Living in Paradise Valley: Arizona’s “Jewel in the Desert”

With its sweeping mountain views, large lots, and exclusive, gated communities, Paradise Valley lives up to its name. This small, affluent community sits in Maricopa County. It has a rugged rural feel, dominated by Mummy Mountain and bordered by Camelback Mountain and the Piestewa Peak area. But don’t be fooled. Those living in Paradise Valley know it’s home to some of Arizona’s top resorts, golf courses, and fine dining establishments.

Natural beauty and wide-open spaces

Rumor has it that when surveyors first saw the spring wildflowers and palo verde trees growing across the Valley in 1889, they called it “paradise.” The name (and natural beauty) have persisted through the years. Though these days, Paradise Valley is Arizona’s wealthiest municipality, it has much humbler roots. During the 1800s and early 1900s, it served as fertile farmland and lush grazing space for cattle.

In the 1960s, Phoenix and Scottsdale were growing into metropolitan powerhouses, annexing nearby areas. The Valley’s residents, afraid they would lose their natural space and mountain views to urban development, formed a committee to preserve Paradise Valley. They successfully petitioned to incorporate the town of Paradise Valley: 16.5 square miles of mountain ranges and idyllic desert scenery.

Plenty of room to breathe

To preserve the area’s natural beauty, Paradise Valley is governed by a special use permit (SUP). The SUP regulates housing density and dictates that each house must sit on at least an acre of land. So, no matter where you buy a home in Paradise Valley, you’ll have an acre or more to call your own.

Luxury living in Paradise Valley

Early settlers of the Valley would be hard-pressed to recognize it these days. The modest adobe homes of the early 1920s have been replaced by high-end real estate. From 1950s brick ranches to sprawling, white-walled mansions, it’s rare to find a price tag under $1.5 million.

Of course, this small, affluent town is best known for its luxury golf courses and upscale resorts. Despite its relatively small size, there are eight full-service resorts in this wealthy suburb, making it a tourist’s dream destination.

Come for the views, stay for the community.

Today, the residents of Paradise Valley uphold the same values they did over 50 years ago. With its upscale amenities, rural lifestyle, and gated communities, it’s luxury Arizona living at its finest. Are you interested in living in Paradise Valley? See what’s available.