Category Archives: Homes, Lots & Condos For Sale or Rent

Before & After Fountain Hills Home Makeover: 10 Interior Design Tips for Family Friendly Design

Posted on February 27, 2017 by | Leave a comment

 

We wanted to capture a recent interior transformation of a family home for sale in Fountain Hills that underwent a major overhaul.  The family updated the flooring and interior paint to brighten up and modernize the home, and hired Fountain Hills interior designer, Gina of Gina B. Designs & Home Staging, to assist with space planning, lighting and incorporating their furnishings with a new layout. Gina draws from her experience as an interior designer, wife and mom of two young girls to help busy families design and space plan their home.  This blog post captures the incredible before and after transformation of this home, along with Gina’s tips and tricks for family-friendly interior design:

1. Design the space for how you and your family live

People oftentimes get inspired by what they see on a design show or a magazine, but are not practical about how it fits with the way they live.  The result can be a room that is designed for show, but never utilized.  The family wanted a casual and inviting entry that was also functional.  The family’s DIY coat rack was paired with a simple bench along with accessories and a wicker basket for extra storage. The elements of the room were tied together with an wrought-iron orb chandelier and a playful, stain-resistant entry way rug.
Before (7)

2. Don’t be afraid of color and texture

There are so many easy ways to incorporate color and texture with accessories like pillows, curtains, and throws to add dimension and warmth.

Before (10)

3. Don’t underestimate the value of lighting

Light fixtures can dramatically set the tone of a room and can make an ordinary space extraordinary.  The dining room chandelier makes an impact for the living/dining room while the sconces add balance to the tableau wall art.

Before (5)

 

4. Ample storage for kids stuff

Always have a home for where your kids put their things, that way they know where everything should go.  Label with pictures, names, etc. so they know where their toys are supposed to go when they are put away.  The homeowners utilize their entertainment center for storing all of their son’s toys in this room.

5. Declutter the room to make the space work

The living/dining room felt cluttered because there was too much furniture in it.  The designer removed oversized pieces and rearranged furnishings to make the space look and feel more organized and pulled together.  It also makes a space feel more relaxing.

6. Add visual interest by incorporating the unexpected

The homeowners were reluctant when a modern crystal chandelier was recommended for the master bedroom, but now it is one of their favorite elements of the room.

Before (8)

 

7. Don’t be afraid to combine modern and traditional pieces

In the family room, Gina selected a second hand mahogany end table, a classic striped chair, an antique looking wall clock and lantern to complement the family’s modern furnishings. She utilized sheer, geometric curtains to keep the room feeling light and anchored everything with a traditional rug.

Before (9)

8. Have a space for the kids

The homeowners son’s coveted train set was the focal point for the playroom/bonus room.

Ironwood bonus copy

9. Don’t wait to decorate

Many families don’t invest in new furniture or décor until their kids are older. Your home is your sanctuary, where you relax, unwind, and create memories as a family. You should love the environment that you live in.

10. You don’t need to break the bank in order to have a beautiful home

Although Gina’s background has included interior designing multi-million dollar homes for a high end home builder, she contends that you don’t need to break the bank to have a well-designed home. Gina loves working with families who want their home to reflect who they are and how they live.  She lives in and practices out of Fountain Hills, Arizona.

Have any interior design questions for Gina?  Please comment on this blog post or contact Gina B. Designs and Custom Staging

To view more photos of this home click here. Contact Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate for more information.

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Posted in Clients, Customers, Friends & Family, Homes, Lots & Condos For Sale or Rent, Our Real Estate Market

Cupid’s Here with Chocolates & 7 Homes You Will Love

Posted on February 6, 2017 by | Leave a comment

It’s almost Valentine’s Day! Significant others everywhere are getting ready to get their special someone flowers, chocolate, and jewelry. You know, the usual. However, if you want to make an impact on your relationship, maybe it’s time to try something a little more unexpected.  This year you can surprise your Sweetie by finding a home you both will love!

