Community Profiles Archives - Pick the Right Place

The Verde River Golf & Social Club is Now Open

Trilogy® at Verde River, a 55+ community near Scottsdale, recently opened their much anticipated Golf & Social Club, and one thing is for sure, it was worth the wait!

This incredible new facility has an extensive range of incredible resort services and amenities.

Take a look:

Just a few of the amenities you’ll see in the video above include:

• Needle Rock Kitchen & Tap – A signature restaurant and bar, featuring a wood fire grill and local beers on tap

• The Marketplace – The perfect combination of coffee bar, sandwich shop, and neighborhood grocer, all about convenience!

• Chef’s Table – A private dining experience, where your special occasion is made extraordinary

• Helen’s Kitchen – A culinary studio and event space, with comfortable seating perfect for private parties and exciting cooking classes

• Afturburn Fitness – A sleek and comfortable environment with world-renowned TechnoGym® equipment, Fitness on Demand, personal trainers, and so much more!

• Alvea Spa – A relaxing place for an array of indulgent, rejuvenating services

• The Art Loft – A space to explore your creative side, comprised of a studio, art yard, and lawn

• The Outfitter – Your next adventure begins here, where you pick up your kayak for some time on the lake

• Golf Course – Award-winning 18 hole course with views of the Tonto National Forest and iconic Four Peaks

• Courts and Sports Complex – Four tennis courts, four pickleball courts, and a bocce and croquet lawn make up this fun space

• Eddy’s Poolside – A poolside restaurant featuring light bites and meals

• Club Pools – Resort pool and lap pool with surrounding views of the Sonoran Desert

• Events Center/Lawn – A full scale event center, perfect for parties, weddings, and special events

• Grand Living Room – A place where the community connects, and neighbors become friends

As the only new golf resort community proposed to be built in this sought-after area of the Valley in several years, Trilogy® at Verde River is destined to become one of the finest examples of Shea Homes’ master planned resort communities.

Located directly east of North Scottsdale, Trilogy® at Verde River is within easy reach of some of Arizona’s most popular shopping, sports, and tourist destinations, as well as its spectacular natural landmarks, and less than an hour from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Trilogy® at Verde River will combine thoughtfully designed floorplans with quality construction, energy-saving innovations, and architectural inspiration.

For more information on the homes and lifestyle available to you in Trilogy® at Verde River, request more information here.

Trilogy® at Verde River Golf & Social Club October Update

Blog, Phoenix

The Resort Club planned to open in fall of 2017 in Trilogy® at Verde River will include incredible amenities, from first class dining to fitness and spa facilities, trails and outdoor adventures, entertainment venues, and countless opportunities to connect with fellow Trilogy Members.

Take a look at the progress so far:

Trilogy® at Verde River will combine thoughtfully designed floorplans with quality construction, energy-saving innovations, and architectural inspiration.

Request More Information

Spotlight on Phoenix

Phoenix, Places

Did you know that Phoenix, Arizona is the sixth largest city in the United States? Most people are shocked by that, but spend a little time here and you will see exactly why that is!

Located in the heart of the Arizona desert, the warm weather is what attracts many boomers to Phoenix. But the things that keep them here include the amenities of a big city like fantastic restaurants, culture, and shopping that are balanced by a more-than-reasonable cost of living.

Where is Phoenix?

Phoenix is located right in the middle of the southern half of Arizona. It is about a five and a half hour drive directly east of Los Angeles, and just under two hours north of Tucson.

I-10 is the major interstate highway that runs through Phoenix, but you can also take I-17 north to connect with I-40. However, because Phoenix is a major city, you can connect with just about anywhere you want to go flying out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

History of Phoenix

The Phoenix area was originally home to the Hohokam people, but they were eventually forced to abandon the area following multiple floods and droughts.

Jack Swilling is credited with starting the modern version of the city, and Lord Darrell Duppa is credited with naming it Phoenix as the city would rise from the ashes of the Hohokam community.

Like many parts of the country, the city saw explosive growth following World War II. That growth has continued through today, and Phoenix is now one of the most popular destinations for boomers looking to relocate for their retirement years.

