Selecting the Northwest Valley to be your new home is a simple choice. With cities like El Mirage, Surprise, and Peoria located in the Valley of the Sun, along with the town of Wickenburg on the outer northwestern edge of the city, and four urban city of Phoenix Villages (North Gateway Village, Desert View Village, Deer Valley Village, and New Village) there is a community in the Northwest Valley that will meet all your needs.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The completion of the Loop 101 has made the Northwest Valley accessible to all sections of the city. One of the perks to living in the Northwest Valley is its proximity to many the northern towns/cities, such as Flagstaff, Prescott, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and Sedona. Living on the northwestern edge of the city gives drivers shorter travel times to these popular year round vacation destination spots. Great access to so many places in and around the Valley of the Sun has made the Northwest Valley, the perfect choice for a home.
Northwest Valley Properties
The new surge of growth and development in the Northwest Valley has caused the area to become a rival to the city of Scottsdale. The Northwest Valley includes top zip codes that contain the most households with the highest income and millionaires in the entire Valley. It also includes the expanding enclave of homes and properties on a half acre or more, which are valued at more than a half a million. It is the “up and coming” part of the Valley of the Sun for people to live, work and play.
Prospective residents will find that the Northwest Valley has many living options. New master planned communities with single family homes are sprinkled throughout the area. Properties ranging from condominiums and patio homes to large custom estates are located throughout the Northwest Valley. There is a property that will meet anyone’s needs.
Click here to find properties available in the Northwest Valley.
Northwest Valley Entertainment
There is always something going on in the Northwest Valley. With two big stadiums, the Peoria Sports Complex and the Surprise Stadium, residents have many choices. During the spring, the Peoria Sports Complex is host to the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres. The Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers play in the Surprise Stadium. Spring training is a popular event. Concerts and other events are also held in these stadiums, making them great places to spend time year round.
Many local events in Surprise, Peoria, El Mirage and Wickenburg draw residents together. Festivals, special events, and activities have made the Northwest Valley a unique place. Residents like the small town feel that they experience when living in the Northwest Valley.
Northwest Valley Outdoor Recreation
One of the highlights to having made the Northwest Valley home is its accessibility to Lake Pleasant Regional Park. The park is only minutes from any city or town in the Northwest Valley. Boating, fishing, swimming, jet skiing, waterskiing are all part of the water fun at Lake Pleasant.
Numerous golf courses can be spotted throughout the Northwest Valley for year round play. Golfers spend time planning which golf course they will play next. Warm weather and sunny skies make outdoor recreation a part of life. The Northwest Valley is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true.
Cities, Town and Villages found in the Northwest Valley
With so much growth and development in the Northwest Valley, the communities within its borders still continue to promote their reputations of being friendly Western neighborhoods. The city of Peoria is expanding. Baseball spring training games, water sport activities, and so much more make this city an exciting place to live. Surprise is becoming a city filled with new neighborhoods and retail developments. The area was originally known for its retirement living. However, today Surprise continues to draw both retirees and families. The city of El Mirage is a smaller city, nestled between several West Valley cities. Its size could be a contributing factor to its friendly neighborhood feeling that visitors and residents experience. Ranch style living and gorgeous desert landscapes represent the town of Wickenburg. This town offers horseback riding, golf, and hiking.
The Northwest Valley includes four of the fifteen Villages that make up Phoenix. These villages are urban neighborhoods. Each village has their own planning committee appointed by the Phoenix City Council. These villages are close knit neighborhoods. North Gateway Village, Desert View Village, Deer Valley Village, and New Village are all part of the Northwest Valley.
City of Peoria
Peoria Location
Peoria is the largest city in the Northwest Valley. The city of Glendale is to the south and east, the cities of both El Mirage and Surprise are to the west, open desert stretches to the city’s north. The city’s boundary begins at its southernmost edge at Northern Avenue, then stretches northward to Lake Pleasant and includes its western boundaries varying between 115th Avenue and 91st Avenue, and its eastern edge fluctuates between 67th and 75th Avenues. This irregular shaped city of over 115 square miles continues to grow and expand in size through land annexations.
