Avondale

Located along the usually-dry bed of the Agua Fria River in Avondale, Rancho Santa Fe is a pleasant suburb setting. Its good schools and easy access to I-10 make it a desirable location for many looking to move further from the city. “Being right in between Avondale and Goodyear, you’ve got everything you need here on a day-to-day basis, and then it’s easy to get downtown when you need as well,” says Lindsay Kothe, Realtor at The Kothe Team of My Home Group. Entering Rancho Santa Fe, acacia-lined main roads give way to wide-open suburban drives lines by Spanish-style houses with tiled roofs and stucco exteriors. Predominantly one-story, the homes sport landscaped front yards with cacti and palm trees. The backyards are often walled in, and many have pools to cool off in the arid Arizona summer. Mostly built in the late 1990s, these houses generally cost between the mid-$300,000s and mid-$600,000s, depending on square footage and if they have been renovated. “You have a wide variety of home sizes in the neighborhood, more than normal,” Kothe says. “You can really choose what you’re looking for here.” Located in the heart of the neighborhood, Rancho Santa Fe Elementary received a B grade from Niche. Students then attend Wigwam Creek Middle School and Agua Fria High School, which each received a B-plus from Niche. The high school has a 17-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Also within the bounds of Rancho Santa Fe is Estrella Mountain Community College, which offers associate degrees and certifications. Residents don’t have to go far for outdoor recreation. The Park at Rancho Santa Fe contains a playground, basketball hoops, and a large open field for children to play in. On the other side of the neighborhood is Goodyear Community Park, which has baseball and softball fields as well as tennis and pickleball courts. For those looking to keep their swing sharp, the Valley Golf Center provides a driving range and a gear shop. Dining options abound in Rancho Santa Fe, from chains such as In-N-Out Burger to more unique local restaurants, the most lauded of which is Eric’s Family Barbecue. The Phoenix New Times ranked the barbecue joint, specializing in smoked brisket and ribs, one of the top 100 restaurants in the Phoenix area. On the other side of the neighborhood, Flavors of Louisiana serves authentic Cajun fare, such as gumbo and jambalaya. Just south of the neighborhood are the Shops at Alameda Crossing which contains a variety of stores, including a Sprouts Farmers Market for groceries. Just across the street are Lowe’s and Walmart, and residents can find almost anything else necessary in the area. Rancho Santa Fe is located less than 20 miles from downtown Phoenix. While there are a few bus stops in and around the neighborhood, the vast majority of residents own cars to get around on their own. One of the busiest airports in the country, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a short drive away and operates as a hub for American Airlines. Rancho Santa Fe’s proximity to Goodyear means residents can enjoy the community-building events the city puts on. This includes holiday celebrations like the “Star Spangled Fourth” fireworks show at Goodyear Ballpark each Independence Day. Fireworks aren’t the only thing happening at the ballpark, though, as Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds kick off their seasons with spring training in Goodyear. Sports fans can also make the quick drive to State Farm Stadium to take in an Arizona Cardinals football game, or Phoenix International Raceway for stock car racing. “NASCAR race weekends get pretty busy around here. It’s a big thing for the locals,” Kothe says.

