5 Reasons to Live in Fountain Hills

Fountain Hills in Maricopa County is the eighth fastest-growing place among cities and towns in Arizona. With a population just under 24,000, per City Data, the town has also become a hotspot for new homeowners. The city’s prime location borders popular desitinations like Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, and Scottsdale. Another reason why Fountain Hills is attracting new residents is the Fountain Hills Plaza Shopping Center that offers plenty of shopping options, bountiful outdoor activities, and a rich culture.

Along with the proclamation of being a pet-friendly city thanks to its outdoor environment and amenities that cater to furry family members, the town has also been called a golfer’s paradise by Arizona Foothills Magazine. The city also made national headlines when it was recognized as a dark-sky community. Between the pleasant year-round weather, wide variety of housing options spanning affordable to high-end luxury, and a community that knows how to appreciate the outdoors, Fountain Hills has something for everyone. Here are five reasons to live in Fountain Hills. 

Homes

View homes in Fountain Hills

There are a variety of home styles offered in Fountain Hills ranging from single-family homes to condominiums, with prices ranging from the low $100,000s to the high $3 millions. Popular neighborhoods within the city include Fountain Hills, Eagle Mountain, and North Heights. Each neighborhood provides an array of architectural styles like Adobe Revival, Mediterranean Revival, Mission Revival, and Spanish-Ranch Fusion. With multiple price points, varied styles, and distinct neighborhoods, homebuyers are sure to find something that fits their style and budget.

Schools

Along with a wide selection of home options, the city also has a top-notch school district. The Fountain Hills Unified School District serves approximately 1,550 students and covers more than 19 square miles. The schools are nationally ranked in the top five percent according to the 2016 Best High Schools in the U.S. News & World Report. All schools in the district have also earned high scores from Great Schools with the Anasazi Elementary School, earning a perfect score. 

Preserving the Night Sky 

Fountain Hills also made national headlines earlier this year for becoming a dark-sky community. The town was the 17th community to earn the designation and only the second community close to a major metropolitan area to receive the honor. What does this mean for astronomy enthusiasts? Incorporating LEDs within the community and updating lighting and sign ordinances have prevented the night sky from being hidden by the glow of city lights. Fountain Hills is also pushing to become a hub for astronomy by providing residents with science courses, dark sky festivals, and community outreach programs about the importance of preserving the night sky.

Outdoor Attractions

Those who appreciate the outdoors will think they’ve found paradise in Fountain Hills. There are opportunities to hike, bike, horseback ride, and golf, all within a few miles of your doorstep. Local parks like Fountain Park, Four Peaks Park, Golden Eagle Park, and Desert Vista offer more than 100 acres of combined greenspace, skate parks, dog parks, and ball fields. With so many outdoor spaces for recreation and activities, the entire family can be as active as they wish and always have something fun to do. The community also has many local lakes for water activities such as paddle rides and private or public steamboat tours that offer wine and live music.

Fountain Hills, Fort McDowell, and The Verdes area are home to a large selection of world-class golf courses. Known as the Sonoran Desert Golf Trail, golfers will find six of Arizona’s finest public, 18-hole golf courses surrounded by the McDowell Mountains and the Tonto National Forest. 

Arts and Culture

There is no shortage of creativity in Fountain Hills. The city features prime spots for displaying a variety of art that’s set against the backdrop of the McDowell and Four Peaks mountains as well as the town’s signature, 560-foot tall fountain located in the center of its 64-acre park, which is one of the largest in the world.

Public Art

The Public Art Walk is one of the largest public art collections in the state of Arizona. Follow the Centennial Circle Art Walk through the Centennial Circle sculpture garden. Then view all of the bronzes, murals, paintings, photographs, and three-dimensional artworks inside the Community Center and Library before heading down to Main Street Avenue to see the magnificent eagle piece titled “Freedom” on the Avenue of the Fountains Plaza. 

Art Galleries

Local art galleries throughout the city also offer visitors a chance to see local and national art exhibits as well as attend special events and outreach programs that help support art initiatives. Emerson Art Gallery, near the community Fountainhead at Lakeside Village, hosts classes for beginners and established artists as well as monthly shows. Fountain Hills Artists Gallery near the Village at Town Center Condominiums has partnered with the Fountain Hills Public Art program to present Special Session Art Tours. The gallery also hosts special events like “Paint Your Pet” and “Hand Painting Wine Glasses.” 

River of Time Museum

River of Time Museum, located near The Enclave neighborhood, recounts the captivating past of the desert valley, from the Yavapai migration throughout Central Arizona to the explorers and trappers that traveled along the river routes. You can also enter a mine to explore and learn about how people searched for gold in the past.

Fountain Hills Theater 

Finally, the Fountain Hills Theater, located near the Clear Aire neighborhood, features live theater experiences to residents of Fountain Hills, Rio Verde, Tonto Verde, North Scottsdale, and the Fort McDowell Indian community. They also have ongoing main-stage productions, several youth theater and educational programs, and special events year round.