How the Town of Paradise Valley is Run

Nestled in the center of the Phoenix metropolitan area is the exclusive real estate of Paradise Valley Arizona. With its beautiful real estate and luxury homes, the town is rather small in terms of square miles (about 15.5 square miles) and population (about 15,000), but the home-buying market is definitely high end—with the median home prices currently at $1.74 million, though many exceeding $5 million and some over $20 million. Gorgeous mansions, sprawling estates and magnificent topography have made it one of the premiere places in Arizona in which to live.

According to the Town of Paradise Valley’s website, the town’s mission is to provide “high quality public services to a community which values limited government.” In order to do so efficiently and effectively, Paradise Valley’s local government is comprised of seven Town Council members elected by residents, with each council member serving a four-year staggered term. The Town Council then elects a Mayor and a Vice-Mayor from among its members. The Town Council is responsible for creating public policy and setting goals to meet the needs of the community.

When it comes to county government, Paradise Valley is located in Maricopa County, which is governed by a Board of Supervisors. The Board is divided into five districts; Paradise Valley lies in District 2 along with Fountain Hills, Carefree, Cave Creek, Gilbert, Mesa and Scottsdale.

From a state-wide perspective, Paradise Valley is governed by Arizona’s state officers, including the Governor, Attorney General and two United States Senators. Paradise Valley is located in Congressional District 3 for the United States House of Representatives.

The Town of Paradise Valley’s website offers a wide variety of services including meeting dates, agendas, information on various departments, how to find your representative, election information and more. Some of the various citizen-based committees in the city include an Arts Advisory Committee, a Historical Advisory Committee and a Water Utility Committee.

Luxurious Resort At Home in Paradise Valley

The town of Paradise Valley, Arizona houses several resorts that offer guests classic elegance in peaceful settings with amenities and charm galore.

For example, the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa is well-known throughout the state as one of the Valley’s premier resorts. In fact, President Obama stayed at the Montelucia during a recent visit to Phoenix. Snuggled at the foot of Camelback Mountain, the facility is awash with the ambience of a quaint European town square thanks to its crystal clear fountains and flower-draped walkways. If you’re feeling stressed, book a treatment at the Moroccan-influenced Joya Spa or go for a relaxing swim in one of the resort’s smooth-as-glass swimming pools. When you’re ready for dinner, the resort has six on-site restaurants including the delectable Italian eatery Prado and the poolside bistro, ROQ. If children or grandchildren are along for your stay, be sure to check out the Planet Trekkers Kids Club.

Tucked high up on a mountainside overlooking a sea of shimmering city lights, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain boasts 105 luxurious casitas with incredible views of the surrounding area. Sanctuary Spa has a soothing meditation garden and fitness center as well as Asian-inspired treatments. The on-site restaurant, elements, is famous locally for its fresh cuisine, while jade bar features an impressive wine list. Close to distinctive Scottsdale shopping and championship golf courses, guests of the resort may also enjoy spending time in the infinity pool, playing tennis, or perhaps hiking trails nestled along Camelback Mountain. Some of the casitas even come with private outdoor soaking tubs, kitchen alcoves and/or alfresco balconies from which to admire the panoramic views.

Backed by the scenic terrain of majestic Mummy Mountain, the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa is located on a spectacular 125-acre parcel of prime Paradise Valley real estate. The resort, which originally opened in 1936 as a seasonal getaway with rates ranging from $10 to $25 a night, was used by the late U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater as his headquarters during the 1964 presidential campaign. In 1967, the Camelback Inn was sold to the Marriott Corporation, and it has since been renovated to become a AAA Five-Diamond resort. Start your day with 36 holes of fabulous golf and then spend the afternoon at the Spa at Camelback Inn, followed by a memorable meal at one of the resort’s six delightful restaurants.

