HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOODS
adjacent to Fountain Hills’ northern border. Bordered by the McDowell Mountains on the west, the Fort McDowell Indian Reservation on the east and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community to the south, Fountain Hills will likely remain at its present size of 11,640 acres.
shops and restaurants located near the town’s border with Scottsdale. The town is home to a number of celebrities, including baseball’s Joe Garagiola and rocker Alice Cooper.
Scottsdale
City of Scottsdale: 480-312-3111 www.scottsdaleaz.gov Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce 480-355-2700 www.scottsdalechamber.com
Paradise Valley Town of Paradise Valley: 480-948-7411 www.ci.paradise-valley.az.us North Phoenix Chamber of Commerce 602-482-3344 northphoenixchamber.com
Photo courtesy of Town Paradise Valley
Pity the shortsighted Phoenix real estate salesman who moved to Scottsdale in 1949 and left two years later, declaring the land inhospitable and Scottsdale’s future unpromising. These conclusions would surely surprise the more than 230,000 people who live here and the estimated six million visitors who come to this resort destination every year. Since its founding in 1888 by United States Army Chaplain Winfield Scott, Scottsdale has grown from a collection of cattle ranches and citrus farms into a cosmopolitan community of young professionals, families and retirees. The city’s resort lifestyle extends far beyond the grounds of its expansive hotels. Many housing developments feature golf courses and recreational complexes, with shopping and other amenities just a bike ride away. Although the days of cattle ranching in the area are long past, the names of vast multi-development neighborhoods, such as McCormick Ranch and Gainey Ranch,
The neighborhood of Greater Paradise Valley is located within Phoenix city limits, but is considered its own village. Around the edges of Paradise Valley Mall are retail shops, apartments, condos and healthcare facilities as well as Paradise Valley Hospital. Outside of this area are townhomes, single- family homes, small estates with horse privileges and a few golf courses. The area is also known for its excellent housing and schools. Desert Ridge is one of Arizona’s largest master planned communities, and although under develop- ment a long time, it is said to now hold more than 50,000 residents in the northern area of Greater Paradise Valley. At more than 5,700 acres, it includes residential housing, an 800 room resort, two 18-hole golf courses and a 1,000 acre commerce park. Residents here find it is easy to get around via the Pima Freeway from I-17 and the Piestewa Parkway with better accessibility to Sky Harbor Airport and downtown Phoenix.
There are actually two Paradise Valleys: one is the more secluded Town of Paradise Valley comprised of upscale homes nestled in against the sides of the Sonoran Desert hills or hidden behind oleander-covered estate walls, while the other is Greater Paradise Valley, a larger, more diverse community that includes businesses and the Paradise Valley Mall at its center. The Town of Paradise Valley is just north of the landmark Camelback Mountain and is almost entirely residential. Among its amenities are the Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, the Marriott Mountain Shadows Resort, and the Doubletree La Posada Resort. There are also exclusive
NORTHEAST VALLEY SPOTLIGHT
This area is a natural habitat to quail, cotton-tail bunnies and roadrunners. Residents of the Northeast Valley welcome these animals to their diverse community. Or perhaps it’s the other way around. Thanks to the flat terrain, transportation routes are easily accessible. A myriad of communities are scattered across the valley and range from simple modest homes to estates valued for several million dollars. Here’s a look at a few of the notable communities that offer a great selection to meet the needs of any prospective family.
DESERT HIGHLANDS: This sliver of paradise in the desert is home to a signature Jack Nicklaus golf course. Players at all levels have been known to stroll around these lush fair ways. Desert Highland residents admire the nature-chiseled granite summit of Pinnacle Peak. Hikers and climbers can be spotted atop Pinnacle Peak daily; it’s the compelling picturesque views that call them upward.
THE VERDES: The Verdes consists of Rio and Tonto communities and both have access to a host of amenities, including two clubhouses and five championship golf courses. And why settle for one swimming pool when you can relax in three? If you aren’t in the mood for home cooking, Rio offers fine dining or a more casual setting. Tonto is an adult golf community with newly-renovated spacious 26,000 club house.
THE ESTANCIA CLUB: The famous landmark Pinnacle Peak seems to stand guard over the stunning The Estancia Club. This is an exclusive, private golf course that’s barely 25 years old. The master golfer, Tom Fazio designed an 18-hole champion golf course here. Focusing on your game is a bit challenging when you are surrounded by panoramic views that were sculptured by Mother Nature’s own tools.
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