Paradise Valley

Nine miles northeast of Phoenix, Paradise Valley is a 16-square mile area between Phoenix and Scottsdale with some 14,000 residents. This upscale community features large, private residences, upscale resorts and gorgeous views of Camelback Mountain and Mummy Mountain, along with the convenience of a 20-minute commute to Sky Harbor Airport or downtown Phoenix.

All homes in Paradise Valley are single-family dwellings on large lots, set in such neighborhoods as Clearwater Hills, Tatum Canyon and Tatum Garden Estates. The median price of a Paradise Valley home was $1,495,000 in early 2004; home prices start around $300,000 and go as high $12,000,000. Older homes are frequently purchased as teardowns for the value of the land. A 38,000 square foot home site in the guard-gated community of Clearwater Hills with utilities can go for around $700,000.

A six-bedroom home on a one acre-plus lot with a mountain view and private pool can carry a price tag of close to $1million.

The town of Paradise Valley was officially incorporated in 1961. Its zoning protects an upscale residential lifestyle, with very few building permits for businesses. Trusts founded and managed by residents of Paradise Valley protect areas of Camelback Mountain and Mummy Mountain, insuring that these natural resources will remain undeveloped.

Paradise Valley offers a number of choices for those who enjoy the outdoors. Echo Canyon Recreational Area is a hiker’s paradise, with views of the canyon. Camelback Mountain offers rock climbing for more serious practitioners of that sport. The Paradise Valley Scenic Drive provides visitors with an overview of the town’s luxury homes and some wonderful desert views.
Some of the higher end resorts and hotels in the Scottsdale area are located in Paradise Valley also is home to some of the area’s higher-end resorts.