Interesting Paradise Valley and Real Estate Information

Nestled in the center of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Paradise Valley, Arizona is located about three miles from Scottsdale and about eight miles from Tempe. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 15.5 square miles.

The Paradise Valley real estate market is definitely high end—median home prices are currently $1.74 million, with many exceeding $5 million and some over $20 million. Although Paradise Valley is relatively small in terms of its land and population, its dozen or so exclusive resorts and its wealth of gorgeous mansions, sprawling estates and magnificent topography have made it one of the state’s premiere tourist destinations. Speaking of terrain, Paradise Valley is surrounded by some of the best-known and most scenic natural formations in the metropolitan Phoenix area. Mummy Mountain is close by, as is Camelback Mountain to the south and Piestewa Peak to the west.

The population of Paradise Valley is estimated to be about 15,000 and the 2000 Census report found 5,549 households, representing about a 17 percent growth rate from 1990. The home-ownership rate is about 97 percent.

Overall, the average household size in Paradise Valley was 2.71 people and the average family size was 2.98; 76.1 percent were married couples living together. One-third had children under the age of 18 living with them and just over four percent were headed by a female with no husband present. Almost seven percent had someone living alone who was over the age of 65.

Just under 25 percent of Paradise Valley residents are under the age of 18; four percent are from ages 18 to 24; almost 19 percent are from ages 25 to 44; and almost 36 percent are from ages 45 to 64. The median age was found to be 46, with just over 16 percent aged 65 years or older. Meanwhile, the male-female ratio is pretty evenly split, with 98.7 men for every 100 women.

The racial makeup of Paradise Valley is about 95 percent White; 0.73 percent African-American; 0.20 percent Native-American; two percent Asian; 0.04 percent Pacific Islander; and 2.66 Hispanic or Latino. Crime statistics in Paradise Valley tend to be much lower than the Arizona average and violent crimes are also much less than the state average.

Love to Golf? Paradise Valley Houses Great Courses

If you love to golf, you will definitely love Paradise Valley, Arizona. The exclusive real estate of Paradise Valley is tucked against beautiful Camelback Mountain near Scottsdale and Phoenix, has some of the most scenic golf courses in the entire state of Arizona.

Let’s start with Mountain Shadows Golf Club. Located in the foothills of Camelback Mountain, Mountain Shadows just might be one of the most gorgeous courses in the state. This 3,081-yard, par-56 executive course, which gives the illusion of playing right into the mountain, is landscaped with lush oleanders and tall palm trees that help visually guide you through your play. PS: If your tee-time is late in the day, you could be lucky enough to witness an awe-inspiring sunset as you finish out your round on the 18th hole.

If we cruise on over to Tatum Boulevard, we’ll find the Paradise Valley Country Club, home to the Paradise Valley Golf Course, an 18-hole par-72 course featuring over 6,800 yards of amazing golf. Opened for play in 1954, the course was designed by noted golf course architect Lawrence Marion Hughes.

Meanwhile, the JW Marriott Camelback Inn has 36 holes of championship golf that are sure to please golf aficionados. The Padre Course has water holes, challenging bunkers and mature trees, all spread across its 6,903 yards, and here’s an interesting factoid: Its 18th hole was once voted the “Best Water Hole” by Arizona Golf Magazine. The Indian Bend Course is a more traditional American-links course with sensational mountain backgrounds as well as eucalyptus- and palm tree-lined fairways. Formidable, but also very laidback, this par-72 course offers golfers of all skill levels a great day on the links.

What else? How ‘bout Stonecreek Golf Club on East Paradise Village Parkway…this links-style 18-hole course boasts five separate holes with water hazards. In 1989, the course was redesigned by Arthur Hills to maximize its speedy greens and hilly fairways. Each year, the club hosts the LPGA Mitsubishi Pro Am along with a number of local tournaments.

Paradise Valley Boasts Wonderful Restaurants

Whether you’re a visitor or you own real estate in Paradise Valley AZ is definitely a fabulous place for gourmets, gourmands and foodies on the prowl for palette-pleasing cuisine.

