Like most Valley dwellers, you’ve already decided that plentiful sunshine and endless shopping, spa and dining selections are for you. But choosing between up-and-coming neighborhoods, high-rise condominiums and luxurious master-planned communities can be difficult. For years, AFM has found the very best spots in the Valley to call home in our annual Best Places to Live feature. Whether you’re an Arizona native looking for a new niche or a family relocating from afar, this roundup of the best places in town—and our top reasons for making the move—will help you narrow the search.

MIRABEL
Reason to Live Here: World-Class Lifestyle
Touted for its award-winning golf and country club, Mirabel, one of Scottsdale’s foremost luxury retreats, sits 3,000 feet in elevation above the Valley. Commanding awe-inspiring views of the Sonoran Desert, the community offers potential homeowners a lifestyle affixed with world-class dining and other resort-friendly amenities. The members-only Tom Fazio golf course, full-service day spa, state-of-the-art health and fitness center, championship- caliber tennis garden and luxe swimming facilities offers residents a bevy of activities. Moreover, the full-time concierge-style member services affords security and insight into the Valley’s “it” spots. Custom homes (and homesites) within this hidden haven, priced from $995,000 to more than $5 million, are inspired by the desert’s Southwestern style and are designed to blend indoor and outdoor living. Furthermore, each home encapsulates beautiful desert views, masterfully designed layouts and the use of natural materials. 866.647.2235, www.mirabel.com. —Christine Whitton

ONE LEXINGTON
Reason to Live Here: Urban Living
If bright lights and the hustle and bustle of midtown Phoenix get your pulse racing, One Lexington is the preeminent hot spot to consider when making this urban lifestyle your own. Formerly Century Plaza, this loft-style high-rise on Central Avenue features 130 available units ranging from cozy one-bedrooms for $150,000 to 2,865-sq.-ft. luxury penthouses for $1 million. All 17 floors share the same sophisticated style, soaring ceilings, wall-to-wall glass windows and luxury finishes. Balconies with floating tempered glass make for unobstructed panoramic views of the Valley. Owners receive access to the building’s fitness center, sun deck and pool, professionally landscaped gardens, lounges and putting greens. Best of all, the building offers easy access to the light rail, countless eateries and trendy downtown districts. 602.277.8500, www.onelexington.com. —C.P.

ENCANTERRA
Reason to Live Here: So Close, Yet So Far
Hit the road, Jack. If wide-open space is key and bumper-to-bumper traffic cramps your style, the private refuge of Encanterra in the Southeast Valley is the perfect choice for you (and your convertible). The secluded community is positioned between the breathtaking Superstition Mountains and San Tan vistas with open air all around—yet it remains only a short jaunt from the I-60 and 202 freeways. New homes (ranging from the high-$100,000’s to the mid-$400,000’s) are Shea Green Certified, eco-friendly and energy-efficient; wide open floor plans, close attention to detail and customizable interiors make it easy to see why Trilogy by Shea Homes has such high customer satisfaction ratings. The centerpiece of the property, Encanterra’s 60,000-sq.-ft. La Casa Clubhouse, is designed by world-renowned architect Bing Hu. The resortlike atmosphere will hold the interest of the entire family, boasting three beautiful pools, four amazing restaurants, a signature Tom Lehman golf course, a full-service spa and fitness center, a special event space and courtyards for relaxing. 800.924.4581, www.encanterra.com. —C.P. 

SILVERLEAF
Reason to Live Here: Country Club Comforts
Perched within the majestic foothills of the McDowell Mountains, this North Scottsdale enclave features its final 35 custom homesites. Part of the award-winning DC Ranch community, Silverleaf encompasses 736 homes and homesites across 2,000 acres. (Custom homesites are priced from $300,000 to $5 million.) The biggest build: a 70,000-sq.-ft. rural Mediterranean-style estate designed by Peterson Architecture and Associates. Together, all three Silverleaf neighborhoods reflect the beauty of Spanish, Mediterranean and Western architectural influences. Residents of the country club can relish in its many amenities which include teeing off at a Tom Weiskopf signature golf course, relaxing in a 50,000-sq.-ft. clubhouse and spa or taking a peaceful moment to admire the city lights below. Its location to high-end boutiques, fine
dining restaurants and art exhibits also make venturing out easy and exciting. 480.502.6902, www.silverleaf.com. —Christine Whitton



THE LANDMARK
Reason to Live Here: His-and-Hers
Adjacent to the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, The Landmark’s two residential towers soar six and seven stories high. As one of the first vertical-living towers in Arizona, Tower One is completely sold out with only a few residences remaining in Tower Two. Homes, priced from $1 to $3 million, overlook the Westin Kierland golf course and picturesque mountains. Ownership affords access to Landmark’s many comforts which include a full-time concierge; a hosted privacy gate; a 5,800-sq.-ft. award-winning clubhouse; two fitness pavilions; a climate-controlled wine cellar; a heated pool and spa and much more. Outside, residents are steps from Kierland Commons’ unique Main Street. The hot spot provides a plethora of trend-setting shops and mouthwatering eateries to explore. Its close proximity to home also reinforces Landmark’s green building practices by being within walking distance. 800.436.8982, www.landmarklifestyle.com. —Christine Whitton



ROSEWOOD AT DC RANCH
Reason to Live Here: Family-Friendly
Located in DC Ranch, this small enclave features 34 beautifully built residences in varying styles of Tuscan, Spanish Colonial, Spanish Mission and Monterey, with a new model home set to have its grand opening in October. The land was designed in such a way to maximize wonderful mountain views and open space. This family-friendly community offers both single- and two-story homes which range from 2,000 to 3,980 square feet. In addition, each residence features lush courtyards and charming patios as well as large backyards for the kids to enjoy. Brimming with elaborate features, each home has gourmet-style kitchens, spacious suites, and either a two- or three-car garage. The prices for these custom homes range from the high-$500,000’s to the mid $900,000’s. This family-oriented community has also made it a priority to be green by installing power- and water-saving amenities. What’s more, the entire neighborhood is protected by a gate fueled by smart card technology to ensure your loved ones are safe. 480.922.6366, www.rosewoodhomes.com.—C.G.



