Blog Posts

Welcome Spring into your New Home with an Indoor Herb Garden

Spring is on its way to Phoenix’s North Valley, and what better way to welcome the new season into your new apartment than with a homegrown herb garden! While there’s plenty of recreational enjoyment that comes with gardening, there are also some overall health benefits too. It may go without saying, but above all, one of the best parts of having an herb garden in your Acero North Valley apartment is when you get to enjoy the fresh herbs in your favorite dish! Don’t worry about not having a green thumb, today we’ll guide you through what you’ll need and how to get your North Valley herb garden started and keep it thriving. What you’ll need Lucky for you, your new apartment is located just minutes from all of the supplies you’ll need for your indoor garden (and really there isn’t much). The garden center at Home Depot is a short drive from home and will have everything you need and more to get started. Here’s a pro tip when it comes to a gardening project on a budget: see what you already have at home before you head out shopping! Put your old mason jars to good use as your new herb pots, or upcycle any coffee tins or cans around the house. Home Depot, Lowes and really anywhere you shop will have terracotta pots and fancy herb displays, but it’s up to you to decide what your herbs will live in. Supply list: Gardening Gloves Nutrient-rich indoor potting soil A small shovel 2-5 containers (Depending on how many herbs you will be planting) Seeds or young herb plants of your choice (such as Basil, Cilantro, Sage, Mint, etc.) Getting Started Once you have all of your supplies, it’s time to get to work! Lucky for you, your new Acero North Valley apartment has a nice large patio where you can bring this project outside (and your plants can get plenty of sun!). To get started, put your gloves on and gather all of your pots/tins/jars. Using your small shovel, fill your tins about halfway full with soil. If you’re using young herb plants, gently remove them from what you bought them in, careful to not damage the roots, and add one plant per container that is half full with soil. Then, fill the remainder of the container with soil, using your hands to pat the dirt firm. If using seeds, fill your container of choice with potting soil, stick your finger about 1 ½ inch into the dirt, add a few seeds, and cover with dirt. Dampen the soil with water and you’re all set! Repeat with each of your different herbs in their different pots and let them soak up some sun outside for a bit. A few helpful tips: Avoid overwatering your herb plants, be sure to let the potting mix dry between waterings. If using seeds, once planted, cover your container with plastic wrap or a plastic bag and leave in a warm place for the seeds to germinate. Once you see sprouts, remove the plastic and move to sunny location. If keeping your plants outside, keep them out of direct sunlight. If keeping your plants inside, make sure they are getting plenty of sunlight. Water the base of the plant, avoiding getting water on the leaves. Enjoying your Fresh Herbs There’s something very special about using your own fresh herbs in a recipe. Making spaghetti? Add a few leaves of fresh basil to elevate the flavor. At home happy hour mojitos? Muddle your fresh mint leaves in with a bit of rum, simple syrup, ice and sprite for a refreshing cocktail! Not only will you enjoy watching your herbs grow, but you’ll surely love the way they taste too! Hopefully after reading this you are ready to get started on your own indoor herb garden at Acero North Valley. Once you’re all planted, be sure to share how your project went with us on Facebook and Instagram , and keep following our blog here for more posts like this one!

Your North Valley Neighborhood Coffee Shops

There’s nothing like having a go-to coffee shop near your apartment. A place where you can walk in, smell the sweet aromas of coffee beans and espresso shots, while being greeted by a barista who probably already knows your drink. That feeling is what you can find all around Phoenix’s North Valley, with plenty of coffee roasters that will make you feel right at home, even on your first visit. Join us as we introduce you to a few of our favorite java houses near Acero North Valley. The Carefree Cafe The Carefree Cafe is a treasure trove nestled along the Carefree highway. Serving up hot, iced or blended coffee drinks along with breakfast and lunch, this cafe is only a mere 8 minute drive from your new apartment. A welcoming and cozy atmosphere greets you as you make your way to this neighborhood favorite to sip coffee and grab a bite to eat. Caffeine-lovers rejoice at the Carefree Cafe as the coffee beans are purchased and roasted locally, providing a unique, award-winning flavor. Since 2011 this local coffee shop has made a name for itself, and after just one of their breakfast sandwiches and a cup of joe, you’ll see why. Elevate Coffee Co. Each coffee shop and cafe tends to have their own character and ambiance that makes them special. The Carefree Cafe (mentioned above) for example, boasts a hometown, local coffee house feel. At Elevate Coffee Co., not only are the drinks of the highest quality, the coffee beans roasted to perfection, the latte art impeccable, and the atmosphere warm and welcoming; but Elevate Coffee Co. focuses on building community through coffee. Their website sums it up quite nicely, “But what’s good coffee without good company?” When you stop by Elevate for a velvety latte or one of their fresh espresso drinks, you’ll find yourself in good company with even better coffee. (Photo by @Elevatecoffeeco) Amped Coffee Company Maybe you’re in the mood for an iced coffee; maybe your in the mood for coffee and beer. Or heck! Maybe you just want a glass of wine. If that’s the case, then Amped Coffee Company is like your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Amped Coffee Company is just a short drive North on the Black Canyon Freeway; and is worth every minute of the drive. Yes, you have plenty of Starbucks’ near your new home at Acero North Valley, but we’re telling you now; the quality espresso drinks, the food, the craft beer, the wine and the rock-your-socks-off entertainment you deserve is just minutes away. Amped has live music every week, an impressive menu boasting everything from coffee and tea to cold brew and wine, and overall just a great coffee house vibe. We saved the best for last with this one and definitely recommend you check it out. (Photo by @AmpedCoffeeCo) The next time you find yourself in need of a caffeine boost, keep these North Phoenix coffee shops in mind! Give them a try, and let us know how you liked them on Facebook or Instagram . And if you like what we covered in today’s blog, keep following the Acero North Valley blog here for more just like it. See you next time!

