Free Summer Activities in Phoenix

got water signSummer is around the corner and there’s always something happening in Phoenix to keep you busy! One of the great things about our region is the variety of outdoor activities that are mainly free and are great if you’re on a budget. 

We’ve rounded up our favorite free activities to take advantage of this summer. 

Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Center

With miles of hiking trails and a variety of views, this somewhat challenging trail is great for hiking-enthusiast looking for a summer adventure.  It’s best to go early, right after sunrise.  Don’t forget to bring LOTS of water, sunscreen and a hat.

Phoenix Art Museum 

You might not know that one of Phoenix’s most popular cultural attractions is free every Wednesday evening, from 3-9 p.m. Stop by and check out the latest exhibit and get your fill of art history. 

Mesa Arts Center

This 212,000-square foot arts center is one of the largest in the state, and free to attend. They host performances, have art galleries and offer one of a kind installations. While performances cost money, walk around the area and check out the art gallery!

Arizona Capital Museum

For the history buff, take a trip to the Arizona Capital Museum to get a picture of Arizona’s early statehood. World War II buffs can browse a USS Arizona display and see artifacts specifically curated from Arizona in WWII. 

Smith Mountain Park 

In the largest municipal park in the world, these crisscrossing trails offer a spectacular view from Dobbins Lookout Point at 1,200 feet. From there, check out Happy Valley and go through Spring Mountain Park.

Apache Trail

Looking for a road trip in your own backyard? Check out Apache Trail. One of the most scenic drives in Arizona, it features scenic stops and great desert life along the way. Don’t forget to check out Goldfields Ghost Town for a spooky tour in Arizona’s gold rush land. 

Village at McCormick Ranch Open House Sunday 6/3/18 from 1-4pm

We will be holding an Open House this weekend on Sunday 6/3/18 from 1-4pm in the Villages at McCormick Ranch neighborhood at 9345 N 92nd St #212, Scottsdale, AZ 85258. Call us at 480-754-9477 or 480-754-9077 if you would like more information. This gorgeous, remodeled condo has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, with a community pool. We hope to see you there.

If you would like to see homes in other Scottsdale neighborhoods such as Grayhawk, McDowell Mountain Ranch, DC Ranch, Gainey Ranch, McCormick Ranch, Desert Mountain, Troon, Sonoran Hills, Desert Ridge, Terravita, etc, let us know. We will send you listings for homes in your area of interest, and schedule showings for access to any homes that you would like to see.

Arizona Summer Survival Tips

hot air balloon photoThe average temperature in the summer months of Phoenix reaches triple digits — meaning, it’s hot! If you’re experiencing your first summer in the valley, you might be surprised to see temperatures get to 110 degrees and higher!

While the heat can put a damper on some outdoor activities, there are great way to beat the heat and stay cool during the summer. 

Drink lots of water

  • It might seem basic, but with temperatures that high your body needs as much water as possible. If you’re going to be outside for any period of time longer than 10-15 minutes, make sure to bring extra water to ensure you stay hydrated and cool.

Be aware of heat stroke

  • If you’re outside enjoying the weather, watch out for symptoms like muscle cramps, headaches, heavy sweating or nausea. These can be signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If you have to be outside, make sure to wear light colored clothes, have lots of water and put sunscreen on.

Even at night, Phoenix is still hot 

  • Just because the sun sets doesn’t mean it cools down! Evening temperatures can still stay in the 80’s and 90’s. If you’re looking for a cooler setting in the evening, you’ll have to leave the Valley and check out places like Lava River Cave in Flagstaff. 

Don’t forget about the car

  • Your car interior can reach 150 degrees fast. Always double check to ensure pets and children are out of the car, and make sure to get your car checked regularly. Batteries can die much easier with extreme temperatures, so if you notice issues, check as soon as possible to avoid larger issues. 

Phoenix heat is no joke though. Make sure to follow these basic tips when you’re out and about in the summer to stay safe and have fun.  Despite the heat, summer in Phoenix can be a great time to enjoy water activities and events. Stay cool and enjoy the Valley of the Sun in the summer!

Are you looking to move to Scottsdale or surrounding areas?  Click here to learn about homes and neighborhoods by map.

How Seasons Affect Real Estate Activity

Scottsdale home photoWhile you might not realize it, there is an ideal time to buy and sell real estate. You might have heard the phrase that when the weather cools, so does the real estate market.  This does not necessarily apply to the Valley Of The Sun. The season you chose to sell your home can have a huge effect on the price you get for your property — in some cases, it can affect It up to 10 percent. 

If you’re looking to buy a home, because of supply and demand, you might have better luck on the “off” seasons where, granted, there is less inventory, but there is also less competition in terms of other buyers.  Don’t let the notion of buying in the offseason keep you from looking!  By choosing a different time to buy, when everyone else is not buying, you can find the house of your dreams and save money in the long run too. 

Understanding how seasonality works in our market can help you get the most money for your home. If you’re a seller, selling your home in peak market is likely to bring more buyers and potentially more money.  Meanwhile, buying a home in the off market can save you money and hassle. With the holidays around November and December, the Phoenix real estate market also tends to slow down as people are traveling and focusing on families. 

