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
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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 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Apache Junction, AZ over the last 12 months is $400,000, up 19% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This bright, south-facing home offers the kind of space and comfort that feels right the moment you walk in. Built in 2002, it features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a large loft-style bonus room, providing 2,275 square feet of flexible living space designed for real life. The open floor plan creates an easy flow between the main living areas, making everyday living and entertaining effortless.
Spacious 3-bed, 2-bath basement townhome in a growing area of Apache Junction. The main level features a bright living room, kitchen with ample storage, granite countertops, and a breakfast bar, along with the primary bedroom, full bath, and laundry. The lower level offers two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and a versatile den/playroom. Community amenities include a pool, and the location
Beautiful 2021 park model in a quiet 55+ community with mountain views and PARTIALLY FURNISHED! Open, great room plan with a white kitchen. Generous-sized island, SS appliances, marble look countertops with backsplash, crown molding at cabinets, storage in island. Vinyl plank flooring throughout, 2'' blinds, vaulted ceilings, large primary bedroom with walk-in closet. All kitchen appliances
This 2022 Champion park model is fully furnished and move-in ready, offering efficient living with custom upgrades in the heart of Shiprock 55+ Resort. Situated on a quiet interior street with scenic and mountain views, this well-maintained home features an open kitchen with laminate countertops, stainless appliances, and a bright living area with vaulted ceilings and modern finishes. A fully
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
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
ASK ABOUT FOUR WEEKS FREE RENT OR DISCOUNT FOR A 24-MONTH LEASE Two bedroom, one bath apartment in great shape. Quiet building and quiet neighborhood. Avoid the hassle of a large apartment complex and park immediately next to your home. Located within walking distance of Frys Grocery Store, Walgreens, and numerous restaurants like Panda Express and Filbertos Restaurant. Good school district. Pet
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
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