Stella Vann - Tucson, AZ

The Stella Vann neighborhood is a residential area of Tucson, Arizona, a city with a vast history that traces all the way back to 10,000 B.C., when Paleoindian and Archaic hunters first migrated throughout the area. Between the years of A.D. 200 and 1450, the Hohokam Indian tribes inhabited the area. During the 1540s, the Coronado explorers arrived from Spain, continuing their search for the Seven Cities of Gold.

The State of Arizona was named an official territory in 1863, with Tucson acting as territory capital from 1867 to 1877. By 1960, Tucson's population had expanded to 220,000, and continues to grow today.

The Tucson Museum of Art on North Main Avenue features historic artifacts and artwork of local and renowned artists. The museum also hosts annual events such as Golf Fore the Arts, a golf tournament that helps to raise funds for the museum's programs.

Stella Vann residents don't have to travel out of their way for some of the best food and nightlife in southeast Tucson, as many popular establishments can be found on or around East Golf Links Road and South Craycroft Road. For authentic Chinese food, locals recommend Peking Palace, located in the Eastpoint Marketplace on East 22nd Street. With a peaceful, relaxing dining room, prompt service and menu favorites such as Ta-Chien chicken, Peking Palace has a reputation as one of the best Chinese restaurants in the area. When locals are in the mood for a hearty breakfast served in a family-friendly diner where everybody's welcome, they head over to Joe's Pancake House on South Kolb Road. From the comfortable booths and hanging plants in the dining room to signature menu items such as Joe's omelet, a tasty three-egg masterpiece filled with cheese, parsley and onions, you can't go wrong with this famous local establishment.

If you're in the mood for tasty Mexican cuisine, check out Los Jilbertos, also conveniently located on East Golf Links Road. With a reputation for fast and friendly service, this popular mom-and-pop establishment may not be fancy, but sure does get the job done right. Locals recommend the steak, egg and cheese burrito, an extra-large tortilla stuffed to the brim with seasoned steak, whole eggs and cheese, served with beans and rice.

For a night of cheap drinks, good times and free hold 'em poker games with a $75 grand prize, locals suggest paying a little visit to the Driftwood Pub and Kitchen on South Craycroft Road. In addition to poker, patrons enjoy Friday night karaoke and free menudo soup all day on Sunday until the pot's empty. Military members also drink at a discounted rate, which makes this place even better.

If you're in the mood for a good whodunit, complete with drinks and dinner, the Tucson Dinner Theater on South Craycroft Road has all you ever wanted and more. With nightly shows such as "Murder at the Vampire's Wedding" and late-night shows such as "Killer Karaoke," where patrons are guaranteed to "die laughing," Tucson Dinner Theater definitely makes for the perfect evening.

Biking and walking are common practices in the Stella Vann community, as the area contains multiple sidewalks, as well as biking paths at certain surrounding parks. In addition to biking within the community, cyclists can also utilize over 500 miles of metro bikeways throughout Tucson.

Residents can park on residential streets within the neighborhood as long as they follow the time guidelines posted on the area's parking enforcement signs. However, over 14 neighborhood associations throughout Tucson require parking permits on residential streets to minimize congestion, so it is important for drivers to check the city guidelines prior to parking in unfamiliar neighborhoods.

Residents who utilize public transportation can board Sun Tran buses at multiple stop locations throughout the neighborhood, including East Stella Road, East 22nd Street and East Broadway. Commuters can easily access the Interstate 10 Freeway and the Interstate 19 Freeway via Golf Links Road and East Valencia Road, allowing for convenient access into downtown Tucson and surrounding cities. Taxicabs do not usually circulate through the suburban areas, and alternative ride services such as Lyft and Uber are not an option in Tucson; however, residents and visitors in need of alternative transportation can schedule taxi rides 24 hours a day through Orange Cab of Tucson.

Stella Vann residents enjoy living within minutes of several parks, thanks to the Tucson Parks and Recreation Department. Families enjoy visiting Terra Del Sol Park on East Calle Marte, as it features a large playground, a lighted gazebo and lighted picnic ramada, making it the perfect spot to enjoy an outdoor lunch and some recreation with the family.

Sports and fitness enthusiasts appreciate Vista Del Prado Park on East Stella Road for its jogging and hiking trails and walking paths, while dog owners often frequent Palo Verde Park on Mann Avenue. Palo Verde Park features separate fenced-off areas for large and small dogs, doggie drinking fountains, scoop dispensers and double entry gates.

The City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Department hosts a variety of special events such as the Annual Family Festival, a family-friendly event in Reid Park on 22nd Street, featuring games, food, golf instruction and inflatable bouncy houses, as well as the Annual Senior Olympic Festival, a yearly celebration that promotes senior health and wellness.

The cost of living in the Stella Vann community falls approximately 24 percent lower than the Tucson city average, with an approximate rental rate of $500 per month for a one-bedroom residence. Bus fare into the city range between $0.50 and $2, with children under 5 years of age riding for free. Local residents pay between $3 and $5 for domestic and imported beers at local restaurants and bars, however, certain establishments promote drink specials, so prices can fluctuate. Tucson gas prices run approximately 9 percent lower than the national average.

When it comes to shopping for just about anything, Stella Vann residents relish in the fact that they're just minutes away from an abundance of retailers between East Golf Links Road and East Broadway Road. From groceries to furniture, local shoppers can find it all within a few miles from home.

For groceries, household supplies and basic sundries, Stella Vann residents commonly visit Safeway on East Golf Links Road. If you're looking for locally-grown fruits and veggies, check out the Heirloom Farmers Market on South Sarnoff Drive.

While you won't find any high-end merchandisers within the local community, popular retailers such as JCPenney, Burlington Coat Factory, and Stein Mart, conveniently located along East Broadway, feature affordable merchandise such as clothing, bedding, housewares, and more.

If you've got a gamer in the house or if you're a fan of comics and animation, check out Heroes and Villains, a unique comic book shop featuring comic books and video games. Voted "Best Shop in Tucson" by Tucson Weekly, Heroes and Villains also hosts weekly classes, contests and gaming events.

For one-of-a-kind jewelry, clothing and accessories, local shoppers recommend Black Cat Vintage on North Tucson Road. This specialty boutique features vintage items such as outer-wear, loungewear, belts, hats, earrings and shoes ranging from the 1920s to the 1980s, with a few 90s fashions thrown in for good measure.