Laveen is a suburban neighborhood in southwest Phoenix, 12 miles from downtown.

The neighborhood is at the city’s edge and includes part of South Mountain Park, a 16,000-acre preserve.

The western part of Laveen is made up of unincorporated land and open wilderness.

The developed part of Laveen includes several HOA developments with rows of uniform homes set on small lots.

Homes on the outskirts sit on spacious desert lots and often have unique designs.

"Love living in Laveen! It's a diverse area, people are friendly, and we have community events.” —Serina F., resident

W. Baseline Road, the neighborhood’s main drag, is lined with shopping centers and strip malls.

Locals fish at Cesar Chavez Park, one of a dozen neighborhood parks.

"The parks and walkways here are great." —Mike A., resident

Monday morning in Trailside Point Park.