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| City of Carefree and Cave Creek |
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Cities of Carefree and Cavecreek
Set in the high desert about 15 miles northeast of Phoenix and adjacent to Scottsdale, the recreational cities of Carefree and Cave Creek offer a respite from the bustling metropolitan pace below. Although these sister resort communities share a similar elevation just above 2,000 feet and are both nestled in the Sonoran foothills, Carefree is distinguished from Cave Creek in its level of affluence and sophistication.
Historical Cave Creek with its predominantly "Western country feeling" actually began as a mining town in the late 1800s, although it waited a hundred years to incorporate. Carefree, on the other hand, sprung up in the late '50s as a master-planned community and officially incorporated in 1986, 2 years before Cave Creek! Today, these primarily residential havens reflect a pleasing lend of the older historical themes with upscale resort-style living. In spite of their unique and contrasting personalities, the two communities harmonize so well with the surrounding landscape that it is often difficult to determine where one begins and the other ends.
Much of the natural scenery is no less than spectacular, with its massive granite bounders, imposing mountains and abundance of delicate desert greenery. The Tonto National Forest borders the area on two sides with its untouched desert beauty, punctuated by ancient Hohokam Indian ruins.
Cave Creek and Carefree have long boasted a strong tourist trade, enhanced by posh shopping centers such as El Pedregal, as well as an eclectic blend of shops, bars and restaurants. Outstanding recreational outlets are scattered throughout the area, including several of the most panoramic and masterfully designed golf courses in the entire Valley of the sun. The sudden appearance of a jackrabbit, quail, or deer in view of the green only adds to the allure of this charming area, reminding residents and visitors alike that the concrete and parking lots of the "big city" remain a delightful distance away!
Carefree and Cave Creek neighborhoods
Tatum Highlands/Tatum Ranch
Tatum Ranch is a master-planned community of 3,400 homes and five commercial sites in the northeast corner of Phoenix, where North Tatum Boulevard and Cave Creek Road meet. The Ranch is within the Upland Sonoran Desert life zone, with seven washes or arroyos, trending northeast to southwest. It is home to some of the most beautiful native Sonoran Desert vegetation and wildlife in the entire Southwest.
Residents enjoy the quiet beauty and serenity of the Desert. Elevation is about 1,800 feet. Because of its distance from the center of the metropolitan area (22 air miles) and its proximity to the New River Mountains to the north, the summer temperatures are usually 5 to 10 degrees cooler than recorded at Sky Harbor, and the night sky is dark.
The small town of Cave Creek, Arizona is just six miles to the north. The Ranch is within both the City of Phoenix the Cave Creek Unified School District. The Ranch is five miles north of the 101 Freeway, and 35 miles north of Phoenix' Sky Harbor airport. The Carefree Highway, the quickest approach to Interstate 17, is 3 miles north.
The Ranch was created and developed by SunCor Development Company beginning in 1988. Homes in 30 neighborhoods were built by Amberwood, Diamond Key, Golden Heritage, Kaufman and Broad, Maracay, Ryland, Saddleback, TW Lewis, and UDC. Three neighborhoods are gated.
The community benefits from the 410-foot wide Cave Creek Road scenic highway corridor that keeps the roadsides in natural desert plants and shrubs. The arterial streets with the Ranch have desert landscaping in their median strips. Land immediately to the north, east, and south of the Ranch is occupied with residential lots one acre or more. Land to the west of the Ranch is State Trust Land, with a portion dedicated as Sonoran Preserve.
SunCor created the Tatum Ranch Community Association to own, maintain, and insure the common areas, preserve the community's appearance and theme, and establish a sense of community. All Tatum Ranch homeowners are members of the Association.
Inside the Ranch is the new Desert Willows Elementary School (older Ranch students are bussed to Cave Creek schools) and three commercial areas (Safeway, Walgreen's, a medical and dental clinic, restaurants, and retail stores). A new Phoenix Fire Station is one mile south of the Ranch. The nearest hospital is the Mayo Clinic Hospital, five miles south.
Recreation and Social - Two urban parks, owned by the City of Phoenix, are found on the south and west edges of the Ranch. One of these parks has been developed, the second is being developed. Centered in the Ranch is the Tatum Ranch Golf Course, a public 18-hole (par 72) golf course, designed by Robert Culp and owned by American Golf. The Course is likely to become private in the near future. The Pro Shop and restaurant are open to the public.
Boulder Ranch
Carefree, Arizona real estate is growing in popularity every day. One of the reasons for this is the two championship golf courses at The Boulders Club. Owners of Arizona golf homes in this scenic locale have the luxury of choosing between two 18-hole courses designed by Jay Morrish. Members will enjoy the variety of clinics, mixers and tournaments that challenge players of every skill level. The Boulders Club also employs a full time teaching staff for instruction. Learn more about Carefree, Arizona real estate, and how you can start each day with a rejuvenating round of golf on one of two championship courses, by filling out an information request form.
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