Located on over 70 acres of wetland, Crystal Gardens not only provides residents with cozy lakeside living but also plays a vital role in water preservation for the city of Avondale. The lakes are part of the Arizona Wetland project, which filters water from the Salt River Project as well as the Central Arizona Project to aquifer standards by flowing through the 14 bodies of water. “It gives people that tranquil, peaceful environment that they’re looking for,” says Barbie Fagan, a second generation resident of the Phoenix area and real estate agent with HomeSmart. “It’s great if you love fishing, there’s a lot of bike lanes as well. All with quiet streets, though sometimes with all of the lakes you’ll have to wait for the geese to cross the street to get around.” In addition to being a part of a conservation effort, the many lakes provide scenic views for residents on a daily basis, an outlier for many neighborhoods in the west valley. Residents have easy access to Phoenix with convenient access to Interstate 10 and public transportation, but there are many amenities nearby. Residents can start their morning with a stroll along one of the many nearby lakes. Most of the roads have bike lanes, and there’s also plenty of sidewalk space for dog walking or a rigorous jog as well. The community is just minutes away from Friendship Park. Residents can get their catch of the day in the community fishing pond, which is stocked with everything from catfish and trout to bass and sunfish. The park’s splash pad provides some relief for kids trying to cool off during the scorching summer months. Many residents in Crystal Garden can walk out of their house to a scenic waterside view, as many roads wrap around the lakes. Single-family homes are lined throughout the sidewalk-lined streets, a majority with Spanish Revival architecture which includes stucco coating and tiled roofing. There’s a mix of homes for rent and for sale, with real estate prices ranging from $400,000 up to $550,000 for two-story houses. Many of Avondale’s best amenities are just minutes away from the community. Residents can hop on McDowell Road to reach the retail shops and dining options at the Gateway Pavilions shopping center. Kids in the area will be only minutes away from Canyon Breeze Elementary School, part of the Pendergast Elementary School District with a C grade on Niche. Students will be a Canyon Breeze Silver Hawk until eighth grade, and afterward will only be minutes away from West Point High School. West Point High School has a B-minus grade on Niche, offering its student body of nearly 3,000 with advanced placement and dual enrollment courses, in addition to many extracurricular clubs. Residents have easy access to their commute via Interstate 10, located just minutes outside the neighborhood. This neighborhood is conveniently located over 14 miles from Downtown Phoenix, and up to 12 miles away from Glendale. The Valley Metro runs through the entire valley and there are several stops along McDowell Road.

The two scenic lakes in the heart of the Garden Lakes community give off the feeling of a private oasis in the west valley, making it one of the most desirable places to live in the area. The neighborhood boasts plenty of green spaces perfect for spending the day outdoors, and the two lakes are a focal point for waterside activities. The community is located about 7 miles from Goodyear and 17 miles from downtown Phoenix, with convenient access to Interstate 10, providing commuters with easy access around the valley. “It's a family-friendly lakes community,” says Michael Drefs, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty who has several years of selling experience in the West Valley. “The waterfront properties are a big sell, but and there’s a bunch of things you can do with access to the two lakes, including fishing, kayaking, you name it.” The neighborhood's lakes allow for water activities such as catch-and-release fishing, taking a paddleboat, and relaxing on the water. There are also miles of walking paths, including paths around the two lakes that provide a scenic view. Head to Kimberly Park for an afternoon picnic under a shaded ramada. Children can play on the playground or dip their feet in the water of the south lake. After spending the day outdoors, residents can retreat to quiet residential streets. Single-family homes in the area have maintained curb appeal throughout the years with Spanish Revival architecture, including tiled roofing and garages. Boat owners in lakeside properties can dock their vessel in their backyard. Home prices have stayed consistent throughout the recent years, typically between $400,000 and the mid-500,000s for waterfront properties. Children won’t have to travel far to class with Garden Lakes Elementary School in the neighborhood. The school has a B-minus grade on Niche and is part of the Pendergast Elementary District, teaching children from kindergarten until eighth grade. Younger students can join the buddy program that pairs them with older students for mentoring, extracurricular clubs and activities. After graduating, students will head just across the street to Westview High School, the largest school in the Tolleson Union High School District, with a B grade on Niche. Locals craving pupusas or plantain empanadas go to Cristina’s for authentic Salvadorean cuisine and for a hearty torta sandwich, head to Tortas Manantial. Garden Lakes residents usually head down Indian School Road to get fresh produce and groceries from Fry’s. Several fast-food options are available along Indian School, including Arizona staple Filiberto’s or Starbucks for coffee on the go. For more restaurant options, Garden Lakes residents are only minutes away from Gateway Pavilions mall, and around six miles from Desert Sky Mall. Though there are many options nearby, Garden Lakes is conveniently located next to Arizona State Route 101 and minutes away from I-10.

