Moving to Metro Phoenix? House hunters underestimate just how massive the metro area is, having expanded to over 9,000 square miles and encompassing both Pinal and Maricopa counties.
The City of Phoenix is the fifth-largest in the United States and is divided into 15 villages, each with its own identity. Moreover, these villages are well-maintained, with designated planning committees that work towards preserving the unique character and cleanliness of their respective communities.
But with so much ground to cover, where do you start? Top-tier buyers are helplessly drawn to the luxury lifestyle of the villages below. Here are some of the best areas to live in Phoenix, AZ.
Paradise Valley
This village is synonymous with luxury and affluence in Phoenix. And while Paradise Valley has one of the highest median incomes in the city, the true luxury of this village is nature’s bounty.
Those who live here enjoy 294 days of sunshine complemented by breathtaking views of Mummy and Camelback mountains. Local laws such as the special use permit (SUP) restrict residential construction to just one acre per unit to help preserve the rugged beauty of the village and manage housing density in this sought after enclave.
With 4.3 square miles of land, 60% of which is devoted to residential pockets and 6.2% to parks and open spaces, Paradise Valley lives up to its name. Residents also have access to 104 miles of bike lanes.
But urbanites will also have much to love about the place – worldly pleasures await them at retail hotspots like Paradise Valley Mall, Kierland Commons, and 32nd Street Corridor. Recreational facilities like Stonecreek Gold Club and Paradise Valley Community Center never fail to disappoint.
Central City
Live in the thick of the action at Central City. Home to Downtown Phoenix, this village lies at the heart of the rapidly growing metropolitan area, with its government offices, cultural venues, and businesses.
It also harbors much of the city’s history and heritage – some of the oldest neighborhoods in Phoenix can be found near the downtown area, some of which are designated historic districts and boast of distinctive architecture.
Perhaps the most well-known of these is Roosevelt Historic District, which features quiet tree-lined streets and remarkable California Bungalows and Queen Anne and Mission Revival-style homes. Most of the homes in the district were built between the 1890s and 1930s. Roosevelt was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
If you’re not into older homes, you’ll be pleased to find an excellent selection of new construction homes in the area, including modern townhomes and condos.
The village is also highly connected, with freeways, efficient public transit, and access to Sky Harbor International Airport.
Desert View
This village is known for its diverse landscapes, at the heart of which is the Sonoran Desert. Despite it desert and mountain views, however, Desert View has a bustling urban core with upscale retailers and office spaces that attract affluent buyers.
But what really draws luxury house hunters to the village are the sprawling equestrian and ranch properties and oversized residential lots under dark sky areas that bring out the ethereal beauty of the desert at nighttime. These properties can be found in the northern section of Desert View.
At 68 square miles, it offers 18.79 square miles of vast open spaces and 230 miles of multi-purpose trails, some of which are located in the North Sonoran Preserve.
Luxury buyers can also choose from two high-profile golf clubs, namely Wildfire and Dove Valley Ranch.
The village is such high demand that the population is projected to increase to 119,240 by 2030.
Camelback East Village
This affluent enclave brings you the best of resort-style living in Phoenix, with luxury hotels, designer golf courses, world-class restaurants, and upscale shopping in Biltmore Fashion Square.
It was the most-viewed Phoenix neighborhood on Zillow in the first quarter of 2018, garnering 1,987 views per listing. For reference, the average listing only gets 365 views.
At 36.3 square miles, the village stretches from Papago Park to scenic Phoenix Mountains Preserve. The housing stock is quite diverse, offering a wide range of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. Most of the homes in Camelback East Village were built between the 1950s and 1970s.
The core of the village lies between the 24th Street and Camelback area, where you’ll find the highest concentration of shops, restaurants, and other commercial establishments.
Not sure which one’s for you? Work with a local expert to learn more about Phoenix’s urban villages. Carol Royse is a top producing luxury Realtor with 33 years of experience. Reach out to the Carol Royse Luxury Division today for more information.