Living in the Shea Corridor

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East Shea corridor connects Scottsdale and Fountain Hills. The Scottsdale City Council declared Shea Boulevard a scenic corridor and set guidelines to preserve the character and development of the surrounding neighborhoods. The communities are very well manicured and protect the natural environment.

scottsdale home for saleThere are several different types of residences available to those who wish to live in the East Shea community: Paradise Heights, located at the intersection of East Mountain View Road and 124th Street offers 175 spacious single-family homes on oversized lots with mature landscaping. Paloma Paseo which is near Scottsdale Mountain, on Shea Blvd. and 136th St. Paloma Paseo has 136 homes, including both condos and single-family homes mainly built by Coventry Homes between 1996 and 1998. Carino Canyon, has 113 single-family homes in a secluded gated subdivision tucked into the base of 136th Street built by Shea Homes. For those interested in townhomes, Villas Verona is a great option and is located on the eastern end of the East Shea community. This community is a gated with 55 “Italian Country Village” style units, all with 2 car garages.

Mayo Clinic and Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Hospital are located nearby. Fountain Hills is a few miles away to the east. There is plenty of shopping and dining options including Scottsdale Quarter, Kierland Commons, as well as Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. East Shea area offers plenty of parks for outdoor activities: Stonegate Equestrian Park, Cholla Park, and Scottsdale Ranch Park with volleyball courts, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball courts, and playground structures.

McDowell Mountain Regional Park just to the west has 40-miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. The Via Linda Senior Center is located on Via Linda next to Scottsdale Ranch and is open to those 18 and over where you’ll find plenty of entertainment options such as classes in arts and crafts and computers as well as a gym.

The A-rated Scottsdale Unified School District with Anasazi Elementary, Mountainside Middle School and Desert Mountain High School are a few of the public schools that serve this area. The very highly rated private Basis Scottsdale is also an option for those students living in the area.

Give us a call to begin your new home search! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

CLICK HERE to view Shea Corridor homes for sale.

Living in McCormick Ranch

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McCormick Ranch photoMcCormick Ranch, Scottsdale’s first premier master-planned community, is known for its lush greenery and miles of multi-use paths that are used by walkers, runners, bicyclists, and roller bladders on a daily basis.  These grass-lined paths are more than 25 miles long and are connected by parks, public tennis courts, and seven man-made lakes.  The community is also part of the City of Scottsdale’s Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, which has 11 miles of greenbelts that traverses through the heart of Scottsdale and consists of parks, lakes, and golf courses.

Many consider McCormick Ranch real estate as “central Scottsdale”, with the area bordered by Indian Bend Rd, Shea Blvd, Scottsdale Rd, and the 101 freeway.  The community has breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain and consists of 50 individual subdivisions and approximately 23,000 residents.  Housing options vary from apartments and condominiums to real estate ranging from starter homes to multi-million dollar properties.  

Many amenities are available within or near the McCormick Ranch community.  The McCormick Ranch Golf Club has two championship golf courses with many more top-rated golf courses nearby. The Loop 101 freeway is easily accessible and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is less than 20 minutes away.  The Talking Stick Resort and Casino (a luxurious Four-Diamond resort) is only minutes away and is across the street from The Salt River Field, which is the new spring training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies.  There are many restaurants and stores available within the area, but Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarters, Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, Old Town Scottsdale, and Fashion Square Mall are also nearby and offer many more options.  

The community is part of the Scottsdale Unified School District and serves both the Saguaro High School District (Kiva Elementary, Mohave Middle School and Saguaro High School) and the Chaparral High School District (Cochise Elementary, Cocopah Middle School, and Chaparral High School).

When you’re ready to sell or buy your next home in McCormick Ranch, give us a call! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

CLICK HERE to view McCormick Ranch homes for sale.

Living in Gainey Ranch

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gainey ranchGainey Ranch real estate is a luxury gated community with palm tree-lined streets and lush landscape throughout the 640-acre community.  There are approximately 19 neighborhoods that surround the 27-hole Gainey Ranch golf course, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains.  Home options vary from condos to single-family and custom estate homes that are range in size from 865 square feet to over 4,500 square feet.  The community is located northeast of the Doubletree Ranch Road/Scottsdale Road intersection and south of Mountain View Road.  

