The North Valley area of Arizona, also known as the Valley of the Sun, has a lot to offer homeowners of all types. Whether you come for the year-round warm, sunny days; the top-of-the-line golf courses; or the family-friendly cultural attractions, it’s easy to see why the North Valley area is growing fast.
Many people move to the area for its predictable weather, with long, hot summers and relatively short, mild winters. The Valley of the Sun also lives up to its name with an average of 3,872 hours of sunshine each year. That’s more than 300 days of bright sunshine, making it easy for residents to spend time outdoors and soak up the rays. However, it’s worth noting that the summertime temperatures regularly get into the triple digits, so a reliable home comfort system and plenty of shade are essential elements of Phoenix living. This is also a reason many people choose to live here in the winter. If you’re looking for a place to retire in the cooler months, Arizona is definitely a popular option.
Not surprisingly, the influx of people into the area in recent years has caused the Phoenix real estate market to grow. Prices increased around 7 percent in 2018 and 7.5 percent in 2017, making it difficult for first-time buyers to get a foothold in the market. The market growth for the North Valley is slowing down, but it still does not bode well for buyers looking for affordable housing. Home prices are expected to continue to climb, but at a slower pace, and possibly level out during 2019.
If you’re considering moving to the area and don’t want to wait and see what will happen with existing home prices, consider building a new custom home in one of these North Valley areas.
Maricopa County
Area: 9,224 square miles
Population: 4,155,501
Major cities: Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale
With a population of more than 1.6 million, Phoenix is the most populous city in the state of Arizona and the fifth-most populous in the entire country. It’s also the cultural center of the state, where you will find major league sports teams, performing arts centers, museums, and diverse cuisine options.
Although it has a large population, families and people who enjoy outdoor activities appreciate the many parks that can be found throughout the city. With 182 parks and over 41,900 acres, Phoenix has the largest city park system in the nation, including one of the world’s largest municipal parks, South Mountain Park/Preserve. Here, you can explore more than 16,000 acres, including three mountain ranges. Residents and visitors enjoy hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and mountain biking in the park all year long.
Papago Park is another local favorite for exceptional hiking through the stunning sandstone mountains. Here, you can also visit the Desert Botanical Garden for a peek at blooming cacti, a unique butterfly experience, and sculpture exhibits. While in Papago Park, you can also visit the Phoenix Zoo, where the kids can get to know more than 3,000 animals, including monkeys, lions, giraffes, and more.
There is no doubt that the Phoenix area is a sprawling metropolis that is spread out over many miles. However, the Valley Metro system, which includes a light-rail, spans more than 20 miles and connects to other cities, including Tempe, Glendale, Scottsdale, Peoria, Gilbert, and Chandler. The relatively flat city also has plenty of bike lanes to make it easier for cyclists to get around safely.
Yavapai County
Area: 8,128 square miles
Population: 228,168
Major cities: Cottonwood, Prescott, Sedona
Located just north of the Phoenix area, Yavapai County is known for its spectacular geological features, including national protected areas, forests, monuments, and wilderness areas. Residents enjoy proximity to diverse areas such as the Sonoran Desert, Coconino Plateau, and Mogollon Rim.
The largest city that is entirely in the county is Prescott, although the larger city of Peoria lies in both Yavapai and Maricopa Counties. Prescott is surrounded by three other towns to make up what is locally called the “Quad-City” area, which is situated in the Bradshaw Mountains at an elevation of 5,400 feet.
Prescott is known for its historic buildings and quaint downtown with locally owned shops and restaurants and Whiskey Row neighborhood. Golfers also move to Prescott for the four golf courses that are located in the city and several others in nearby towns. Locals also enjoy the many annual festivals and events hosted by the city, including Frontier Days, the Bluegrass Festival, and the Acker Music Festival.
On the eastern edge of Yavapai County, Sedona is another popular place to move because of its stunning natural beauty. The characteristic red sandstone formations are a daily attraction as they blaze bright red in the setting sun. Not surprisingly, many artists and filmmakers are drawn to Sedona to be inspired by the extraordinary views.
Families with young children appreciate Sedona’s diverse educational offerings, including an early-learning program for preschoolers, an International Baccalaureate high school, and a Montessori-based charter school in addition to the public schools in the area.
La Paz County
Area: 4,514 square miles
Population: 20,601
Major cities: Parker, Quartzsite
To the west of Phoenix, La Paz County has a more rural vibe with smaller, less populous towns. The two largest towns, Quartzsite and Parker, have populations of fewer than 4,000 people. Located at the western edge of the state, on the border with California, popular outdoor destinations like Joshua Tree National Park are close enough for a day trip.
Best known for its annual gem show, Quartzsite is a popular destination for tourists and residents who enjoy the mild winter weather. Surrounded by mountains, the town always has beautiful views. The nearby Arizona Peace Trail is a great way to explore the region in an ATV or jeep. If you’re not sure whether Quartzsite is right for you, take advantage of one of the 60 RV parks and stay awhile before you decide to build. The year-round population dwindles as the summer temperatures rise, so if you’re looking for a dynamic place to settle down, or a winter destination, this could be it.
At the northern edge of the county, Parker sits on the Colorado River. Like much of Arizona, Parker is hot and dry, so if this is the type of climate you enjoy, this little town could be your new home. Unlike some of the other desert areas, Parker’s proximity to water-based outdoor activities makes it unique, and appealing on a hot summer day.
Build Your Dream Home in the North Valley
The North Valley Adair Homes office serves Maricopa, La Paz, and Yavapai Counties, which include the cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Prescott. If you’re thinking of moving to the Phoenix area or building a winter home so you can escape the cold and enjoy warmer temperatures, talk to one of our Home Ownership Counselors about the possibilities.
With dozens of floor plans to choose from, you can build anything from a large family home to a compact ranch-style home that is easy to maintain. We provide several options for single-level living so you can plan for the future and enjoy your dream home for a lifetime. Our customizable floor plans allow you to choose the exterior style, finishes, and features you want in a home. When you build new, you get to decide what’s important, so if you want a home office instead of a second or third bedroom, it’s totally up to you.
Our unique system allows you to generate immediate equity, which often means you can get more house for your money. If you have been thinking about building a new home but aren’t sure whether you can afford it, an Adair home could be the solution you’ve been seeking. We can also help you get preapproved and secure financing so you’ll know exactly what your budget is. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about the Adair Homes process.