Whether you’ve been married for five years or dating even a month, grab your valentine and come view homes you both can fall in love with! We have seven 00e257154a0767301bb7581ce91118de_chocolate5-valentine-chocolate-clipart_256-256beautiful homes priced under $300,000 to over $1 million. Fun Valentine treats and gifts are at each home, along with our year-end Fountain Hills Market Report.

The Home 2 Love Tour is this Sunday, February 12th, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

For more information and the tour map, go to:  www.sonoranlifestyle.com/homes2lovetour

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Posted in Area Events, Clients, Customers, Friends & Family, Homes, Lots & Condos For Sale or Rent, Our Real Estate Market

10 Reasons Why Fountain Hills is a Great Place to Raise a Family!

Posted on February 3, 2017 by | Leave a comment

If you’re looking for a place that meets all your needs and you’re curious as to what some of your best options must offer, here are 10 reasons why Fountain Hills, Arizona is a best place to start and raise a family:

#10.  Small Town with A Big Heart: Every year in October, Make A Difference Day is held, and brings together various individuals and organizations to provide assistance where ever it may be needed.  There are numerous civic groups focused on volunteering and the school district has a volunteer mentor program that has been a model for the state and country, supporting kids at all levels of development from challenge to gifted.

#9. Caring and Friendly: Fountain Hills offers their residents a small-town lifestyle. The town has 25,000 full and part-time residents, and people enjoy the friendly atmosphere of a close community.  Imagine raising your kids 1004-mountains-four-peaks-hi-res-copywhere folks actually know them!

#8. Beautiful Location: Nestled amidst some of the most beautiful scenery in Arizona with mountain ranges and natural desert beauty all around, everyone in the family will be inspired to slow down and appreciate life.

#7. Great Schools: Fountain Hills has low student-to-teacher ratios with high student achievement records. The educational curriculum is partnered with creative extra-curricular opportunities, with a high level of parent and community involvement which further enhances the education of the students.
basketball

#6. Town Parks and Rec Department:  Fountain Hills offers a variety of recreation with unique and fun opportunities for all ages. The Rotary Musical Park offers families a unique play experience with a variety of fourteen musical instruments. Golden Eagle Park is a must for families, boasting multiple ball fields, tennis, volleyball and sport courts plus shaded playgrounds.

#5. The Great Outdoors: Families will love the wonderful access to hiking, biking, and walking trails. The trails begin right in the heart of the city and many residential communities offer immediate access to ways to enjoy the desert landscape.  Only 20 minutes away is a favorite for boating, jet skiing and saguaro-lake-boatsfamily water fun.

#4. Citizenship 101:  Fountain Hills is a model for volunteerism and philanthropy.  Civic, cultural and faith based groups provide an opportunity for kids to learn about giving back to their world.  There are hundreds of fun activities throughout the year that encourage kids to pitch in and participate in team or individual activities.

#3. Public Library Programs: Looking for things to do with your children in Fountain Hills?  The Fountain Hills Public Library has you covered. The library offers a range of activities from STEM based programs to promoting a youth gardening club.library-kids-reading-room

#2. Art and Culture: One of Arizona’s most award-winning community theaters is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Fountain Hills, offering youth theater, seminars and camps designed to encourage kids to bloom. Fountain Hills has an extensive public art collection and is home to art galleries, art shows and performing arts. Ballet Arizona presents “Ballet under the Stars” each year in Fountain Hills Park with free admission for residents.

#1. A Hometown Community:  No other community in Arizona offers the friendly, hometown atmosphere found in this little berg that has received numerous accolades as one of the finest places in America to raise a family or retire.  Come check us out! 

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Posted in Area Events, Arts, Culture, Schools & Clubs, Clients, Customers, Friends & Family, Homes, Lots & Condos For Sale or Rent, Mountain Trails, Scenery & Life

Join us for Fountain Hills  Make a Difference Day

Posted on October 19, 2015 by | Leave a comment

We are the “Small Town with a Big Heart”

Saturday, October 24, 7:30 a.m.

Brownie troop on Make a difference day

Brownie troop on Make a difference day

“Make a Difference Day” is all about helping our neighbors.   Many vulnerable homeowners in our community need help to remain in their homes until their life ends, and the volunteers on Make a Difference Day  use their skills to make that goal obtainable.  Daily activities that most of us take for granted can be impossible for neighbors with physical limitations.

