Junes first Friday through September 1^st.

Fortunately, our shop is close to all of these neighborhoods, so if you feel like taking a walk when you drop your car off, let us know and we’ll drop you off in one of these neighborhoods and pick you up when you’re ready.