Rural desert life in the Phoenix metropolitan area
Home to about 40,000 people, the rural city of Apache Junction offers lower housing prices than Phoenix, 35 miles west, and a small-town feel beside the Superstition Mountains. The area was named after the Apache Trail, a scenic trade route built in the early 20th century; today, the trail is known as Route 88. “Apache Junction is amazing because the people are always welcoming," says Ryan Hunt, co-owner of Boba Shack, a local restaurant. "It still has the small-town vibes, but with both city and country folk.”
According to Apache Junction Economic Development, the city’s leading industries are retail, consumer services and healthcare. Mesa borders Apache Junction to the west, and many folks work at Mesa-based Fortune 500 companies like Boeing and Northrop Grumman. “People don’t need to get to Phoenix for work,” says Kristie Falb, a Realtor with Homesmart and over 10 years of experience. “There are so many big businesses booming around us.”
Meet majestic horses and ride through history at Goldfield Ghost Town in Apache Junction.
Find your slice of heaven in the Sonoran Desert in Apache Junction.
Take a scenic drive on the Apache Trail in Apache Junction.
Apache Junction residents who work at Boeing run into little traffic on their daily commute.
1/4
21st-century master-planned neighborhoods
The average home price in Apache Junction is $320,000, lower than the Phoenix average of about $623,000 and the national average of about $400,000. “People come this way because they’re finding lower home prices in this area,” Falb says. Developers are actively building here, and in 2023, over 900 home-building permits were issued by the city.
Most homes here are 21st-century new traditional Spanish-style, laid out in master-planned communities; however, there are also a few subdivisions' worth of late 20th-century ranch-style homes. There are also a few retirement communities, including the gated Dolce Vita neighborhood and the Shiprock RV Resort Mobile Home Park. Throughout the city, typical landscaping is gravel-packed and dotted by cacti and succulents.
Pueblo inspired architecture is more common on the east side of Apache Junction.
Spanish influenced homes in Apache Junction are typical in the area.
Some homeowners in Apache Junction have enough land to keep horses and cows.
Many 55+ RV communities can be found throughout Apache Junction.
1/4
Unique academic programs at Apache Junction schools
Apache Junction is part of the Apache Junction Unified School District, rated C overall by Niche. At the C-rated Four Peaks Elementary, students may apply for the Dual Language Learning Program, which evenly splits the learning day between English- and Spanish-language instruction. The B-rated Imagine Superstition Prep is a charter school for Grades 9-12 and offers STEM-related classes, like engineering and forensics.
Four Peaks Elementary is located in the northern part of Apache Junction.
Imagine Prep Superstition is a public middle and high school.
Cactus Canyon Junior High School entrance.
Apache Junction High School building.
1/4
Parks and natural beauty
The 16-acre Painted Sky Park is the largest in the city, offering a 3-acre playground, a catch-and-release fishing lake and games like bocce, cornhole and table tennis. Currently, the city is adding 16 new pickleball courts to Prospector Park, where folks also play softball, soccer, basketball and sand volleyball. Golfers can head to Apache Creek Golf Club for an 18-hole round on the desert-themed course.
According to Hunt, “You can drive 15 minutes in any direction and find a trail to hike, or just sit in nature." Lost Dutchman State Park offers dirt-packed hiking, biking and equestrian trails weaving up the Superstition Mountains, while Canyon Lake, a scenic 15-mile drive northwest, is popular for boating, fishing and swimming.
Apache Junction residents are loving the new pickleball courts at Prospector Park.
See the iconic saguaro cactus at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction.
Apache Junction’s Painted Sky Park is a great spot to take the kids fishing.
Apache Junction’s Apache Creek Golf Club offers some of the best views in the valley.
1/4
Downtown shopping and dining
Downtown Apache Junction offers a modest shopping and dining scene that includes small businesses and locally owned cafes, breakfast diners and authentic Mexican restaurants. Though most downtown establishments are spread along the sidewalk-lined Apache Trail, Falb says most folks drive rather than walk to them. A couple of shopping centers have grocery stores, chain retailers and fast-food eateries. While nightlife is limited, there are a few saloon-style bars that offer live music and games like pool and darts.
Downtown Apache Junction will remind you of an old western downtown area.
Apache Junction’s Skies Bar and Grill serves up hot meals and cold beer.
Raise a glass to the Wild West experience at Goldfield Ghost Town's legendary Saloon.
