The exclusive Town of Paradise Valley is distinguished in geography and lifestyle from the northeastern area of Phoenix that has been informally dubbed “Paradise Valley.” Bordering Phoenix and Scottsdale and skirting the edge of Piestewa Peak Park, the Town of Paradise Valley consists of upscale residential development nestled on generous acreage. Many of these properties command breathtaking mountain views and exclusive estates. As one of the Valley’s more contemporary communities that was incorporated as late as 1961, the town was created in an effort to direct growth and preserve the area’s scenic rolling hills and desert beauty. Natural boundaries such as the impressive Camelback Mountain and nearby Mummy Mountain create a pleasing degree of protected isolation from the rest of the Valley of the Sun, in spite of the fact that Paradise Valley is totally surrounded by urban amenities. Within Paradise Valley itself, strict zoning laws requiring one-acre minimum lots have been highly successful in protecting its luxuriously spacious and open feeling.
A number of award-winning resorts grace this picturesque town. The most established landmarks are the Marriott Camelback Inn and Shadow Mountain resorts, although few retreats in the Valley seem to attract more Hollywood celebrities than The Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain. These and other area retreats not only offer first-class dining and exceptional entertainment facilities, they are carefully crafted to blend with the magnificent residences set against the scenic wonder of the Sonoran Desert. Private clubs are readily available within the relatively small 16-square-mile Town of Paradise Valley, an area which also offers 26 miles of bicycle paths that weave a scenic trail around tranquil neighborhoods.