Phoenix Demographics

According to the 2010 census there are 1.45 million people that call Phoenix home. That number is estimated to have grown to well over 1.5 million in recent years. While the population continues to grow very quickly, that growth has slowed a bit in recent years.

The median age in Phoenix is 32.2, and the average household income is just over $47,000.

Phoenix Climate

For most of the people looking to relocate to Phoenix, the Arizona climate is their primary reason. The area is known for long, hot summers, short, mild winters, and very little precipitation. What’s not to like about that, right?

The average highs in the summer months will creep up over 100 degrees, and the average highs in the winter months will stay up in the high 60s. The average lows in the winter months generally sit around 45 degrees.

As for precipitation, Phoenix averages less than an inch of rain in most months and virtually none in some of the springtime months.

Phoenix Resources

Because Phoenix is such a major city, there is A LOT that you are going to want to know about it before trying to explore any specific neighborhoods or communities. Luckily, there are plenty of great online resources to help you get started:

Arizona Real Estate Recovery Continued in 2014

Phoenix, Real Estate, Sun City, Tucson

In 2014, Arizona home prices rebounded to near 2005 levels after falling dramatically in the housing bubble crash of 2008 to 2011. Phoenix and other cities in Arizona were hit hard during the Great Recession when the sub-prime mortgage crisis resulted in big declines in home values across the United States.

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Arizona home prices peaked in 2006

According to Zillow, home prices in several Arizona cities popular with boomers topped out in the summer of 2006, before falling roughly 50%. In Phoenix, the median home price rose to $246,400 in June 2006. Tucson homes peaked at $196,000.

Arizona real estate bottomed out in 2011-12

Following was a period of rapid decline, with residential real estate prices falling most sharply from 2008 through 2011. By September 2011, the median home price in Phoenix was only $106,700. Tucson homes bottomed out in January 2012 at $110,200, according to data published by Zillow.

Steady gains in Arizona home prices 2012 – 2014

Triggered by historically low mortgage rates and low inventory, the Arizona real estate market showed new signs of life in 2012, as evidenced by a noticeable upswing in prices. Home prices leveled off in 2013 and 2014 at levels roughly equivalent to 2004 as builders began to catch up with demand and homes in foreclosure became available for sale.

There is no way to predict where Arizona home prices will go from here. However, it appears that for the time being, a modest recovery from the bottoms following the real estate bubble is underway.

What makes Phoenix Sky Harbor America’s friendliest airport?

Arizona Living, Phoenix, Traveling to/from

These days, plane travel is not as friendly as it once was, unless your itinerary includes Phoenix Sky Harbor, which touts itself as “America’s Friendliest Airport.” Can an airport really be friendly? And what makes the largest airport in Arizona so friendly that they can boast it is the friendliest in the country?

This is what a few recent passengers said about their Sky Harbor experience on the consumer review site, yelp.com:

Friendly TSA staffers moved big lines along quickly; even the drug sniffing dog at security was nice!
Everything feels modern and clean for such a high-traffic airport. The restrooms are spotless and taken care of.
Overall, this terminal is spacious, clean, has helpful staff, and it takes about 10-15 minutes to get through security. The food options are ample, and it’s a pretty great representation of Phoenix.

A little research revealed the following traits that help support Phoenix Sky Harbor’s claim America’s friendliest airport.

Courteous and helpful people

People are the face of any business, and Sky Harbor’s front line consists of a deep roster of super happy volunteers called “Navigators.” Awaiting you in purple suit coats around nearly every corner, they are a great resource to help you find your way around the airport, from a good place to grab a bagel or the nearest smoking area. Sky Harbor’s helpful culture extends to ticket agents, TSA personnel, shuttle drivers and others, too.

Central Location

Sky Harbor Airport is conveniently located in central Arizona where several interstate highways and “loops” converge, approximately fifteen minutes from both downtown Phoenix and downtown Tempe. The cities of Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Mesa are less than 30 minutes from Sky Harbor, as are many key attractions such as professional sporting arenas, world famous golf courses and universities.

Efficient Layout

Sky Harbor consists of three terminals (Terminal 2, Terminal 3 & Terminal 4); each hosting from three to seven airlines. (Map of terminals.) Terminal 1 no longer exists. The terminals are arranged in a neat row, from west to east, with an oval track sort of driveway connecting all three on both the north and south sides.

