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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Written By
Travis Rocha
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Nelson
Video By
Michael Carey
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jasson Dellacroce,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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Apache Junction (MGC) Multi-Generational Center / Parks and Rec Complex Park
Painted Sky Park
Apache Junction Housing Trends
On average, homes in Apache Junction, AZ sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Apache Junction, AZ over the last 12 months is $412,140, up 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home, this home is looking for its new owners. It has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2 car garage. This dreamy floor plan is nestled in one of the most sought-out communities in Apache Junction. High ceilings, modern amenities throughout the home; This split floor plan features 9-foot ceilings & offers upgrades galore. Chef's kitchen w/stainless steel appliances, extra outlets, walk-in pantry,
Summer Move in with Rate buy down and CC credit offered by the Builder! Discover the exceptional difference in your home-buying experience. Welcome to Laurel at Blossom Rock, where our 2-story Ponderosa design w/ LIVE in SUITE is under construction now. A finished Model Home is ready to show. Imagine an open-concept floor plan featuring a warm and welcoming kitchen that flows into a bright, airy
Welcome to Dolce Vita, a sought-out 55+ community nestled close to the base of the Majestic, Superstition Mountains in Apache Junction, Arizona. This beautifully maintained, furnished (master bedroom, dining & kitchen tables, office and antique chest) move-in-ready home features an open-concept design and includes a separate, ''PRIVATE CASITA,'' ideal for guest accommodations, extended living
MOTIVATED SELLER. Enjoy all the comfort of a modern 2023 CAVCO home—without the yard work! This ADA-accessible, open-concept beauty offers a bright white kitchen with crown molding, marble-look counters, backsplash, stainless appliances, and a large storage island. Vaulted ceilings, no carpet, and blinds throughout add to the clean, airy feel. The spacious primary suite features a walk-in closet,
Enjoy comfortable and affordable living in the welcoming 55+ community of El Dorado Mobile Estates. This well-maintained 1999 Redman manufactured home offers 728 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath in a functional single-section 14x52 layout designed for easy living. Recent 2026 updates include fresh exterior paint, new bedroom carpet, and a brand-new deck with railings, creating a clean
Low Lot rent! Welcome to your beautifully updated home in the heart of Ironwood, a sought-after 55+ community in Apache Junction, AZ. This 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom Palm Harbor home with 840 square feet has been renovated in 2024, featuring brand-new flooring, fresh paint, updated appliances, and all-electric upgrades. The inviting eat-in kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, while the
55+ FINANCING AVAILABLE! Recently reduced and move-in ready, this 2019 Clayton home in Pacific Manor offers 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 936 sq. ft. of thoughtfully updated space. The 2024 kitchen upgrades include new appliances, backsplash, sink, and faucet. Additional improvements include fresh exterior paint, extended carport, storage shed, new lighting, sun screens, and updated laundry cabinetry.
New washer and dryer hookups in the new shed! This well-kept 1993 Redman park model is located in a welcoming 55+ community in Apache Junction and offers 396 square feet of comfortable, low-maintenance living with mountain and scenic views. The home features one bedroom and one full bath, fresh interior paint, laminate flooring, and is offered furnished for an easy move-in. The pass-through
Welcome to an exceptional opportunity in the highly sought-after Weavers Needle 55+ Resort in Apache Junction. This beautifully refreshed 1986 Skyline park model offers a rare corner-lot setting with a backyard, sweeping Superstition Mountain views, and outstanding outdoor living space that truly sets it apart. The annual land lease is paid yearly at $6,800 per year (not monthly), making
This move-in ready, ground-set Champion home offers 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms in a beautifully maintained 2016 model with major upgrades completed in 2024. Located in the highly desirable 55+ gated community of Pueblo Manor in Apache Junction, this split floor plan home has been re-leveled, updated with new wide plank luxury vinyl flooring, and includes a brand-new subfloor system for peace
This beautifully maintained 2011 Champion park model is located in the heart of Shiprock RV Resort, a 55+ gated community in Apache Junction. Recently updated in 2025, the home features fresh exterior paint, a spacious air-conditioned bonus room, a large shed, and a generous full-length deck-perfect for outdoor living and enjoying scenic desert skies. Inside, the efficient galley kitchen includes
