$277,637Average Value$232Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
A former retirement community thriving in the Sonoran Desert
Circle City might not be a city, but it is a circle. This rural community, which is laid out in concentric circles around a central park, sits along U.S. Highway 60 between Surprise and Wickenburg in an otherwise undeveloped stretch of the Sonoran Desert. But the circle wasn’t an arbitrary design choice; the shape mimics the logo of The Workmen’s Circle, a Jewish nonprofit group that founded Circle City in the late 1950s as a retirement community for its members, as well as people over 50 of any race or religion. Today, Circle City is a quiet community open to everyone, but its history can be seen in streets named after Jewish leaders and in the faint outline of a menorah on the original synagogue, now a home near the neighborhood’s entrance.
There are no houses of worship in the area today; Wittmann Assembly of God church is about 4 miles away, and Beth Emeth Congregation is a 17-mile drive. Duncan Park, at the community’s center, is a popular gathering place, and Highway 60 borders the neighborhood, leading to Wickenburg and Surprise, both within 19 miles. The overall CAP Crime Index Score here is 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Ranch-style homes built from the 1960s through 2020s
Many of the neighborhood’s ranch-style homes were built around 1960 as part of the area’s initial development; these typically have carports, paved driveways and xeriscaped yards featuring cacti and low-water plants. New ranch-style homes with attached garages have been built as recently as the 2020s; manufactured homes are also available. “A lot of the lots are zoned R3, so you can add another unit,” says Melanie Lakovich, a Realtor with Homesmart who’s sold homes here for 5 years. “There are opportunities for investors to put new manufactured homes in.” Home layouts can range from 800 to 1,700 square feet; size and renovations affect price, which can range from $210,000 to $310,000. “The prices are considerably lower than the greater Phoenix area,” Lakovich says. The community is continuing to grow, and undeveloped lots of about an eighth of an acre are available for $26,000 to $50,000.
1/2
Centrally located Duncan Park
Duncan Park is an open green space in the neighborhood’s center with a playground, picnic tables and a small community center that hosts regular community association meetings. Just outside of the neighborhood, the Sonoran Desert offers plenty of ways to get outside. Much of the land here is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, making it open for off-roading; to the west, the Hassayampa River Trail is a mostly dry riverbed that's especially popular for off-road vehicles and dirt bikes. To the north, the 770-acre Hassayampa River Preserve, where the river flows most of the year, has a rare cottonwood and willow forest that residents can explore. Lake Pleasant Regional Park is around 27 miles northeast, providing a nearby place to camp and cool off by the water.
Country music at Dillon’s at Western Trails Ranch
While there aren’t any stores or restaurants in the community, locals have several options for both within 15 minutes. Dillon’s at Western Trails Ranch is the closest restaurant, serving Kansas-style barbecue and live country music each weekend; from September through April, they also host monthly bull riding and weekly team roping. Wickenburg, 15 miles northwest, has more options, like Cowboy Cookin’, which offers American comfort food in an Old West atmosphere. Wickenburg is also home to local fashion boutiques like Serape Bleu, and the regional grocery store chain Bashas’. Other grocery stores, including Wells Country Store and Family Dollar, can be found to the southeast along Highway 60.
Career and Technical Education at Wickenburg High
Local kids can start school at Morristown Elementary, which earns a B-plus from Niche and serves kids from pre-kindergarten through Grade 8. At the C-rated Wickenburg High, students can enroll in seven Career and Technical Education programs, including construction technologies, culinary arts and business management. Morristown Elementary is located about 4 miles from Circle City, and Wickenburg High is a roughly 18-mile drive.
Along Grand Avenue
Highway 60, also called Grand Avenue, borders the neighborhood's northeast, leading about 15 miles northwest to Wickenburg and 19 miles southeast to Surprise. “It's so easy to get to from U.S. 60,” Lakovich says. “You’re not going 10 minutes to get on the highway; the highway’s right there.” With no public transportation, bike lanes or sidewalks, residents rely on their cars to get around. Wickenburg Community Hospital is around 16 miles northeast, and Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center is roughly 17 miles southeast. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a 54-mile trip.
Gold Rush Days Senior Pro Rodeo in Wickenburg
Duncan Park regularly hosts community events, including yard sales and crafts fairs. In Wickenburg, the annual Gold Rush Days Senior Pro Rodeo, held each February, has brought cowboys and spectators to the town for 75 years to enjoy bull riding, a parade and carnival rides.
Flooding and wildfire risk
Some homes in the neighborhood are in a Special Flood Hazard Area, a FEMA-designated flood zone. While there is no recent history of flooding, these homes have a higher chance of flood damage, and homeowners may be required to purchase flood insurance.
There’s also a risk of wildfire here because Circle City is close to so much undeveloped land, though residents are more likely to experience smoke from nearby fires than any direct effects. There is a fire station in the community’s center, and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management’s app can help residents stay informed.
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
Are you familiar with the Circle City neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Circle City
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Circle City Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Circle City, Surprise sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Circle City, Surprise over the last 12 months is $282,500, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful 2021 build in rapidly growing Morristown. Conveniently located near the 303 and major shopping centers this home has all the peace of mind of a newer build but none of the hassle of an HOA, you can bring all your toys to the yard. The property is lovingly maintained, with a well appointed open concept kitchen with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops and white shaker cabinets.
Perfectly situated for the ideal balance of work and play, this beautifully crafted home is built for effortless living inside and out. At the heart of it all, the dream kitchen shines with GRANITE countertops, a farmhouse sink, and a double oven. QUALITY UPGRADES throughout include an OWNED SOLAR system, custom shutters, a water filtration system, top-of-the-line appliances, a premium tile roof,
This charming, AFFORDABLE Circle City home is now available! Featuring 2 bedrooms and an updated bathroom, this adorable home is located right across the street from the community park and recreation center! Situated on a large lot with a fenced yard, you can enjoy both the front and backyard covered patio's! No HOA! Circle City is approximately 20 minutes West of the 303 and close to Asante
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
