The next WeKnowUrban High Rise and Loft Condo Tour is just a week away.  On Saturday, May 10th, 2008, forty of us will be boarding a bus to check out the hottest loft condominiums and high rise residents available in the Camelback Corridor / Biltmore area of Phoenix.  This month we'll visit Biltmore Jewel, Aura at Camelback, Residence at the Grove, Optima Biltmore and one or two other communities.  The cost is only $7.50 for the pubic and $15 per person for real estate agents and/or clients of real estate agents.  During the tour we'll talk about the pros and cons of each community, the state of the urban market today, what we expect to see in the near future, and a number of other things.To learn more, check out our tour page at www.WeKnowUrban.com/Tour.  We hope to see you then. 05/01/2008

There has been wild speculation about why the Phoenix Light Rail does not directly serve PhoenixSky Harbor.  Blog participants/commentors have written things ranging from suggestions of a  conspiracy on the part of the city to keep travelers dependent on taxi's and thereby protecting the tax revenue generated by taxi fares, to ineptitude on the part of planners, to corruption designed to increase construction costs, to other outlandish ideas.The reason that the Phoenix Light Rail system does not go directly into Sky Harbor is for efficiency reasons.  You see, only a fraction of the people using the light rail at any given time are actually heading to or from the airport, and yet if the light rail connected directly to Sky Harbor, all those non-air travelers would have an additional seve... 05/01/2008

 In this market, it's pretty amazing how far your dollar will stretch. We just got done negotiating a contract on this North Phoenix home for a client. The home and upgrades are impressive, not to mention the price. This 4200+ square foot home will be purchased for under $400,000, has never been lived in, and comes with the builders warranties. Specs and Features:4 Bedrooms2.5 BathroomsDen4200+ Square Feet3 Car GarageUpgraded TileUpgraded CarpetGranite CountertopsStainless AppliancesLarge Loft (perfect for a media room)Snail ShowerWhirlpool Jucuzzi TubGas FireplaceAdditional Designer TouchesAmenities:Easy Access To The I-17 FreewayNew SchoolThe Happy Valley Town CenterThe Shops at Norterra   There's still some great deals to be had in the greater Phoenix and Scottsdale areas, although h... 04/30/2008

Thank you Tamy for this great shot of Brandon!  I'd be happy to post others of the team.The Arcadia Angels, of the Arcadia Little League Minors Division, play all of their games on the ANLC southwest field.  As of the time of this posting, they are 8-3-1 in league play.  The league playoffs begin Saturday, May 17th.  Please re-visit the http://www.livinginarcadia.com/ blog often to keep up with recaps of current games. 04/30/2008

Angels 13, Red Sox 10 (Arcadia Minors)Before I get to tonight's game, I'd be remiss if I didn't write a little something about Saturday morning's game between the Angels and Cardinals, won 8-3 by our beloved Angels.For those of you wondering why I didn't get my usual posting up promptly after the game Saturday, it was really from writers block as I couldn't find the proper words to adequately describe the stellar job the officiating crew did that morning.  You see, Tim McCartin and I were pressed into emergency duty to ump the game when our regularly scheduled man in blue failed to show up.  With Tim working behind the plate, and myself manning the basepaths, we officiated a convincing victory in favor of the Angels.  Of course, this was after many failed attempts to solicit financial c... 04/29/2008

YES! That's right, the Phoenix Suns will win tonight in San Antonio! Game 5 is crucial, if the Suns can win tonight, I think they can take the series! We will see who has more heart.All you NBA and Phoenix Suns fans get ready because this is going to be a fun ride! Watch the SUNS win tonight! GO SUNS!!! BEAT THE SPURS - or as they are known around these parts as "THE SAN ANTONIO FLOPPERS" And...Of course, don't forget the Reid Team when you have any real estate needs. Also, check out our website, www.reidteamrealty.com  04/29/2008

If antiques are your passion and you are anywhere near Phoenix May 17-18, 2008 check out the Arizona Antique Show to be held at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds are located at 826 W McDowell Road in Phoenix Arizona. This event should bring loads of antiques to the area with everything from glassware, pottery, toys,  coins, jewelry, furniture, and advertising and military memorabila. There will be something for everyone. Call 602-717-7337 or visit the website for the event to learn more. 04/27/2008

Beginning May 1, 2008 and continuing until August 30 the Phoenix Arizona Desert Botanical Garden will be conducting Flashlight Discovery Tours on Thursday through Saturday evenings from 7pm -9pm. Visitors and guides roam the trails in this lovely setting carrying flashlights, never sure what will be ahead of them. Nighthawks fly, owls hoot, coyotes howl, toads sing and there are wonderful cactus that only bloom at night that open their gorgeous blooms. If you live in the Phoenix area or are thinking of moving here, and would love to see the desert at night but have not been brave enough to venture out on your own, this may be the chance you have been waiting for. They provide trained guides. For more information visit their website or call 480-941-1225. 04/27/2008

Fried bologna- yes, fried bologna, and also gourmet deviled eggs, amazing dips and chips, plus "campfire beans and weenies" and more (yes more of the menu is more traditional than fried bologna!!) are to be found at a unique restored vintage 1900's small, square, brick bungalow. The Roosevelt is located in the old historical section of Phoenix. You can wander room to room, some with couches, some small tables and all unique. There is rich polished wood and a "keg room". In all this is a unique place to stop and sit a spell. Located at 816 Third in Phoenix Arizona. For more information you can call 602-254-2561. 04/27/2008

