When Scottsdale’s mornings turn crisp and the light softens, fall becomes planting season—a chance for Optima Sonoran Village®, Optima Kierland Apartments®, and Optima McDowell Mountain® residents to refresh outdoor spaces with containers that look effortless now and carry color, texture, and bloom well into winter. With the Sonoran Desert as your muse, the goal is simple: plant smart, water less, and design for year-round enjoyment.

Why Fall is the Moment
Cooler nights and mild days help roots establish before the brief winter chill, so plants settle in with less stress and less water. And as autumn continues, you’ll also benefit from gentler sun angles and calmer afternoon heat, which means new plantings transition quickly.

Choose the Right Cast
When planning for your planting, think in three roles—structure, spark, and spill—to build sculptural, modern containers that offer clean lines.

• Structure (architectural forms): dwarf agaves (Agave ‘Blue Glow’), red yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora), aloe hybrids (winter bloomers), golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii), deer grass (Muhlenbergia rigens).
• Spark (seasonal color + pollinator value): autumn sage (Salvia greggii), Parry’s penstemon (Penstemon parryi), angelita daisy (Tetraneuris acaulis), blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum), damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana), Spanish lavender (‘Goodwin Creek’).
• Spill (edge-softening): trailing rosemary, blue chalk sticks (Senecio serpens), trailing lantana (use sparingly—can frost-nip but rebounds), ice plant (Delosperma).

Herbs that Love Our Winter
Fall is prime time for a small culinary pot—rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage stay fragrant through winter, need little water, and elevate weeknight cooking. Tuck a chiltepin pepper into a sunny corner if you like a quick hit of heat; it’s compact and handsome in containers.

Design like a Desert Modernist
Choose a tight palette—charcoal, terracotta, or weathered steel—to echo Optima’s materiality. Cluster containers in odd numbers, mixing heights for rhythm without clutter. A 1–2″ topdress of decomposed granite or black lava rock sharpens the silhouette, moderates soil temperature, and reduces evaporation.

Container (and Soil) Essentials
Use pots with generous drainage and a fast-draining cactus/succulent mix amended with pumice or perlite. Containers dry out faster than ground soil; the trick is deep, infrequent watering: saturate, then let the top few inches dry before watering again. Self-watering inserts work for herbs; architectural succulents prefer classic drainage. On higher floors, wind can wick moisture—grouping pots creates a microclimate and visual cohesion.

Sun, Shade, and Microclimates
Most desert natives want full morning sun and light afternoon shade. On south- and west-facing terraces, place heat-tolerant structure plants forward and nestle bloomers behind them. In cooler snaps, pull aloe and tender succulents closer to a wall or column that radiates stored heat.

Frost-smart Strategy
Scottsdale’s occasional frost arrives fast and leaves quickly. Keep a lightweight frost cloth or old bedsheet on hand for one-night cold snaps, and consider rolling caddies for larger pots. Many choices above are frost-tolerant; aloes appreciate a bit of protection on the coldest nights, especially in exposed containers.

Watering + Feeding, the Low-water Way
In fall, water weekly to establish (adjust for exposure), then ease off in winter—often every 10–14 days is plenty. Avoid frequent sips; roots want a thorough soak. Feed sparingly with a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer at planting and skip mid-winter boosts.

Three foolproof combos:

1. Blue Glow agave + angelita daisy + blue chalk sticks — crisp geometry with sunny dots of bloom.
2. Red yucca + damianita + trailing rosemary — coral spikes in spring, golden cushions, and evergreen spill.
3. Aloe hybrid + autumn sage + ice plant — winter flowers for hummingbirds and a tidy, textural edge.

Life at Optima®, in Bloom
The best part of desert-smart planting is how seamlessly it fits Optima living: prep in your light-filled kitchen, step onto a shaded terrace for golden-hour watering, and enjoy color, fragrance, and visiting pollinators all winter long—with far less maintenance and water. If you’re new to container gardening, your Optima management team can share any community guidelines for plants and irrigation accessories. Then it’s just you, the view, and containers that carry the season forward—quietly, beautifully, and sustainably.