  • Challenges can include cleaning cabinets and shelves that cannot be reached due to physical limitations and therefore are left unclean for years.
  • Minor repairs or landscaping are essential for homeowners who, due to financial and physical burdens, are unable to do for themselves.
  • Projects in Parks and public spaces that are beyond the Town’s current budget possibilities can be accomplished as well.

Groups from service clubs and organizations, the faith community, and Town volunteers make up a large part of the workforce, but each year more and more individuals sign up  to help.  Some people sew, some clean, organize, rake or trim…in short, not special skills are required, just the desire to be a good neighbor to someone in need.

http://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/2015/04/20/26047455/

This short USA Today video features some of our volunteers and the impact that a few hours of loving attention can have.  This is becoming an annual tradition for many of our teens and families, so take a moment and sign up to help…you’ll find that you “get more than you give.”

Register online or, pick up a registration form at the Community Center or Town Hall, or download one here. http://www.fh.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1567

Questions? Please contact Heather Ware, Volunteer Coordinator, 480-816-5108 orhware@fh.az.gov.

Once you have registered you will report for your assignment at 7:30 am in Golden Eagle Park

15590 E. Golden Eagle Blvd. in Fountain Hills.

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Come Try “Year-round Resort Living in Fountain Hills” with a Summer “Stay-cation”

Posted on July 18, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Part II of a 2 part article originally posted June 19, 2013

CopperWynd Resort

CopperWynd Resort

If Spa indulgence and quiet spaces are more your style, the world-class Copperwynd Resort and Spa is the closest you can come to living in your own private resort retreat in Fountain Hills.  Often featured among world class boutique hotels by Conde Nast and Lonely Planet, its Scottsdale Resort Spa Club is affordable for area residents ($50 per month for one of many key services, and discounts on other spa services).  Club members have the use of the pool, gym, steam room and hot tubs on the day of service. Summer Spa and Stay packages start at $129, and change frequently throughout the summer.

Scottsdale Spa at CopperWynd-One of the Valley's Finest!

Scottsdale Spa at CopperWynd-One of the Valley’s Finest!

But sipping an excellent wine on the balcony at Alchemy or Barista can be addictive…You are lulled by the quiet of the hills, and soothed by the 100 mile view of range after range of mountains.  As you look across the hills toward Goldfield Ranch and the Verde River, you can see that just about everyone in Fountain Hills enjoys this kind of Resort serenity in their own back yard. 

Once you give the Sonoran Desert lifestyle a try for a few days, you’re likely to long for our peacefulness and convenience when you return to the hustle of your “other life.” The Fountain Hills  Post Office,  Grocery Stores (3), Hardware Stores, Target, Ross, Tire Stores (4), Gym (6), Coffee and Wine Shops, Restaurants, Boutiques, Salons and Restaurants…are all less than 15 minutes from your door, and parking is never a problem.

Impressive_ArchitectureFrom your Fountain Hills home or elegant condo, you can be at your Saguaro Lake boat slip in 25 minutes or at the cool pines of Payson before your coffee is cold. Sedona is less than 3 hours, unless you stop for a wine tour on the way!

Sky Harbor is a short 25 minutes down the Beeline Highway, and the Shea Corridor/101 Loop  puts Scottsdale, North Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa and Chandler within reach  in less time than most central Phoenix or North Scottsdale locations.

Sample the good life in Fountain Hills with a luxury summer getaway. Check www.expedia.com for great getaway rates, then call Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate at 480-816-5557 to tour a fabulous selection of resort-style homes to dream about.

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Posted in Dining, Libations & All Things Foodie, Golf Courses & Area Resorts, Homes, Lots & Condos For Sale or Rent, Our Real Estate Market

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Sonoran Lifestyle’s Quarterly Real Estate Market Summary Gives Great Insight

Posted on May 10, 2013 by | Leave a comment

The following is the “Executive Summary” from the Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate 1st Quarter, 2013  Market Report.  It is a 23 page detailed analysis of the Fountain Hills Real Estate Market.  For more information or a copy of the report, call the company’s office located on the Avenue of the Fountains.  Their number is 480-816-5557.

