Northeast Valley

NORTHEAST VALLEY

 

The Northeast Valley encompasses an enticing array of Arizona locales, including Carefree, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, and the sought-after city of Scottsdale. This region is synonymous with year-round resort-style living, showcasing the vibrant essence of a southwestern lifestyle. From sprawling country clubs to captivating golf course communities, the Northeast Valley is renowned for its million-dollar homes seamlessly paired with million-dollar views.

While the Northeast Valley certainly embraces a luxurious atmosphere, it extends its allure beyond the affluent, welcoming diverse residents. The region is equally inviting to families, offering an undeniably family-friendly environment. Amidst the stunning landscapes, several neighborhoods cater to families by providing exceptional education opportunities and convenient access to shopping and dining.

For those who call the Northeast Valley home, the essence of resort-style living is woven into daily life. From the charming streets of Carefree to the rustic allure of Cave Creek and the elegance of Paradise Valley to the bustling energy of Scottsdale, each locale brings its unique character to this captivating region. With a backdrop of awe-inspiring mountain vistas, the Northeast Valley epitomizes the essence of Arizona's southwestern lifestyle, where luxury meets family-friendliness in a seamless blend.

SCOTTSDALE

Although the days of cattle ranching are long past, the names of the vast multi-development neighborhoods, such as McCormick Ranch and Gainey Ranch, still pay homage to the area’s early days. These neighborhoods are often a mix of residential homes that include single-family homes, condos, patio homes, and townhomes. More than 40% of  Scottsdale residents fall into the 40 and over bracket, which has helped build a growing medical community that includes the western campus of the Mayo Clinic.

Pity the shortsighted Phoenix real estate salesman who moved to Scottsdale in 1949 and sold two years later, declaring the land inhospitable and Scottsdale’s future unpromising. For a city in the middle of the Sonoma Desert, Scottsdale is remarkably green, with nationally acclaimed golf courses and Indian Bend Wash, the centerpiece of Scottsdale’s extensive recreation amenities. This miles-long ribbon of greenbelt extends down the middle of the vertically drawn city and is boarded by several parks that feature bike paths, small fishing lakes, and outdoor recreation.

TOWN OF PARADISE VALLEY

The Town of Paradise Valley is located just north of Camelback Mountain and is almost entirely residential. Its amenities include the Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa and the Marriott Mountain Shadows Resort. Exclusive shops and restaurants are located near the town’s border with Scottsdale. Residents here find it easy to get around via the Pima Freeway from I-17 and the Piestewa Parkway, which has been extended to give better accessibility to Sky Harbor International Airport and downtown Phoenix.

FOUNTAIN HILLS

Tucked into the McDowell Mountains is Fountain Hills. Residents enjoy cooler temperatures and a more secluded feeling than their counterparts in Phoenix. Designed by Charles Woods Jr., the visionary behind Disneyland, the community of Fountain Hills is loaded with small-town charm. Once named by Parenting Magazine as one of the “Ten Great Places to Raise a Family,” Fountain Hills has also found a unique niche by catering to the needs of its active retiree population. The area is especially attractive to older families and young professionals. Part of what makes Fountain Hills so sought-after is its awe-inspiring views and higher elevation. From sunrises to sunsets and at every point in town, it’s understandable why so many weddings happen in this special community.

CAREFREE, CAVE CREEK

Carefree and Cave Creek are neighboring communities that share the same piece of the beautiful Sonoran Desert overlooking the Valley of the Sun. However, they do have distinctly two different personalities. Cave Creek residents enjoy their “old-timey” and small-town community, while Carefree lives up to its laid-back atmosphere. With Cave Creek’s elevation being the lowest at 2,130 feet and Carefree topping out at 2,830 feet, the two communities share temperatures of about five to six degrees cooler than Phoenix. Low humidity and cooler temperatures lure outdoor enthusiasts. This serene, saguaro-studded landscape, decorated with natural outcroppings of massive sand-colored boulders and teeming with jackrabbits and other desert dwellers, is a huge attraction for new residents. As a bonus, golf courses here and in the surrounding foothills are woven into the landscape, making them some of the most scenic in the state.