Downtown Phoenix Properties

If you want an exciting urban lifestyle in a gorgeous natural setting then take a look at downtown Phoenix homes for sale.

Real estate values in downtown Phoenix are strong because of the many major employers and the great public transit in the area. You will have the option of looking at lofts, condos, and historic homes when you are deciding where to live. Price points vary, depending upon the type of real estate. Condominiums and lofts may list in the $100k range and houses may list around $200k and up.

Wherever you live, you will have access to tremendous amenities. As an urban center, Phoenix is home to a variety of cultural attractions such as the Heard Museum, which features a singular collection of southwestern cultural and fine art. Nearby Scottsdale is a center for fine art, and features weekly Art Walks which display the works of local artists and artisans. Sports fans will delight in taking in a ball game at Chase Field, home of the MLB’s Diamondbacks, or U.S. Airways Arena, home to the NBA’s Suns. The mountains surrounding the Valley of the Sun provide excellent venues for hiking, biking, and climbing.

However you envision spending your time, you will be thrilled by the life you lead in downtown Phoenix!

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Homeless at Christmas - The Phoenix Rescue Mission & The Changing Lives Center

The new homeless include a rapidly-growing population of single parent, female-headed families who live on the streets or in temporary shelters. Families comprise at least 40% of the homeless in large metropolitan areas. According to the most recent census data, the average homeless family is composed of a young, single mother and two children under age six. At least half of the homeless women are employed (or employable) but do not earn enough to support themselves and their children. Reasons for homelessness vary and include lack of social support systems. In fact, homeless women with children often list their children as their only support system.

According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, City of Phoenix and other agencies, the homeless in Maricopa County mirror nationwide statistics — nearly half are women and children. Many are experiencing the trauma of domestic abuse and are vulnerable to violent attacks, sexual assault and self medicating with drugs or alcohol. Many of these families cannot access emergency or transitional housing due to the extent of their substance use and need for treatment. Very few services in our state provide the addictions and trauma recovery services they desperately need while providing physical safety for the mothers and their children. With nowhere else to go, every night homeless children and moms seek safety and protection by sleeping in cars, under bridges, on the street or in a drainage ditch. Many others continue to endure abusive relationships just to have a roof over their head.

The needs of these women and children are complex, so they need comprehensive services that simultaneously address their physical, mental and emotional well-being, as well as spiritual and other needs. All the pieces must be addressed. Women suffering from addictions and their children are desperately in need of a resource that can address the root causes of homelessness — addictions and unhealthy, often dangerous relationships — while also providing on-site emotional trauma and medical services for children.

December's Season Of Celebrations & Sharing - "Adopt-A-Family"

Since 1946 the Phoenix Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a non-profit organization, general assistance to families and individuals who find themselves in desperate situations.

St. Vincent de Paul provides services for homeless people, medical and dental care to the working poor, charity dining rooms that feed the hungry, and even transitional shelter to those who have no other option.

Each year, during the holiday season, they have a program called "Adopt-A-Family". Groups, businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring a family for the holidays are able to meet with the sponsored family and provide Christmas dinner and gifts for the entire family.

This year the need is great. Unemployment and the long running recession have left many families without enough food or clothing, let alone toys for the children to open on Christmas. If you can help, please do.

For more information or to get involved with this wonderful program contact:

Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 420 West Watkins Road, Phoenix, AZ 85002 or call (602) 261-6820. You can also visit stvincentdepaul.net for information on adopting a family and a list of their most needed items for homeless people.

Lucky Strike Lanes is now open in Downtown Phoenix's new CityScape development to a post-work crowd who lounged on cushy couches and dined on lobster puffs served by mini-skirted servers.

The sultry lounge-style bowling alley has 18 other locations around the country, most in downtowns and in mixed-use developments like the 4.5-acre CityScape projects at Washington and First streets.

"I would make the drive from Queen Creek to come here, and I would pass 10 bowling alleys to do it," said Karrie Steving, 39, of Queen Creek. "The atmosphere would bring me back."

The crowd of hundreds included a big Phoenix City Hall contingent, artists, neighborhood residents and Mayor Phil Gordon.

The space is decorated with posters of the Obey Giant face by Shepard Fairey and Andy Warhol-style posters of famous mug shots including Frank Sinatra and David Bowie. Videos by everyone from the Beastie Boys to Michael Jackson to Salt-N-Pepa played on massive screens suspended at the ends of the lanes, bookended by rotating images of art, some from Phoenix mixed media master Gary Hostallero.

The space was lit red from oversize red silk lanterns hanging above.

Hostallero, who creates Japanese-influenced, surreal images of dragons, martial arts athletes and women, attended the party and was excited to see his 30 pieces of work in such a non-traditional setting.

"It's a great venue, much more higher-end, and people appreciate art at a place like this," he said. His work has appeared in National Geographic magazine, but still Hostallero said Lucky Strike will raise his profile.

Lucky Strike owner and CEO Steven Foster and several members of Lucky Strike's corporate team mingled with the crowd.

"I love the way the space turned out," he said. "For whatever reason, it feels a big living room, a giant loft. I love the turnout. People say their expectations have been exceeded."

Albert Santana, 32, of Phoenix, works downtown as a light rail manager for the city of Phoenix and said something like this has been a longtime coming.

"It's great to have something this urban and hip in downtown," he said. "The biggest thing is that it's not just a bowling alley. There's so much going on, all the videos, the music, the bar, we don't have anything like this in the state."

If you haven't been downtown is recent times, you are missing out on some of the best entertainment available in the Valley.

Come explore, come live downtown. Call Brian Dunshie for a personal tour of the Downtown and Midtown Phoenix areas Urban Lofts, Highrise living, and historic neighborhoods.

Brian Dunshie - 480.522.6818
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The holiday season will get off to a festive start in Downtown Phoenix with the annual tree lighting and opening of the seasonal ice-skating rink at CityScape, on Saturday, November 26.

Great news – this year’s rink will be double the size of last year’s version and yes, it will be made of real ice! Enjoy holiday music, entertainment and refreshments while skating on the only outdoor ice skating rink around.

Hot chocolate, coffee and holiday treats will be on hand to keep tummies full and spirits bright and merry, and Santa Claus will pay a visit to listen to our secret and not-so-secret wishes for the season. It’s a winter wonderland in our own Downtown.

Last year was a lot of fun, I invited my family out to skate and explore City Scape. I'm sure this year will be twice the fun. (My niece and nephew, and friend are pictured top left, have'n tons of fun :)

Where: Patriots Square at CityScape, on Central Avenue between Washington and Jefferson Streets. map and directions

Time: Ice skating rink opens at 4:00 p.m., festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. with the tree lighting. (The rink will be open through January 11, 2012.)

Cost: The event is FREE and open to the public. $10 rink admission includes skate rental.