Contributed by: Al and Jean Batson
Bella Monte Residents
My hubby, Al, and I moved to Desert Ridge in 2004 from Scottsdale. We’d heard so much about this wonderful community and wanted to live here. A little history – the original Desert Ridge master plan was adopted by the City of Phoenix as the “Desert Ridge Specific Plan” in 1991 and since that time there has been amazing growth but we have a long way to go before the plan is completed.
In 1998 the Mayo Clinic Hospital was opened followed in 2001 by the Desert Ridge Marketplace. But 2002 showed an enormous surge with the opening of the American Express regional campus, the opening of Loop 101 to the east, the opening of the JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Resort & Spa along with the Wildfire Golf Club. This made Desert Ridge a destination point for business and vacation travelers. The JW Marriott Desert Ridge hosts many business conferences and social events such as weddings and reunions and houses several excellent restaurants and an amazing gift shop.
When CityNorth opened up 2008, we all had high hopes. This was to be the initial phase of a major build-out which was supposed to bring great shopping and revenue along High Street…. Chico’s, Coldwater Creek, Black & White, to mention a few. The original developer was going to bring the first Bloomingdale’s to Arizona, along with a Nordstrom’s and a number of very high end shops were planned for the anticipated street south of High Street. Two major resort style hotels were also planned. The condo/loft style residences above were all the talk. But alas, two years later the free-falling economy and lawsuit against the developers put a stop to the dream. However, the fabulous MIM (Musical Instrument Museum) and Sagewood added a very positive gem to the Desert Ridge crown. If you haven’t gone to the MIM, go. It’s wonderful for all ages.
Today Desert Ridge is a community larger in population than some cities (Paradise Valley, Sedona etc.) and we’re only 40% built-out currently. There have been many changes to Desert Ridge Marketplace while many other shops and restaurants have remained the same over the years. Coming up you’ll see some renovations to the exterior. Desert Ridge will always be a great shopping resource. And if you haven’t been to the remodeled AMC theater to try those reclining seats, you’re missing an experience.
CityNorth has been revamped into HIGH STREET. The focus has been changed from mostly dress shops to an amazing array of entertainment, shops and services. Restaurants range from the upscale Ocean Prime (which has a great Happy Hour every day) to the opposite end at Kona Grill and everything in between. Take a stroll – pick up a yogurt, stop in at the Cowboy Saloon or Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy. Where else can you find such a diverse selection of places to go and things to do.
With our recovering economy, we’re seeing a resurgence of home builders come in. Sanctuary at Desert Ridge (Tatum/Ranger area) is already 50% sold.
Bottom line, there just isn’t anyplace else that can match Desert Ridge as a place to live. We’re a very safe community. Our Board makes sure we have plenty of extra policing to help maintain that excellent record. And a number of neighborhoods have started a NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK WATCH which is great for safety as well as a venue for getting to know your neighbors. If you don’t have one, organize one.
From Terrance Smith, our Community General Manager and his wonderful team to Doug Dickson, Community Association President and his Board, as residents of Desert Ridge, we are in excellent hands. 2004 was the year the Board began and here it is 2016 and we’re still paying $186 bi-annually so our funds are being very well handled. Thank you for your service.
We have our Lifestyles Committee who puts together all kinds of events such as the Ladies Night Out, Community Night Out, Yard Sales, the Farmer’s Market and other events. The Communications Committee is busy making sure Desert Ridge stays the beautiful place it is – and the world knows about it. Mallory Peil, our Lifestyles Coordinator, keeps this magnificent, information-filled magazine going. Advertisers are instrumental in underwriting these costs so we hope you’ll support all of us who advertise.
We have wonderful schools, unlimited shopping, great restaurants, medical services and are located close to freeways…and provides a wonderful sense of community. We have many residential areas in a price range for single family homes, condominiums, apartments and active adult living for every lifestyle. Why wouldn’t you want to live here? We’ve got IT ALL!