THE VILLAS AT MONTELUCIA
Reason to Live Here: A Permanent Vacation
If sun-drenched Spanish-style courtyards, four-star amenities and an endless source of sangria at your fingertips sounds appealing, the Villas at Montelucia—situated in beautiful Paradise Valley—may be the spot for you. Transporting its visitors and homeowners into Andalusia, Spain, the eight remaining villas (34 total) blend Old World charm and international flair with a new-world resort lifestyle. The 3,800- to 4,700-sq.-ft. residences are richly detailed and fashioned with the help of Montelucia’s design studio. Privileges of ownership include on-site concierge, business and fitness center access, comprehensive lush landscaping, a 24-hour attended gatehouse, private pools and à la carte services (think housekeeping, spa, room service and more). Prices range from $1.9 to $3.5 million. 602.956.9400, www.monteluciavillas.com.—C.P.



CHATEAU ON CENTRAL
Reason to Live Here: European Experience
Central Phoenix is now home to its very own castle. With sky-scraping steeples and turrets, opulent landscaping and unrivaled amenities, the Old World-inspired luxury townhomes at Chateau on Central are fit for a king. With award-winning Rowland Luxury Homes slated to finish renovations on the Chateau’s 21 five-story Queen Anne, Victorian-style townhomes, future residents can expect a taste of European living without ever leaving the Valley. Boasting turn-of-the-century architecture as well as cutting-edge technology, Chateau evokes an air of casual elegance. For those who relish privacy, not only is the property fully gated but each brownstone also comes equipped with a personal elevator. In addition, each mini mansion, which ranges in size from 5,200 to 5,800 square feet, features deluxe Viking appliances, multiple
terraces perfect for alfresco dining and an attached two-car garage. (Chateau’s signature residence, though, is more than 8,200 square feet.) When it comes to living at Chateau, there is no question: C’est la vie! Pricing available upon request. 602.399.5626.—Cassandra Weinma

VERRADO
Reason to Live Here: Small Town Charm
Surrounded by the White Tank Mountains of Buckeye, this proposed 11,000-home community was built around small-town principles. Located 25 minutes from Downtown Phoenix, this neighborhood of Craftsman, farmhouse, ranch hacienda and other first-of-their-kind-style homes features cozy front porches and parks around every corner. With your choice of Verrado’s artisan custom builders, homesites range from one-half acre to three acre-plus lots. Downtown Verrado acts as the hub for get-togethers. From a bank, a grocery store and a pharmacy to a seasonal farmers market, a coffee shop and Verrado Village Sport and Health Club, Main Street engages families and friendships. Its two kid-friendly restaurants, The Verrado Grille and Grazie Pizzeria and Wine Bar, offer two exciting options for eating out. The town’s center also plays host to several events including hometown holidays, the celebration of Verrado’s own Founder’s Day and Independence Day. Prices range from the mid-$100,000’s to $1 million. 623.215.6000, www.verrado.com.—Christine Whitton

BLACKSTONE COUNTRY CLUB AT VISTANCIA
Reason to Live Here: Playtime
Whether it’s playing a round on the signature Jim Engh-designed golf course, a high-energy tennis match or a Lake Pleasant excursion, there is plenty to do for the entire family in Peoria’s beautiful Blackstone at Vistancia—an elite, private country club community spanning 590 acres just off Happy Valley Road and Lake Pleasant Parkway. Honoring what families cherish most—good times, good friends and the good life—Blackstone offers plenty of fun outlets for r-and-r. The Mediterranean-inspired Hacienda clubhouse at Blackstone Country Club is the hot spot, featuring fitness areas, resort-style pools with cabanas, children’s play areas and tennis facilities. Fancy dining rooms, indoor/outdoor spaces, courtyards for lounging, bars and wine-tasting rooms make the clubhouse the hub for all things social and are the perfect backdrop for special events. Luxury homes, villas and homesites, ranging from one-half to one-acre lots, are all available in this warm and friendly community, beginning in the $200,000’s for homes and $100,000’s for homesites. 623.476.2923, www.blackstonecountryclub.com.—C.P.



ARCADIA
Reason for Living There: Up and Coming
Positioned at the foot of Camelback Mountain, the all-American neighborhood of Arcadia radiates with a strong sense of community. The limits of Arcadia span from 44th Street to 64th Street and from Osborn to Camelback Roads. The area’s southwestern-style ranch houses date back to the 1920’s and its mix of modern chateaulike homes gives Arcadia its sense of authentic Arizona. Formerly a citrus grove, the notable homes on the streets of Exeter and Lafayette are still lined with beautiful grapefruit and orange trees, which annually fill the neighborhood with the scent of orange blossoms. Another perk is its proximity to freeway entrances in addition to being between Central Phoenix and Scottsdale. Homes in Arcadia generally fluctuate in price from $300,000 to $3 million. The Arizona Canal, located just off Indian School Road, provides the perfect place for Sunday bike rides with the family or nightly dog walks. Plus, the breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain definitely don’t hurt Arcadia’s appeal. —C.G.