But the best time to buy and sell your home in the Valley is in the cooler months of January and February into late Spring. These months often see an influx of people coming in to town from other regions. These people are often relocating or looking for a second homes. With the temperatures more bearable, it’s a great time to be out and about looking for homes. During these months, the average temperature in Phoenix is around the mid to low 70s!

On the other hand, cities on the East Coast are often busiest during the Spring and Fall. In September, the housing market begins to gradually decline, with February being the least busy month of the year for real estate. The National Association of Realtors reports every month home sales for the previous month, showing that in February, sales drop 7 percent. 

Currently, Phoenix is seeing a very active market, with homes priced under $500K moving quickly all year round as interest rates are low and we are still growing.

If you are looking to buy or sell, contact us. We provide advice on the best time to sell. With an expert opinion, you’re much more likely to get the dream home you’ve been looking for. 

Contact Chris and Cheryl

Scottsdale Market Stats

  • 1853,1856,1725,1594,1484,1466,1587,1798,1934,1854,1938,2185
  • 802,769,772,693,604,685,794,851,637,474,1074,870
  • 687,531,754,717,477,541,443,429,437,410,391,523

Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed. © 2024

Free Summer Activities Around The Valley

Summer is around the corner and there’s always something happening in Phoenix to keep you busy! One of the great things about our region is the variety of outdoor activities that are mainly free and are great if you’re on a budget. 

We’ve rounded up our favorite free activities to take advantage of this summer. 

Camelback mountain photoCamelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Center

With miles of hiking trails and a variety of views, this somewhat challenging trail is great for hiking-enthusiast looking for a summer adventure.

Phoenix Art Museum 

You might not know that one of Phoenix’s most popular cultural attractions is free every Wednesday evening, from 3-9 p.m. Stop by and check out the latest exhibit and get your fill of art history. 

Mesa Arts Center

This 212,000-square foot arts center is one of the largest in the state, and free to attend. They host performances, have art galleries and offer one of a kind installations. While performances cost money, walk around the area and check out the art gallery!

Arizona Capital Museum

For the history buff, take a trip to the Arizona Capital Museum to get a picture of Arizona’s early statehood. World War II buffs can browse a USS Arizona display and see artifacts specifically curated from Arizona in WWII. 

Smith Mountain Park 

In the largest municipal park in the world, these crisscrossing trails offer a spectacular view from Dobbins Lookout Point at 1,200 feet. From there, check out Happy Valley and go through Spring Mountain Park.

Apache Trail

Looking for a road trip in your own backyard? Check out Apache Trail. One of the most scenic drives in Arizona, it features scenic stops and great desert life along the way. Don’t forget to check out Goldfields Ghost Town for a spooky tour in Arizona’s gold rush land. 

Phoenix/Scottsdale Real Estate Market May Update – April 2018 Stats

Here is the Phoenix/Scottsdale area Monthly Real Estate Market Report for May 2018, which shows 9,165 homes sold in the month of April compared to 8,819 homes in April 2017. This is a 3.8% increase for the number homes sold year over year. And the average sale price is up 9.5% year over year, while the amount of listed homes is down by 13.4% to 16,450 from 18,990 in April 2017. Inventory of listed homes is still well below last year at this time, and demand continues to remain strong going into the upcoming Summer months. The average days on market is down 19% from April 2017 to just 60 days!

Click here to see the full April 2018 Market Report & Statistics

Give us a call or text us at 480-754-9477 or 480-754-9077 if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home this Spring/Summer, as the strong market continues to be good for both buyers and sellers, or if you have questions about this information. And don’t forget to explore our website AzDreamHomesScottsdale.com to see Scottsdale area homes and helpful articles

Popular Summer Camp Options In The Valley

With summer on the horizon, it’s time for the kids to go to summer camp. Studies show that children who attend summer camp are more socially adjusted and generally have more positive relationships with peers. 

If you’re looking for places in the East Valley to send the kids this summer, look no further than some of our favorite locations. 

Cactus Day Camp

With over 20 activities to keep your children busy, Cactus Day Camp is a great option for adventurous kids between the ages of 3-13. With sessions in archery, swimming, climbing and crafting, there’s something for everyone! This Paradise camp runs from early June through July. 

Audobon Arizona

Do you have a nature-obsessed kid eager to spend their time outside? Audobon Arizona is a science-based camp that offers attendees the opportunity to hike, learn geocaching and learn more about astrology and nature. With an overnight option, Audobon Arizona is a great hybrid option for locals looking for a sleep-away camp feel. 

School of Rock

If music is more up your child’s alley, then the School of Rock is perfect. School of Rock in Scottsdale offers classes for beginners to the seasoned musician. Aside from instrument lessons, the day camp also offers singing and songwriting classes and vocal lessons.

Phoenix Zoo

For the animal-lovers, the Phoenix Zoo offers a hands-on summer camp for children grades K-8. This fun camp allows attendees to hike, get up close and personal with the zoo animals and learn more about caring for animals. Located in Phoenix, the class offers extended hours and scholarships for families in need. 

Friendly Pines Camp

Located North of Phoenix in Prescott, Friendly Pines Camp offers the quintessential overnight summer camp experience. Jam packed with activities, the camp has everything you can imagine, including horseback riding, photography classes, dance, climbing, canoeing and kayaking. 

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