Living in Ahwatukee Foothills Village AZ
Ahwatukee, also known as Ahwatukee Foothills Village is a bedroom community located just south of Downtown Phoenix. The charm of the desert preserve of South Mountain combined with the convenient suburban living has made Ahwatukee one of Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live.” Ahwatukee’s excellent education system adds to its popularity as one of Phoenix’s top places to live.
Living in Ahwatukee provides close proximity to Downtown Phoenix and Tempe, easy access to highways, shopping, dining, and beautiful mountain views. Because of this, Ahwatukee has become a popular neighborhood to live around Phoenix. It has a suburban feel but is often described as a small community with friendly neighbors and safe to raise a family. The ample amount of parks and trails make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and dog lovers.
This 35.8 square mile village currently has a population of approximately 80,000 people and includes master-planned communities such as Ahwatukee Estates, Club West, Lakewood, Mountain Park Ranch, Mountain Side, and Shadow Ridge. These communities offer desert landscaping, golf courses, and lakes, and the South Mountain preserve provides numerous washes and trails for walking, jogging, biking, and hiking
What’s Nearby To Ahwatukee
Shopping consists mainly of large strip malls with a nice mix of local bars and dining options. In addition, you can also find a local farmers’ market as well as a popular community center and garden. Some of the local events include Ahwatukee Eats Food Truck Rally, Halloween haunted hayrides, car shows, seasonal carnivals, and the Festival of Lights to name a few.
Its proximity to Downtown Phoenix and Tempe also provides additional dining, shopping, and Professional and College sporting events.
Residents of Ahwatukee have close proximity to several hospitals and medical centers. Arizona General Hospital, Ray Road Medical Center, and a Banner Health Clinic are all located in the community.
Parks and Recreation Near Ahwatukee
Outdoor enthusiasts will love how close the South Mountains are to Ahwatukee. At over 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park and Preserve is one of the largest municipal parks in the country. The park offers 51 miles of trails for horseback riding, hiking, jogging, and mountain biking for all skill levels.
For those less adventurous, you can drive the 5.5-mile Summit Rd to experience the views from the top of the mountain.
If you are looking for more of a casual stroll, the neighborhood is made up of miles of walking trails within the community and plenty of parks for relaxation and enjoyment.
Where Is Ahwatukee Located?
Ahwatukee forms the southernmost portion of Phoenix and is bordered on the north by South Mountain Park and Baseline Rd., on the east by Interstate 10 and the cities of Chandler and Tempe, and on the south and west by the Gila River Indian Community. Easy access to I-10 and the 202-Santan Freeway provide for short commute times to South Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, and Gilbert.
How Are The Schools Near Ahwatukee?
Ahwatukee is served by two highly regarded school districts – Kyrene Elementary and Middle District and Tempe Union High School District.
Is Ahwatukee Safe To Live?
Crime is very low in Ahwatukee.
Person Crimes – Very Low
Property Crimes – Very Low
Ahwatukee Real Estate Trends
Housing in Ahwatukee is a nice mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments. The single-family homes are the typical tan adobe stucco homes that you will find throughout the valley and the lot sizes are typically ¼ acre or smaller. Throughout the developments you will find ample parks, walking paths, and neighborhood pools. Demographics for this area trend more to Caucasian with a mix of Hispanic and Native Americans.
History of Ahwatukee
Development of Ahwatukee began in 1970, when Presley Development Company, led by Randall Presley, bought 2,080 acres of land. The land included Ahwatukee Ranch, then owned by a land syndicate led by an Arizona State University English professor, as well as land owned by a local moving and storage firm. Originally planned for the area to be a retirement community, Presley later devised a mix of light commercial, family, and retirement living zoning for the area.
Maricopa County approved plans for Ahwatukee in November 1971, and 17 model homes were opened shortly afterward in 1973 in an area near 50th Street and Elliot Road. Ahwatukee was annexed by the City of Phoenix in 1987 and is considered one of the city’s 15 urban villages.