Amenities. The little things in life that make you more comfortable. In this case, they add to the benefit of a property, thereby increasing its value and the likelihood of a purchase in today’s competitive housing market. 

Amenities do a lot more than make life pleasant. They’ve almost become a necessity in a housing market where proximity to public transport, entertainment, recreational opportunities, and quality of life improvements can make or break a sale. 

While golf courses and a community pool were once prime examples of top marketable amenities, they no longer cut it. That’s especially true for buyers with young families looking for homes surrounded by recreational opportunities and active lifestyle interests. Modern communities have to consider innovative and sustainable amenities relevant to today’s market-savvy buyer and they are sparing no expense when it comes to providing options.

Neighborhoods.com has put together a list of Arizona communities offering the most creative, indulgent, and significant amenities for young families. 

Johnson Ranch - San Tan Valley

An outdoor pool & patio at the master-planned community Johnson Ranch in San Tan Valley, AZ. 

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Adjacent to Queen Creek is San Tan Valley’s Johnson Ranch. This master-planned community holds 6,071 homes with over 20,000 residents with many homes situated along their 18-hole golf course. Golf club members can enjoy year-round golf and enjoy the full-service eatery, The Terrace. Residents can stay cool in three community pools or relax next to the catch-and-release lake. If they’re in the mood for more action, they can use multiple ball courts, the sand volleyball court, or head to the frisbee golf course. Residents also have access to clubs and programs like Yoga in the Park. Options for shopping and dining are located within the community as well as the Walker Butte K-8 public school.

Encanto - Phoenix

Two young boys fishing in lake at Enchanted Island of Encanto Park near Phoenix, AZ

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Encanto means “charm” in Spanish and this community has it. Located in a Phoenix major center for employment, this area is thriving with new residents. In the heart of picturesque Encanto Park, named one of the country’s ‘Best City Parks,’, you’ll find Enchanted Island. This amusement park is filled with attractions geared toward children under ten, while older kids and adults will enjoy two golf courses, a sports complex, and lagoon for boat paddling. The historic neighborhood is full of old world history with homes dating back to the 1920s. A mixture of high-rise residential and commercial properties are situated along Central Avenue Corridor, but the community remains committed to the arts with An Art Walk linking the Heard Museum, Phoenix Arts Museum and Phoenix Theater, Central Library, and Cancer Survivors Park. 

Desert Ridge - Phoenix

A children's playground located in the master-planned community of Desert Ridge in Phoenix, AZ.

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Desert Ridge, located north of the Loop 101 in Phoenix, lies an upscale community with a variety of housing options. Ranging from new builds to established estates, double-stories to condominium homes, this community offers 5,700 acres of homes, parks, recreation, and commerce. Fireside at Desert Ridge, the community clubhouse, features two pools— one with a beach entrance, ball courts, playgrounds, and green space. The Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa offers a luxurious collection of pools and lazy river with athletic facilities available to members while the Marriott Canyon Villas offers fine dining and open spaces that weave throughout the community. The area is in the district that features top schools like Explorer Middle School and Desert Trails Elementary. Finally, Desert Ridge Marketplace, offers 1.2 million square feet of retail space with live outdoor music in the courtyard.

Power Ranch - Gilbert

The interior of the clubhouse at Power Ranch in Gilbert, AZ features multiple billiards tables and seating.

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Power Ranch is an award-winning master-planned community in Gilbert offering an abundance of amenities. The 11 neighborhoods, ranging in a variety of prices and architectural styles, connect via a 26-mile trail system that meets at the Community Park and Clubhouse. You’ll also find a catch-and-release fishing lake, 25-meter swimming pool, playground, and ball courts — including a ten-acre soccer complex. Two clubhouses provide meeting areas, event space, and kitchens. Students don’t have to go far for either Power Ranch Elementary or Centennial Elementary, as they are both on site. With all of the amenities at residents’ fingertips, Power Ranch has remained a top-selling community for over a decade.

Rancho Vistoso - Tucson

A lounge area around Rancho Vistoso's pool and patio.

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Rancho Vistoso offers over 8,500 residential homes just north of Tucson. Featuring small condos to multi-million dollar estates, this community provides a wide range of living possibilities. Within the community, there are ample places to shop and dine. You’ll also find the Innovation Park Campus on site. This 535-acre bioscience park is home to Ventana Medical Systems. Access to Catalina State Park, the second most visited State Park in Arizona, allows for outdoor activities like bicycling, hiking, and equestrian riding, while pocket parks with playgrounds and ramadas are sprinkled throughout the neighborhoods. Golfers can enjoy many nearby golf courses or utilize the Golf Club at Vistoso with a championship course.