Browse through history and find unique keepsakes at Apache Junction's Antique Mall.
1/4
Southwestern style and Lost Dutchman Days
“February is a big month for the city of Apache Junction,” Falb says. Lost Dutchman Days is a three-day celebration in February that includes a downtown parade, carnival and all kinds of rodeo fun, like bull riding and barrel racing. “Another big event is the Lost Dutchman Marathon that has almost 3,000 participants,” Falb says. The celebration is named after the fabled Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, which is alleged to be a lost mine of treasures in the Superstition Mountains. The Festival of the Superstitions Country Bash in November is another highlight, where folks can enjoy food trucks, local vendors and live music from country artists. Public art pieces, like downtown murals and park sculptures, showcase the city's southwestern style.
Apache Junction’s roots start in gold prospecting.
Apache Junction residents can drop water payments in this art piece.
1/2
Getting around from Apache Junction
Apache Junction is about 35 miles east of Phoenix, a 30- to 60-minute drive during rush hour. Mesa borders Apache Junction to the west, and Route 60 grants easy access to the rest of the Phoenix metro area. There isn’t any public transportation, so most locals are car dependent. Banner Goldfield Medical Center is located within the city, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is 15 miles southwest, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about 30 miles west.
Crime and environmental factors
According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, Apache Junction’s total reported number of violent- and property-related crimes decreased from 1,300 in 2013 to 900 in 2023. The police department partners with neighborhood watch organizations to report and reduce crime.
Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees, so it’s common for folks to relax indoors or head to the aquatic center at Superstition Shadows Park to escape the extreme heat. The city is also at risk of wildfires, and folks may sign up for emergency alerts on the city's website.
Welcome to your dream home! This stunning 3 bedroom, 2 bath home plus a BONUS ROOM has been completely remodeled from top to bottom! Step into an open floor plan filled with natural light, brand new flooring, fresh paint, and all new dual-pane windows. The kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring sleek new stainless steel appliances, new modern cabinetry, and new elegant countertops—perfect for
Big Sky, Wide Open—Own 2.5 Acres of Freedom. NO HOA!! Welcome to a horse lover's paradise, nestled in one of Arizona's most equine-friendly towns. Perfectly situated on 2.5 sprawling acres in the breathtaking Sonoran Desert, this property offers direct access to endless trails, state trust land, and sits at the base of the legendary Superstition Mountains. Whether you're an avid rider or simply
Enter a lifestyle you have been looking for in this Resort Style 55+ Active Community and feel secure knowing you live in a gated neighborhood. Enjoy living in a trouble-free and fully remodeled double wide with1232 sq. ft, 2 beds, 2 baths +den on a large corner lot that offers open plan living. The vaulted ceilings and vinyl flooring provide a stylish, bright, fresh interior. Additional updates
Beautifully updated move-in-ready furnished 2-bed, 2-bath home in White Sands Estates, a 55+ community in Apache Junction! Enjoy a spacious layout, cozy living area, and well-equipped kitchen. Both bedrooms offer comfort and privacy, with the primary suite featuring its own bathroom and attached den/reading area. Relax outdoors while taking in beautiful views of the nearby Superstition Mountains.
Welcome to your private desert oasis with unparalleled views of Superstition Mountain! Nestled near the western side of Flat Iron, this unique property spans 3 adjacent 1-acre parcels, with the home centrally located on the middle lot. Tucked away at the end of a tranquil street surrounded by horse properties and custom homes, this retreat offers serenity and privacy without the restrictions of
The final opportunity to build in Arroyo Vista, a quiet enclave of 26 homes in a gated community with unforgettable views of the Superstitions. Privately owned lot ready to build. Homes in the community range up to $1.3m.
Welcome to Sunland Springs Village! Fully furnished seasonal rental. This 2 bedroom 2 bath home is in immaculate condition and has been well cared for. Built in garage storage. With the landscape cared for by the HOA, it's the perfect LOCK & LEAVE. Nestled in Sunland Springs Village, a 55+ community with a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and active living. This sought-after community
Explore Our Brand-New Homes in Apache JunctionWelcome home to Hampton Meridian! Our community offers the perfect Apache Junction home with stunning views of the Superstition Mountains. Conveniently located off US-60 and near AZ-202, our pet-friendly community features modern single-story detached and duplex homes with 1, 2, or 3-bedroom floor plans. You can reside in comfort and
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Craig Bennett,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public RecordsDisclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
