I'll be in PHX this weekend thanks to the UA ex-EWR first class fare mistake a few weeks back. While I'm looking forward to a weekend of relaxation I'm also there to check out the area as a potential place to live (I change jobs in a year).

So, any suggestions on nice neighborhoods, cool hang-outs, etc? I'm more into older neighborhoods than newer subdivisions (although a Target nearby is nice) and a relaxed/mellow vibe, or up-and-coming areas rather than super hip or fashionable areas. I'd like to drive or walk around some neighborhoods to get a sense of the city.

Thanks in advance for your ideas.

All I can say is avoid the area around PHX. Not very nice....unfortunately that's the only part of Phoenix that I have ever been to.

You picked the wrong city. Phoenix didn't exist as a city before air conditioning became commonplace; most of it was built in the past 50 years. There are a few older neighbourhoods, but nothing like what you describe. It just simply doesn't exist. Scottsdale is worth a look, maybe the closest to what you describe. But it is nothing like NY.

If you're into older neighborhoods PHX is the wrong place as the previous poster mentioned. It's too new of city. All you're going to see out here are new subdivisions. You won't have to worry about a Target. There is literally a strip mall on every corner in PHX and there usually is a Target not too far behind. Having lived out here for almost two years and coming from FLA, the vibe out here is very, very relaxed and mellow. Having grown up in FLA, I thought that it was relaxed as you could get, but PHX makes FLA seem like NYC.

I wish I would have saw your post before you came to PHX. PHX isn't a very walkable city. There are some walkable areas in North-Central PHX around the Central Ave area but that is about it. There also building a number of low-rise condos in that area, plus it's as old a nieghborhood can get in PHX if you can call 35yrs old old.

As far as cool hangs, Scottsdale comes to mind. Nice shopping, clubs, restaurants and lounges. Not many bars.