When autumn arrives in Scottsdale, the desert doesn’t burst into color so much as it exhales: cooler mornings, softer light, and extraordinary weather that practically insists you take your coffee outside. For residents of Optima Kierland Apartments®, Optima Sonoran Village®, and Optima McDowell Mountain® it’s the perfect season to bring Sonoran flavors into everyday cooking and casual gatherings. Here’s how four regional essentials can make your fall feel distinctly (and deliciously) desert.

Prickly Pear: bright, cool, and unmistakably Sonoran
Prickly pear (the vibrant magenta fruit of the cactus) brings tart-sweet freshness to fall. Stir a spoonful of prickly pear syrup into sparkling water with a squeeze of lime for a rooftop mocktail that looks like sunset in a glass. For dinner, whisk the syrup with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of sea salt for a jewel-toned vinaigrette over arugula, citrus, and toasted pepitas. Hosting a small gathering in a residents’ lounge? Brush prickly pear glaze onto roasted chicken or cauliflower steaks for a glossy, subtly sweet finish that pairs beautifully with mesquite cornbread.

Chiltepin: the desert’s tiny burst of heat
Often called the “mother of all peppers,” chiltepin is a tiny, wild chili with a quick, clean heat that spikes then fades. Use it as a finishing note rather than a base—crushed over avocado toast, flicked onto pumpkin soup, or stirred into warm olive oil for a drizzle over flatbreads from your kitchen oven. For outdoor evenings, mix a pinch of ground chiltepin with flaky salt and lime zest to rim glasses for agua fresca or a margarita. Prefer sweet-heat? Steep a few chiltepin in honey, then drizzle over grilled peaches or a cheese board. Start sparingly; a few berries deliver plenty of personality.

Pumpkin, Sonoran Style
Yes, pumpkin belongs in the desert, too—especially when you lean into Southwestern pairings. Toss wedges of pumpkin (or kabocha) with olive oil, agave, and a whisper of chiltepin; roast until caramelized and finish with queso fresco and cilantro. For a cozy weeknight, fold pumpkin purée into black beans with cumin and garlic, then spoon onto tostadas and top with pepitas and quick-pickled onions. Hosting friends? Serve a silky pumpkin-mesquite soup—blend roasted pumpkin with sautéed onion and garlic, vegetable broth, a touch of mesquite flour, and finish with lime crema and toasted pepitas.

Bringing It Home—Optima®-Style
Fall at Optima® communities is all about effortless indoor-outdoor living. Prep in your sleek, light-filled kitchen; then carry the party to a shaded terrace for golden-hour bites, or down to the grilling courtyard for a casual cookout under the palms. Keep your pantry stocked with a few Sonoran staples—mesquite flour, prickly pear syrup, dried chiltepin, and pepitas—and you can pull together a seasonal spread at a moment’s notice. Add soft textiles, a lantern or two, and your favorite playlist, and you’ve created the kind of easy, convivial evening that defines autumn in Scottsdale: warm, modern, and grounded in place.

At Optima®, we believe great city living includes our four-legged family members. That’s why we’re always scouting experiences that make life with pets richer, easier and more fun—especially for residents of Optima Lakeview® and Optima Signature® in Chicago. If you’ve been looking for a low-stress, high-delight outing with your pup, the Canine Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady is a joyful way to see (and sniff) the city from a fresh perspective.

What makes it such a hit? For starters, the cruise runs July through October on Saturdays and Sundays, and lasts a relaxed 90 minutes—plenty of time to take in skyline views without testing your dog’s attention span. Tickets start at $45 for general boarding, making it an easy add to your weekend plans. 

The experience is thoughtfully pet-forward. Your leashed companion is welcome from the moment you step on the Riverwalk dock, where you’ll find water bowls on board and open-air seating that guarantees everyone fresh breezes and unobstructed views. There’s also a full-service bar and snack bar for humans, plus well-appointed restrooms. (Pet parents with little ones in strollers will appreciate the free folded-stroller storage, too.) 

