Metro Phoenix Relocation Guide 2008 - (Page 81) The Housing Picture The Greater Phoenix area is so geographically vast, the median cost of housing has a wide range of pricing. D uring the first eight months of 2007 the overall median prices of single family homes in Maricopa County decreased in 14 out of 28 cities and 74 of 110 zip codes. In the same period, the overall median prices for the Condo/Townhouse market experienced about the same ratio. The Valley wide decrease in the overall median price from August 2006 through August 2007 was approx. 7%. (Housing prices on the following page are the overall median prices as of August 2007.) After enjoying a 5 year median price increase in the 90% range, the Phoenix area overall median price was approximately $260,000 at mid 2007. The overall median price at $230,000 for the U.S. compared favorably with cities such as Denver, Salt Lake and Las Vegas. Phoenix area home prices are still well below California cities and other west coast cities of Seattle and Portland, as well as many Florida communities. The Valley features numerous master planned communities, many with a variety of amenities. Major retail building occurring throughout the Valley will provide nearby shopping for residents of most new communities. Desert landscaping has a significant presence throughout the Valley of the Sun. Some areas have the West Coast feel with grass, palm or pine trees and man made lakes, but a large majority of housing areas have a very distinct desert setting with differing species of cacti and natural desert plants. Ahwatukee Foothills, which lies within the city of Phoenix, has been one the major areas of housing development for several years. With the South Mountain in their backyard much of the housing is in the custom and semi-custom markets. Planned Communities Aviano at Desert Ridge, is located in north central Phoenix less than a mile from Loop 101. This upscale community offers several styles of architecture. The community features semi-custom homes with a variety of prices and styles. The Desert Ridge Market Place Shopping Mall is a few blocks away. Amenities: community center, sport courts, pool, hiking, biking, walking trails. (480 538-2820) Sonoran Foothills, is an 800 acre desert community located in the foothills of North Phoenix, south of the Carefree Highway. Future development includes an elementary school and neighborhood retail and commercial centers. Amenities: park, clubhouse, sports courts, a soccer field, picnic and playground areas and park (623 586-0524 Mountain. Amenities: Nearby lakes, trails, public golf course, heated pool and spa, clubhouse with a fitness center. (480 982-9288) Johnson Ranch, is located in the still rural community of Queen Creek, about 40 miles from Sky Harbor Airport, with a short commute to employment hubs in Mesa, Chandler and Tempe. The community sits on 2,000 acres with 6,000 planned home sites. Amenities include two recreation centers, three pools, spas, Greens Park and sports and recreation fields. Home prices from the 180s to the 400s. Power Ranch, in Gilbert is designed as a blend of residential, retail and commercial properties. The nearby Superstition Freeway, makes this community assessable to Phoenix areas sports and entertainment facilities. Amenities: two acre lake, pool, several green belt areas and walking trails. (480 988-0960) Northeast Valley These cities are the Valley’s most fashionable and higher priced areas, including Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek and Carefree. Scottsdale is a major commercial and employment center in the valley, second only to Phoenix. Many of the areas high-end tourist facilities and attractions are located in the North East Valley. Upscale housing in the North East Valley often includes golf courses, mountain preserves and mountainside elevations. Located on the North side of Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley has the highest home prices in the valley with many houses in the several million dollar range. East Valley The city of Tempe, home to Arizona State University is a mature, but popular housing community. The University and area employers make Tempe an attractive place to live. Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler, with large bases of population and business growth, remain leading communities for the housing market. These cities, home to several of the valley’s largest high-tech employers, have mature neighborhoods as well as a large number of in-fill new homes. Major home building is still in progress on their outskirts. The newest growth community in the east valley is Queen Creek. The overall median home is below other east Maricopa County cities with convenient access to job markets. Phoenix Phoenix, the largest city in the Valley of the sun covers a vast geographic area, offering a diverse housing market. As the hub city, downtown Phoenix is a core employment and culture center with projected growth spurred by a new light-rail system, retail expansion and an upswing in commercial construction. Arizona State University has added a Central Phoenix campus. Several central neighborhoods are undergoing upscale makeovers, including high-end homes and condominiums. Planned Communities Master planned communities in the North East Valley are nearing build-out, but there is a good resale market with some new homes available. DC Ranch, is located in North Scottsdale on 4000 acres of natural desert land with beautiful mountain scenery. This community is com- Planned Communities Tesoro, designed for rural and active lifestyles, is located in Gold Canyon at the base of Dinosaur 81 Relocation Guide™
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