Northeast Communities
Anthem Carefree & Cave Creek Fountain Hills Scottsdale Paradise Valley Rio Verde
NORTHEAST VALLEY
This fashionable and highly livable quadrant of the Valley of the Sun is sprawling and diverse, offering a kaleidoscope of possibilities for housing, recreation, and lifestyles. The Northeast Valley includes the sophisticated City of Scottsdale, the Town of Paradise Valley, the “sister” cities of Carefree and Cave Creek, and the Town of Fountain Hills. It also encompasses the section of northeastern Phoenix called “Paradise Valley” as well many residential villages throughout North Scottsdale. Just beyond Fountain Hills at the eastern edge of the Valley of the Sun are the active adult communities of Tonto Verde and Rio Verde.
Perhaps more than any other area in the Valley, the Northeast reflects the epitome of year-round resort living and the “good life” in distinctive Southwestern style. Many country club and golf course communities showcase million-dollar manors in elegant residential developments that command breathtaking views of mountain, desert, and city lights. At the same time, family-oriented neighborhoods surround libraries, parks, schools, and shopping for a convenient urban lifestyle.
Services
Within the Northeast Valley, the cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale dominate the economy and provide the employment base. Although the other communities enjoy a degree of commercial and retail activity, as well as contribute outstanding restaurants and luxurious resorts, they primarily serve as residential havens. The northeastern corner of Phoenix is well-known for its vast array of retail development, radiating in all directions from the focal point of Paradise Valley Mall. Shopping plazas combine with service-oriented businesses, office parks, and professional buildings.
Neighboring Scottsdale takes the lead in industrial development as well as corporate and regional headquarters and high-tech companies. Accommodating business and recreational aircraft, Scottsdale Airport is the busiest corporate jet airport in Arizona. Scottsdale also excels in revenue generated by tourism, welcoming millions of visitors to award-winning resorts and posh shopping districts. Tourism also plays a leading role in the Cave Creek and Carefree economies, reinforcing the strong ties between these “recreational” sister communities.
Along with the explosion of population in the rapidly expanding Northeast Valley came freeways that provide high-speed connections to other Valley destinations. The Piestewa Peak Parkway or SR51 provides quick access to Interstate 10, Loop 202 to the East Valley, and to downtown Phoenix. The addition of Loop 101 provides a convenient thoroughfare through the Northeast Valley, linking the area to points west, east, and south. A public bus system combines with Dial-A-Ride and ridesharing programs for transit alternatives.
While residents of the Northeast Valley communities have access to healthcare and educational resources throughout the Valley, they also enjoy leading-edge services and facilities close to home. The internationally famous Mayo Clinic has recently added a state-of-the-art hospital to its Scottsdale clinic facility to offer a complete range of diagnostic and treatment services. Paradise Valley Hospital has long been serving the residents of northeastern Phoenix, while Scottsdale Healthcare provides a growing list of specialties and general healthcare services that include two hospitals, adult day care, diabetes center, home health services, occupational health centers, and the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center.
Schools throughout the Northeast Valley are recognized as some of Arizona’s finest, providing a wealth of extracurricular and special programs in addition to a strong core curriculum in modern classrooms. Paradise Valley Community College in northeast Phoenix and Scottsdale Community College provide two convenient locations that offer continuing education courses, certifications and two-year degrees, vocational training, or an affordable start on a four-year degree. The area is home to a center for the University of Phoenix and specialized institutions of higher learning that include the respected Scottsdale Culinary Institute and a branch of the Phoenix Therapeutic Massage College.
Lifestyle
Whether you are searching for the simple pleasures of a relaxing desert environment or the excitement of world-class recreational opportunities, the Northeast Valley provides an idyllic place to live, work, and play. Because of the area’s solid reputation as a resort destination as well as a comfortable home for retirees, families, and professionals—the living environments and the housing styles are exceptionally diverse. Newcomers will discover a seemingly endless variety of single-family homes as well as patio homes, townhouses, and condominiums. Nestled along tranquil streets in the neighborhoods of the “Paradise Valley” section of northern Phoenix, many comfortable two-bedroom wood-frame homes are shaded by mature greenery. The Town of Paradise Valley, on the other hand, has long been known for multi-million-dollar estates that sprawl over generous mountain and hillside lots to command peerless valley views.