Once underway, the route highlights Chicago from river to lake with a lively narration that weaves together architecture, history and dog-friendly tidbits—a playful nod to the city’s storied built environment and lakefront culture. A special treat: you’ll pass through the Chicago Harbor Lock, feeling the vessel gently rise toward Lake Michigan and lower on the return—an engineering mini-thrill that’s as fascinating for first-timers as it is for lifelong Chicagoans. 

And because Chicago does seasonal joy so well, the cruise leans into autumn with a festive Howl-O-Ween Canine Cruise on the first two weekends of October. Expect pumpkin dog treats, a doggie costume contest and plenty of camera-ready moments (humans are encouraged to dress up, too). 

A few practical tips make the day seamless. Arrive 30 minutes before departure so your whole party—pups included—can board without a rush. Cruises sail rain or shine, and kids under 4 ride free, which turns this into a multi-generational outing when friends or family are in town. Sunglasses and a cap keep the sun off as you gaze up at the skyline; outdoor seating is general admission and guaranteed. 

For Optima Signature® residents in Streeterville, the Riverwalk boarding location is an easy neighborhood adventure; Optima Lakeview® residents can hop on the CTA or a quick rideshare and be on deck in no time. Either way, it’s the kind of city day we love—design, community and the great outdoors converging in one effortless experience. The ticket office and boarding are along the Chicago Riverwalk near Michigan Avenue, with clear wayfinding and ADA guidance provided online if you need a ramped route. 

Why this pairs so well with Optima’s pet-friendly culture: our communities are designed to support the rhythm of everyday life with dogs—from easy in-and-out to neighborhood walks and playtime. The Canine Cruise adds a celebratory layer to that routine: a chance to connect with your dog, your city and fellow pet lovers, all while soaking in Chicago’s epic skyline.

Ready to make a memory with your best friend? Grab a leash, pack a few treats and set sail—your dog just found their new favorite way to do architecture and lake views. Visit the First Lady website for details and tickets.

An Inspired Layout for Modern Living
One of the most sought-after apartment residence configurations in the 7220 Optima McDowell Mountain® rental building is the 2 Bedroom + Den—a floor plan that strikes the perfect balance between open-concept design and defined, purposeful spaces. Ideal for those working from home, hosting out-of-town guests, or simply craving flexibility, this layout offers over 1,600 square feet of beautifully designed interior living.

Key Features:

• Expansive great room with direct access to a private terrace, ideal for entertaining or relaxing against a desert sunset
• Spacious kitchen with a large island, quartz countertops, and high-end stainless steel appliances
• Primary suite with a walk-in closet and spa-like bath featuring a glass-enclosed shower
• Secondary bedroom tucked away for added privacy, perfect for guests or family
• A versatile den that easily functions as a home office, library, yoga nook, or creative studio
• Full-size washer and dryer, ample closet space, and smart home-ready tech throughout

This floor plan is the embodiment of Optima®’s design ethos: efficient yet expansive, modern yet warm, private yet connected. Whether you’re a couple, a young family, or a remote professional seeking serenity and space, the 2 Bedroom + Den delivers a flexible, elegant foundation for desert living.

The Optima McDowell Mountain® Lifestyle—In Every Apartment Layout
No matter which apartment residence layout you choose at 7220 Optima McDowell Mountain®, you’re embraced by the same extraordinary community experience. From thoughtfully curated amenities and beautifully landscaped indoor-outdoor spaces to resident programming that brings neighbors together, life at Optima McDowell Mountain® is defined by ease, connection, and well-being. Add to that signature Optima® service—responsive, professional, and detail-oriented—and you’ll find that every rental home here is more than a floor plan; it’s a seamless lifestyle where everyday living feels elevated.

This floor plan is the embodiment of Optima®’s design ethos: efficient yet expansive, modern yet warm, private yet connected. Whether you’re a couple, a young family, or a remote professional seeking serenity and space, the 2 Bedroom + Den delivers a flexible, elegant foundation for desert living.

Interested in renting? For availability, pricing, and virtual tours, visit our floor plans page.

To know Chicago is to know the “L”—a beloved, bustling fixture of city life that rumbles overhead and snakes underground, connecting neighborhoods and stories across more than a century. Short for “elevated,” the “L” isn’t just a transit system. It’s an enduring emblem of Chicago’s ingenuity, resilience, and urban identity.