Sonoran FH2013-1stQTRIn Fountain Hills, we have definitely left the Great Housing Recession behind.  Fountain Hills residential inventory (all products–single family homes, patio homes condos and townhomes) continues to be at low, healthy levels and after a robust winter where many Fountain Hills property owners got on the “price increase train” and brought their homes to the market, the run-up of inventory seen during February and March has started to recede again as the market has absorbed the inventory.  While PRICES are on a very slow, steady rise on average, it is the PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT that is significantly increasing, owing to smaller, higher-quality homes that sold during 1st Quarter, 2013.

  • Notice that we no longer have any inventory of Homes/Patio Homes under $200,000…the first time since 2007!
  • We have hit a 4-year high-water mark at $171/sq ft for Single Family (only) housing last seen in February, 2009.
  • Another healthy indicator…notice that in the $600,000-$800,000 price strata (page 3) there is only about 6 months of inventory…wow!
  • There were four sales of homes over $1.5 million last quarter alone…compared to 6 in all of 2012.

A comparison of Single Family & Patio Home prices for the end of the 1st  Quarter, year over year indicate a 26% (Y-O-Y) increase.  Condos and Townhomes show a 1st Quarter, Y-O-Y gain of 14%, still very strong!

Throughout local neighborhoods, almost without exception there appears to be 3-6 months of inventory, except in the case of FireRock where approximately 9 months of inventory exist.  As FireRock members sort out their options for operation and ownership of the golf club, this may remain a fluid situation.  Yet, there are currently some nice pending sales in the community that will close during 2nd quarter…stay tuned!

Custom Homesites remain at a somewhat sluggish pace, although the lower end of the market has certainly started to disappear, with only 16 lots available under $100,000 as opposed to 24 one year ago!  We are also seeing homebuilding come alive in Fountain Hills, both with speculative home construction and also custom housing.  This will be an interested market as we progress forward.  Keep in mind that the newest homes in the area are approximately 6 years old, and Arizonans often like their new homes.

Distressed property sales (combined short sales and bank-owned inventory) have dwindled from a high of 50% in late 2010 to only 10% in the current market.  There are only 16 Bank-Owned properties currently for sale in Fountain Hills…compared to 70 properties for sale in late 2010!

Should you have any questions about the reports, please don’t hesitate to contact your sales associate for more information!

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Prepare Your Winter Vacation Home for the Summer Months Ahead

Posted on March 9, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Maintenance Items prevent getting the “dreaded phone call” while you’re back home in the north country.

You’ve purchased your long anticipated vacation home in Sunny Arizona.  The winter has been glorious, but now it’s time to start thinking of heading home. While it’s nice to have a “home check service” come to your home on a regular basis to identify problems, there are several precautions you can take that will reduce the need for these services while preserving the elements of your home like cabinetry and furniture.

Prepping your home for the summer isn’t quite the same as winterizing your north country home, but there are some easy basics that can prevent the risk of loss and preserve your property values.

1.  Water Shut-off Valve:  Pipes under pressure have a nasty habit of relieving themselves inside your walls, behind your refrigerator or at your washing machine hook-up.   When you’re away for any length of time, it’s important to have all water service in your home shut off (except for residential fire sprinklers installed on homes built after 1992…these will be on a separate valve).  If you don’t have a water shut-off valve near your service panel locations  (or near the main building water service, if you’re in a condo building) call your friendly plumber to install one.  In addition, if you have one already, we recommend a levered ball valve instead of a rotary gate valve…they tend to last much longer and are more user friendly.  The old gate valves have a nasty habit of coming apart just at the moment of crisis, when you need it most.  Cost of this service is approximately $200 but one of the best investments you’ll make, both for risk reduction and your own peace of mind.

2.  Seal off all drains:  We recommend closing all drains (including the one at your washer/dryer location) and sealing all toilets with plastic.  This keeps traps moist and reduces sewer gas odors in the home.   A plastic bucket over shower drains will also prevent evaporation.