Acreage and lot sizes vary widely in this vast Northeast Valley region. The most obvious possibilities for multi-acre lots and mini-ranches or horse properties lie in northern Scottsdale, the Pinnacle Peak area, and the communities of Cave Creek and Carefree. The Northeast Valley now stretches between the small outlying town of New River along Interstate 17 and the far northern Valley communities of Cave Creek and Carefree. In fact, the award-winning master-planned community of Anthem has introduced an entire cluster of residential enclaves into this vast unincorporated area of Maricopa County. Just east of Scottsdale, the beautiful town of Fountain Hills offers an atmosphere of natural beauty, seclusion from suburban sprawl, and small-town friendliness in an upscale environment. Beyond Fountain Hills lie the panoramic and serene active adult communities of Tonto Verde and Rio Verde, where lovely homes surround country clubs and golf courses.
Because the Northeast Valley encompasses some of the Valley’s most popular shopping and cultural districts along with expanses of open space, the recreational amenities are exceptional in both quality and quantity. Art galleries, fine boutiques, and exclusive shops contrast with the “urban cowboy” appeal of Old Town Scottsdale. World-class golf and tennis facilities provide year-round exercise and outdoor pleasure to residents and visitors alike. A myriad of local bicycle paths, small fishing lakes, lush parks, desert preserves, walking trails, and family amusement centers add to the Northeast Valley’s medley of recreational possibilities.
International crowds mingle with residents at a number of annual events and colorful festivals. Beginning in January, the famous FBR Open PGA Golf Tournament draws the nation’s top contenders to the exclusive Tournament Players Club in Scottsdale. In February, equestrians flock to Scottsdale’s Westworld for the internationally acclaimed All Arabian Horse Show. The largest horse-drawn parade in the world, the Parada del Sol, remains a beloved Scottsdale tradition. Fountain Hills hosts the Great Fair twice each year in the spring and fall, adding a hot air balloon race to the list of annual events. This small, upscale town also draws visitors to Arizona’s only Thanksgiving Day Parade and supports a popular community theater. Regardless of where you decide to settle in the Northeast Valley, you are sure to discover an exceptional quality of life that seems to grow richer with each year.
MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITIES
Throughout the Valley of the Sun, welcoming neighborhoods nestled in fine master-planned communities reflect the warm hospitality and casual elegance of the Southwest. The variety of architectural styles and community settings can accommodate every imaginable taste, lifestyle, and budget. Newcomers are able to select from a wide array of patio homes, charming villas, luxury townhouses, posh condominiums, elaborate estates, or ranch-style single-family homes. Many homes feature archways that lead into charming courtyards or privacy walls that ensure seclusion for artfully landscaped yards, covered patios and ramadas, sports courts, and pristine pools.
Some of the metropolitan region’s larger master-planned communities such as Sun City and Sun City West, Estrella Mountain Ranch, Arrowhead Ranch, Anthem, DC Ranch, and McDowell Mountain Ranch can provide all the amenities and conveniences of a small town. Schools, libraries, churches, shopping and services, recreational facilities, lush local parks, and connecting pathways create a true “community” atmosphere.
The following is just a small sample of the increasing number of residential villages, subdivisions, and planned communities that are available in the Northeast Valley
Anthem, North Anthem Heights Drive, Phoenix. http://www.onlineatanthem.com/ Just beyond the lights of Phoenix in the pristine high desert are three communities nestled in an award-winning development: Anthem Country Club, the Anthem active adult community, and comfortable family living at Anthem Parkside.
Bellasera, East Visao Drive, Scottsdale. http://www.azbellasera.org/ The prestigious community of Bellasera covers 290 acres of scenic high desert at the foot of imposing Lone Mountain.
The Boulders, N. Tom Darlington Drive, Carefree. www.theboulders.com On the edge of Carefree, the award-winning Boulders Resort and golf-course community allows residents to enjoy access to resort amenities. Nearby, El Pedregal Marketplace offers upscale shopping, fine dining, and live entertainment in the open-air courtyard.
Copperwynd, Eagle Ridge Drive, Fountain Hill. http://www.copperwynd.com/ Lavish residences are surrounded by world-class resort amenities that include tennis courts, swimming pools, a health/fitness center, and fine dining. The nearby town of Fountain Hills provides commercial conveniences, community theater, a library, and some of the Valley’s most anticipated special events.
DC Ranch, Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale. http://www.dcranch.com/ Sprawling near the foot of the McDowell Mountains, this community of beautiful, family-oriented neighborhoods provides every amenity within walking distance. Designed to offer the intimacy and sense of connection of a small town, DC Ranch has developed a spectacular nine-acre indoor/outdoor recreational complex.
Desert Highlands, East Happy Valley Road, Scottsdale. http://www.deserthighlandsscottsdale.com/ Magnificent custom homes are nestled on pristine, generous high Sonoran desert lots that command breathtaking fairway, city light, and mountain views in this private golf-club community near Carefree.