Great access to the entire Valley of the Sun has made the city of Peoria a perfect choice for residents. The Loop 101 runs the length of the city, connecting to Interstate 17 to the north and Interstate 10 in the south. Close proximity to the freeway allows drivers choices of routes to various parts of the metropolitan Phoenix area.
Peoria Property
The city of Peoria offers a wide range of home styles, from single family homes to estates with large lots. Prospective residents can find older neighborhoods in the southern portion of the city and newer communities in the northern sections of the city.
Since Peoria is such a large city, there is a property that will suit anyone’s needs. Small properties such as condominiums, townhouses, and patio homes can be found. Large properties with ranch estates, custom homes, and large lots with residences are also available. The city’s diversity makes Peoria a unique place to call home.
Click here to locate properties available in Peoria.
Peoria History
From the area’s early years, Peoria was destined to grow. It all began in the 1880’s, when William Murphy arrived in Peoria with a vision. Murphy believed that once the Arizona Canal was completed, the area which is now Peoria would become a rich farm land. With the water from the Salt River, the once desert land would become a farmers dream. He was so convinced of this vision that he decided to travel back east to tell others.
Murphy was able to locate enough interested parties to purchase 5,000 acres. The first eastern families to arrive were from Peoria, Illinois, thus the city’s namesake. From that moment on, the area has prospered. Today, it has become the second largest city in the Northwest Valley, making it a popular place to live. Once the city of Peoria was a rural agricultural small town, but today it is a growing suburban community. It is a dynamic desert city.
Outdoor Recreation
The city of Peoria is proud to be the “Gateway to Lake Pleasant.” Lake Pleasant Regional Park is known as one of the finest water recreation areas in Arizona. The park covers about 25,000 acres and is the second largest lake in the state. Lake Pleasant offers a full service marina in Pleasant Harbor.
The lake is a water reservoir. It was built to store water from the Agua Fria River and the Central Arizona Project. Most of the lake is encompassed by untouched desert land. This oasis in the Arizona desert is a sight to see.
Peoria residents flock to Lake Pleasant year round for boating, sailing, swimming, and more water fun. For those who have “land legs,” there are hiking trails, camping, and picnicking. Lake Pleasant Regional Park is one of the many perks to living in the city of Peoria.
Peoria Entertainment
Downtown Peoria has revealed a new face. The area has been refurbished. A combination of new and renovated buildings have boosted the city and drawn residents to downtown Peoria. A new city hall, public library, and public safety complex have energized the area. Pioneer Days and Fall Fest are two of the community’s activities that are hosted in downtown Peoria. The community is working hard to continue its small town feeling through entertainment and events.
One of the big highlights in the city is the Peoria Sports Complex. Located just off the 101 Loop, to the east on Bell Avenue, the Peoria Sports Complex’s convenient location brings visitors from all over the Valley of the Sun. It is home of the baseball spring training games for the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners. There are 10,000 seats and 12 lighted practice fields. The complex also has concerts, festivals, car shows, an Annual Fourth of July Extravaganza, and other events which create a friendly hometown feeling that Peoria residents enjoy every day.
City of El Mirage
El Mirage Location
The city of El Mirage is one of the smaller cities, when it comes to size, compared to other communities in the Valley of the Sun. However, don’t let its size fool you. Today, El Mirage has become a “hot spot.” Many people are moving to the area.
Situated in the middle of the Northwest Valley, the city is centrally located. El Mirage is surrounded by other cities. With the city of Surprise to the north, the city of Peoria to the east, the cities of Glendale and Avondale to the south, and the White Tank Mountains to the west, El Mirage is a great city to live.
