A secluded rural community with horse properties
Originally named Nadaburg, which translates loosely into “Nothing Town,” Wittmann is a peaceful rural community that’s just fine with its slower pace of life. “There’s not a whole lot in Wittmann, but people here want to keep it that way,” says Melanie Lakovich, a Realtor with Homesmart who’s sold homes here for 5 years. “They want to keep that quiet feeling and don’t want to turn it into Phoenix.” Set in a flat area of the Sonoran Desert, this area is popular for rodeo cowboys who compete in Wickenburg, located about 19 miles northwest, and need at least an acre for their horses. Off-roaders also come here for the sandy washes of the Hassayampa River and large stretches of unoccupied desert. The seclusion has resulted in an overall CAP Crime Index Score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4. The town has a few stores to meet residents’ needs, and the big-box retailers in Surprise are a 15-mile trip. Nearby houses of worship include Wittmann Baptist Church and Wittmann Assemblies of God Church.
New construction Mediterranean-style homes
Along narrow streets, most local homes are 2020s Southwestern-style new traditional, with clay-tiled roofs and stucco exteriors. Front yards reflect the surrounding desert landscape, with shaggy desert shrubs and towering saguaro cacti. Paved driveways lead to attached garages, though many residents park their cars in their yards or on gravel shoulders along the street. Three- and four-bedroom layouts range from 1,000 to 2,400 square feet; lot sizes vary from 6,000 square feet to over an acre, and some come with horse privileges. Prices typically range from $250,000 to $530,000, depending on size and acreage. “There are very few places where you can buy a brand-new house without a homeowners association fee, which affects what you can afford,” Lakovich says. “Here, you have freedom from the city crush and affordability without the HOA fees.”
Many mid- to late-20th-century ranch-style and manufactured homes can be found next to the neighborhood's newer homes, but they don’t come on the market often. Built between the 1930s and ‘90s, these homes can cost between $150,000 and $250,000, depending on their renovations. Buyers can also find undeveloped land here, with lots ranging from 6,500 square feet to 5 acres, and priced from $2,000 to $325,000.
Off-roading the Hassayampa River Trail
The open spaces surrounding Wittmann are popular for off-roading and riding dirt bikes. The nearly 6-mile Hassayampa River Trail is a well-known spot where the usually dry riverbed forms a wide sandy wash, and the 15-mile Ox Wash Singletrack is a flat trail through the Sonoran Desert landscape. Residents who own horses often have homes with acreage where they can practice roping and riding in their own arenas. Locals can explore the 770-acre Hassayampa River Preserve to the north, a desert oasis shaded by cottonwood and willow trees. The over 23,000-acre Lake Pleasant Regional Park is 22 miles northeast; boaters can spend days on the lake catching bass and sunfish, and campers can put their recreational vehicles to use at the park’s campgrounds.
Sandwiches and essentials at Wells Country Store
Locals can pick up essentials and a meal at Wells Country Store, a locally owned convenience store and deli that’s served the area for over 45 years. Dollar General and Delgado’s Hardware and Convenience Store are also in the neighborhood. Hungry residents can make the 2-mile drive south to El Vaquero Malo for Mexican comfort food, or head 5 miles northwest to Dillon’s at Western Trails Ranch for Kansas City-style barbecue and live country music. Fry’s Marketplace is the closest grocery store, about 11 miles away, and stores like Walmart and Trader Joe’s are a 14-mile trip.
The Farrier Program at Mountainside High
Local kids can start school at Nadaburg Elementary, which earns a B from Niche and serves kids in pre-kindergarten through Grade 8. The B-minus-rated Mountainside High opened its new school in 2024 and has STEM labs and art studios. Students here can join the Farrier Program to learn about blacksmithing, horseshoeing and overall horse care, and they can join sports teams like football and volleyball.
Along Highway 60
Highway 60, also called Grand Avenue, passes west-south through the neighborhood’s center. Grand Avenue leads about 19 miles northwest to Wickenburg and 15 miles southeast to Surprise, and downtown Phoenix is a 46-mile trip. With no public transportation, bike lanes or sidewalks, locals rely on their cars to get around. Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center is roughly 13 miles southeast, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a 50-mile trip.
The Gold Rush Days Senior Pro Rodeo in Wickenburg
In February, rodeo fans can head north to Wickenburg for the annual Gold Rush Days Senior Pro Rodeo, which has brought bull riders and ropers to the town for 75 years. The three-day event also has a parade through downtown Wickenburg, carnival rides and an artisan fair.
The Wells Country Store hosts family-friendly community events within the neighborhood. At the Trick-or-Treat Pow Wow each October, kids can come to the store’s parking lot in their costumes to trick-or-treat. In December, kids can take photos with Santa and receive a stuffed Christmas stocking during the Wells Country Christmas.
A high wildfire risk
Wittmann has a high risk for wildfire because it’s near so much undeveloped land. Fires typically stay further west, and Lakovich says she hasn’t experienced one since she started selling homes here. There are two fire stations within 4 miles of Wittmann, and residents can sign up for alerts from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management by downloading their app.
Written By
Annie Franklin
