Beautiful Carefree, AZ is nestled beautifully into the foothills of the mountains, and while it feels like you’re far from the big city, Phoenix is just a short drive away. The cooler, clean air is often what attracts homebuyers to Carefree real estate, along with the stunning desert and mountain scenery that surrounds the town. From families looking for great schools to singles that want to get outdoors and stay fit, the town of Carefree has something to offer nearly everyone.
Homebuyers that enjoy the great outdoors and having the chance to stay fit and active will appreciate all the fitness options available to individuals who purchase Carefree real estate. Many great hiking trails are available nearby for locals to enjoy, including the popular Go John Trail, a trail that is 4.8 miles long and great for bikers, horseback riders, and hikers. Hiking in this park is particularly beautiful during the spring when all the wildflowers are blooming.
World class golf courses are available as well, which makes Carefree a great choice for those who enjoy spending the day outdoors on the golf course. Not only are the golf courses excellent, they offer some amazing views of the mountains and desert. Great public courses to check out in the area include Rancho Manana Golf Club, Legend Trails Golf Club, and Dove Valley Ranch. Private options include The Boulders, Tatum Ranch Golf Club, and the Desert Forest Golf Club.
Locals enjoy getting out in the water, enjoying great water activities like fishing, water skiing, canoeing, and more. Bartlett Lake offers great outdoor activities, including the ability to enjoy camping outdoors. Lake Pleasant offers stunning views and great activities, such as swimming, hiking, boating, and camping. Horseshoe Lake is great for fishing or just enjoying some time outdoors enjoying the great views.
Back in the 1950's, two men, Tom Darlington and KT Palmer, had the vision of the town of Carefree. They created a town that quickly captured the interest of people in the state and across the country. The town featured gorgeous scenery, focused on preserving the local desert, and included whimsical street names that drew smiles from locals and visitors alike.
Before the city was incorporated, it saw huge growth between 1959 and 1984. In 1984, the town finally incorporated, and by the 1990's, over 2500 people lived in beautiful Carefree. Today the small town includes nearly 4,000 residents, and the town continues to celebrate the years of history that make it unique. Great trails are also available on the 2,154-acre Spur Cross Rach Conservation Area, located just a short distance from Cave Creek.
Excellent schools and a low crime rate make Carefree real estate an excellent choice for families that have children at home. Local elementary schools include Desert Willow Elementary School, Black Mountain Elementary School, and Horseshoe Trails Elementary School. The middle schools in the area, Sonoran Trails Middle School and Desert Arroyo Middle School, are excelling schools, while the Cactus Shadows High School is a highly performing school. Several excellent private school options can also be found in the Carefree and Cave Creek area for families that prefer to give their children a private education.
Families will also appreciate the low crime rate in Carefree. Violent crime is very low, as is property crime. Overall the total crime estimate is less than a third of the national average and is significantly lower than the Arizona crime rate as well. Homebuyers looking for safe neighborhoods will love the safety afforded by this town.
If you’re looking for plenty to see and do, buying Carefree real estate gives you the chance to settle in a town that offers great food, an excellent arts scene, and plenty of shopping opportunities. Multiple restaurant options are available in Carefree, offering a variety of prices and cuisines from which you can choose. With the wonderful weather, many of the local restaurants offer outdoor patios so you can enjoy the outdoors. For great Italian gourmet food, Alberto’s is a town favorite. The English Rose Tea Room offers delightful scones, wonderful teas, and healthy salads. For steak and seafood, head to the Lariat Grill, or enjoy great Southwest Mexican food at the Spotted Donkey – el Pedregal.
The Carefree art community is alive and well, and the Art|Object Gallery is one of the hot spots in the town. With 1,200 square feet of space, this gallery features the art of Jeff Zischke, well-known multimedia artist, as well as many pieces created by local artists. Pieces include cast bronze sculptures, furniture and lighting, carved marble sculptures, and 3-D printed options. A new addition to the town center of Carefree is the Easy Street Galleria, which is home to more than 25 artists that showcase in multiple mediums, including exotic wood creations and oil paintings. To enjoy contemporary art, visit the Ted Phillip Denton studio, which includes many contemporary art forms, including metal sculptures, large scale paintings, and delicate clay works.
Whether you’re craving great wine, looking for fine jewelry, or you’re interested in finding something unique for your new home, Carefree is home to many interesting shops. Jewelry shopping options include Yahn’s Fine Jewelry, J. Patrick Jewelers, and Thomas Custom Jewelers. Head to Sue Bikerdyke Interiors for great items for the home, and Desert Treasures always offers unique, one-of-a-kind finds to enjoy. Cigar aficionados will enjoy a trip to the Maduro Cigar Boutique, while wine lovers will appreciate a stop at the AZ Wine Company.