Best Sushi in the North Valley

When you think of the best foods to eat in the desert, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For most people, the mind doesn’t go directly to sushi. With more than 200 miles to the nearest ocean and vast sandy deserts in all directions, the thought of sushi in Phoenix might seem a little, well, fishy. Luckily, we live in an age of wonders, where you can have ocean-fresh sushi every day even in the arid inland wilderness. If you have a need for nigiri, try one of these nearby sushi restaurants and you can say arigato to us later. Echo Sushi If you’re in the mood for a quick bite nearby, Echo Sushi is where you wanted to be. Nestled in the Tramonto Marketplace just 5 minutes away, this small, unassuming eatery offers fast friendly service and absolutely delicious food. Since it’s right off the Carefree Highway, try the Carefree roll, a salmon and bluefin delight! They also dish up hearty ramen and tasty poke bowls. Don’t be thrown by the location in a strip mall, Echo Sushi is a standout. Ah So Sushi & Steak Dinner and a show, what could be better? Head to Ah So Sushi & Steak for a night of fun and food. The teppanyaki-style cooking happens right in front of your eyes, so you can witness the incredible knife skills of the highly trained chefs. There is also an extensive sushi list with all your favorites, from salmon to striped bass and quail eggs to crab cakes. Nobuo at Teeter House Sometimes you just want to get dressed up and go out for a night on the town. Nobuo at Teeter House downtown offers an elegant dining experience you won’t soon forget. James Beard Award-winning Chef Nobuo Fukuda was born and raised in Tokyo and brings traditional Japanese care to every dish he creates. The incredible cuisine is enhanced by the environment, as Nobuo is housed in a small turn of the century bungalow. This is the perfect place for anniversaries, birthdays, or any reason you’re celebrating. Roll into any of these sushi bistros for a dining experience for the ages. Share your favorite sushi spots with us on Facebook and Instagram . And be sure to follow our blog here for more North Valley favorites.

Where to Workout in the North Valley

There’s a saying that says the greatest wealth is your health. Whether you want to drop a few pounds, bulk up, or just improve your overall wellbeing, a quality fitness routine is an important aspect of making those gains. We are close to plenty of places that can help you get on track to your healthiest self. Your first stop should be your very own fitness center right here at Acero North Valley. With brand new, state of the art equipment, you will be well on your way to a better you! But if you want something extra, try one of these local fitness establishments to take the next step toward your healthiest self. Mountainside Fitness When you think of a traditional, all-encompassing gym, it probably looks a lot like Mountainside Fitness. This sprawling fitness temple has everything from free weights to spin rooms to basketball courts to rows of machines. And the list goes on and on. Join a group class to get your sweat on in a fun, supportive environment. Or try a personal training session to work on your form. Don’t worry about leaving the kids behind, Mountainside Fitness even has childcare on-site! Ironwood CrossFit CrossFit is one of the biggest fitness revolutions to come along in decades. This rough and tumble form of exercise combines aerobic and calisthenic training with Olympic weightlifting and strongman workouts. If you’ve ever seen someone flipping a giant tire or whipping ropes like an angry gorilla, you’ve seen CrossFit. One of the big appeals to CrossFit for many is that you are not just joining a gym, you are joining a culture. The CrossFit family is large and strong. If you want to take your strength to the next level, give Ironwood CrossFit a try. Phoenix Rising Fitness Sometimes the only way to find the motivation to exercise is by being pushed to your limits by someone else. Frankie’s Fitness offers personal and group training, as well as nutritional coaching, so you can get the most out of your body. Frank, the owner and trainer, is all about supportive community and showing you that you are capable of more than you thought. The friendly personal attention you receive can make getting in shape seem within your grasp. Whatever your fitness goals, there are resources close to home to get you where you want to be. All you have to do is take the first step. Share your fitness journey with us on Facebook and Instagram , and be sure to keep following our blog here for more North Valley adventures.

