Paradise Valley, Arizona
Paradise Valley possesses the twin distinctions of
shunning commercial development and having the highest home values and median income in
Metro-Phoenix. With mountain views in every direction, this affluent town is nestled
between Phoenix and Scottsdale. Camelback Mountain looms to the south, offering Paradise
Valley residents the best view of the Praying Monk formation-the opposite side of the
camel-which is what's visible to most Metro-Phoenix residents. Mummy Mountain is Paradise
Valley's other distinctive landmark characterized by an almost invisible scar where
someone once tried to build a road before the mountain tops were preserved from
development.
Paradise Valley incorporated in 1961 to keep from being annexed and aggressively
developed. Today it is home to celebrities, CEO's and professionals who enjoy the
seclusion of acre-sized lots, natural desert vegetation and a lack of commerce. With
Lincoln Drive and Tatum Boulevard as the major thoroughfares between Phoenix and
Scottsdale, Paradise Valley residents have an easy commute in either direction. But do
beware: While the Paradise Valley Police Department is relatively small-as is its entire
city government-it was the first municipality to employ photo radar to catch speeders.
The few nonresidential establishments in Paradise Valley are country clubs, private
schools and resorts-including the Camelback Inn and Hermosa Inn. For those Paradise Valley
residents who do send their children to public schools, they are served by districts in
Phoenix and Scottsdale.
If you're looking for a million-dollar home, this is a good place to start your search.
After all, $370,000 is the median price in Paradise Valley.