3.  Add humidity to the inside of your home:  Arizona summers are hot and dry, and hard on quality furnishings and cabinetry.  Use buckets filled with water to keep a nice level of humidity in your home.  Have someone check and refill them  at least once per month.  They’ll evaporate quicker than you think!

4.  Keep your interior temperature approximately 88 degrees.  Again, Arizona-hot-and-dry equals damaged furniture, doors, and household items.  Even clothing and fabrics left in your home will suffer with extreme temperature.  Be sure to also change your air filters before leaving.  We recommend a heavy duty filter instead of an inexpensive 30-day filter…and try to have someone change it at least once over the summer time.  

5.  Wrap outdoor pipes!  Yes, this is sunny Arizona, but it can get cold in the desert!  There will be nights during the fall and winter that temperatures dip into the low 30’s and even 20’s…and pipes will freeze!  First, refer to item #1 and turn off the water inside your home, but your water service main and outdoor hose bibs can also freeze.  The hardware store will stock foam pipe-wrapping material that is easy to install and will give you peace of mind next season when you’re up north and temperatures dip into the danger zone!

6.  Change batteries on smoke detectors at least once per year!  They will begin to chirp at some point, and chirping smoke detectors can be a nuisance to neighbors, especially in condominium settings.  While you’re at it, check to see if your thermostats require batteries!

7.  Reduce lawn weeds with Pre-Emergent herbicide.  If your home includes a yard that is your responsibility to maintain, February and March is a great time to treat the area with a Pre-Emergent.  Your landscape guru will provide the service for a fraction of the cost of having to eliminate the weeds at a later date.

8.  Check roofs for needed maintenance.  While Arizona offers up some charming spring rains, it’s the summertime monsoon storms that can really cause damage.  Call your local roofer to have your pitched and flat roof checked out…you’ll need to add a preventative surface coating to your flat roof every 2-3 years.

9.  Service your A/C:  We recommend an annual service that checks freon, fan operation and other vital components.  Generally, A/C companies will offer great specials during April and May at a cost of approximately $50 per unit.  A well-maintained unit can last decades.  What’s that saying about “an ounce of prevention?”

If you’re in the Fountain Hills service area and need recommendations about  good technicians, call us at Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate, 480-816-5557.

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Condominium Living in Fountain Hills, Arizona: Time to Try Out a Winter Residence!

Posted on November 16, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Simplicity, Value and Resort Lifestyle: All for only $130,000:  14849 N. Kings Way, #207, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Center Court Villas in Fountain Hills offers the perfect chance to “Try Out” Winter Residence Ownership

A 2 Bedroom Condominium in Fountain Hills, Arizona is a great way to “try-out” the possibility of a part-time, winter residence home in the sunny Southwest.  This freshly updated, fun condo home offers a relaxed, resort atmosphere in a world-class town that features art galleries, great restaurants and watering holes and all the services you expect, all within walking distance!  Fountain Hills is abundant with opportunities for hiking, walking, golf, cycling and other nearby outdoor recreation like fishing, horseback riding and water sports.

Balconies offer the chance for privacy and big views!

Move right in & enjoy your place in the Arizona Sun. Very Nicely Updated upper level 2 bedroom condominium home has a view-oriented deck that looks over the famous Four Peaks Mountain and Mazatazal Range with views to the 22,000 acre McDowell Regional Park only a short walk away.    Located on the outside end of a six-unit building within the quiet community of Center Court Villas, you’ll have the option of enjoying the relaxed, warm-weather lifestyle or renting out the home for an attractive winter visitor home for your friends, family or managed guests.

Newly Updated Interiors Provide for Sophisticated Lifestyle in the Casual, Southwestern Style.

Condominiums provide a great “transitional property” for Northerners who want to experiment with the convenience of winter-time living in the Sunny Southwest.  Indeed, most residents start small and will move up to more spacious quarters in a few years to accommodate visiting family members, a great way for multiple generations to reconnect for a few weeks at a time.