The (usually dry) Agua Fria River creates the eastern boundary, Northern Avenue to the south, Dysart Road to the west and Greenway Road to the north. Highway 60, also known as Grand Avenue cuts through the north section of the city. This route gives residents access to Bell Road to the north and Loop 101 to the southeast. With all of these options residents can easily access the Valley of the Sun.
El Mirage Properties
El Mirage is a special place to live. New homes and subdivisions are being built every day. These newly constructed single family homes are bringing in growing families, first time home buyers and retirees. There is a property that will be perfect for anyone.
Large master planned communities and properties in mature quiet neighborhoods are all still found in El Mirage. Through the expansion and developments, El Mirage continues to hold on to its friendly southwestern attitude.
Click here to locate properties that are ready for move in.
El Mirage History
This hometown feeling can be traced back to the city’s roots in the early 1930’s, when farm workers settled on the west bank of the usually dry Agua Fria River. Farming and agriculture are part of the city’s heritage.
Today, residential developments are taking the place of farms. Many businesses, both commercial and industrial have located to El Mirage. The city has embraced its new growth.
El Mirage Entertainment
Luke Air Force Base is located southwest of El Mirage. This base is home to the 56th Fighter Wing. The base is the largest jet training base in the entire world. It is one the city’s large employers. “Luke Days” is an annual event that is held at the base. Spectators witness an amazing air show display that will not forget.
El Mirage is a city that continues to embrace friendship and traditions. These beliefs can be felt throughout the community making the city of El Mirage a great place to call home.
City of Surprise
Surprise Location
Surprise’s good location is one of the reasons people select the city to be their home. Located in the Northwest Valley, it is close to the White Tank Mountains and untouched desert landscapes. United States Highway 60/State Highway 93 (or Grand Avenue) travels along the city’s eastern edge, giving residents access to other parts of the Valley of the Sun.
Surprise has the city of Peoria to the east and the city of El Mirage to the south. Sitting on the northwestern edge of the Valley of the Sun, residents love the open deserts that are located nearby. Mountain views and clean air are a way of life in Surprise.
Surprise Properties
From its humble beginnings in the mid 1930’s, the area that is now Surprise has become a very popular place to live. Surprise offers a wide range of living styles, from small family subdivisions to secluded ranches or retirement communities. Surprise neighborhoods provide parks, walking paths, and front porch attitudes.
Today, the city of Surprise is one of the fastest growing cities in Arizona. It is said that there is a new home built and completed every four hours. This explosive growth is a benefit, when it comes to locating the perfect floor plan. With so many subdivisions and model homes to view, getting the home of your dreams is easy.
There are award winning master planned family communities and world class resort retirement living all available within the borders of Surprise. Retirement living is one of the city’s many draws. Sun City Grand, the third of Del Webb’s retirement communities showcases its trademark quality and amenities, along with Arizona Traditions another retirement neighborhood with gated convenience, fitness, and recreational opportunities both communities are located in Surprise.
Surprise is set against a pristine desert in the thriving Northeast Valley edge of the metro Phoenix Valley. Prospective residents can choose from renowned retirement communities and award winning master planned family communities. The city addresses the needs of anyone looking for home. It is a well rounded city where residents enjoy living, working, and playing.
To find out more about properties available in the city of Surprise, click here.
Surprise Entertainment
Wherever you turn in this 70 square mile city, there is something going on. New churches, restaurants, grocery stores, shops, schools, and much more are being built. The city is an ideal place for homes and businesses. Surprise is good for business and great for living.
Just to the south of the city is Luke Air Force Base. This base is home to the 56th Fighter Wing and is the largest jet training base in the world. Every year the base holds a special event called “Luke Days.” One of the event’s highlights is the amazing air show which is put on for the spectators below. It is a local event that should not be missed.
Surprise History
Long ago, Surprise started out as a small farming community. Then in 1938, the area was subdivided by Homer Ludden, a real estate developer. The parcels were made into affordable housing for the area’s agricultural workers.