Clearly marked passenger pick up and drop off lanes hug the curb closest to each terminal on the bottom level, just beyond the hands-free doors next to the shiny baggage claim carousels. Outer lanes have stops for rental car agencies, Valley Metro buses and tour companies. You can also catch the PHX Sky Train free of charge to a nearby light rail connecting point.

Since each terminal has own security checkpoints, moving between the terminals is rarely necessary. When you need to do so, such as to make a connecting flight on a separate airline, a free shuttle whisks you from one terminal to another.

Convenient and Affordable Parking Options

If you need to park at Sky Harbor for just a few days, consider the garage attached to your airline’s terminal. The $25 daily maximum fee will put you in a spot just a couple hundred feet from the elevator. Choose the proper floor for ticketing or boarding and you’ll be at your gate in no time. If you are dropping off or picking someone up, the cost is only $4 an hour for spots right next to the elevator. If you want to save some dough and don’t mind shuttling a quarter mile to the terminal, park in the East or West Economy lot. Rates are $9 a day (or $11 for a covered spot).

Pet Patch, Paw Pad & Bone Yard

Sky Harbor boasts three pet parks for Fido and Fluffy to re-hydrate, stretch their paws, and most importantly, take a poddy break. Plastic bags are conveniently provided for cleaning up after your pet.

The Pet Patch is located just east of terminal 2. The Paw Pad is located outside the west doors of terminal 3. The Bone Yard is on the west side of terminal 4, just outside of baggage claim.

There are also two pet parks near the Sky Train stations. Park & Bark is near the economy east parking stop. Park ‘n Play is on the northwest corner of the 44th street stop.

As airports go, few can boast that they are truly friendly. But, Phoenix Sky Harbor lays claim to being “America’s Friendliest Airport” and backs it up with its top notch people, location, layout and parking.

Sonoran Dogs

Arizona Living, Central Arizona, Restaurants

Bacon, Beans and Bolillos – The Hot Dog of Arizona

One of the greatest things about traveling or living somewhere else is the chance to try new things. Even something as American as a hot dog can take on a new dimension when it crosses the border and comes back again. Such is the case with the Sonoran Dog.

Commonly found in south Arizona (specifically Tucson), these hot dogs are wrapped in bacon, covered with pinto beans, onions, a green chile sauce (salsa verde) and chopped tomatoes. It is then topped with mustard and a tricked-out mayo. A soft, torpedo-shaped bolillo roll troughs the ingredients and soaks up the runoff from the magical meld of liquidy toppings.

This clip from Man v. Food explains the dog and where it comes from.

Where to Get a Sonoran Dog

In Tucson
El Guero Canelo – Perhaps the most iconic Sonoran Dog vendor. Consistently a local favorite.
5201 S 12th Ave
5802 E 22nd St
2480 N Oracle Rd

BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs
2860 N. First Ave.
5118 S. 12th Ave.

Ruiz Hot Dogs – food stand
Look for it near 22nd and 6th Ave

In Phoenix
El Exquisito – Food Truck
Near 3911 W. Indian School

Make it at Home

Instead of opening that can of hotdog chili, open a can of pintos, drain them and warm them up while you prepare the dogs. You’re going to want to cook the dogs in a skillet; no boiling. A couple key factors are the bun and the green salsa. The Bread – Bolillo (bow-YEE-yoh) rolls are can often be found in the fresh bread section of the grocery store or at a Hispanic market. If you can’t find them, go for a bun that is slightly chewy on the outside and soft inside. It needs to be heartier than the average hot dog bun because it has a lot of yummy goodness to contain.

The Salsa Verde — This is the part that distinguishes one Sonoran dog from another. Some folks cook up a blend up tomatillos and chiles with garlic. Some go for a simple chile/onion/ tomato pico de gallo. Others opt for a pre-made salsa verde selection from the Mexican food section at the store. Play around. It’s all good.

Sonoran Dog Recipes

Offering some perspective and professional instruction – two very different recipes.
The Everyday Southwest version — This one uses a tomato, avocado, onion pico de gallo.
From Fine Cooking — This one includes a DIY salsa verde. Note the differences in the mayonnaise or crema too.