Fountain Hills, a small, beautiful desert community, is located about 45 minutes away from Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport and to the east of Scottsdale. Surrounding by mountains, the community offers stunning mountain views, including the Superstition Mountains, the McDowell Mountains, and Four Peaks. Since this town is smaller than some of its neighbors while still offering plenty to do, it’s easy to see why Fountain Hills real estate has become popular, particularly among younger families that prefer the small town life in Arizona.
The town of Fountain Hills is a fairly young town, with its history only tracing back several decades. This charming town was not officially incorporated until 1989, which was about 20 years after the town’s aquatic namesake was developed. Positioned in the foothills, the town is home to one of the most dramatic aquatic landmarks in the world. Originally a developer that wanted to set the stage to show off the beauty of the area conceived the famous fountain in Fountain Hills. The fountain and its surrounding lake became a big attraction, and when it was first built, the 560 foot fountain happened to be the tallest in the world, and still today it’s the world’s fourth tallest fountain. Over 30 years after its creation, the fountain continues to be the centerpiece of the town and an important part of this stunning desert community.
Invest in Fountain Hills real estate and you’ll find yourself in a community that offers plenty of great options for fitness and outdoor activities. At the foothills of the mountains, there’s plenty of hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. There are plenty of options for hiking at the McDowell Mountain Preserve, and the McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission works together with the Sonoran Conservatory of Fountain Hills to offer regular guided hikes. The hikes are free, although there’s a small entry free to get into the McDowell Mountain Regional Park. The trails at the McDowell Mountain Regional Park also offer great horseback riding and biking trails to enjoy.
Plenty of sports programs are also offered within the Fountain Hills area. The city offers 65+ softball leagues for seniors that want to stay active. Adult softball leagues, golf lessons, and tennis lessons are available in the town. Youth sports are also available, with multiple youth sports lessons, organizations, and competitions available to the youth within Fountain Hills.
If you enjoy getting outdoors to golf, you’ll find multiple golf courses located in the Fountain Hills area. The area around Fountain Hills, The Verdes, and Fort McDowell is often called the Sonoran Desert Golf Trail, and multiple fine courses are found in the area, featuring scenic vistas and top golf course designs. Great golf clubs to try include the Eagle Mountain Golf Club, Desert Canyon Golf Club, Rio Verde Country Club, Vista Verde Golf Club, Tonto Verde Golf Club, and Sunridge Canyon Golf Club.
The combination of parks, a great library, plenty of activities, and low crime rates make Fountain Hills a popular spot for families. The crime rate in the town is significantly lower than the national average and crime continues to decrease in the area. Fountain Hills Public Schools offer an excellent education to the town’s students, and the public schools in the town are considered a part of the Fountain Hills Unified School District. This district has a single high school, Fountain Hills High School, one middle school, and two elementary schools.
The local Fountain Hills Branch Library offers more than 15,000 feet of books, CD's, DVDs, and more to students and families. Over 40 computers are also available within the library, and it features a resale bookstore, snack area, and more. The library offers multiple vents throughout the year, including the Fountain Hills Book Festival, known for book signings, author presentations, silent auctions, and writer’s workshops.
Multiple parks are located in the Fountain Hills area as well, making it easy for families to get outdoors with their children. The landmark fountain is located at Fountain Park, where kids are sure to enjoy seeing the 560-ft tall plume of water shoot up into the sky. Nearby Saguaro Lake is the perfect place for families to go for fishing, boating, and enjoying the water on a hot day. Four Peaks Park offers basketball course, baseball diamonds, grills, tennis course, picnic areas, and a playground for younger kids. The Rotary Centennial Splash Park offers a splash water area and picnic tables to enjoy, while the Golden Eagle Park provides a child’s playground, volleyball courts, basketball courts, and tennis courts for outdoor play.
Although Fountain Hills is a smaller town, there’s no lack of entertainment when you choose to purchase Fountain Hills real estate. From museums, to art galleries, to shopping, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained in the area. If you enjoy museums, the River of Time Museum in Fountain Hills offers a closer look at the history behind the town, and it only costs a few bucks to get into the museum. Every February, the town throws the Fountain Hills Great Fair, which brings in plenty of great food and live music, so it’s an event you’ll definitely want to attend. You can also enjoy attending the local Fountain Hills Community Theatre, a small theatre that offers shows for children and adults throughout the year.
Art lovers will enjoy the multiple art galleries available in Fountain Hills. The Fountain Hills Artists’ Gallery offers art from multiple artists in many mediums. The Emerson Art Gallery showcases art from 42 different artists, and regular events are held at the gallery. The Hang Ups Custom Frame Shop and Art Gallery is a great place to enjoy art and find a great piece to add to your home.