Within Gainey Ranch is The Daniel C. Gainey Estate Club, which serves as the community center.  The former ranch home serves as the community’s tennis and social club and provides a 25-meter swimming pool and spa, seven lighted tennis courts, a fitness center, and an activity lawn.  The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa is also within the community and adds to the resort-style atmosphere of the area.  There are many paths and trails around and within the Gainey Ranch community where you can go for a walk, jog, or even go for a horseback ride.  These pathways are part of the City of Scottsdale’s master-planned trail/pathway system and runs to Tempe Lake, where you can enjoy all the available water activities.

There are numerous stores and restaurants within The Shops at Gainey Village, which is walking distance from the neighborhoods.  However, if you are interested in venturing out of the community, nearby is the popular Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarters, Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, and Old Town Scottsdale.  Also nearby is The Talking Stick Resort and Casino (a luxurious Four-Diamond resort) and the Salt River Fields, which is the new spring training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies.  There also are many championship golf courses to enjoy in and around the area.  The Loop 101 freeway is easily accessible and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is approximately 20 minutes away.

Let’s find your new home in Gainey Ranch, just give us a call! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

CLICK HERE to view Gainey Ranch homes for sale.

Hike Camelback Mountain

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Camelback MountainCamelback Mountain is a world-famous icon that defines the northeast horizon of Phoenix. Camelback Mountain takes the shape of a giant camel that gently lays and touches the borders of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley. At its base is a blend of luxury homes, resorts, and golf courses. For those who want more than to admire Camelback Mountain from afar, there are two trails to challenge yourself. It’s a popular spot for hikers, rock climbers, and tourists alike with over 300,000 people hiking the mountain every year. Both trails reach the 2,704 feet summit. Echo Canyon and Cholla trails are rated “strenuous” for good reasons, so be prepared. There are about 200 annual search and rescue efforts in Phoenix, with the majority of those happening at Camelback Mountain. My family and I hike the Echo Canyon trail at least once a year, although we have never witnessed anyone being rescued, we have a friend who works for the Phoenix Fire Department who can talk all day and night about the rescues he has done on Camelback Mountain. Following the signs, knowing your limits and staying hydrated are the keys to staying safe on Camelback Mountain, as well as any hiking trail.

Echo Canyon Trail
Enter Echo Canyon Parkway east of Tatum Blvd. off of McDonald Drive. Parking is often limited. The trail ascends through spectacular sandstone rock formations with views from the summit into Greater Phoenix. The Echo Canyon Trail is 1.2 miles each way with an elevation gain of 1,264 feet.

Cholla Trail
There is no trailhead parking, street parking limited at Invergordon and 64th Street. Hikers must walk up the south side of Cholla Lane. Cholla Trail is only recommended for experienced hikers because of its steep, rocky sections with drop-offs on both sides of the trail. The Cholla Trail is 1.5 miles each way with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet.

Have you hiked Camelback Mountain? What’s your favorite trail?

 

Living in Paradise Valley

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Paradise Valley is found within the borders of Shea Boulevard to the north, Scottsdale Road to the east, Camelback Road to the south, and 32nd Street to the west. While there are other entities that share the name Paradise Valley (such as Paradise Valley Unified School District and Paradise Valley Mall), those entities refer to Paradise Valley Village, an official municipal designation, in northeast Phoenix, and not to the suburb Paradise Valley, which is also the wealthiest suburb in Phoenix.

When the town of Paradise Valley was incorporated in 1961, there were strict guidelines regarding the size of the land parcels, requiring a minimum of one to five acres per parcel. Residents of Paradise Valley also didn’t want busy streets or streetlights as they wanted to keep the town residential, and many of these guidelines are still in existence today.

paradise Valley home photo

Homes in Paradise Valley

There are many different styles of homes, in a wide range of prices in Paradise Valley. Clearwater Hills located just east of Phoenix Mountain Preserve, is an exclusive gated community of 217 homes, all uniquely designed with various architectural styles. Pennington Estates and Sanctuary both feature beautiful custom homes, many with fantastic views of nearby Camelback Mountain, Camelback Country Club Estates offers multi-million dollar homes nestled around the golf course, for golfers or others who just appreciate gorgeous views. Finisterre, located near Echo Canyon, is one of the largest gated communities in Paradise Valley, with 50 luxury homes, swimming pools, and biking/hiking paths. Finally, more affordable options can be found in the Lincoln Heights subdivision, located south of Clearwater Hills.

