Ahwatukee

Ahwatukee Overview  

Ahwatukee, the southern section of the city of Phoenix is known for its popular stucco homes with red-tile roofs. Circle roadways are the norm. The area is located next to South Mountain Park. Ahwatukee has good schools and an abundance of shopping. Considered part of the East Valley, the area draws many families and people who want to be closer in but still live a suburban life.    

Transportation  

Interstate 10 runs along the eastern edge of this community. The South Mountain Freeway runs along the southern and western sides of Ahwatukee. 

Explore the 3 areas of Ahwatukee 

Mountain Park Ranch: Zip code 85044 

Mountain Park Ranch is Ahwatukee’s original neighborhood. It has the most homes and shopping. The area stretches along Interstate 10, providing residents some of the easiest commutes. High-end homes are near South Mountain. More affordable neighborhoods popular with families are around the area’s well-traveled loops. 

Foothills Reserve: Zip Code 85045 

Foothills Reserve is the area’s most exclusive and smallest neighborhood. Located the farthest west, Foothills has gated communities and million-dollar, desert-style homes. 

Foothills: Zip Code 85048 

In the Foothills area, look for homes around more open space. A popular golf course and man-made lakes are also part of this neighborhood. The new freeway will run along the southern edge. 

Housing

Ahwatukee is known for its stucco homes with tile roofs. Many homes are two stories with big garages and desert lawns. Both mansions and affordable condominiums can be found here. The area also has many apartments. Roadways known as loops connect neighborhoods. Many neighborhoods are next to open desert, trails to South Mountain or back up to the preserve.  

The Market

  • Home sales and prices in Ahwatukee are steady. The area is close in for a suburb and regularly draws new residents. 
  • The most affordable homes are in Mountain Park Ranch. Foothills Reserve has the highest home prices. 
  • Mountain Park Ranch is popular with investors. Rental homes aren’t difficult to find in this area. 
  • New homes are still going up in the Foothills and Foothills Reserve neighborhoods. Construction of the South Mountain freeway could deter some homebuyers to these areas initially. But the new transportation corridor is expected to boost home values in these neighborhoods. 
  • Both Mountain Park Ranch and the Foothills saw foreclosures soar during the crash. But home values in the areas are nearing boom levels again. 

Living Here  

Expect a suburban lifestyle near a large mountain preserve. Many neighborhoods look similar with mostly stucco homes and tile roofs. The area and its good schools draw many families. People are often out on the community’s trails and loop roads walking, hiking or biking. Shopping centers abound. Big job hubs are nearby in Chandler, Tempe and Phoenix. 

Things to do: Mountain Park Ranch 85044 

Main attractions 

Your backyard is South Mountain Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. There’s hiking, biking and horseback riding. The view from the top of the mountain is breathtaking. If you’re up for socializing and a round of golf, Arizona Resort and Spa and Ahwatukee Country Club are here.   

Out on the town   

  • This neighborhood is exploding with restaurants and diverse cuisine. Nearby indoor mall Arizona Mills is home to a breathtaking Imax screen. 

Outdoors

  • This area flanks the south side of South Mountain Park, a paradise for mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers. Ahwatukee offers some of the Valley’s most popular routes for the Lycra-clad crowd of road bicyclists.  

Things to do: Foothills Reserve: 85045 

Main attractions 

Your backyard is South Mountain Park, one of the largest municipal park in the United States. There’s hiking, biking and horseback riding. The view from the top is breathtaking. For something more laid back, enjoy a round of gold at one of the community’s many golf clubs.  

Out on the town   

  • Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino is Ahwatukee’s hub for all things fun. The world-class facility brings countless musicians, comedians and performers. It also offers a spa, lounges, pools and fine dining.  

Outdoors

  • This area flanks the south side of South Mountain Park, a paradise for mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers. Ahwatukee offers some of the Valley’s most popular routes for the Lycra-clad crowd of road bicyclists. 

Things to do: Foothills: 85048 

Main attractions 

Life in the Foothills is a scenic one, with beautiful South Mountain sprawling to the north. It’s one of the largest municipal parks in the country. This is also the prime area for avid golfers, with Foothills Golf Club and Club West Golf Club located here.   

Out on the town  

  • Close proximity to major freeways means quick and easy access to all parts of the Valley, including downtown Phoenix with its concert venues and sporting arenas. Closer to home is Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, a world-class gaming facility tricked out with showrooms, spas, lounges, pools and fine dining.   

Outdoors 

  • This area flanks the south side of South Mountain Park, a paradise for mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers. Ahwatukee offers some of the Valley’s most popular routes for the Lycra-clad crowd of road bicyclists. 

Who lives here  

One of the smaller areas by population, Ahwatukee is relatively affluent and well-educated. Overwhelmingly, houses there were built in the 1980s and 1990s. The Foothills Reserve neighborhood (85045) has the Valley’s third-highest median household income.  

5 things to know about Phoenix  

  • It’s big: Phoenix is the nation’s sixth biggest city and its population is still growing faster than many other U.S. cities. The city was named in the mid-1800s by settlers who compared their new home to the mythical bird that burned and rose from the ashes.  
  • It’s a great place to hike: National Geographic ranked Phoenix as one of America’s 15 best hiking cities. The city has a vast network of desert preserves and hiking trails, including iconic summits like Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak. You’ll find trail maps and descriptions online.  
  • It has a reputation for being a well-run city: Phoenix has received various awards for good governance and has the highest credit rating of the nation’s six largest cities. But the city has struggled to get its fiscal problems in order since the Great Recession. City Council members regularly have coffee meetings open to all residents.  
  • It is focusing on urban growth and transportation: Phoenix’s general plan focuses heavily on infill development along the light-rail corridor. Light rail will continue to be one of Phoenix’s key development tools, with city leaders hoping to triple its miles of track by 2050.   
  • It has a thriving cultural scene: The Phoenix Symphony, Arizona Opera and Ballet Arizona all perform in the city’s Symphony Hall located downtown. The Orpheum Theatre, Herberger Theater Center and Valleavy Youth Theater are all nearby. Also located in the central city are the Phoenix Art Museum, Arizona Capitol Museum, Children’s Museum, Arizona Science Center and Heard Museum. A popular monthly art walk to a growing number of downtown galleries is called First Fridays and held on the first of each month.