Cocooned in the southern foothills of Arizona’s South Mountains, away from the hustle of downtown Phoenix, Ahwatukee is an outdoor-lovers’ paradise. It’s quite neighborhoods, open spaces and miles of desert trails are just some of the things that attracted Eric Kinneman, who moved to Phoenix from Pennsylvania in 1996.
When Kinneman, a branch manager for LendSmart Mortgage, isn’t helping homebuyers navigate through the tumultuous task of obtaining a mortgage loan, he and his family can be found outdoors. Canyoneering, trail running and mountain climbing are just a few of his passions.
“There are many things I like about living in Ahwatukee,” he says. “I like the concept that it seems to be a village that is separate from the main city of Phoenix, and I absolutely love having quick access to South Mountain for running and hiking.”
Get to know your Ahwatukee neighbor as he shares some of his favorite things in life.
Trail Running
“My love for the mountains has transitioned me into a trail runner, running six days a week whether on the road or treadmill or on a trail.”
Board Shorts
This is my favorite go-to article of clothing. They’re durable, stretchy, quick-drying and adaptable for almost everything the desert can throw at you.
Theme Parks
My family hits at least one theme park each summer vacation. Roller coasters, thrill rides and the excitement of a theme park epitomize a great family vacation for us.
Ocean City, Maryland
I grew up on the East Coast, and this place was a yearly retreat for my family — a little slice of heaven as we thought of it when we were kids. Now, I take my wife and children there, and they absolutely love it.
Wrestling/Fitness
I was a wrestler when I was growing up in Pennsylvania. Now, both of my kids are involved with year-round club wrestling. I now help coach my kids. You can usually find us at the Thorobred Wrestling Club or Chandler MMA, both in nearby Chandler.
Race Day
I love participating in races. 5k, Spartans, Tough Mudders, trail runs — really anything that the kids and I can fit it into our busy schedules, we try to do. There is something special about finish lines and celebratory time.