Amenities

There are several options for leisure and getaways, thanks to eight full-service resorts within Paradise Valley, including the Spa at Montelucia, the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback, and the Omni Scottsdale Resort. For shoppers, Scottsdale Fashion Square is a high-end retail extravaganza, also featuring a wide variety of restaurants and entertainment options. Golfers will enjoy the many links and greens available in Paradise Valley, from the 18-hole course Paradise Valley Country Club which was established in 1953 to the Camelback Golf Club with its two courses, the Padre and the Ambiente.

Nature lovers will feel right at home in Paradise Valley.  Mummy Mountain is located in the center of Paradise Valley. Piestewa Peak (formerly known as Squaw Peak) flanks its western border and Camelback Mountain is on the southern border of this town. All of these mountains and their parks and recreation areas provide opportunities for walking, hiking and mountain biking. Echo Canyon Recreation Area is a popular starting point to tackle Camelback Mountain, a difficult hike, while the Phoenix Mountains Preserve has multiple levels of trails for varying fitness levels.

Schools

The A-rated Scottsdale Unified School District services the town of Paradise Valley, with Kiva Elementary, Cherokee Elementary, Cocopah Middle School, Ingleside Middle School, and Chaparral High School as the town’s public schools.

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Living in Fountain Hills

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Fountain Hills fountain photoIf small-town charm is what you’re looking for, Fountain Hills is the place to be! Fountain Hills is a beautiful, safe, and quiet community, and is just a short drive away from Phoenix. Ask around, and residents will tell you there are plenty of reasons to love Fountain Hills! Here are just a few reasons you and your family should consider calling Fountain Hills home. 

Great Schools

Fountain Hills has a great school district, with outstanding academic and extracurricular programs. In fact, according to the school district’s website, Fountain Hills was ranked in the top 5% of U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools. 

Saguaro Lake

If your family loves the great outdoors, you’ll find no shortage of beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure in and around Fountain Hills. Saguaro Lake is just twenty minutes from town and is a popular spot for boating, fishing, picnicking and so much more. You may even be lucky enough to see a bald eagle or desert mountain sheep!

Arts & Culture

With over 150 pieces, Fountain Hills is home to one of the largest public collections of art in Arizona! The town offers docent-led, self-guided, and private art walk tours. Experience all the beautiful artwork including statues, painting, murals, and photography.

There are many more reasons to name… a lot of homes have gorgeous views of vistas and mountains.  It’s a serene and beautiful community with a small-town feel that is within a short drive to Scottsdale’s finest shopping and dining.  Cheryl and I are local area real estate experts in Fountain Hills.  We can find you a home that fits your needs and lifestyle.  Just give us a call! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

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Living in Kierland

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On this map area, the Kierland community is represented by the area from the 101 Freeway to the north, and Shea Boulevard to the south, between 56th Street and Scottsdale Road. Homes in this area are a mixture of luxury apartments and townhomes, and single-family homes. Most of the single-family homes in the specific Kierland community were built by UDC Homes between 1995 and 1998. More than half of these homes are two stories and range in size from 1,600 to 3,500 square feet.

Other residential options in Kierland include townhomes. First, the Kierland Greens community was built by Centex Homes between 1998 and 2000, and these apartment-style townhomes range from 1,100 to 2,200 square feet. Next Kierland Heritage, a Cachet Homes community, was built between 1997 and 1999 and offers 1,600 to 2,400 square feet one and two-story townhomes. Both communities back onto the Kierland Golf Club. The Landmark and The Plaza Lofts are appealing to empty nesters and business executives as these condos offer amenities such as a fitness studio, a heated lap pool, spa, outdoor kitchens, and a pet park. Constructed between 2005 and 2008, the units in these developments range from 1,100 to 3,900 square feet and offer the perks of urban living thanks to its location within Kierland Commons.

Other neighborhoods within this map area include Maravilla Two, Tatum Horizons, Scottsdale Sonoran Villas, Horizon Casitas, Heatherwood, Equestrian Manor, Desert Trails, Sunrise Shadows, Orange Tree Manor, Montage Condominiums, and Scottsdale Pueblo Norte.

The Kierland Golf Club is one of the more popular golf courses in Scottsdale. A Scott Miller designed course, the Golf Club features three nine-hole courses: Acacia, Mesquite, and Ironwood, named for the beautiful trees which line the courses. These courses offer a combined round of play on 18 holes of par 72, 6,900-yard golf.