My Florist Cafe is a popular 7 day a week restaurant in Phoenix Arizona. Known for wonderful food with gourmet salads and special artisan breads, the establishment is also famous for it's wonderful piano playing. Nichole Pesce plays incredible piano from 7:30pm until midnight Wednesday through Sunday. The restaurant is open form 7am until midnight 7 days a week. In addition to food there is a full bar where exotic martinis are their speciality. For more information about this classy establishment visit their website or call 602-254-0333. 04/27/2008

Steaks your passion? Dry-aged even more? Then check out one of the two locations for the Capital Grille in the Phoenix Arizona area. One location is at 16489 North Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale and the Phoenix facility is located at 2502 E Camelback Road in Phoenix. Here you can eat inside or head outside to dine on the patio. Don't worry that it will be warm outside in Phoenix. There are "misters" to keep things cooled off. Visit their website for menu items and hours. 04/27/2008

Tax Liens. With an increasing number or Phoenix foreclosures and short sales have you ever considered buying a tax lien? The source of this information is from http://treasurer.maricopa.gov/research/tutorial/tutorial.htmTax Lien Sale Guide - Introduction "The Tax Lien Sale provides for the payment of delinquent property taxes by an investor. The tax on the property is auctioned in open competitive bidding based on the least percent of interest to be received by the investor.Property taxes that are delinquent at the end of December are added to any previously uncollected taxes on a parcel for the Tax Lien Sale. The sale takes place in February of each year. Please read the disclaimer before deciding to bid, and see our lien FAQ page and lien history page. Parcels whose taxes are subject ... 04/25/2008

If you are in the Phoenix area and looking for something different and tasty and you like tapas, wines and a casual atmosphere then you'll want to check out Bomeros Cafe and Wine Bar located at 88001 Central Avenue in Phoenix. The establishment is located in a former fire station. In the morning they serve terrific coffees and pastries. At noon, paninis are the focus of the menu. Evenings are complete with interesting and delightful tapas and wines, some limited edition, either by the glass or bottle. Thy are open Monday through Saturday and can be reached at 602-687-8466 for more information. Visit their website for menus and infromation. 04/25/2008

Are you a lover of pasta and live in the Phoenix Arizona area? You will want to check out this unusual establishment called Cherryblossom Noodle Cafe where they focus on noodles. They have noodles, noodles and more noodles. They have Italian noodles, Japanese noodles and more. The establishment is a European looking restaurant. It is located at  914 E Camelback Road in Phoenix. They serve lunch and dinner daily. For more information call them at 602-248-9090 or visit their websiteto check out the eclectic menu. 04/25/2008

In the downtown Phoenix area there is a charming wood-floored house (built around 1913) that is home to Cibo. Cibo is a pizzeria that is loved for thin, crisp and slightly chewy wood-fired pizzas. They also have antipasto and amazing desert deserts. They are open Monday through Saturday with lunch Monday through Friday and dinners Monday through Saturday. Call them at 602-441-2697 for more information about their establishment. Located at 603 N Fifth Avenue in downtown Phoenix Arizona. 04/25/2008

If you are looking for an unusual and intersting place to sit with friends and enjoy a sip of wine and some tasty food and you live in the Phoenix Arizona area, you may want to check out Backstreet Wine Salon located at 3603 E Indian School Road in Phoenix. This place offers interesting and unusual wines by the glass or bottle, and small plates, soups, salads, main course and desert. The establishment is furnished with art and antiques and is rather like a cozy hideaway. They are open Tuesday through Saturday and can be reached at 602-550-7900 for more information. 04/25/2008

Horse Property in Maricopa County Arizona.  Buying horse property, buying foreclosure horse property in the phoenix metropolitan area (Peoria, Surprise, Scottsdale, Glendale, Buckeye, Goodyear, Cave Creek, Fountain hills, Paradise Valley).Horse Property benefits in Maricopa County Arizona.  Buying horse property in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.  Provided by Daniel McCarthy - View horse property- http://www.buy602.com/ - 623-628-7372 - dan@buy623.comAs of 04/24/2008 According to ARMLS there are a total of 3947 Pieces of real estate that allow horses.  The price range for horse property is $32,500 - $29,000,000 (the 29 million is located in Sedona, AZ).  Horse property is something that is requested quite often by potential home buyers.  One of the obvious reasons is because it would be ... 04/25/2008

I visited the new development-Desert Rose from Beazer Homes today.  If you are looking for some great views of Phoenix, Desert Rose offers homesites with views of the city to the North and mountains to the South.      The community features 88 home sites, and 6 different floor plans ranging from 2433 sqft to 4066 sqft. <...more..> 04/24/2008

In April of 2005 Wired Magazine published one of *the* feel good stories of a lifetime. It was called "La Vida Robot" ... It's the adventure of a group of inner city high school students from West Phoenix who dared to compete in a NASA sponsered science competition against the best and the brightest students from the more legendary colleges in the nation.Their task was to build a remote controlled, military grade robot that could maneuver underwater and perform a series of complex repair oriented tasks. All parts and materials were to be purchased with funds from doners. M.I.T. received $5,000 of their $11,000 budget from ExxonMobile. The Carl Hayden High School team landed a total of $800 from local businesses. Their team members had little more than part time experience in constructio... 04/24/2008

I nearly let it slip through the cracks that Berridge Nurseries at 4647 E Camelback Rd is celebrating 70 years of business in the area.  Kudos to them!  Arcadia's charm is in the multi-generational families living and working in the area, so it's great to see the family-owned success stories.  My wife and I have bought many plants and landscaping supplies at Berridge over the years and they've always been a pleasure to do business with.I enjoy networking with all of the local merchants in the area.  If you know someone who deserves some recognition, I'd love to write about them in this blog.  Let's keep Arcadia strong.Please send me your favorites in the area. 04/23/2008