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?
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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 54 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 $424,990, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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$10,000 IN SELLER CONCESSIONS!Use it toward a rate buydown, closing costs, or however it makes the most sense for you! Come tour this low-maintenance, corner-lot home built in 2024, featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and top-notch amenities throughout Radiance at Superstition Vistas. Add in the nearby Blossom Rock parks and outdoor spaces, and you'll quickly see why this master-planned
Welcome to this showstopper that has been meticulously cared for and radiating pure elegance inside and out with front-door views of the Superstition Mountains. Step inside to discover a flawless, carpet-free interior featuring premium laminate flooring. Stainless kitchen appliances. Whirlpool washer and dryer. Every detail shines, from the gorgeous granite countertops in the bathrooms to the
Vaulted Ceilings & Open Layout with No HOA! This home features a bright & open layout with vaulted ceilings, updated wood-look LVP flooring & a spacious main living area that flows naturally into the dining area & cozy family room. The kitchen has been updated with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, abundant cabinetry & a large sliding glass door providing easy access to the
Enjoy convenient living in this roomy 1-bedroom, 1-bath home featuring a versatile flex room perfect for an office, hobby space, guest area, or additional storage. Ideally located near shopping, restaurants, the Apache Junction Multigenerational Center, and a public dog park. Nestled in a quiet adult community offering a clubhouse, community dog park, and breathtaking Superstition Mountain views.
Experience exceptional desert living on 2.5 acres with unobstructed views of Superstition Mountain. This 2,400+ sq. ft. custom home offers 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a dedicated office/bonus room. The spacious primary suite includes a walk-in shower and ample storage. The home features a chef-style kitchen with granite countertops, Alderwood cabinetry, and LG Smart appliances. Interior upgrades
This charming 1 bedroom, 1 bath park model is ideally situated on a premium corner lot, offering breathtaking, unobstructed views of the iconic Superstition Mountains-perfect for enjoying Arizona's stunning sunrises and sunsets right from your doorstep. Step inside to find a well-maintained and inviting interior, complete with a generous amount of cabinetry and storage, making it easy to stay
REDUCED 30K. Ignore the days on the market. There's many newer updates from top to bottom plus newer paint in & out. The roof is 4 yrs with a 10 yr warranty. The water heater is 3 now. then there's a newer DW, 3 door Whirlpool refrigerator,painted cabinets with updated hardware, plus newer countertops & back splash in the kitchen plus a breakfast bar. There's even room for a kitchen office. The
Move-in ready single-level home in the heart of Apache Junction with NO HOA and RV parking. This updated home offers an open, light-filled layout with wood-look plank flooring throughout and fresh interior paint. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, an electric range, ample wood cabinetry, and a breakfast bar. The big-ticket updates are already done, including a newer roof, newer
Rare opportunity to acquire a fully updated, wheelchair-accessible 3-bedroom home situated on one of the largest lots in the community (approx. 4,200 sq ft). Renovated in 2023, improvements include new alder cabinetry, updated electrical and plumbing systems, new flooring, roof coating, and upgraded insulation: R21 on South & West walls, R13 on other walls. Designed for accessibility with wide
MOTIVATED SELLER! Beautiful Mountain Views of the Superstition Mountains! Conveniently located near restaurants and shopping, this home is a quick in and out being towards the front of the community. This well maintained home boasts a heat furnace, gas stove for your culinary needs! Lifetime single panel metal Insulated Roof for long lasting roof protection. Double paned tinted windows for energy
Charming 2 bedroom Located deep in a Cul-De-Sac. This is great for first time home buyers, or those looking do downsize or a second winter home. All new two tone paint, Honeycomb Cellular blinds at the window & plush upgraded carpet w/ memory foam padding just installed. The Kitchen has newer Stainless Steel appliances w/ plenty of counter & cabinet space all open to living room, The bedrooms are
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Sellers Considering all reasonable offers!!! This upgraded 2+ BR home is top notch! It has a hard-to-find split bedroom floor plan providing an extra room on the sunny side of the home for a den or office. Recent upgrades include shaker style kitchen cabinet doors with new granite countertops, undermount sink with stylish faucet and an RO water filtration system. The master bathroom has been
Great opportunity! Beautifully updated and move-in ready! This 2-bedroom, 1-bath Skyline home offers 896 square feet of comfortable living space in the highly desirable Meridian Mobile Home Park, a gated 55+ community in Apache Junction. Major updates completed in 2024 include a new roof, new central A/C system, new water heater, updated flooring, fresh paint, and a completely remodeled bathroom
One month free! Welcome to this beautiful 2-bedroom, 1-bath multi-family unit featuring gated parking and a private enclosed backyard. This well-maintained home offers a full-size kitchen with an electric range/oven, durable tile flooring throughout for easy maintenance, and a separate laundry room for added convenience. Step outside to a private backyard perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or
Explore Our Brand-New Homes in Apache JunctionWelcome home to Hampton Meridian! Our new homes in Apache Junction 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 apartments in Apache Junction features modern single-story detached and duplex homes with 1, 2, or 3-bedroom floor plans. You
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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
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Apply now or schedule your self-tour today and take the first step toward getting more than just a place to live. Rent with FirstKey Homes for a home that's right for you, plus professional service and maintenance, innovative resident programs, and more; that's the power of purple!This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom rental home in Apache Junction, AZ, may be the right place for you. Enjoy outdoor
Please note, our homes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not reserved until the holding fee agreement is signed and the holding fee is paid by the primary applicant. Coming soon! This home is currently being enjoyed by another resident but will be available soon. Please respect their privacy and do not disturb. You can complete the application process and reserve this
Please note, our homes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not reserved until the holding fee agreement is signed and the holding fee is paid by the primary applicant. Coming soon! This home is currently being enjoyed by another resident but will be available soon. Please respect their privacy and do not disturb. You can complete the application process and reserve this
Please note, our homes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not reserved until the lease is signed by all applicants and security deposits are collected. 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
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