Located on the southwestern outskirts of Phoenix, in the foothills of the South Mountains, suburban Ahwatukee (pronounced Ah-wah-TOO-kee) has been expanding exponentially since the early 1970s, but still maintains its natural desert terrain, which attracts hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Families with young children and retirees from all over the Valley are also drawn here by Ahwatukee's scenic views, planned housing developments, good schools and abundant shopping and dining.
“Years ago, my husband said to me, ‘Do you know there’s life on the other side of the freeway?’ You really don’t have to ever leave because everything you need is right here,” says Pam Eagan, an associate broker with Realty Executives International who has lived in Ahwatukee for over 40 years. “This is a very tight-knit community with a lot of family-owned restaurants and an excellent school system. The population is growing because it’s a great place to raise a family; people who grew up here stay here. I thank God every day I moved to Ahwatukee and raised my three kids here, and now that I have grandkids, I wouldn’t want them to live anywhere else.”
Ahwatukee's welcoming neighborhood offers a sanctuary of comfort and camaraderie.
Capture breathtaking sunset views from Dobbins Lookout near Ahwatukee.
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Holidays and beloved community events connect neighbors year after year
According to Eagan, a large part of what makes Ahwatukee so great for families with kids is that so many residents go all-out for community events. “The holidays here are a big deal,” she says. “People bus their kids into Ahwatukee for Halloween because lots of people give out the full-sized candy bars. On my street, we sit out with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and have buckets full of candy to give out to the thousands of kids who show up.”
Other festivities throughout the year serve as major points of pride among Ahwatukee residents. “We have an annual Easter parade that is just phenomenal," Eagan says. "Everybody comes from all over.” Following this parade, the Spring Fling Festival and Craft Fair is held at Ahwatukee Community Park, featuring live entertainment and kids' activities. The annual Festival of Lights is another big draw. “Volunteers put up millions of little, tiny white lights on the saguaro cactuses and in all the trees in the median,” says Eagan. The kick-off party for this illuminating event is held at Desert Foothills Park the Saturday before Thanksgiving. “There’s a huge stage featuring local talent all day long, and there’s all kinds of local crafts vendors” Eagan says. “Even the Tupperware lady is there.” Local food vendors join the mix, and the beer garden serves drinks from local breweries. “As the sun is setting, you hear what sounds like a million Harley-Davidsons. They come down from the top of the hill all decorated and lighted, and Santa and Mrs. Claus are the last ones to come down in the sidecar.”
Highly rated learning in Kyrene and Tempe Union High School districts
Students here can attend Kyrene district schools from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, including Kyrene de los Cerritos Leadership Academy for elementary school and Kyrene Altadeña Middle, both rated A by Niche. Teens can continue to Tempe Union High district schools like the B-plus-rated Mountain Pointe High, which offers area-renowned fine arts and athletic programs. There are also several private, charter and parochial schools in the area.
Kyrene de los Cerritos School entrance.
Explore a world of opportunities and enrichment at Kyrene Altadeña Middle School
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Hiking, biking, horseback riding and panoramic views in South Mountain Park
At over 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park is the largest municipal park in the United States, with over 50 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails of varying elevations across its three mountain ranges. The highest point in the park is the roughly 2,330-foot Dobbins Lookout, accessible by both trails and Summit Road, and providing panoramic views of the Valley. At the base of this mountain, Desert Foothills Park hosts several community events in its open greenspace, including the annual Spring Concert in the Park series. Residents can find a playground and lighted sports facilities here, as well as at other community parks like the east side's nearly 45-acre Mountain Vista Park, which also includes a splash pad. Local golfers can tee off on the 18-hole courses at the Foothills Golf Club, Ahwatukee Country Club or Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Club.
Ahwatukee's equestrian community shares a love for horses and the serene beauty of riding.
Ahwatukee's dog-friendly community offers tail-wagging adventures for pups of all sizes.
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An abundance of master-planned communities, with luxury estates in the foothills
Homes in Ahwatukee are generally found within small master-planned communities, some designed for residents aged 55 and older, and most offering their own private recreation centers, swimming pools and tennis courts; most residential streets are lined with wide sidewalks, and neighbors take pride in their well-maintained, often low-water landscaping. Many local houses date back to the late 1970s and '80s, but there are also lots of 20th- and 21st-century builds; most have one or two stories and feature Spanish-style details like neutral-colored stucco exteriors and clay-tile roofs. Modest condominiums and townhouses start at around $200,000, while larger models in gated, resort-style communities can go for over $800,000. Detached single-family homes start at around $325,000, though sprawling, custom estates set on half-acre to two-acre lots in the mountain foothills can go for as much as $5 million.
Live the life of luxury in Ahwatukee's prestigious and highly coveted residences.
Ahwatukee's condos offer modern living with amenities and convenience.
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Chain restaurants, locally owned eateries and popular retail and grocery stores on the east side
Residents do most of their shopping and dining on the neighborhood’s east side near Interstate 10. Along Ray Road, locals can find plenty of chain restaurants and big-box retailers like Target, as well as a JC Penney department store; grocery options include a Sprouts Farmers Market and a Sam's Club. Ray Road loops south to connect with East Chandler Boulevard, which is lined with grocery stores like Trader Joe’s and Safeway, as well as a Kohl’s and several chain restaurants.
There are also plenty of local eateries in Ahwatukee. South-of-the-border hotspots include Arriba Mexican Grill, popular for its craft margaritas and happy hour specials, and Los Taquitos, a go-to for breakfast burritos and Taco Tuesday discounts. Along Warner Road, local favorites like Nello’s Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen serve wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta alongside craft beer and cocktails, and each Sunday, the Ahwatukee Farmers Market sells fresh produce and locally sourced meat.
Treat yourself to the cheesy goodness of Nello's Ahwatukee's delicious pizza pies.
Discover the difference of in-house tortillas at On The Border in Ahwatukee.
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Convenient commutes via Interstate 10 and the 202 Freeway
The neighborhood is bordered south by State Route 202 and east by Interstate 10, so residents have quick, convenient access to downtown Phoenix (18 miles via I-10), Chandler (14 miles via AZ-202), Tempe (17 miles via I-10) and other Valley destinations. Valley Metro bus stops can be found between East Ray Road and East Chandler Boulevard, also connecting residents with downtown and surrounding areas. For emergency and specialized medical care, the Chandler Regional Medical Center is roughly 12 miles east, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is less than 15 miles north via I-10.
Explore the beauty of Ahwatukee's landscapes with fellow bikers in the community.
Dobbins Lookout offers unparalleled views of the surrounding landscapes near Ahwatukee.
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
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Ahwatukee
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Ahwatukee Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Ahwatukee, Phoenix sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Ahwatukee, Phoenix over the last 12 months is $540,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Finally a place for peace and relaxation! This Foothills home has it all. Plenty of spaces indoors and outdoors to enjoy family and friends. The views on this property are endless. Front and back, every window has the mountains and the valleys of this beautiful location. The split floor plan of this 4 bedroom 3 bath home is perfect for family or guests. Work from home? Enjoy your own private
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