Downtown Phoenix
If you ask anyone what they know about Phoenix, you’ll probably hear something about cactus, heat and not much else. But there’s so much more to this sunny city than meets the eye. Downtown Phoenix is located at the district between McDowell Road in the north to Buckeye Road in the south, bounded by 7th Street and 7th Avenue. In recent years, Downtown Phoenix has slowly been undergoing a transformation that has made it one of the most exciting places to live and visit in all of Arizona. Once a neglected red-brick district with little to no nightlife or culture, it has become a thriving arts district where independent businesses thrive and cocktails are sipped on hidden rooftop gardens. New restaurants and cafes have popped up left, right and center, giving visitors a plethora of new spots to try. Don’t just take our word for it – check out these reasons why you need to explore downtown Phoenix right now!
The Renaissance of Downtown Phoenix
The most obvious reason to explore downtown Phoenix is because its population is booming. In the last decade, Phoenix has seen a steady increase in its population of both tourists and residents, with downtown’s population growing by an astonishing 70 percent. Phoenix’s Downtown Partnership claims that these new residents are attracted by the district’s “vibrancy, walkability and public transit network.” It makes sense – Phoenix has one of the most affordable housing markets in the country, and downtown is conveniently located just a few miles from both the airport and the I-10 freeway. Ask any Phoenix local where you should be spending your time and money, and they’ll likely tell you in one word: downtown.
Art, Culture and History
If you thought the renaissance of downtown Phoenix was all about bars and dining, think again. The art and culture scene here is thriving, thanks to the Phoenix Art Museum, the Herberger Theater and a slew of other galleries and arts organizations. There’s also a renowned Artlink organization here which is dedicated to increasing public access to art by organizing exhibitions and artist talks. Those looking to delve into Phoenix’s history should start at the Arizona Capitol building, which is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. You can book a tour of the building to learn more about the state’s political history, or spend a few hours reading in the Capitol’s library.
Stunning Architecture
One of the most interesting things about exploring downtown Phoenix is seeing just how much of the city’s architecture dates back to the early 20th century. The Heard Museum, for example, is housed in the old Central Library building, which was constructed in 1901. The architecture of these buildings is eclectic, to say the least. The Central Library, for example, is an example of the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style. The Phoenix Art Museum, on the other hand, is a bold example of Art Deco. And then, of course, there are the modern buildings that are changing the skyline of Phoenix. The Phoenix Tower, for example, is expected to be completed in 2020, and will stand at a whopping 583 feet above the city. The building is expected to house a hotel, office space and residential units when it is finished.
Go Bowling in Downtown Phoenix
For those visiting Phoenix, a great way to experience the city is by going bowling. A number of bowling alleys are located throughout Phoenix. For those visiting on a budget, bowling alleys are generally cheap to visit, with some bowling alleys having special deals for kids and/or seniors. Some of the bowling alleys located in Downtown Phoenix include Lucky Strike, The Cork and The Phoenix Plaza Bowl.
More Reasons to Explore Downtown Phoenix: A Little Background
If you’re still not convinced that you need to explore downtown Phoenix, it might help to know a little bit about the city’s history. Phoenix has been inhabited by humans for around 2,000 years, but the city didn’t really come into its own as a major hub until the 20th century. The city’s population boomed during the 1930s, when it became a hub for air travel. During World War II, Phoenix experienced a slight lull in population as residents were drawn to other areas due to the presence of military bases. After the war, though, Phoenix’s population began to boom once more, and it has been growing ever since.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons to explore downtown Phoenix, but at the end of the day, exploring this city is all about having fun. If you’re looking for a new place to explore, why not check out downtown Phoenix? It’s been steadily growing in popularity for years, and now is the perfect time to check it out. With loads of new restaurants, cafes and attractions opening all the time, there’s no better time to explore Phoenix! So what are you waiting for? Book your flight, pack your bags and get ready to explore this dynamic city. You won’t regret it!
How to Get There from Here:
Next: Visit the Footprint Center!
This online tour is brought to you by Luxe Hair Salon Phoenix!