Let’s start with LON’s at the Hermosa Inn, which has been named by numerous reviewers as well as national publications as one of the most desirable places to eat in the entire Phoenix metropolitan area. In fact, USA Today, Zagat and the Wine Spectator have all sung the praises of LON’s at one time or another. Flattered by rich hardwood and adobe touches, the dining room itself is a place of beauty, but if you’d rather, you can savor your meal on the patio by one of the romantic fireplaces scattered throughout the bar and dining areas. Interesting factoid: Many of the herbs, vegetables, grains and fruits used in cooking at LON’s are grown right on the Inn’s grounds, and much of the other produce used is locally grown.

If you’re yearning for Spanish-style dishes, then you should head over to the Prado restaurant at the InterContinental Montelucia Resort where the wood-fired grilled entrees are inspired by traditional Andalusian cuisine. Along with a well-stocked wine cellar, Prado boasts patio and private dining areas with to-die-for views of Camelback Mountain and the lush resort grounds.

Meanwhile, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa recently renovated its elements restaurant with a state-of-the art kitchen ready to serve up an expanded menu featuring farm-fresh American cooking with an Asian flair. Along with LON’s, elements prides itself on using only the finest local produce available. A favorite meal for many begins with a braised bacon and poached egg salad served on organic greens and topped with soy sesame vinaigrette, followed by a main course of prime flat-iron steak, roasted oyster mushrooms, baby potatoes and spring onions.

On a more casual note, Rita’s Kitchen inside the JW Marriott Camelback Inn is a charming eatery with home-style regional fare. Flaunting terracotta floors, wood-beamed ceilings and copper and stone accents, Rita’s enjoys a warm and welcoming Southwestern feel. The menu includes selections from north and south of the border, and as with the restaurants mentioned above, Rita’s is also well-known for its seasonal selection of delightfully delicious fresh ingredients.

Fast Facts about Paradise Valley

Magnificent scenery and topography, majestic urban mountains, breathtaking mansions and sumptuous estates have made the aptly-named town of Paradise Valley one of the premiere places in the entire Southwest in which to purchase a home or real estate.

Details: An exclusive enclave of luxury homes and prime real estate Paradise Valley intimately nestled in the center of the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. Although the town is relatively small in terms of land and population, the home-buying market is definitely high end—median home prices are currently $1.74 million, with many exceeding $5 million and some over $20 million.

According to the town’s website, Paradise Valley is primarily zoned for single-family residential use, allowing just one home per lot. No multiple housing units are permitted, and since most of Paradise Valley is zoned R-43, the size of each lot must be at least one acre. There are some smaller residential lots that are also zoned R-43, but they were less than one acre when they came into the town and are considered “grandfathered”. Complete zoning ordinance information, including information on building and structure heights, setbacks, etc., is listed on the town’s website.

Here are a number of interesting and useful “Fast Facts” about Paradise Valley.*

* Incorporation date: May 24, 1961
* Population: 14,215
* Area: 16.5 square miles
* Borders: Shea Boulevard to the north; Scottsdale Road to the east; 32nd Street to the west; Chaparral Road to the south
* Town mailing address: 6401 East Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253
* Paradise Valley Town Website
* Information: 480-948-7411 (Town Hall) or 480-948-7418 (Police)
* Police, Fire or Medical Emergency: 911
* Type of government: Council/Manager
* U.S. Congressional District Number 3
* State Legislative District Number 11
* Maricopa County Supervisorial Districts Numbers 2 and 3

*Source:(http://www.ci.paradise-valley.az.us)

A Railroad Park to Fill a Train Lovers Heart

When one stops to consider the settling of the west, he or she cannot help but think of the railroads that were built by the tedious and hard labor of the working man. Paradise Valley, Arizona still pays homage to that hard work and the locomotives that brought the people that inhabited the area and essentially made it what it is today. For a taste of the train travel that these people experienced, you do not want to miss out on the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.

