Beyond The Mountains Of Phoenix Real Estate Is Fountain Hills

By Author: Tasha Vatistas
Total Articles: 14
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If you ask around, you will learn that it is not too uncommon to hear that potential Phoenix homes buyers, out of towners, or even people who have lived in the Valley for years, they do not know that people actually live and work east of the McDowell Mountains.

In fact, people often do not know that Fountain Hills exists. Or, perhaps if they have heard the name, they have no idea where the city is located or what makes it unique. For some, it's that place with the fountain that they drive by when they're heading to Payson. Or avid golfers may discover that some of the best courses in the metro area are in Fountain Hills, but often only after friends invite them out to play at the Firerock, Eagle Mountain or We-Ko-Pa golf clubs.

So what else does Fountain Hills have to offer? First and foremost, it has unbelievable natural beauty all around it, including some of the best mountain vistas in the Valley, a gorgeous view of Four Peaks and phenomenal sunrise and sunset views. Its other attractions include:

- One of the world's tallest man-made fountains, which shoots water 560 feet in the air. It is surrounded ...
... by a lake and a park, the center of recreation for residents and visitors. The park is adjacent to a center with restaurants, a wine bar and an ice cream shop. Plus, on St. Patrick's Day, the fountain runs green several times during the day.

- A commitment to public art - as indicated by 70 pieces, many of them sculpture -adorning the downtown area and local parks.

- Two annual major juried art fairs, one in spring and one in fall.

Many hikers are well acquainted with the trails in McDowell Mountain Park, but did you know you can start a hike at either the 124th Street or 128th Street trailhead in Scottsdale and end it in Fountain Hills via Sunrise Trail? Sunrise Vista rewards with practically 360-degree panoramic scenes of metro Phoenix's mountains as well as Four Peaks and Red Mountain. The hike, by the way, is of moderate difficulty with a 1,300-foot gain in elevation.

Now what if the pursuit of tasty, quality fare is an important component of your life, as it is with mine? You're in luck, because Fountain Hills has a variety of choices, from sports bars and family-owned ethnic restaurants to steakhouses and seafood purveyors. And a number of them have very good wine lists, too. A couple dining standouts include:

- Sapporo d' Italia, a great find for pizza-lovers that also boasts exceptional homemade pasta specials. Many Valley residents, as well as national restaurant critics, believe Pizzeria Bianco in downtown Phoenix has the best pie in the country, but Sapporo d' Italia is a smashing alternative, without the two- to four-hour wait. It's also similar to Scottsdale's Grazzi.

- El Encanto, which is famed for its Cave Creek eatery, has opened a new location here. Whether it's Sunday brunch or an evening meal, you'll find the menu items offer some of the best authentic Mexican food you've ever had.

So, the next time you are wondering if there is life beyond Phoenix and Scottsdale real estate, take a drive to the east and experience all that Fountain Hills has to offer!

Article Source: russlyon.com