Acero North Valley Neighborhood Guide

Welcome home! Whether you are new to Phoenix’s North Valley (so are we!) or you have lived here for a while, welcome to your new home at Acero North Valley. Our beautiful, brand new community is full of everything you need to live your best life here in the desert. And surrounding us, the North Phoenix Valley is bursting at the brim with restaurants, entertainment, hiking trails, shopping destinations and so much more. So let’s take a look at what’s around your new home! Dining, Drinks and More If there’s one thing you should know about living at Acero North Valley, it’s that you’ll never go hungry. You could taste the flavors of the entire world without the hassle of buying a plane ticket. Enjoy a slice of Italy at Barros Pizza ; indulge in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Mexico at El Encanto or Plaza Bonita ; or maybe even experience a taste of the Mediterranean at Pita Jungle . Looking to grab a cup of coffee or fresh-pressed juice? Elevate coffee and the Carefree Cafe both serve up a tasty cup of joe, and there’s a Jamba Juice right up the street. (Photo by @Elencanto_az) Shopping and Nature Destinations Need to grab a quick birthday present on your way home from work? Looking to get out on a Saturday morning for a valley hike? When you live at Acero North Valley, you have easy access to all of the above. We are just minutes from the Tramonto Marketplace, the Happy Valley Towne Center , and of course, the Shops at Norterra. When it comes to spending a day in the great outdoors, the opportunities are basically endless. Acero North Valley is neighbors with a variety of trailheads, like the Sidewinder Trail, the Desert Hills Trailhead, and the beloved Apache Wash trailhead; all, of course, winding throughout the Phoenix Sonoran Reserve . (Photo by @Cityofphoenixaz) Health and Wellness, Stores and Grocers Grocery shopping has never been more convenient than now. Living at Acero North Valley means you are practically walking distance from Fry’s Marketplace and Albertsons . Also nearby is GNC , where you can stock up on your favorite vitamins and nutritional supplements. And while your new apartment community has a state of the art fitness center , you may want to change up your fitness routine from time to time and try out one of the local yoga studios or CrossFit gyms, like Yoga Breeze or Blade Method Fitness . Whichever you prefer, you have plenty of options nearby. (Photo by @BladeMethodFitness) Pet Supply Stores, Groomers and More Not only did you move into a new apartment, but you might have brought a furry friend along with you! Your four-legged companion is going to love it even more than you do when they find out there is a Pet Planet , Twin Tails Cageless Grooming , and a Cookies N Clean Daycare and Spa just minutes from their new home. And you’ll love the convenience of these pet-centric businesses being so close to home because that means no more long commute to the dog groomers for you! (Photo by @Cagelessgroomingaz) Our North Valley neighborhood has way too many great businesses, restaurants, and events to fit into one blog. So keep following the Acero North Valley blog here as we add more neighborhood highlights, local events, and North Phoenix happenings. While you’re at it, stay up to date with us on Facebook and Instagram! We’ll see you next time.

Acero North Valley and the IDM Way

The North Valley's newest apartment community is coming soon, and it is entering the scene the right way -- the IDM way. IDM, which stands for Invest, Develop, Manage, steps beyond the confines of the real estate business. They invest in people, develop communities, and manage positive relationships with their residents. IDM is an industry leader in the real estate realm because they follow a code of core values that inform every aspect of the company. These are: IDM is built on a foundation of faith, respect, and integrity. Respond to our customers in a timely, fair, and approachable manner, because serving others is our passion. Always apply the highest standards of excellence to the design, livability, and management of our communities. Provide our team with career opportunities where initiative and performance are rewarded. Recognize that success is the result of a long-term perspective. Contribute to the community and be good stewards of the environment. Make a difference and embrace challenges… every day. IDM has been developing quality homes since 1993. They have learned from each successive development new ways to fine-tune the building process and continue to raise the bar on what apartment living can mean. The spirit of service and quality that IDM has cultivated over the years is all aimed toward providing a more beautiful place to call home. Acero North Valley will be a shining example of IDM’s commitment to excellence. Our brand new, sophisticated apartments in North Phoenix are equipped with modern features and finishes designed to make your life easier. Find more details on the progress of Acero North Valley, including preleasing information, by checking our website here . And be sure to follow us on Facebook for new images and construction updates as they become available!

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