New Homes & Lifestyles
Life at a More Relaxed Pace
The frenzy of major cities can often be a burden. Snarling traffic, constant noise and congestion in urban areas can offset the benefits and make life stressful for those living within. It should therefore come as no surprise that many residents have been seeking an escape from such pressures. But where can one turn for a reprieve without sacrificing access to all the conveniences we have come to depend upon? For many, the answer has become the sleepy, neighboring towns of Carefree and Cave Creek.
Nestled toward the northern edge of Maricopa County, a mere 20 minute drive from Phoenix and bordered by Tonto National Forest, their histories could not be much more different. Cave Creek was founded in the mid 1870's when gold was discovered in the area and also became a stopping point for U.S. Cavalry troops traveling between Fort McDowell and Fort Whipple. As time went on, local culture embraced change selectively, and the town maintains the rustic feel of the western frontier today.
Carefree on the other hand, was conceived 70 years later by K.T. Palmer and Tom Darlington, two businessmen with a dream to create a completely planned community from scratch. Palmer and Darlington purchased the 2,200 acres of land with the goal of creating a town that was, appropriately enough, "free of care." Organized with the spirit of gentle living and a desire to preserve the beauty of the landscape around it, Carefree's quirky character can be observed on every corner, with signs reading "Easy Street" and "Ho Hum Road."
For many years, you could ask a resident of the Phoenix area about these towns and the first thing that would come to mind was the high density of senior citizens. Some would even jokingly warning people not to drive through the area after 8 p.m. because all of the lights would be out and everyone would be asleep. While it is true that much of the population still consists of the 65 and older crowd, the demographic shift over the last ten years is startling with the median age dropping to 45 due to an increase of families moving in to raise their children.
"They're coming because of the unparalleled views, community atmosphere and the Cave Creek School District," says Gary Niess, representative of Carefree's Town Hall. The breathtaking, wide open feel of the area is absolutely stunning as Black Mountain looms over the horizon and the wilds stretch on as far as your eye can see. Coyotes, javelina and other wildlife can frequently be seen roaming through the foliage while majestic hawks soar in the skies above. Temperatures are frequently many degrees cooler than only a few dozen miles south and the climate has even been known to produce some snow in the depth of winter, a sight alien to many residents of Arizona.
Lest all that nature fool you into thinking nothing ever happens in Cave Creek and Carefree, think again. There is still plenty to do despite the lack of major arenas and massive venues. The towns play host to events on a regular basis, including Friday Art Night, where galleries throughout the area open their doors to the public every Friday from November through May. Crazy Ed's Satisfied Frog restaurant has live music performances every month, drawing in crowds of up to 600 people. Farmer's markets spring up on the weekends. Small car shows, organized by community groups, occur year round. And if what the towns themselves have to offer is not enough, a quick hop in the car can have you right back in the middle of the Phoenix night life.
Cave Creek is also a paradise for horse lovers. With the availability of large lots of undeveloped land, many people take advantage of the ability to raise and keep their animals in their own backyards. Paired to a significant number of riding trails and the bare wilderness a stone's throw away, it is an equestrian (and their owner's) dream come true.
The local school system, Cave Creek School District, is also a huge boon to families looking to raise children in the area. Serving all of Carefree and most of Cave Creek, the district has quickly earned a reputation for being among the best in the state. Recently, the Arizona Board of Education gave the rank of "Excelling," their highest honor, to seven of the eight schools serving the communities.
With all of the attractions and attributes that might bring residents to the region, one might think that there could be some concern with overpopulating and causing the very problems that can make city life unappealing. The key to preventing this is organization. Carefree is, in essence, a master planned community. The lots were specifically kept large and have been zoned in such a way as to keep growth in check. Cave Creek, while not as rigidly plotted as its neighbor, also boasts the elbowroom, and has the ability to expand westward without losing the rustic appeal.
When all of these elements are placed together, Carefree and Cave Creek are quickly becoming a premier destination for Arizona residents to live and grow in. From the majestic beauty to the vibrant culture, it certainly is not difficult to see why many are taking the time to enjoy what life has to offer when you slow down and take a look around.
Conrad Zimmerman is a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and a freelance writer. He can be reached at 480.585.6500
Photo courtesy of Covey Creative Images