It wasn’t until 1960, before Surprise became incorporated. There are conflicting stories as to how the city received its name. One rumor has it that one of the town’s founders said it would be a ‘surprise’ if anything came of this land. Another story says that the city’s founder, Homer Ludden was from Surprise, Nebraska. No matter which story you believe, it is true that Surprise, Arizona is a great place to call home.
Surprise Outdoor Recreation
One of the biggest bonuses when selecting the city of Surprise to be home is its 130 acre Surprise Recreational Campus. This campus includes a Cactus League Spring Training Facility/Stadium, regional library, aquatic center, a community park, and a 35 acre urban fishing lake.
Surprise Stadium seats over 10,000 people. The facility includes twelve baseball fields, and an eight acre multipurpose field. All of this makes Surprise Stadium an excellent sports training complex. Both the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers call Surprise Stadium home during spring training. Year round the stadium is in use, with youth sports programs and special events. The Golden Baseball League and the Surprise Fighin’ Falcons teams also play at the Surprise Stadium.
Town of Wickenburg
Wickenburg Location
Wickenburg is located on the northern edge of the valley. Technically, the town is not part of the Valley of the Sun. However, with the growth and expansion of the Phoenix area, Wickenburg is no longer too far from the capital city. Just 50 miles northwest of Phoenix, at an elevation of 2,100 feet, the town offers both its residents and visitors cooler temperatures.
Residents of Wickenburg take State Highway 93 (Grand Avenue), which travels northwest diagonally out of metropolitan Phoenix and drops off in the town of Wickenburg. This route is a quick way to get to and from metropolitan Phoenix.
Wickenburg is located alongside the Hassayampa River, which means “river that flows upside down.” The Native Americans living in the area gave the river its name, due to the fact that the river actually flows 20 feet below the surface for most of its 100 mile course through the desert, including parts of Wickenburg. Today, it is still one of the last free-flowing rivers in the Arizona desert. This amazing river makes the town of Wickenburg is a great place to live.
Nestled in the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains, along the Hassayampa River, the town of Wickenburg has grown to become a popular place to call home. It was the first town built north of Tucson, making it one of the oldest towns in Arizona. Wickenburg is a progressive community that maintains a high quality of life.
Wickenburg Properties
Living in Wickenburg, residents enjoy the privacy of western life, along with gorgeous desert scenery. Large lots, estates, ranches, southwestern styled homes are all available. Properties can be found in all price ranges. Prospective residents will discover that there is something for everyone.
Families and retirees have discovered Wickenburg and have made it their home. The warm spirit of friendliness and abundant warm shine make Wickenburg the perfect community to live.
To find out more about properties in Wickenburg, click here.
Wickenburg History
The town’s history began back in 1863. Henry Wickenburg, a German immigrant came to the area and discovered gold. This discovery eventually became the Vulture Mine, the most profitable gold and silver mine in Arizona.
Ranching and tourism took over the area, when the gold and silver panned out. In the 1920’s and 1930’s, dude ranches started popping up in Wickenburg. These dude ranches offered cookouts, trail rides, and hayrides.
Today, several dude ranches are found on the outskirts of town. These ranches offer horseback riding, great food, swimming, and many more special amenities. Wickenburg continues to keep the old west feeling alive.
Although Wickenburg sits at the northern edge of the Sonoran Desert and boasts a colorful history. The town gives its residents the comforts of city living. An adjacent airport, curbed streets, town utilities, and paved streets are some of the benefits this small town provides. Wickenburg is a peaceful community basking in the warm Arizona sunshine, along the banks of the Hassayampa River.
Wickenburg Entertainment
There are a wide range of services available in Wickenburg, along with a relaxing Western lifestyle that so many residents enjoy. With more than 400 businesses in town, residents have a full range of services, stores, and specialty shops within easy access.
