The hub of life in Desert Ridge in North Phoenix is the Desert Ridge MarketPlace. Not many people would typically admit that life in a community revolves around a shopping center, but in this case, there is a lot to offer. As the shopping center's web site states so well -"A complete shopping experience. As Arizona's premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination, Desert Ridge Marketplace delivers the ultimate shopping experience in a distinctive outdoor setting. Immerse your shopping senses in a unique blend of specialty retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues spread over 110 acres. The center's 1.2 million square feet of retail space - home to over 110 retailers and restaurants - bursts with color, energy and fun, creating a one-of-a-kind lifestyle destination you'll want to come back to again and again.."
Desert Ridge MarketPlace opened in December 2001. Residents in the area couldn't wait, and the center has been a success from day one. Desert Ridge MarketPlace was the first mall of its kind in Arizona. The layout is set up in what the developer, Vestar, calls districts. Each district was designed to have its own appeal and feel. One district has your everyday type merchants like the Albertson's supermarket. Another has your fashion and entertainment shops, and yet another with household appeal with stores like Target Greatland, Kohl's and Petsmart. Covered walkways stretch between the districts, with misters and music. The centerpiece is called "The District" and houses specialty retailers and many of the restaurant choices and entertainment venues. In addition to an AMC movie theatre, restaurants and bars, a play fountain, and rock climbing wall, there is regular entertainment provided for patrons at a couple of outdoor stages in "The District".
If you are looking for a great place to dine and unwind after a day of shopping or even your basic errands, then go no further, as Desert Ridge MarketPlace has over 30 restaurants to choose from. Two new additions to the already varied line up include Sweet Tomatoes (my favorite- I was hoping for it before the center even opened!) and The Office. Choices abound from Italian, Asian, Mexican, steakhouse, continental, and so much more. You are virtually guaranteed to find something for your appetite.
If your shopping tastes run a little higher line than Target or any of the other fine stores, you still don't have to go all over town. CityNorth has just started development immediately adjacent to the east, and will offer a wider variety of shopping and dining opportunities to Desert Ridge Residents and anyone else who visits. CityNorth is planned to be a mixed use, pedestrian friendly village with shopping, dining, office and residential properties. So if you prefer Nordstrom's and high end boutiques, art galleries and lifestyle stores then CityNorth will be your destination as well. The first phase including Nordstrom's is scheduled to open in 2009.
Desert Ridge is a great place to live, whether shopping is important or not. Great schools, friendly people, fantastic freeway access, and so much more. If you are considering a move to the Desert Ridge area, please contact us to help you with your search.
Adam Tarr,ePro
Sharon Kotula, ABR
RE/AMX Excalibur
480-483-3333
info@WeAreAZRealEstate.com
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