Camelback East – the Popular, Historical, Urban Village

The Phoenix urban village, Camelback East combines both the Biltmore and Arcadia neighborhood, creating one of the most popular areas in the Valley. This large neighborhood includes historic houses, tons of culture, fantastic shopping, and a wide range of choices when it comes to dining and nightlife, explaining why people moving to the area easily consider apartments for rent in Camelback East.

Location

Situated near Old Town Scottsdale, The Phoenix Zoo and Piestewa Peak Camelback East are all popular Phoenix spots. Wrigley Mansion and the Phoenix Mountain Preserves are both found in this diverse neighborhood.

History of Camelback East

Camelback East, also referred to as the East Side, is home to some of the most enchanting, historic houses. Many homes from the 1920s and 30s have been beautifully renovated, while many new condos and apartment complexes have recently been built in the neighborhood.

Lifestyle

Young families and professionals make up the majority of this charming neighborhood. With its proximity to downtown Phoenix, Camelback East is an ideal place to live if you work in the area.

What to do in Camelback East

This urban village is located between the two most popular Phoenix mountains for hiking, Piestewa Peak and Camelback. The Phoenix Mountain Preserves is located in the northernmost part of Camelback East as well. With many smaller shopping outlets, this neighborhood also sits right next to the largest shopping mall in Arizona, Scottsdale Fashion Square. Foodies regularly frequent the neighborhood because of the number of diverse eateries. The most popular family venue, The Phoenix Zoo, is just minutes from this sought-after neighborhood.

Scottsdale Fashion Square
There are many places to go shopping in the Biltmore-Arcadia neighborhood of Camelback East, but nearby Scottsdale Fashion Square comes second to none. This upscale-regional luxury shopping mall has over 2 million square feet of retail therapy. Swanky stores, such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, Burberry, and Prada, grace the aisles of Scottsdale Fashion Square. Along with an extravagant shopping experience, the colossal shopping center offers a diverse selection of fine dining. Restaurants Ocean 44, Toca Madera, and Nobu are all located at Fashion Square.

The Phoenix Zoo
The most popular family destination in the Valley, the Phoenix Zoo is the largest non-profit, privately-owned zoo in the country. The 125-acre zoo houses over 3,000 animals and over 400 different species. Endangered tigers, lions, and elephants can all be seen at the Phoenix Zoo. Stingray Bay was opened to the public in 2006, and includes over 30 southern stingrays in a “Touch Tank.” During the holidays, “ZooLights” is a beloved Phoenix tradition.

Wrigley Mansion
One of the Valley’s most recognized landmarks, the Wrigley Mansion is located in the Camelback East neighborhood. The magnificent mansion was built by William Wrigley Jr., owner of Wrigley gum, as a 50th birthday anniversary present for his wife, Ada. The house includes architectural elements of Spanish, Mediterranean, and Monterey, and is available for tours and dining.

 

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Tovrea Castle
Another Phoenix landmark, Tovrea Castle, is listed as a “Point of Pride” in the Valley. Since its infancy in 1928, the castle has been a resort, a private residency, and now part of the protected Phoenix Parks system. Tours of this majestic castle and the 44 outdoor acres it sits upon are available to the public. However, it is such a popular destination the city has implemented a lottery for available tickets.

Piestewa Peak
Named after US fallen hero Lori Ann Piestewa, the first known Native American woman to die in combat, Piestewa Peak’s panoramic city views are unmatched. With a wide variety of trails, ranging from moderate to incredibly difficult, most people can manage to get to a part of the mountain where they can relax and take in the breathtaking views.

Where to Eat & Drink in Camelback East

The Camelback East neighborhood is known for its elegant dining and lounges. Although you will find a dive bar here and there, for the most part, it is only upscale dining and nightlife.

Chelsea’s Kitchen
Offering nightly dinner and a Southwest-inspired brunch, Chelsea’s offers an amazing variety of specials. The casual restaurant still has an urban flare. Be sure to check out their expansive wine and beer list.

 

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Vincent’s on Camelback
Come wine and dine yourself at Vincent’s on Camelback. For over 30 years, Vincent’s has been a Phoenix favorite. Chef Vincent creates an unparalleled blend of French cuisine using Southwestern ingredients. Vincent’s on Camelback is one of the trendiest dining establishments in Camelback East.

 

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The Little Woody
The Little Woody is one of the most popular bars in Camelback East. Located in the Arcadia section of the village, this fun, eclectic bar offers darts, skee-ball, and a vintage game room. Free whiskey tasting nights and live music are some of the events this bar provides visitors. The Little Woody is the best place for Sunday-Funday in the neighborhood.

 

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The Vig-Arcadia
Situated on the outskirts of the Arcadia neighborhood, The Vig is the ultimate neighborhood tavern. Grade A selections of bottled wine and tap beer, along with an incredible menu and a bocce ball court, make this chic tavern a neighborhood treasure.

Real Estate Snapshot

Camelback East surprisingly is ranked as the fifth most economical Phoenix neighborhood to live in. Still, a highly desirable area of the Valley, anyone who can snatch up a home in this posh neighborhood should consider themselves fortunate.

Transportation

There are no Valley Metro light rail stops in Camelback East, but there are bus stops sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. Camelback East is a very car-dependent neighborhood.

Schools

Because of Arizona’s open admission policy, many Camelback East parents choose to enroll their children in the neighboring Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD). Many homes are in the SUSD zone already. Osborn School District, Madison School District, and Phoenix Elementary School District all serve different areas of East Camelback.

With a rich history, exquisite shopping and dining, and many family-friendly venues, those searching for upscale living without the price tag to match should consider making Camelback East their new home.