Priced reasonably at $130,000, the 2-bedroom 2-bath home at 14849 N KINGS WAY #207, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 is the perfect way to begin.  Features include a fireplace, large windows for lots of sunny, view oriented opportunities, gated courtyard area & storage room and a low monthly HOA fee of only $150/month that includes all exterior maintenance, cable, garbage and insurance…it doesn’t get any easier than that!

Don’t want the hassle of shopping for furnishings and household items?  No problem…most furnishings are available for sale separately. Don’t want to worry about interior systems?  No problem!  The seller of this home is meticulous about its condition and has replaced all of the following in the past few years:  Lighting, paint, tile floors, carpets, bathrooms, A/C and Heat, granite kitchen counters, and more.  Taxes are only $570 for 2012.  What are you waiting for??

For more information about the community of Fountain Hills, check out our Relocation Guide where you learn why Business Week Magazine named Fountain Hills the “Most Affordable Suburb” in 2010, plus other national accolades that make Fountain Hills one of the true hidden treasures of the Southwest.  Check out the Public Arts Collection, the best in the Southwest for a town of its size…perhaps the United States.

Jay Schlum and Dori Wittrig, Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate

Contact Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate Listing Agents Jay Schlum, GRI, and former Mayor of Fountain Hills or Dori Wittrig, GRI, Designated Broker and President of Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate.  We offer expert representation, community orientation and transactional excellence!  Call us at 602-301-7855 or 602-558-5901 or check out www.SonoranLifestyle.com.  Our Relocation Guide is online at www.150Ways.com.  We look forward to working with you!

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Boomers Want More than Sunshine to Make a Move

Posted on October 20, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Part III of a 3-part story about the Baby Boomer Seniors.

Today’s post-50’s are looking for specific lifestyle amenities in their ideal retirement spot. In addition to low local taxes, affordable recreation and community size, Boomers polled in a recent study by the Consumer Federation of the Southeast indicated a number of more specific preferences that make Fountain Hills a top contender as a perfect retirement location.    Continued from Part I, September 9, 2012  and  Part II, October 10, 2012. 

7.  Arts and Culture

First Love is part of the extensive Fountain Hills public art collection, featuring over 100 works.

Within 5 minutes of cruising downtown Fountain Hills, visitors have a sense that Art is a big deal in Fountain Hills.  Our public art collection approaching 100 pieces of sentinel public art is stunning by any standards. A small public art levy commits a percent of the funds received for commercial building permits to fund the on-going display of public art.  Placed throughout the central downtown and Town Lake area, the variety of western and contemporary art is a joy to stroll through or enjoy on an escorted tour.

8.  Elder Care Services

Fountain View Village offers continuing care for Fountain Hills’ residents or their family members

Fountain View Village is a senior living community in Fountain Hills Arizona that provides independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing.  Located in the center of town, the elegant facility provides transportation for residents, dining, recreation and a wide range of resort-quality amenities.  Looking for a more personal approach?  Fountain Hills has a variety of in-home senior care services, from daily support help to 24 hour care professionals.

Valley Jazz Favorite Margo Reed entertains residents at Fountain View Village

The Area Agency on Aging “Meals on Wheels” and “Give a Lift” programs use the Senior Center as its hub, providing care and rewarding volunteering opportunities for volunteers and recipients alike.

The Town has no fewer than six gyms, and Anytime Fitness is home to the “Silver Sneakers” program for residents with one of the AARP PPO or HMO Medicare plans.

9.  Affordable Housing

Affordable townhomes and duplexes in the Town Center of Fountain Hills, AZ start in the mid $100’s

Fountain Hills has also earned a top accolade from the magazine, Business Week. In its February 2009 edition, the magazine named Fountain Hills the “Best Affordable Suburb” in all of Arizona. They evaluated suburbs on a variety of factors but weighted affordability most heavily. They also considered lifestyle (short commutes, clean air, low crime, good weather, and green space), the quality of schools, and the strength of the local economy. None of the places evaluated had populations of more than 60,000 or less than 5,000. Only one suburb per state was selected. (Source: www.fh.az.gov )

Fountain Hills occupies a unique position in the greater Phoenix area market. Well-built homes, condos, apartments and Gemini homes, (no home in the entire Town was built before 1970), offer stunning mountain views from nearly every part in the Town.  Efficient condos or Gemini homes, with pools, meeting facilities, and in some cases, tennis, shuffleboard and grassy areas for pets start in the $90’s.  Upscale gated condominium range from $275,000 to the mid $400’s, with a wide range of amenities.