As Interstate 10 crosses the Agua Fria River, motorists pass a busy commercial area, chock full of car dealerships, shopping centers and restaurants — the beginning of the East Avondale suburb of Avondale Gateway. But beyond the buzzing retail space are a myriad of residential subdivisions and community parks, including the recently renovated Avondale Civic Center. “It’s a booming area that’s growing a lot, and I never have to drive more than 10 minutes to get anything I need because ample stores and restaurants are in close proximity,” says Katie Zimdars, a local and owner of Board This Flight, an aviation charcuterie business that operates around the Phoenix region. The AutoMall area that runs adjacent to Interstate 10 features a variety of car dealerships, big-name shopping centers and restaurants. “There are a lot of restaurants being added, most recently a Starbucks drive-through, a Dutch Bros Coffee and New Penny Cafe,” says Zimdars. “The Gateway Pavilions are right on the other side of the highway, where there’s everything from a movie theater, dining options, salons, retail stores and Costco.” On the southern end of town is the Avondale Fiesta Shopping Center, where locals can pick fresh ingredients at Fry’s grocery store. On the west side of town, residents take advantage of the numerous community events happening at the Avondale Civic Center. Tres Rios Nature Festival puts on live music and family activities every February, Avondale Fiesta features authentic Mexican food vendors and entertainment in May, Billy Moore Days provides carnival rides and a parade in the summer, and Winterfest premiers the holiday light show each winter. On the same campus, locals can check out the Avondale Civic Center Library, which provides resources and space for people of all ages. Past the storefronts, the residential area is split into several subdivisions with many two-story Spanish Revivals and ranch homes that have window views of the nearby mountains. Sidewalks line the streets, weaving in and out of the neighborhood pockets and circling fields of green space. These houses, many built in the 2000s and some more recently, display stucco exteriors and red roofs with multicar garages and driveways. Properties range in size from 1,000 to 3,000 square feet and are typically priced from $300,000 to upwards of $600,000 for a newer construction. In the southern part of town, Donnie Hale Park is a quaint community park that features a playground, baseball diamonds, fenced-in soccer and basketball courts and a paved walking path around the fields. A bit further south, Durango Park also has a playground, outdoor basketball courts and athletic fields, as well as an outdoor community pool. For indoor recreation, Randall McDaniel Sports Complex is an American Sports Center right off the highway, offering indoor fields, courts and a gymnasium. The Littleton Elementary School District and the Tolleson Union High School District serve students living in the area. Students can attend Quentin Elementary School, a kindergarten through eighth grade STEM academy that specializes in health sciences and receives a C-minus Niche grade. Learners can then progress to Tolleson Union High School, which is ranked among the best high schools in Arizona and receives a B grade, according to Niche. Several Valley Metro bus stops sit on the west side of town, and Interstate 10 leads to downtown Phoenix located just 15 miles to the east. Residents can easily venture into the bustle and excitement of the city, or they can stay in their own busy suburb where eateries, shops and parks are never far away.

Located in central Avondale, Coldwater Springs is a breath of fresh air in the West Valley that provides the quiet comfort of suburbia while still having the city’s best amenities at your fingertips. Many of the sidewalk-lined streets that make up Coldwater Springs are densely packed with single-family homes, many of which were built in the early 2000s. Many homes in the area have stone accents with desert front yard landscaping that gives them eye-catching curb appeal. Shaded front porches provide the perfect space for a morning cup of coffee or to greet neighbors passing by. Golf course properties in the neighborhood give residents unmatched views of the fairways of Coldwater Golf Club and often feature spacious open floor plans. Prospective residents also have their choice of Spanish-style homes throughout the community, many of which have stucco paint finishes and tiled roofing. Though homes can range from around 1,400 square feet to over 2,100, there’s not much of a price range, as most homes cost between $400,000 and $515,000. There are also plenty of rental properties in Coldwater Springs, with several apartment communities parsed throughout the area. The neighborhood's centerpiece is Coldwater Golf Club, a sprawling championship-level course with a scenic mountain view. You don’t have to be a member to book a tee time, as this course is open to the public. This course features elevated tees, water hazards and elevation changes that’ll challenge players at all skill levels. After playing a round, unwind with a cold beer and a Coldwater Dog at the club’s grille, offering breakfast and lunch options. Students in the area will likely be able to walk to class with several public and charter school options close by. Parents can enroll their children at Legacy Traditional School, a K-8 charter school that is ranked highly among other charter and middle schools in the state due to high proficiency from its students in Math and English Language Arts. Students at La Joya High School, part of the Tolleson Union High School District, can take advantage of the Career and Technical Education courses, including several business classes. If you want to spend the day outdoors, there are several options. Coldwater Springs Park has a playground with a jungle gym for children and shaded ramadas perfect for a picnic. Coldwater Springs is also conveniently located minutes away from Friendship Park, where you can spend the day casting a line at the community fishing pond or take your pup to the dog park to burn off some energy. Friendship Park has plenty of walking trails, but if you want to get a workout in, there's a Planet Fitness along North Avondale Boulevard. Get a taste of that old video game nostalgia by playing old-school arcade games at 8-Bit Aleworks, a brewery that offers a rotating list of beers on tap and plenty of games to pass the time. Residents can find shops and dining along West Van Buren Street, which can also be used to head to nearby Coldwater Plaza. Start your weekend by searching around the Avondale Swap Meet for second-hand treasures, fresh produce, clothing and much more. The rest of the Valley is also right at your fingertips, with proximity to I-10 and the 101 Loop.