If you own real estate in Paradise Valley one of the things that draw residents to this park is undoubtedly the opportunity to hop aboard the train. However, the trains might not be exactly what you expect. The locomotives and engines that parade around the one miles track are built as a replicas of the trains of those old days, but it is built at just 5/12 scale. That means anything that was one foot long on the trains of old, is just five inches on the Paradise and Pacific Railroad at Railroad Park. Nevertheless, the ride will give you the thrill you seek and the best part is, your destination will not be the unsettled west. Instead you will arrive back where you started and can begin your journey through the other great aspects of this park.

The children will, of course, not be able to walk far before turning to you with looks of excitement. Near the center of the park sits a 1950’s carousel called the Scottsdale Charro Carousel. With thirty horses and two wheelchair chariots, this is definitely as aspect of the park that you and the little ones will not want to miss.

Finally, when your legs need a rest, but the kids are eager to keep going, make a stop at the playgrounds where you can take a seat and watch as the children play on the swings, slides, monkey bars, and other exciting features of the giant kid fun zone.

Real estate in the old west would have been valueless if the people were not able to get the food and supplies they need to survive. This was the reason for the small general stores of the time. Therefore, a visit to Railroad Park would not be complete without visiting Hartley’s General Store. For the best in souvenirs, snacks, and slushies, Hartley’s is the perfect place to wrap up a visit to the park. Or, if your sweet tooth simply cannot be tamed, perhaps you would rather stop by the old Southern Pacific Railroad Caboose, which is now renovated to serve the snacks you crave. Sweets, such as ice cream and yogurt, are served alongside hotdogs, hamburgers and drinks. The perfect ending to a perfect day.

Jeep Tours Are Great Way to Experience Paradise Valley

If you want the inside scoop on what makes Arizona- and specifically Paradise Valley- so wonderful, then the Arizona Desert Jeep Tours are for you. There are a few different companies that offer this service in and around the Scottsdale and Paradise Valley real estate, but regardless of which you choose, the experience will be unlike anything else you have ever encountered. Capture some unbelievable snap-shots, or simply enjoy the breeze through your hair as the open air jeeps cruise the desert paths, giving you the ride of a lifetime.

One company that provides a number of exciting options to tourists is Arizona Desert Mountain Jeep Tour. You have the luxury of choosing from a number of themed tours, which provide the benefits of taking in the landscapes and learning along the way.

The sunset dinner tour highlights the unbelievable night skies including the famous sunsets that make Paradise Valley such a desirable location. Cover the unclaimed real estate of the west before settling in at a real Country Western Steakhouse for a good meal, some good old fashion country music, and even an Old West stage show.

If that isn’t quite what you are looking for, then you might consider the Old Prospector Gold Panning Tour, which takes you through a living cactus forest to a natural running stream and teaches you the art of gold panning. This trip is guaranteed gold and you may even take some of it home with you.

It is not just jeep tours that this company specializes in, however. These men and women live in and understand the real west. The Paradise Valley residents are willing to show you the real ways of the west. Join them for a horseback ride through the desert, a photo shoot of some of the best landscapes this area has to offer, or even shack up for the night. Pitching a tent in the Paradise Valley desert is truly being one with nature. The guides will even take you out on a nocturnal tour to witness the marvelous wildlife that ventures out in the late hours.

Arizona Desert Mountain Jeep Tours wants to provide you a real western experience and they make sure to offer a myriad of ways to take it all in. You might even join them for a true Western cookout. Enjoy the tastes of the west grill side, and take a seat to taste, drink, and take in all that the desert has to offer. Whether jumping in a open-topped jeep or sitting at a picnic table, this is one way that the west can leave a lasting impact on you.