At Optima®, we understand how essential great transportation is to vibrant city living. That’s why communities like Optima Lakeview® and Optima Signature® are conveniently located near key “L” lines, giving residents seamless access to everything the city has to offer—whether it’s a quick ride downtown to work or a weekend trip to the Garfield Park Conservatory.

Born from Innovation—and Necessity
The origins of the “L” date back to the late 19th century, when Chicago was growing at breakneck speed. After the Great Fire of 1871, the city underwent a massive rebuilding and expansion effort. But with growth came congestion: horse-drawn streetcars and cable cars clogged the streets, and pedestrians competed with carts, carriages, and early automobiles. The city needed a new way to move people quickly and efficiently—without taking up precious surface space.

Enter the elevated train.

On June 6, 1892, the first “L” train made its inaugural run along the South Side Rapid Transit line, carrying passengers from 39th Street to Congress Street in wooden cars powered by steam locomotives. Though the ride was loud, dirty, and a bit jarring, it offered an exciting new alternative: a bird’s-eye commute through the city.

By the turn of the century, electric power had replaced steam, and the “L” had begun to form its now-familiar loop downtown. In 1897, a series of elevated lines were linked by a rectangular circuit known as the “Union Loop,” giving the central business district its nickname and the system a structural heart.

The Loop: More Than a Track
The creation of the Loop helped define downtown Chicago itself, transforming transit in the process. Architecturally and socially, the Loop became a boundary and a bridge. It concentrated commerce, created a gravitational pull for development, and gave the city its skyline rhythm—steel girders and train cars cutting across sun-drenched streets.

Over time, the “L” evolved into a system of color-coded lines that stretch from Evanston to the South Side, from Oak Park to O’Hare. The system remains one of only a few in the U.S. that still includes elevated tracks in the urban core.

For residents of Optima Lakeview®, nestled in a neighborhood rich with character on Chicago’s North Side, the nearby Brown Line offers a direct route to the Loop—perfect for daily commutes or weekend adventures. Meanwhile, Optima Signature®, located in the heart of Streeterville, puts residents just steps away from multiple “L” stops and transit hubs, making it easy to explore every corner of the city.

Moments of Modernization
The 20th century brought dramatic change to the “L.” Wooden cars gave way to streamlined steel ones. Manual controls were replaced by automatic signals. The system expanded, integrating suburban commuter services and adopting new lines to meet the needs of a shifting population.

Notably, the 1950s saw the launch of the Congress Line, which ran down the median of the newly built Eisenhower Expressway—a pioneering combination of rail and highway planning. The 1980s and 1990s ushered in renovations to aging stations, and the naming system changed to colors in 1993, simplifying what had become a complex array of named lines.

Today’s “L” is a 24/7 operation—one of the few major urban rail systems in the world to run all day, every day.

Cultural Icon, Civic Backbone
More than just infrastructure, the “L” is a character in the story of Chicago. It’s been immortalized in films like The Fugitive and While You Were Sleeping, and it’s a regular presence in television shows like Chicago P.D. and Shameless. Its stations and cars have hosted jazz musicians, protestors, lovers, tourists, and tired workers heading home.

It’s a place of overheard conversations, lost gloves, spontaneous poetry, and democratic density—where millionaires and minimum-wage workers share space and time, bound by steel rails and a common destination.

Looking Forward
In recent years, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has invested heavily in modernization. Projects like the Red & Purple Modernization Program aim to replace century-old infrastructure and increase capacity. Plans are also underway to extend the Red Line further south, connecting communities that have historically been underserved by public transit.

And while challenges remain—aging infrastructure, funding gaps, and fluctuating ridership—the “L” continues to adapt. It has survived two world wars, the Great Depression, the rise of the automobile, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Each time, it has emerged with new relevance.

A Ride Worth Taking
For newcomers, the “L” can feel like a puzzle: clattering tracks, cryptic transfers, platforms suspended above intersections. But to longtime Chicagoans, it’s second nature—a steady, familiar hum in the background of daily life. It’s not just how they get from place to place. It’s part of where they’re from, ensuring the city’s culture, commerce, and creativity are always within reach.