Find Out Which Intersections Were Voted the Hottest in the Phoenix Area
AZCentral has the scoop on the winners of the “hottest intersections” from the results of a recent vote by Urban Land Institute Arizona members.
The last time the members voted for the most thriving neighborhood was back in 2007. Ten years later, things have certainly changed. While the specifics on how they decided on the very best Phoenix-area intersections, restaurateur and founder of Upward Projects Craig DeMarco told AZCentral that he could care less about the numbers. Instead, he drives around the areas, “looking for the coolest neighborhoods.”
Claiming the No.1 spot was the intersection at Camelback and Central in Midtown. The immediate area around the streets is filled with restaurants, office space, and has the distinction of touching four historic neighborhoods, one on each corner. To show how much has changed, this intersection didn’t even make the top 10 back in 2007.
Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway in Tempe moved up three spots to No. 2 on this year’s vote. Close to the Tempe Town Lake and the housing high-rises of Regatta Pointe Condominiums and 525 Town Lake Condominiums, the area is all about urban charm. This intersection benefitted greatly from Tempe’s push to fill office space with tech workers over the last decade.
Moving down one spot to No. 3 is North Scottsdale and East Camelback roads in Downtown Scottsdale. A quick stroll to Old Town, this intersection is full of shopping and dining options, anchored by the widely popular (and soon to be expanding ) Fashion Square Mall.
Tied for No. 4 was Chandler’s Arizona Avenue and Chandler Boulevard near the San Marcos Country Club Estates and Phoenix’s 24th Street and Camelback. Chandler is becoming known for its younger, affluent generation and you can probably find many of them hanging out at the San Tan Brewery here. Phoenix’s intersection took top place a decade ago and still bustles with entertainment, shopping, and dining, but the competition has gotten steeper.
New on the list is Scottsdale Road and Greenway Hayden Loop, which comes in at No. 5. Located near the Kierland Neighborhood and the airport in Scottsdale, the area is rich with eateries and shopping. Scottsdale economic development director Danielle Casey told AZCentral celebrity sightings in the area are not uncommon.
Check out the rest of the top ten and the reasons they made the list right here.