Kerr Cultural Center Offers Paradise Valley Sophistication

The west is not all about ranches and hiking trails, there is a very serious level of sophistication in and around the real estate of Paradise Valley Arizona. In order to foster the more creative side of this city, Arizona State University offers the Kerr Cultural Center. This is a center for art appreciation that also makes an effort to build a relationship between the school and surrounding communities. Through a number of dramatic, comedic, and musical performances the Kerr Cultural Center’s goal is to help others help their communities.

The Kerr Cultural Center brings true entertainment to the Paradise Valley area with live shows, bands, musicians, and more. The cost of attendance is kept low because of the college’s affiliation and as a result, Paradise Valley residents can have an evening to remember without having to pay a fortune. Whether you enjoy the soft sounds of a single acoustic guitar, or prefer sharing in the laughs of the crowd at a good comedy, the Kerr has something great to offer you.

For those who like to have all senses awakened by the performance arts, the Kerr Cultural Center also host Coffees at the Kerr, which is a series of informal shows put on by guests and invited artists. These shows take place approximately once a month and also aid the needy by requesting all guests bring a non-perishable item to be donated to the local food shelter.

Similarly, about once a month on pre-determined Tuesdays, the Kerr hosts the college’s staff and students in a series of informative, fun, and highly entertaining performances. The “Tuesday Tea” and is well worth the visit. The Tuesday Tea’s are a highlight of having such a unique and wonderful center owned by a great university- the next generation of performers can have their moments to shine.

None of this would be possible if it were not for the woman who made such a generous donation. Before passing away in 1977, violinist and composer Louise Lincoln Kerr donated two acres of her real estate along with the buildings in existence to Arizona State University’s Fine Arts Department. From that very generous gift the Kerr Cultural Center was born. Still today, the residents and tourists of Paradise Valley are able to appreciate this wonderful gift by Mrs. Kerr. She gave the area a reason to open their minds and enjoy the talents of one another.

Golfing in and Around the Paradise Valley Real Estate

There is something amazing about packing up your clubs and making the trek to a new golf course. The thrill of learning your way about the course and trying out your practiced skills on foreign fairways and greens is something that every golfer longs for from time to time. The luxury real estate of Paradise Valley, Arizona is not all about the landscape and the potential of horseback riding, there are a number of truly amazing golf courses that will capture the hearts of the golf aficionados.

Camelback Golf Course offers more than sixty-nine hundred yards of prime real estate, with large trees, bunkers, and subtle highs and lows of the land, but most importantly, the thirty-six holes provide for a good amount of challenge and the best grooming a person could ask for. This golf course is actually made up of two separate 18-hole courses- the Padre Course and the Indian Bend Course. Each offers a unique set of challenges that will keep any golfer intrigued.

If you would rather take in some seriously beautiful scenery while working on your swing, then head to the Mountain Shadows golf course just outside Paradise Valley. This course may not be as challenging as Camelback, but this par 56 Executive Course, will provide you some of the most stunning views of any golf course in the world. Palm trees, rose bushes, tall grass rough areas, and the mountains standing ever enormous in the background, this course is one of a kind.

Another course that can offer those ominous mountains in the distance is the McCormick Ranch Golf Club. This is a two-course combo, featuring the Palm Course and the Pine Course. The first is known for the many water hazards as well as an ample amount of matured palm trees, while the latter provides the challenge of a narrow playing area, surrounded by large pine tree barriers.

Regardless of what level you play at, Paradise Valley has a golf course for you. Even if you would rather sit in the cart while your friends play a round, you will not be disappointed. After all, Paradise Valley and Arizona is known for its beautiful landscapes. So, sit back and take in the scenery around you. The mountains, the ultra-green grass, and towering palm trees that stand in the company of pine trees will take your breath away. The golf lovers may not notice it, as they battle the challenging courses, but it will surely not disappoint those who do take a moment to take it in.