Award-Winning Resort Living | Golf Course Views | Luxury Lifestyle *Located directly on the 7th fairway of the executive golf course inside Gold Canyon RV and Golf Resort, Lot 780 offers scenic golf course and mountain views in an award-winning 55+ resort community known for its active lifestyle and desert beauty. Built in 2021, this Champion manufactured home offers approximately 800 square feet
Experience award-winning resort living at an affordable price in Gold Canyon RV & Golf Resort, one of Arizona's most desirable active 55+ communities. Located on Lot 229, this well-maintained and thoughtfully updated 1995 Cavco park model offers 435 square feet of efficient living space with scenic mountain, park, and golf course surroundings. The interior features a bright pass-through kitchen
55+ | Lot Rent $850 Furnished 1 bed, 1 bath home in Pacific Manor with beautifully updated interiors. Two bedrooms were combined into one spacious suite with ample closet space. Open-concept layout features laminate wood flooring, carpeted bedroom, fresh paint, and an updated kitchen with painted shaker cabinets, new hardware, and eat-in dining. New roof, 3 new air conditioning units, and new
Like-New Living! Located in the highly desirable Radiance at Superstition Vista community, this just over 2-year-old home is designed for modern living with a bright, open layout filled with natural light. The spacious main living area flows seamlessly, ideal for everyday living & entertaining. Kitchen includes all appliances for added convenience. Each room has Alexa compatible ceiling fans.
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 this home? You clearly have exceptional taste. This charming 3.0-bedroom, 2.0-bathroom home is not only pet-friendly, but also equipped with smart home features to make everyday life more convenient and connected. Homes like this dont stay on the market for longdont miss your chance to make it yours. Apply today!
Discover the enchanting Villas at Superstition in Apache Junction, offering a unique living experience near the Superstition Mountains. This community combines convenience with tranquility, situated close to prime dining, shopping, and entertainment, yet providing a serene, private setting for relaxation. Enjoy pet-friendly apartments in one or two bedroom layouts, along with exclusive amenities
Nice 3bed, 2bath home on 1.125 in Apache Junction. New carpet in bedrooms, freshly painted inside and out. 2 car garage. Views of the Superstition Mountains.
Welcome to Sunset Vista Apartments, a brand-new 55+ independent living community in Apache Junction. Opened in 2025, Sunset Vista was created for those who want a comfortable, affordable place to call home. As part of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, our community provides quality apartment living for residents 55 and older who meet income program requirements.At Sunset
The Havenly Superstition features new one- two- and three-bedroom detached homes ranging from 721 to 1,246 square feet to comfortably accommodate your lifestyle and space requirements. Our pet-friendly attitude and pet amenities mean your four-legged family member will feel right at home too!Ideally located near the city center which includes a terrific recreational facility. It is also close to
Wow, such a great rental Home! Step into the foyer & into the great room located right next to the large, open kitchen. Nice large tile floors adorn 1st floor. Kitchen offers center island, large table area, long buffet style kitchen counter & big walk in pantry/laundry room combo. Also, a 1/2 bath on 1st floor. Upstairs is a nice sized loft, a HUGE master bedroom w/Jumbo walk in closet, Full
Golden Sands Apartments are located in Apache Junction, 35 miles directly east of Phoenix on Highway 60 (the Superstition Freeway). This is the easternmost community in the Phoenix-Mesa metropolitan area. It is home to the legendary Superstition Mountains and the gateway to a wonderful outdoor recreational area. With a hometown feel, Apache Junction continues to value and respect the natural
This newly remodeled rental is ready for move in. The home is 2 bedrooms 1 bathroom on shared property. Storage area with washer and dryer hookups. Kitchen has plenty of cabinets, new appliances including double door fridge, stove, microwave and dishwasher. Blinds on all the new windows. Front porch to sit and relax. Water Included. Rent is $1,595.00 + SRP $300.00 = $1,895.00 Total Rent
Move In Special: $300 OFF March's Rent! This charming 3bedroom, 2bath home located in the Arizona Goldfield community. This well maintained property features Brand New flooring and appliances, offering a fresh and modern feel throughout.The open layout provides a bright and comfortable living space, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The primary suite includes an ensuite bathroom
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