North Phoenix Arizona

Driving on Interstate 17 down the hill from Flagstaff, first-time travelers to Phoenix enter the North Valley through a gateway of beautiful saguaro cactus. North Phoenix encompasses more than 242 square miles. The area has become diversified in recent years, and as new business moves into the area, the employment base is increasing, which is driving the housing market.

Named for Indian petroglyphs of deer found in the area, Deer Valley Village is dynamic in its growth and potential. A balance of single-family detached homes and business/retail development is attracting many residents to this area. The Deer Valley Unified School District is one of the state's largest and most progressive. The district employs approximately 2,500 people and enrollment is more than 25,000 students.

The city of Phoenix has taken an ecological approach to the development of Desert View Village. This area is distinguished by its lush Sonoran Desert, including the major features of Cave Creek Wash, Union Hills and an unnamed mountain range. While Desert View Village is home to more than 25,000 residents, it maintains an extensive system of trails, both in washes and along roadways, to provide a village-wide recreational circulation system.

The North Gateway Village is more about the future than the present. This northern Phoenix village, which was established in 1997, is more about managing the development of an area that will one day be home to as many as 150,000 residents and fostering managed growth along Interstate 17 by balancing employment, housing and desert conservation.

While its namesake would suggest an unearthly environment, Moon Valley is as down to earth as they come. This comfortable, upscale neighborhood in North Phoenix is home to more than 10,000 residents. Moon Valley is a quiet community best known for its golf. The neighborhood was built around Moon Valley Country Club, site of the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour PING Banner Health tournament.

Variety would be the best way to describe North Mountain Village. The village is surrounded by a wide variety of neighborhoods, including the affluent Moon Valley and the more middle-class Sunnyslope neighborhoods. Major features of the North Mountain Village include the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, Cave Creek Recreational Area and Arizona State University West campus.

Don't confuse Paradise Valley Village with the town of Paradise Valley. While it borders the city, the area couldn't be more different. The main core of Paradise Valley Village includes Paradise Valley Mall and surrounding businesses. This area provides a successful blend of shopping, housing and employment. The surrounding Phoenix Mountains Preserve system provides area residents with biking, equestrian and hiking trails.

Sunnyslope is one of the Valley's oldest neighborhoods. This North Phoenix community boasts many third-generation families. Sunnyslope once drew a great number of people from out-of-state, who came to the Valley to benefit from its dry climate. It was once was home to a sanatorium that specialized in tuberculosis and other lung ailments. The sanatorium is no longer there, but Sunnyslope continues to be a cozy, mature neighborhood. Mountain view lots in Sunnyslope remain the most affordable around.

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