Paradise Valley Houses the Wonderful Camelback Inn

Not everyone wants to venture into the Wild West; some simply want a peaceful get-a-way that affords them a bit of luxury and relaxation. For those people, Paradise Valley has the perfect offering- the Camelback Inn Resort and Spa.

A spa. There are few things in life that have the same level of relaxation written into them as the spa does. Whenever someone utters the word “spa,” those nearby feel a longing sense of tranquility and the desire to accompany that person to the spa. At the Camelback Inn Spa, they will get just that. Picturesque backdrops and the rhythmic sound of a nearby fountain provide the perfect setting for the spa options. Massage, full body mud masks, facials and pedicures are just some of the services that are provided by the spa staff. The best part is that the relaxation never ends while at the Camelback Inn.

This is a resort that could very well be considered the most picture perfect real estate in Paradise Valley or perhaps Arizona. For those seeking the ultimate in leisure, there are cabanas available for reservation. These poolside havens provide the cooling effects of an overhead fan, private seating, a mini-fridge complete with beverages and fresh fruit and even dining and beverage service from the resort’s restaurant.

The restaurant at the Camelback Inn Resort and Spa is as fantastic as the rest of the features. Provided the name Sprouts, this eatery provides the best in healthy snacks, lunches and delicious beverages. Enjoy a fresh pomegranate salad with a glass of bubbling champagne or seared salmon and a cabernet sauvignon. There are countless pairings offered by this onsite restaurant that will have your mouth water with excitement. There are also four other options for dining that provide equally scrumptious selections for your time in the relaxing atmosphere of Camelback Inn Resort and Spa. These include the BLT Steakhouse, which features a number of delectable cuts of meat, seafood, and even a raw bar. Rita’s Kitchen offers the regional tastes that might suit your fancy given the Paradise Valley locale, and Patio Jack’s will offer the poolside drinks and fare that will ensure you maintain your energy levels for fun in the sun.

Finally, for those who wish to break a sweat while getting away from the world, Camelback Inn Resort and Spa also features not one, but two gorgeous golf courses. Each serves as a full 18-hole course and provides play suitable for champions. If you would rather just hit a ball or two, the practice facility offers a full driving range and chipping and putting greens. And, if your significant other would rather sit back and take in the views while you play a round, the club has an outdoor lounge and fireside seating.

The Pleasures of Paradise Valley

If you’re looking for multi-million dollar homes on acre-plus homesites, as well as amazing vistas and a community that has a sophisticated yet rural look and feel to it, you are looking for Paradise Valley, Arizona. This town of Paradise Valley is nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain and Mummy Mountain, and is almost perfectly situated between Scottsdale and Phoenix. Here you can find sprawling properties that are home to man-made masterpieces, as well as nature-created scenic views that simply have to be seen to be believed.

There is not a lot of Paradise Valley real estate, with only 16 miles worth of homes, making this a high-class real estate area. There are also a number of private schools and world-class hotels and resorts that call Paradise Valley home - names like the Camelback inn, the Phoenician, and the Sanctuary Resort and Spa are names that you’ll instantly come to associate with luxurious. These places, however, not only cater to the rich and famous, but they offer amazing venues that the locals and visitors can also enjoy, including tennis, hiking, and golf.

This luxurious area was not always an expensive place to live. In the 1880’s, the Rio Verde Canal Company used it as a place for cattle to graze as well as farmland. In 1889, Rio Verde sent three surveyors to work on the project, and they became so enthralled by the tranquility and beauty of the desert landscape that they deemed the name “Paradise Valley” to the area. It wasn’t until 1961, however, when it became what it is today. At that point the residents opted to keep real estate zoning to one house per acre minimum, and to keep the community largely residential, which allows Paradise Valley to have a charm-filled ambience, and what transformed it into a place that is synonymous with luxury and high class. With large open spaces, sensational views, amazing mountains and desert vistas, Paradise Valley will always be a little slice of paradise for not only people who live there, but also for those who visit.