Fountain Hills: The Secret's Out

Scenic Four Peaks.  Photo from Flickr courtesy of midiman.

Arguably some of the best views in all of the Valley are offered in Fountain Hills.  If breathtaking views is part of the criteria for your second home or vacation home, Fountain Hills needs to be part of the search.  Often overlooked, and happily so if you talk to residents of Fountain Hills, it sits to the east of Scottsdale on the back side of the McDowell’s.  As you crest the hill on Shea Blvd, you’ll immediately see why locals want to keep it a secret.

Fountain Hills fountain photo from Flickr courtesy of Brent Schmidt.

The founding fathers of Fountain Hills clearly made a huge error in naming the town.  “Hills” don’t even come close to describing the picture postcard views that unveil themselves in every direction, around every curve.  We’re talking mountains here.  Peaks, complete with a dusting of snow at certain times of the year.  And, the fountain is really an enormous geyser that shoots straight into the heavens. 

This small, sleepy little town is quiet and quaint.  No big box stores or shopping malls to congest the scene.  Local shops and eateries provide refreshing charm. And from what I’ve heard, golf that is second to none.

For the home buyer, Fountain Hills offers it all – from condo’s and townhomes to lock ‘n leave patio homes.  Single family villas to sprawling estates behind gated entrances.  And, nearly all have taken advantage of the spectacular views and natural desert terrain.

A testament to the love affair locals have with Fountain Hills may be best illustrated by the number of homes for sale in town.  Inventories are at an all time low.  In going through the MLS today, there are a total of 356 listings – that’s it.  And, when you cull out the condo’s from the total number of listings on the market today, you have 219 single family homes to select from.  That’s it. Period.

And, last month, while most other cities in the valley were closing 50, 60 or even 70% of total sales in the REO/distressed segments, Fountain Hills sales was exactly the opposite.  70% were “normal” transactions.  Wow.

See for yourself - see all active single family homes currently available for sale in Fountain Hills here.

Panoramic views of Fountain Hills from Flickr coutesy of mlabowicz.

With inventories like that, it’s a seller’s market in Fountain Hills.  Those views are indeed worth the few extra minutes drive east on Shea.  If you’re tired of stucco walls and homes on top of one another, consider Fountain Hills. But hurry.  When a home hits the market, it’s likely not to last long!