Many Buyers who are new to the Phoenix metro home market hear the term “master planned community” and wonder exactly what that means and if it’s the right choice for them. Living in a master planned community for many is choosing a lifestyle due to the many amenities available in the community.
Let’s breakdown exactly what it means to be labeled a master planned community and take a look at some of the top ones throughout the Valley.
There’s no exact formula for what makes a community a master planned one, but the typical attributes are that the community offers its residents more amenities with easy access and that are not open to the public. A traditional community will likely have some parks, tot lots and greenbelt areas for use by residents. However a master planned community typically has larger and more parks throughout which will include basketball and tennis courts, sand volleyball areas and a community pool.
Most will also have a clubhouse which may have a fitness center and/or event planners to plan community events like Spring and Fall Festivals, Holiday events for the whole family (think snow machines & Santa Claus)…all creating a stronger sense of community and getting people out to meet their neighbors. Most master planned communities also have their own elementary schools right inside the community making it very convenient for parents.
Arizona boasts some of the best golfing in the country, and some of the world class golf courses are located within master planned communities. Such communities have elegant clubhouses and spa facilities and fine dining and catering available as well.
Master Planned Communities are usually very large and made up of various home sizes/styles ranging from zero lot town homes to large family homes with big yards. Having all these extra amenities figures into a little higher HOA dues. However, because most of the communities are large, with more homes splitting all the cost of maintaining the common areas, the dues are not that much higher than a traditional community.
For our snowbirds who only come here during the winter months, a master planned community can be a great option to get a single family home yet have access to a community pool, golf, and other amenities for much less money than a condo development’s monthly fees would be. This rings true for those who would like the amenities of a retirement community but are not yet of age to qualify to purchase in one.
For resale, home values and time on market in these communities tends to be better as well.
There are great master planned communities all over the Valley to suit your lifestyle. Some popular ones, by city, are:
NORTHEAST CORRIDOR:
Phoenix – Desert Ridge – http://desertridge.com/
Phoenix – Anthem http://www.onlineatanthem.com/business-directory?nid=32
Scottsdale – McDowell Mountain Ranch http://www.mmrtrailtalk.com/modules/wfchannel/
Scottsdale – Grayhawk http://www.grayhawkcommunity.org/link/linkshow.asp?link_id=368898
Scottsdale – DC Ranch http://www.dcranch.com/
Scottsdale – Troon http://www.trooncc.com/viewCustomPage.aspx?id=5
Scottsdale – Gainey Ranch http://www.gaineyranchca.com/
SOUTHEAST CORRIDOR:
Mesa – Las Sendas http://www.thetrailhead.org/
Mesa – Mountain Bridge http://www.mountainbridgecommunity.com/
Tempe – The Lakes http://thelakesoftempe.com/lca.html
Phoenix – Ahwatukee Foothills http://www.ahwatukeehoa.com/outside_home.asp
Chandler – Ocotillo Lakes http://www.oca-az.com/
Chandler – Fulton Ranch http://fultonranchhoa.com/fultonranch/outside_home.asp
Gilbert – Power Ranch http://www.powerranch.com/
Gilbert – Seville http://www.sevillehoa.org/link/linkshow.asp?link_id=183381
Gilbert – Val Vista Lakes http://www.valvistalakes.org/valvistalakes/outside_home.asp
Queen Creek – Johnson Ranch http://www.myjohnsonranch.org/outside_home.asp
Florence – Anthem at Merrill Ranch http://www.pulte.com/assets/images/Web/Arizona/-SpecialOffers/index.htm
NORTHWEST CORRIDOR:
Surprise – Marley Park http://www.marleypark.com/
Peoria – Vistancia http://www.vistancia.com/
Glendale – Arrowhead Lakes http://www.arrowheadlakeshoa.org/arrowheadlakeshoa/outside_home.asp
SOUTHWEST CORRIDOR:
Buckeye – Verrado http://www.verrado.net/
Goodyear – Estrella Mountain Ranch http://www.estrella.com/
As you can see, no matter what part of the Valley you want to be in, there is a community for you! There are several more master planned communities around, especially in Scottsdale, but the above list is some of the most popular.
We are ready to help you determine which Master Planned Community best suits you and that of your family! Set up an appointment TODAY: 1-888-844-0001.