Desert Mountain, Cave Creek Road, Scottsdale. http://www.desertmountain.com/ Known for its opulent homes and world-renowned Jack Nicklaus golf courses, Desert Mountain is home to a variety of exclusive residential communities.
Desert Ridge, Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix. http://www.desertridgelifestyles.com/ Planned to cover a complete 5,700 acres, this sprawling community creates a balance of residential villages with resort, shopping, and entertainment development.
Dove Valley Ranch, North Black Mountain Parkway, Cave Creek. http://www.dovevalleyranch.com/ Beautiful homes enjoy an unspoiled high-desert landscape, recreational amenities, and close proximity to the golf course of the same name designed by Robert Trent Jones II.
The Estancia Club, North 99th Place, Scottsdale. http://www.estanciaclub.com/ Nestled on the northern slope of Pinnacle Peak, this prestigious North Scottsdale community is known for its stunning homes, environmental sensitivity, and Tom Fazio-designed golf course.
Gainey Ranch, East Gainey Ranch Road, Scottsdale. http://www.gaineyranchcc.com/ Nestled in a peerless centralized Scottsdale location, Gainey Ranch provides an award-winning 27-hole golf course, lake vistas, fine shopping, and distinctive properties.
Grayhawk, E. Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale. http://www.grayhawk.com/ Nestled between two award-winning golf courses along with a wealth of amenities are upscale homes, villas, townhomes, and condominiums from renowned builders.
Kierland, Greenway & Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. http://www.kierland.com/ This elegant, mixed-use development is in a convenient location in the central corridor of North Scottsdale, which combines exclusive shopping, entertainment, and dining with residential development.
Legend Trail, East Legendary Lane, Scottsdale. http://www.legendtrailgc.com/ Spectacular recreational and residential opportunities include 640 unspoiled acres of high desert preserved as open space and the recreational jewel of the Rees Jones-designed golf course.
McCormick Ranch, Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. http://www.mccormickranchpoa.com/ Scottsdale’s ground-breaking development transformed 4,300 acres of arid land into one of the Valley’s first and finest resort and residential communities. The collection of fine homes are complemented by bike paths, fine dining, golf courses, tennis courts, and 130 acres of sparkling lakes.
McDowell Mountain Ranch, Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale. http://www.mmrtrailtalk.com/modules/wfchannel/ This family-oriented community features a wealth of amenities including trails, parks, community center, swimming pool/spa, sports courts, and splash fountain.
Scottsdale Mountain, East 136th Street, Scottsdale. http://www.scottsdalemountain.net/ Set against the foothills of the McDowell Mountain Preserve, the community offers handsome homes that command spectacular landscape views.
Scottsdale Ranch, North 100th Street, Scottsdale. http://www.scottsdaleranch.org/ Waterfront estates, beautiful tennis villas, patio homes, and townhomes surround Lake Serena and recreational amenities.
Stonegate, East Mountain View Road, Scottsdale. http://www.stonegate-scottsdale.com/ This premier community provides all the seclusion of a gated resort lifestyle with tennis courts, pool/spa, community center, and hiking trails.
Tatum Highlands, Jomax Road & Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix. http://www.tatumhighlandsca.org/link/linkshow.asp?link_id=17274 This handsome residential development in a variety of architectural styles harmonizes with a 20-acre recreational park in a pristine desert environment just two miles from Tatum Ranch public golf course.
Tatum Ranch, Cave Creek Road & Dixileta, Phoenix. www.tatumranchgc.com Covering 1,500 acres in the Sonoran desert between northeastern Phoenix and Cave Creek, 30 attractive neighborhoods are filled with beautiful homes.
Terravita, North 69th Way, Scottsdale. www.terravitascottsdale.org Nearly 825 pristine acres of high Sonoran desert beauty create the scenic backdrop for lovely homes and recreational amenities that include a golf course, fine dining, and a community center with fitness area.
Tramonto, Carefree Highway at I-17, Phoenix. http://www.tramontocma.org/Community-Information~189322~15948.htm Single-family residences and prime sites for custom homes join a retail town center, fine hotel, and abundant recreational amenities for a convenient yet serene lifestyle.
Troon North, Troon Village, Jomax & Alma School Roads, Scottsdale. http://www.trooncc.com/ Nestled among the boulders just north of Pinnacle Peak, these upscale communities boast highly acclaimed Troon golf courses that are surrounded by neighborhoods filled with luxury homes that command superb views of fairways and landscapes.
The Verdes, Rio Verde, Tonto Verde, Four Peaks Boulevard, Rio Verde. http://www.rioverdeaz.com/ These two “sister” active-adult communities surround beautiful homes with golf courses and award-winning clubhouses. The town of Fountain Hills provides nearby amenities.