Wickenburg is not a flashy tourist Western town. The Desert Caballeros Western Museum situated in downtown, showcases acclaimed collections of Western art and artifacts. Special events and shows are offered throughout the year at the museum for residents and visitors.
Main Street has been preserved, with buildings from the 1890’s and 1920’s dotting the downtown area. Even the old Santa Fe Train Station has been converted into the Chamber of Commerce building. Wickenburg residents spend time strolling downtown streets, talking and sharing their western hospitality.
Wickenburg Outdoor Recreation
The town of Wickenburg once held the title of Dude Ranch Capital of the World. Today, the town still has several dude ranches. However, one of the biggest pastimes in town is the sport of golf. There are several courses available in and around the surround area that are available play year round. With warm weather and sunny skies, a round of golf is the perfect way to spend a day in Wickenburg.
Outdoor recreation is something everyone likes to do. Hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and much more are part of living in Wickenburg. Residents enjoy spending time outside. People often say, “You will be sure to find it all out Wickenburg way!”
The Hassayampa River Preserve is a popular outdoor spot for many people. A nature trail along the Hassayampa River allows hikers an opportunity to get a glimpse of some of the 220 species of birds that call this preserve home. Wickenburg is a terrific place for those who want to combine the history of the old west with an outdoor lifestyle.
North Gateway Village
North Gateway Village Property Overview
North Gateway Village is an irregular shaped village created in 1997. The village is surrounded by new master planned communities. Spectacular desert background is combined with new developments.
It is the goal of North Gateway Village to foster managed growth. Achieving a balance between housing, employment (businesses), and the desert is what the village is striving to find. Preserving and protecting the environment for the area’s future is an important factor for residents living in North Gateway Village.
North Gateway Village Location
The boundaries of North Gateway Village are 67th Avenue on the west, Union Hills on the east, the Central Arizona Project Canal on the south, and the city of Phoenix corporate limits on the north.
Click here to discover properties in North Gateway Village.
Desert View Village Property Overview
The distinctive lush Sonoran Desert symbolizes Desert View Village in the Northwest Valley. The village ranges from urban to rural land use. However, residents are drawn the area’s outdoor opportunities.
Desert View Village maintains an extensive system of trails for hiking and riding. Residents enjoy the large sections of untouched Sonoran Desert, Cave Creek Wash, and nearby mountain ranges. The Cave Buttes Recreational Area is a designated city district park site located within the Desert View Village. The goal is to create a village-wide recreational circulation system. Desert View Village residents take pride in the outdoors and protecting the natural beauty of the desert environment.
Desert View Village Location
Desert View Village is bounded to the north by Carefree Highway, the Central Arizona Project canal to the south, the eastern city limits near Scottsdale Road to the east, and Union Hills on the west.
To find out more about which properties are available in Desert View Village, click here.
Deer Valley Village
Deer Valley Village Property Overview
Indian petroglyphs of deer where found near Deer Valley Road and 35th Avenue. These rock inscriptions became Deer Valley Village’s namesake. Today, visitors to the area can still see these petroglyphs at the Deer Valley Rock Museum, located on Deer Valley Road. There are over 1,000 petroglyphs on a 47 acre nature preserve.
Deer Valley Village is a vibrant, fast growing community. Both businesses and residential development are drawn to the area. There are many new single family homes that are being built making it a popular place to call home.
Deer Valley Village Location
The village is bounded by 16th Street east to the city limits (51st Street and 67th Avenues) on the west, Greenway Road on the south and the Central Arizona Project aqueduct on the north.
To locate properties available in Deer Valley Village, click here.
New Village
New Village Location
This village is the most recently created villages in the Phoenix area. New Village is just developing.
Its boundaries are wide sweeping from Table Mesa Road alignment on the north, Interstate 17 on the east, Desert Hills Drive, Pyramid Peak Parkway, and Carefree Highway on the south, and New River Road and 75th Avenue alignment on the west.
See what properties are available by clicking here.
