The sprawling, pristine beauty of the Arizona desert has long been a lure for people seeking a more environmentally conscious lifestyle -- and warmer winters. With its imposing mountains and lush valleys, teeming native animal and plant life, and natural, unspoiled beauty, the southern Arizona region is incredibly popular and a sought-after destination for winter residents as well as permanent dwellers. Paradise Valley, just a short 20-minute drive from the bustling metropolis of Greater Phoenix, is considered to be a premier location for people who want to raise their families in a safe, community-based environment while still enjoying the opportunity of advancing their educations and careers. Quiet and serene are the words that come to mind when you're here.
At 1350 feet above sea level, this quiet Scottsdale enclave basks in almost constant sunshine year- round -- monsoon season being the only exception. The 15.5 square mile hamlet is tucked in the cradle of three mountain ranges and peaks -- notably the iconic Camelback -- and is home to approximately 13,000 permanent residents. In its 50-year history, Paradise Valley has evolved and grown with the times and technology, but never lost the underlying spirit and personality upon which it was built -- privacy, small government, volunteerism, and relationships between neighbors.
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
Arizona is a popular destination for vacationers; the tourism and hospitality industries are among the largest sources of revenue across the state. Paradise Valley is home to some of the best hiking and bicycling trails, as well as top resorts and golf courses in the world. The words "golf" and "Arizona" are practically synonymous; it's nearly impossible to go anywhere without coming across a lush green or two, and the Valley is no exception. Players from all across the globe come here to compete in tournaments or simply to take advantage of the lushly-designed and appointed courses, including Camelback Golf Club and Mountain Shadows, both of which boast challenging and beautifully-landscaped greens. Some of the best resorts in the world can also be found here, including Camelback Inn, the Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort, and the Montelucia Resort and Spa.
Hikers also find this area particularly alluring for the many incredible peaks, trails, hills and mountains which surround the area and offer everything from social interaction to complete solitude, depending on the individual hiker's desires. Camelback's famous and extremely distinctive silhouette is a can't-miss opportunity with its nearly 2700 foot summit and diverse trails leading to the top. The popular and extremely busy Piestewa Peak gives you the chance to meet and climb with like-minded enthusiasts. It's a short hike up -- only 1100 feet, but it's not an easy one, and puts hikers through their paces and offers some truly breathtaking vistas. Towards the north side of town is the instantly recognizable Tom's Thumb -- a unique spire visible from across the area, tucked into the gorgeous McDowell Mountain Preserve. Nearby is Ogre's Den -- a naturally formed, shallow cave which is a spelunker's delight.
Paradise Valley is a college town as well, with satellite campuses of Arizona State University at both Skysong and Tempe -- a highly respected educational institution with a challenging curriculum and world-famous sports program -- as well as Scotttsdale Community College, Anthem College, and the famous Le Cordon Bleu cooking school. Since the region is also home to many five-star and gourmet restaurants, it is an ideal place for aspiring chefs and foodies alike to converge and partake of the latest in culinary delights. The diverse array of lectures, concerts, learning courses and sporting events connected to these schools create a vibrant and electric culture which is as open as the landscape. In addition to the lively college community, there are many museums and theatres within easy access of the community.
Senator Barry Goldwater, who served a record three decades in Congress before retiring here in his hometown, is a proudly claimed native son. After he left Congress, he took up residence in his beloved hilltop home, Be-Nun-I-Kin, and continued to be an active, curious, and enthusiastic member of the community as well as a proud proponent of his home state. Goldwater was a skilled pilot, respected photographer, and was keenly interested in the preservation and conservation. Famous for his direct and no-nonsense approach, he remained a man of diverse interests and pursuits. To this day, he is regarded with affection and admiration. In 2004, the City commissioned and erected a bronze statue in his honor, where it stands in pride of place in downtown Paradise Valley.
With its proximity to downtown Phoenix -- a short 20-30 minute commute away -- Paradise Valley is also attractive to professionals in several businesses and industries who want a small-town lifestyle with upward career mobility. Banner University Medical Center, Phoenix Children's Hospital, and St. Joseph's Hospital offer employment in the health care and medical professions, while Honeywell, Raytheon, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman have a large presence in the aerospace and defense industries locally. Amazon, Paypal, American Express, Cox Communications, and GoDaddy have offices here, as do large retail corporations such as WalMart, Target, PetSmart, and Lowe's. In addition, there are several casinos and resorts which offer employment.
With an unemployment rate that is one of the lowest in the country, Paradise Valley's vibrant community, active lifestyle, plentiful recreation and diverse education and career opportunities are understandably huge reasons why so many flock to live and work here. Cradled in the lap of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and McDowell ranges, it is a private but friendly environment with comfortable housing, community collaboration, and easy access to larger metropolitan Phoenix.
