Senior Living in Phoenix West Valley: Everything You Need to Know

History of the area

The Phoenix West Valley lies just outside of the Phoenix city limits in Maricopa County. What was once a desert outpost is now a thriving and vibrant metropolitan area that is home to 1.7 million people.

When the Arizona Canal was built in 1882 and a reliable water source became available, the growth and popularity of Phoenix West Valley began to rise and transportation improvements soon followed. In the early 20th century, construction of the Roosevelt and Wadell dams further improved the area for farming.

During the next several decades new towns sprang up in Phoenix West Valley and by the 1950s the area became known as a wonderful place to retire and escape the snow, ice and cold of northern states. With hot dry summers and warm to cool winters the climate makes life easy for people of all ages.

Restaurants

Arizona’s diverse culture makes for amazing dining venues. Casual dining options include:

• Old Pueblo Café and Pub for unique Sonoran-style Mexican fare
• Zeta’s Grill for authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine
• Enjoy true Italian family dining at Bella Luna Ristorante
• For an upscale dining experience try Vogue Bistro featuring tantalizing French-American dishes and an intimate ambiance
• Arrowhead Grill offers amazing steaks, seafood, cocktails, and award-winning wines
• Enjoy a mouth-watering dinner and breathtaking views at the AAA Four-Diamond Different Pointe of View restaurant at the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort

» Read about Dining in Phoenix West Valley.

Fresh & local

For those who love to cook and create amazing meals there is nothing better than fresh ingredients from the farmers market.

One of the best Phoenix West Valley farmers markets is the Arrowhead Farmers Market (formerly Momma’s Organic Market) held every Saturday year-round and offering produce, dairy products, meat and seafood, baked goods and much more.

For an adventure in farming, spend a day at Grandma’s Farm in South Phoenix where everything from fruits and vegetables to herbs and plants are available each Saturday.

Another excellent option is the Ahwatukee Framer’s Market in Phoenix with seasonal produce, herbs, flowers, meat and seafood, baked goods, and local arts and crafts vendors.

Fitness & swimming

Staying fit is key to aging well and Burn It Build it Fitness in Avondale can help with state-of-the-art equipment, classes and personal trainers.

Another option is Esporta Fitness in Goodyear offering group and personal training, an indoor pool, basketball and a sauna and whirlpool.

For those who enjoy the health benefits of swimming the Goodyear Community Pool offers open swim and adult fitness classes to strengthen and build balance.

Walking trails

Walking is arguably one of the best ways to exercise and Phoenix West Valley offers excellent walking trails to enjoy.

Near Buckeye the moderately-challenging Verrado Lost Creek Trail is a 4-mile trail and a great area for bird watching as well.

Another option is Sienna Hills Trails spanning almost 4,000 feet of 10-foot-wide concrete trail and more than 1,600 feet of 5-foot-wide concrete trails in Sienna Hills.

In El Mirage, Basin Park combines nature and recreation with a paved walking path through natural desert areas.

In Wickenburg, the 2.8-mile Sunset Multi-Use Path and Kerkes Trailhead each provide excellent walking options.

Back to nature

Spending time in nature is a wonderful way to get life in perspective and Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye is a mecca for nature lovers with miles of trails and sweeping vistas as well as programs for hiking, stargazing, desert survival, and more.

Also beautiful is The Base and Meridian Wildlife Area near Goodyear on the north bank of the Gila River, where the riparian habitat is teeming with plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals like coyotes, foxes and bobcats.

For a lesson in water conservation the Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden is an award-winning presentation of how to grow a lush low-water garden using conservation techniques.

Even more of the diversity of desert flora can be found at the Desert Botanical Garden featuring trails through acres of plants, educational programs and the Cohn Family Butterfly Pavilion.

Golf

Another way to get into nature is on the links and Arizona has some of the best golf courses anywhere.

One to try is the public Tres Rios Golf Course in Goodyear with 18-holes amid breathtaking views, plenty of shade and year-round tee times.

Tee-up at one of the three Wigwam Golf Club courses set in mountain ranges where wildlife abounds.

Volunteer opportunities

Volunteering can help seniors live longer and healthier lives with lower mortality rates, a lower incidence of depression, and better mental and physical abilities.

• For those with corporate experience consider mentoring budding entrepreneurs at SCORE Greater Phoenix.
• Pitch in to beautify the state with Clean up Arizona.
• Show your appreciation for our veterans by helping them through Operation Enduring Gratitude.
• Check for more opportunities at volunteermatch.org, or contact charities like the local animal shelter or Habitat for Humanity.