Paradise Valley

 

 

You don’t get the world “paradise” in your name unless you’ve earned it, and Paradise Valley has done that and more. This town has often been called the jewel of Arizona. With the McDowell Mountains, Camelback Mountain, the Piestewa Peak, and the Phoenix Mountain Preserve as a backdrop, it’s no wonder the valley was called “paradise” due to its fabulous sunsets over the desert vistas. Add to it the experience of natural beauty as far as the eye can see, wide-open spaces, and a special use permit that requires all homes to be built on at least one acre of land, and you can see how the description of “paradise” came to be and continues.
 
What started out as a humble area for cattle grazing in the 1800s has turned into elegant desert living with sprawling estate properties. That, too, is part of the paradise. Want more? Okay, Paradise Valley has a quiet, rural, suburban lifestyle with all the amenities of big city living but none of the fuss and noise. There are also upscale boutiques for those who love to shop, many fine-dining restaurants, several luxury resorts, parks and walking trails, and world-class golf courses. The strict minimum of at least one acre per house lot ensures that the area will remain natural and beautiful without much commercialization—this is a true paradise. The housing includes exclusive mansions, luxury villas, and spacious, modern single-family homes.

 

Life in Paradise Valley centers around peace and quiet, and the residents are vigilant about this and have worked hard to maintain it. Quality of life comes first here. Yes, there are luxury resorts, terrific shopping, and amazingly good restaurants, but the locals also love their community. Local events such as art exhibits or car shows are an ongoing thing. Volunteering is also part of bringing people together with several committees that build lifelong friendships, such as an arts advisory committee, a historical committee for preserving the town’s history, and a mountain preserve trust to defend and perpetuate the natural landscape.

 

For excellent fine dining, craft cocktails, and a date night to remember, make Steak 44 a regular treat. It’s okay to spoil yourself. Speaking of which, the Camelback Inn Resort & Spa with pools, gardens, an 18-hole golf course, healing spa, boutiques, and fine dining will keep you permanently in the lap of luxury.

There’s also the Mountain Shadows Resort for fine dining, wine parties, yoga, live music, an art gallery, and a par-3 golf course. Then, too, the 20 acres of lavish living at The Ritz-Carlton Palmeraie with swimming pools, spa, lush gardens, fine dining, cocktails in a ritzy lounge, and floor-to-ceiling windows with fabulous mountain views might be just what the doctor ordered.

 

You have to see it—or rather hear it—to believe it on a tour of Cosanti Originals bronze and ceramic wind bells. Visit the original gallery and watch today’s artists at work. Don’t forget you’re right near Scottsdale, and all of the best is at your fingertips whenever you want it—designer boutiques, quirky stores, museums, jewelry stores, native art markets, live music venues, theaters, and more.