Where Citrus Park sits between open desert and Glendale
Citrus Park is a West Valley area where suburban living opens up to big skies. Made up of several HOA- and non-HOA-managed subdivisions, this Maricopa County community has options for buyers looking for space, privacy, structure and freedom alike. It’s just west of Glendale, within a growing unincorporated area locals know best as Waddell, between the scenic White Tank Mountains and Luke Air Force Base.
Larger lots and fewer restrictions shape Citrus Park prices
Prices in Citrus Park tend to start higher than in nearby Glendale and Peoria, which real estate broker Julie Calza, leader of the CalzaCo Team, attributes to what buyers are willing to pay for. “Citrus Park and Waddell aren’t really about being cheap or expensive in a simple way,” she says. “Buyers are often paying for larger lot sizes, more flexibility and a lower-density feel.” That’s why two homes with similar interiors can land far apart on price once you factor in acreage, RV infrastructure, workshops or fewer deed restrictions.
South of West Bethany Home Road, homes are more likely to sit on smaller lots in planned, HOA-managed communities, including Savannah, Russell Ranch and Cottonwood Estates. Acre-plus properties are more common north of the road, where the layout is more rural. Overall, housing options span several decades — from late-1970s homes to recent new construction. Common styles include Spanish Revival, New Traditional and Minimal Traditional.
Recent single-family home sales here have ranged widely, from the mid-$400,000s to about $1.5 million, depending on lot size, location and customization. Competition is “selective rather than frantic,” Calza says.
What to know about utilities, internet and zoning rules
Public electric service is available. High-speed internet is, too, but options can vary from house to house. Various providers handle water, and septic systems are common. Most residents depend on central air conditioning, especially during hot desert summers, when triple-digit temperatures are frequent.
Calza explains that buyers interested in features like RV parking, outbuildings or keeping animals should keep in mind that “zoning, setbacks and any deed restrictions matter as much as lot size,” since permitted uses can vary by property.
Highly rated school districts, nearby campuses and open enrollment
The Litchfield Elementary School District and Agua Fria Union High School District serve Citrus Park, with nearby, highly rated options including Belen Soto Elementary and Canyon View High School. Statewide open enrollment lets students transfer across attendance zones and between districts, but acceptance depends on capacity. “I usually recommend that families first narrow down the lifestyle and commute they want, then confirm boundaries, and then explore open enrollment,” Calza says.
Everyday errands and outdoor recreation near Citrus Park
Citrus Park is primarily residential, but the locally owned Out West General Store has groceries, livestock and ranch supplies, casual comfort food and a popular ice cream counter. For more extensive errand runs, Calza says locals head to:
- Prasada, a neighborhood in Surprise, about 7 miles away, with an open-air destination shopping center
- Verrado, a community in Buckeye, also about 7 miles away, with day-to-day dining, shopping and services
The West Valley has various outdoor destinations for adventure sports and rustic recreation, the biggest probably being White Tank Mountain Regional Park, about 5 miles away. It covers about 30,000 acres, offering miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.
Driving distances to Glendale, Phoenix and beyond by car
Citrus Park is car-dependent, like much of Maricopa County, and it’s commuter-friendly. With Arizona State Route 303 nearby, the drive to Interstate 10, roughly 7 miles away, is straightforward, which helps for getting around the Valley. Commuters in Citrus Park are:
- Less than 15 miles from central Goodyear
- Less than 20 miles from central Glendale
- Less than 30 miles from central Phoenix
Written By
Micaela Willoughby