Beautiful mountain-view homes are the hallmark of Fountain Hills, many starting in the high $300’s.

Free-standing homes offer the biggest range of options, ranging from fixer-uppers in the low $200’s to homes with large lots, refreshing pools and 180 degree views for under $500,000.  There are several  lovely communities focused on golf and/or tennis that occupy select locations.  Names like SunRidge Canyon Golf Club, CopperWynd, Eagle Mountain Golf Club, Desert Canyon Golf Club and We-Ko-Pa Golf Club at the Fort McDowell Raddisson Resort and Casino conjure images of pristine desert golf for enthusiasts and hackers alike.   Many of the homes  in these communities offer sweeping views up to 100 miles and provide an luxury unparalleled for the price in the entire Greater Phoenix/Scottsdale area.

10.  Lifelong learning

Just as Fountain Hills is a community of volunteers, it is also a community that nurtures an environment of learning and exploration.  The Town underwrites a significant Senior Center with dozens of affordable options from exercise to political debate, crafts, to nationally recognized senior-net classes for computer relevancy.  Yoga, stretching, tai chi, language classes, painting and drawing, fishing, woodworking, knitting, quilting…all for a $10.00 per year membership fee. (Class supplies may be extra).

The River of Time Museum sponsors a series of rollicking dinner meetings where the history of the area is brought to life by a series of entertaining historians.  One of the 2011 highlights was a talk by one of America’s three remaining Navajo “Code-talkers” from World War II.  One of this season’s dinners will include a talk on the “Harvey Girls” at the world-famous La Posada Hotel in Winslow, AZ.

McDowell Mountain Regional Park, which borders Fountain Hills on the North has an on-going program of nature walks where their entertaining rangers educate visitors about the amazing assortment of unusual plants and animals that call the Sonoran Desert home.

Fountain Lake in Fountain Hills Town Center is the centerpiece of activity for all ages.

The Town of Fountain Hills Parks and Recreation department offers year-round classes in three categories:

  • Lifetime learning
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Health and Wellness

In 2006, Fountain Hills was named by Phoenix Magazine as the best place to live in the Valley of the Sun and was cited as “a welcome oasis on the outskirts of a metropolis.” The magazine measured the quality of life in 22 Valley communities, including the statistical analysis of each community’s population, income, home price, crime rate, miles to Sky Harbor Airport, and square feet of retail.

The low density, cooler and cleaner air quality, 75 mile views, amenities and welcoming community spirit make Fountain Hills the best value and the best quality of life in all of Arizona.

Let Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate be your guide in Fountain Hills.  For more information about this world-class community, its beautiful vistas, vibrant Town Center, lovely neighborhoods and fantastic real estate values, go to www.SonoranLifestyle.com.   Check out the area relocation guide at www.150Ways.com  where you’ll  find links to 150 area recreation, sports, entertainment and cultural attractions.   In Fountain Hills, be sure to stop by the Sonoran Lifestyle visitor center on the Avenue of the Fountains, only ½ block from the World Famous Fountain, or call 480-816-5557.

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Posted in Arts, Culture, Schools & Clubs, Bobcats & Lizards & Quail-Oh My, Businesses We Love, Golf Courses & Area Resorts, Homes, Lots & Condos For Sale or Rent, Mountain Trails, Scenery & Life, Our Real Estate Market, Uncategorized

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Arizona Fairway Sunrises in SunRidge Canyon Golf Club of Fountain Hills

Posted on July 10, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Stunning 3 Bedroom Fairway Home at 15569 E. Cactus Drive, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 Now Available for $465,000

Enjoy Sunny Mornings on the Fairway at 15549 Cactus Drive, Fountain Hills in SunRidge Canyon

Enjoy your Arizona mornings in this beautiful luxury home on SunRidge Canyon Golf Course in Fountain Hills, built by Geoffrey H. Edmunds Homes.    An elegant home of 2524 sq. ft., with 2 bedrooms plus a den/office/3rd bedroom option, the floor plan of this casual Southwestern, built in 1999, is spacious and open with typical Edmunds volume, drama and oversized windows for lots of light.