Located west of the usually dry Agua Fria River, Coldwater West is a residential part of Avondale near shops and restaurants. Ranch-style houses in dusty colors and one-story homes with Spanish-style roofs line the wide streets ending in cul-de-sacs. Interstate 10 runs directly north of Coldwater West, connecting it directly with Phoenix. Avondale is the kind of bedroom community where people move when they want easy access to everything but don’t need all their surroundings to be brand-spanking new. "It's great for first-time home buyers, especially if they work in downtown Phoenix," says Realtor Mina Fajardo of My Home Group Real Estate, who has sold homes west of Phoenix for almost 20 years. "There's a downpayment assistance program for this area, so it's a great opportunity to get into real estate." Arizona has a dry climate. In the Phoenix area, the temperature surpasses 100 degrees Fahrenheit 93 days per year on average. In 2023, the temperature stayed north of 110 degrees for 31 days between June 30 and July 30. This hot, dry climate means trees and bushes are sparse. It's the reason the Agua Fria River that runs north-south in Avondale is usually bone-dry. Many houses in the area have covered patios, so locals can enjoy the outdoors without standing directly in the heat. When the weather permits, Coldwater West residents like to get outdoors. Bordering the Agua Fria basin is Festival Fields Park, a community gathering space that saw extensive renovations in 2020. On hot days, kids play in the splash pad, and when it’s a bit cooler, dogs chase each other around at the dog park. Athletic fields and courts for basketball and pickleball also exist, as does a skate park for people to practice their tricks. The smaller Fred Campbell Park has a lighted basketball court and a shaded playground. Homes in Coldwater West are typically one-story, and they sit close to each other on quiet, wide suburban streets. Midcentury homes built in the ranch style exist here, as do Spanish-style homes made of stucco. Houses typically have driveways, and some have fences around their bare front lawns. Mobile homes sit within their communities, like Palm Vista and Wigwam. Home prices range from around $100,000 to $448,000. Locals in Coldwater West enjoy easy access to shopping and dining destinations. Café Zamora serves Mexican dishes like enchiladas in a casual environment. The rustic Black Bear Diner is a popular place to start the day with coffee and pancakes, and at night, Aguila’s Hidaway serves drinks alongside games of darts and pool. Big-box stores and chain restaurants sit along I-10. Chains like Walmart Supercenter, Kohl’s, In-N-Out Burger and Lowe’s Home Improvement all have a presence here. Locals can buy groceries at Sprouts Farmers Market, an organic supermarket chain based in Phoenix. Coldwater West falls within the Avondale Elementary School District, serving prekindergarten through eighth grade. Children can attend Lattie Coor School for prekindergarten through first grade, Eliseo C. Felix School for grades 2-5 and Avondale Middle School. All three schools are rated C by Niche. After middle school, kids can attend Agua Fria High School, which is rated B-plus. Interstate 10 runs east to Phoenix and west to Los Angeles. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is 25 minutes away by car. Neighbors without cars can take the bus into Phoenix through Avondale’s fixed-use bus service.