Ahwatukee, 'the land in the next valley'is an affluent community nestled against South Mountain in the beautiful Sonoran Desert. Ahwatukee was first developed by George Presley, the uncle of Elvis Presley in 1972 and been home to famous folks from the beginning. Professional athletes, musicians, authors and politicians all call Ahwatukee home, yet it is anything but pretentious.
It is the southernmost urban village of Metro Phoenix and it is the one with the strongest sense of independence. Ask an Ahwatukee resident, and although they have a Phoenix address, they will tell you they live in Ahwatukee, not Phoenix. While its affluence is evident in the homes of Ahwatukee, the stores and restaurants, its residents' demeanor is friendly and inviting. Ahwatukee has great restaurants and dining out is a staple for those who call it home. It has been remarked by media personalities that a night out for dinner in Ahwatukee would make anyone believe that the economic news of this decade has yet to make its impact known in Ahwatukee, as service is still top notch, prices are fair, and the restaurants are brimming with patrons enjoying a nice evening out.
It is a community that has capitalized on its scenic landscape. Neighborhood streets wind up and down and gracefully wrap around the natural slopes of the foothills of South Mountain. Yards are beautifully kept examples of some the desert's finest specimens, all artfully blended in with their surrounding environment. The use of low sodium street lights adds to the community's ambience in the evening, which is certainly not lost on its residents who the passerby will find out for an evening stroll no matter what time of year they pass through. Ahwatukee is aptly referred to as the world's largest cul-de-sac; it is surrounded completely by South Mountain, the Gila Indian Reservation and the I-10 interstate, making it landlocked, yet accessible to every place and everything residents could desire.
Home prices in Ahwatukee have been more insulated from the economic downturn than that of many other valley cities due in large measure to the fact that once it is home, those living there are not in a hurry to move away. Many families moved in because it is served by the Kyrene school district which has one of the best reputations in the state. And due to its proximity to the Arizona State University, many young adults who go on to attend the University remain at home until graduation, providing those families something many other valley cities cannot boast of, which is a place where families start young and the parents stay until their golden years.
As a result, Ahwatukee also has a considerable retired population that calls it home. Just visit a local coffee house about mid morning on a weekday and you will find a group of retirees enjoying a pot of coffee, pastries and good conversation. Conversely take a trip to the LA Boxing gym and you will find well known sports celebrities working out and mingling. Ahwatukee is home to professional football players active and retired, such as Larry Fitzgerald and Rich Camarillo. Some like Rich Camarillo even give back serving on the local school coaching staffs.
Ahwatukee is a place where families, retirees, and famous folks can live, work and play in harmony, creating a community where anyone can come and feel welcome. If you think it may be for you, it is easy to find just look for the giant white Ahwatukee sign on the side of the mountain and you are there!
The average sales price for a single family home or condo in February 2010 was $81,950. This information is gleaned from MLS data, and while deemed reliable, is not guaranteed.
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