A well-appointed kitchen features a granite island with seating, updated appliances, lots of warm cabinetry, a sunny breakfast nook and great room convenience.  There is enough room in the living areas to accommodate a large TV grouping around an entertainment center with its gas fireplace, formal dining and even a full-sized pool table or additional seating area.  There is also a beautifully decorated powder bath for additional convenience.

There are two full master suites for gracious entertaining of guests and family.  The main master suite offers a large walk-in closet with well-planned closeting;  a large walk-in shower plus and garden tub.  Decorating throughout the home is perfectly executed with warm Southwestern copper tones, beautiful stonework and accents, Saltillo tiled floors, custom lighting and high quality window coverings.

In the back yard, a pebble finish pool with water heater is gas heated and has therapy jets at the bench;  the landscape was updated with new irrigation system in 2011, and the pool equipment is nearly all new.  There is a security system and new soft water system as well.

SunRidge Canyon Golf Club is public, and its 6,823-yard, par-71, Keith Foster-designed golf course unfolds around the rugged ridges and lush canyons unique to the McDowell Mountains that divide Fountain Hills from Scottsdale, Arizona.  The 18,000-square-foot SunRidge Canyon Golf Club’s clubhouse is the ideal place to begin and end your adventures. The Spanish hacienda-style clubhouse provides an awe-inspiring setting for post-golf beverages as well as weddings, receptions, awards banquets or any other type of special event. There is also a full-service golf shop, men’s and women’s locker facilities, and a conference room.

There are 789 homes scattered among 850 acres in SunRidge Canyon, located along the meandering fairways and often elevated nicely above the course to facilitate panoramic views. Homes in the community were developed between 1996 and 2005, and range from extravagant custom homes to small luxury villas—a perfect selection for empty nesters, retirees or families looking for a friendly neighborhood environment. Prices in the community range from the high $200’s to over $1 million. There are two gated communities among the 15 individual neighborhoods. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve winds in and around the western portions of SunRidge Canyon, with the pristine McDowell Mountains providing a stunning backdrop for many of the homes.

Fountain Hills tops the list for the fantastic lifestyle it offers to empty nesters, retirees and families alike.  Located minutes from Scottsdale on the western slope of the McDowell Mountains, the community is surrounded by long-range mountain views, natural desert arroyos and a village atmosphere featuring the World Famous Fountain.  One of the most celebrated communities in Maricopa County, the “world-class community with the hometown charm” is highly acclaimed by many prestigious organizations, including:

  • “Arizona’s Most Affordable Suburb” by Business Week Magazine: February, 2009
  • “Fourth Most Affordable U.S. Suburb” by Business Week Magazine: February, 2009
  • “Top 100 Best Places to Retire” US News and World Report, 2008
  • “One of US Top Places to Retire” CNN/Money Magazine, 2005 and 2008
  • Named in the book “50 Fabulous Places to Raise a Family”: 2006 by Kathleen Shaputis
  • “#1 Place to Live in the Valley” by Phoenix Magazine: May, 2006
  • “Top 10 Best Places in US to Raise a Family” Parenting Magazine, 1997

The home at 15549 E. Cactus Drive, is now available for $465,000.  To see a virtual tour of the home go tohttp://www.tourfactory.com/872227.  To learn more about the home or about Fountain Hills “The World Class Community With Hometown Charm”, contact Dori Wittrig, President of Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate at 602-558-5901, or check out the company’s website at www.SonoranLifestyle.com.  There, you’ll find a Relocation Guide for Fountain Hills and Scottsdale, along with suggestions for 150 historical, cultural, sports, outdoor and dining venues to enjoy the area’s lifestyle, complete with live links or simply go to www.150Ways.com.

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