$426,769Average Value$197Average Price per Sq Ft95Homes For Sale
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.
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
Mario Romero,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Apache Junction, AZ sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Apache Junction, AZ over the last 12 months is $237,000, down 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Don't miss this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath Clayton Villa, located on a premium corner lot directly across from the pool, hot tub, fire pit, and clubhouse in the highly desirable Shiprock 55+ Resort. Built in 2020 and updated in 2024, this home offers a rare combination of location, upgrades, and low yearly land rent of just $6,000. Inside, enjoy modern finishes and recent
MOTIVATED SELLER! Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath manufactured home in a vibrant 55+ community in Apache Junction. Almost all furniture included in the sale!Originally a 2-bedroom with a den, the home has been thoughtfully converted to include a third bedroom, while the second bedroom currently serves as a bright and functional office space. Built in 2016 and
Beautifully refreshed 3 bed 2 bath home in a prime location just steps from Superstition Shadows Park—featuring a seasonal pool, skate park, tennis courts & playground! This move-in ready gem boasts recent updates, including new flooring, fresh interior/exterior paint, updated plumbing fixtures & hardware, new roof, & AC. Enjoy an open-concept design with vaulted ceilings that fill the main
Don't miss this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath Clayton Villa, located on a premium corner lot directly across from the pool, hot tub, fire pit, and clubhouse in the highly desirable Shiprock 55+ Resort. Built in 2020 and updated in 2024, this home offers a rare combination of location, upgrades, and low yearly land rent of just $6,000. Inside, enjoy modern finishes and recent
MOTIVATED SELLER! Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath manufactured home in a vibrant 55+ community in Apache Junction. Almost all furniture included in the sale!Originally a 2-bedroom with a den, the home has been thoughtfully converted to include a third bedroom, while the second bedroom currently serves as a bright and functional office space. Built in 2016 and
Beautifully refreshed 3 bed 2 bath home in a prime location just steps from Superstition Shadows Park—featuring a seasonal pool, skate park, tennis courts & playground! This move-in ready gem boasts recent updates, including new flooring, fresh interior/exterior paint, updated plumbing fixtures & hardware, new roof, & AC. Enjoy an open-concept design with vaulted ceilings that fill the main
This beautifully maintained unit is situated in the stunning Quail Creek Community! The interior is welcoming, featuring an inviting great room with a dedicated dining area, perfect for entertaining or casual meals. The galley kitchen boasts ample cabinetry and all the necessary appliances to prepare your favorite dishes. The unit includes a nicely sized bedroom, a bathroom with a tub/shower
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
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: 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.