Shopping and entertainment options are convenient to Kierland due to its location near Scottsdale Road. The eponymous Kierland Commons offers a wealth of shopping options such as Anthropologie, Crate and Barrel, Peek, as well as both casual and fine dining restaurants. The Scottsdale Quarter outdoor mall is across Scottsdale Road with stores such as Apple, Urban Outfitters, and American Girl, and the Scottsdale Promenade, home to the Nordstrom Rack, ULTA, and Home Depot, is less than a mile north. The larger Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall is fifteen minutes south of Kierland.

School: Arizona’s largest school district, Paradise Valley Unified, serves Kierland, specifically Sandpiper Elementary School, Desert Shadows Middle School, and Horizon High School. Other schools within this area are served by Scottsdale Unified School District, such as Cocopah Middle School. All are A-rated schools. Kierland is 20 miles away from Sky Harbor Airport.

Living in Desert Mountain

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Desert Mountain is a private golf community that is based around six Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses.  Many of the homes line the pristine greens and offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.  There is a wide range of housing options, from small attached two-bedroom “lock and leave” cottages to large luxurious custom estate homes that sit on the foothills. The luxurious 8,000-acre guard-gated community consists of home sites, custom homes, semi-custom homes, attached cottages/casitas, and is set among a collection of villages.  Within the community are six clubhouses that offer nine tennis courts (1 grass court, 5 clay courts, and 3 hard courts), a full-service spa and a fitness center.

This quiet and rural community is located in North Scottsdale, bordering Cave Creek and Tonto National Forest.  Located in the high Sonoran Desert, elevation ranges from 2,500 to 4,800 square feet, offering slightly cooler temperatures and beautiful mountain views.  There are plenty of trails provided by the surrounding mountains for hiking, biking and riding horses.  Since Desert Mountain borders Cave Creek, residents can also easily enjoy the many stores, restaurants and art galleries that the quaint downtown area offers.  The community is also not far from the many retail stores and restaurants offered at Desert Ridge Marketplace, CityNorth, Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarters.  Carefree Hwy is minutes away and the Loop 101 Freeway is easily accessible.  

Children in the area attend schools within the Cave Creek Unified School District. 

Living in Cave Creek

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“I love it up here!”  This is what you will hear most from residents living in Cave Creek and Carefree who enjoy cooler temperatures at 2,200 feet elevation.   The lush Sonoran Desert landscape, small-town character and rural charm is what people appreciate most about this part of town.  Yet, the amenities of a city are a short drive away.  Desert Ridge, Kierland, DC Ranch, Grayhawk and Scottsdale Quarter shopping centers are less than 30 minutes away.

Most communities are surrounded by beautiful mountain views, low traffic congestions and still strict zoning rules.  Real estate in the area is a variety of horse properties, luxury estates built at the foothills and, seasonal condominium residents and single-family homes within gated and non-gated communities governed by HOAs.

Things To Do: There are plenty of golf courses, hiking trails, horse riding and hiking opportunities within and surrounding the area.  Bartlett lake is about a 30-minute drive and is a popular weekend destination for campers, hikers and for boating.

The area is part of the Cave Creek School District, excelling schools with A+ ratings.

View Homes For Sale

Featured Home in Desert Vista at Troon North

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scottsdale home for sale

Absolutely gorgeous home with breathtaking mountain views and tons of on-trend features located in the quiet community of Desert Vista. Spacious open great room has oversized windows for tons of natural lighting and a huge wet bar with granite counters, fridge, and breakfast bar. Gourmet eat-in kitchen incorporates granite counters, island with breakfast bar, stainless appliances, 4 burner cooktop, and double wall ovens.

Other features include soaring high ceilings, 18in ceramic tile flooring, built-in speakers throughout. den with double door entry, gas living room fireplace, and 3 car garage. The master suite offers a charming gas fireplace, two walk-in closets, wood flooring, private patio exit, and a full bathroom with dual vanities, a makeup vanity, soaked tub, and snail walk-in shower.

Oversized backyard has stunning views of Troon and McDowell mountains, extended covered patio, view fence, above ground spa, pebble tech pool with boulder waterfall, and an upgraded irrigation system! This private lot is ideal for stargazing!

Call us today for your exclusive private showing! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477