Carefree: Quiet, Quirky Charm

Carefree: Quiet, Quirky Charm

Carefree: Quiet, Quirky Charm

 

Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the Phoenix with a chance to view majestic mountain vistas, towering saguaro cacti in the Sonoran Desert, and a chance to feel the peace of midnight-black skies at night are what draw people to Carefree. Often considered a twin town to Cave Creek immediately to the west, Carefree is a primarily residential enclave with a population of nearly 4,000.

 

Unlike Cave Creek, which has its roots in the Old West, Carefree was conceived in the 1950s as a planned community by business partners K.T. Palmer and Tom Darlington. Many visitors to the town get their first glimpse of Carefree as they pass north through the gigantic granite boulders rock formation on Tom Darlington Drive. This cheerfully laidback town is full of whimsical street names like Easy Street, Lucky Lane, Nonchalant Drive, and Ho Hum Drive. If you’re looking for a place where you can be yourself, Carefree is for you.

 

Leisurely and Luxurious Neighborhoods

Carefree ‘s neighborhoods may be characterized as leisurely living experiences. The overall community is popular with retirees who want secluded property instead of a condo or townhome existence. Buyers will find more expensive homes on the northeast side, including Ranchitos del Ray, a custom home development with properties up to five acres in the foothills of the Continental Mountains, and the gated community of Cow Track Estates, which offers homes of varying sizes, horse properties and fantastic views of the town. Carefree Too, near the town center, has some mid-sized homes well-price for growing families. Boulders Carefree and Black Mountain Foothills in the southern part of town offer homes in Sonoran Desert Settings.

 

Luxe Life Pursuits

Even though Carefree is primarily residential, it has two leisure destinations almost next to one another. Desert Forest Golf Club is a unique facility that offers a respite from valley heat. The course is routed over the landscape rather than through it, resulting in a playing experience over a unique topography.

 

Next to Desert Forest is Civana, a destination wellness resort that offers a regenerating, serene and healthy experience. Civana provides a spa, salon, and personalized wellness experiences through its classes and retreats.

 

Shopping and the Arts Intertwine

Carefree’s town center is where you’ll find all the fun. A cluster of several small outdoor shopping centers offers a mixture of grocery, hardware, and drug stores, plus quirky boutiques, gift shops, and restaurants. Most notable is the Spanish Village, home to a diverse group of artists and their galleries. The town center hosts an art walk every third Thursday from May through October. The four-acre Carefree Desert Gardens anchors the area, hosting 55 unique plant species, a splash pad, playground, trails with art, and the town’s famous giant sundial. You’ll also find the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion here, home to live entertainment, community events, and wellness activities.

 

Deliciously Diverse Dining

You’ll never get bored dining in Carefree. Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse, in the Spanish Village, is one of the town’s newer offerings, serving a top-quality steakhouse experience, plus fresh seafood, chicken, and American specialties. At the other end of the spectrum is the Black Mountain Coffee Shop, a favorite breakfast and lunch destination with a simple but tasty menu. Do you fancy a spot of tea? Head to the English Rose Tea Room, an oasis in the desert where you’ll find a classic high tea experience.

The Boulders Market Update June 2019 – Carefree AZ

 

The Boulders Market Update June 2019 – Carefree AZ

The Boulders Market Update June 2019 – Carefree AZ

As you are probably aware, the market is starting to change back to what is considered to be a “normal market” with short sales and foreclosure appear to be a thing of the past.  Throughout the valley we are seeing an increase in inventory as well as slower sales cycles for the homes that are on the market for the most part. But NOT in The Boulders, homes are selling in 130 days or less for record prices!!!

The average market time on market in The Boulders single family home is roughly 130 days according to MLS data.  In addition, we are also seeing an average price per square foot for properties that are currently on the market of $340, as well as an average of roughly $350 per sqft for homes that have recently sold. With only 15 listings in all of The Boulders on the MLS (not including condos or town homes) in The Boulders is why you need more than ever a Realtor that knows the The Boulders – Carefree market place so that your property will sell in a timely manner and for the right price.

With housing inventory on the rise as well as the market showing signs of improvement now is the time to sell and/or consider an upgrade!  Below are a few examples of homes that have recently sold or that are currently on the market in The Boulders for your review:

  • 7373 E. Clubouste Dr 3200 sqft (Listed for $1,125,000 and Sold for $1,102,000 in 545 days)
  • 7685 E. Old Paid Trl 3691 sqft (Listed for $1,485,000 and Sold for $1,313,000 in 107 days)
  • 7650 E. El Sendro 26 3957 sqft (Listed for $2,150,000 and Sold for $1,845,000 in 155 days)
  • 3073 Ironwood Rd 3091 sqft (Listed for $1,575,000 and Sold for $1,400,000 in 270 days)
  • 1035 N. Boulder Dr 3665 sqft (Listed for $1,095,000 and Sold for $925,000 in 205 days)
  • 7511 E. Club Villa Dr 2854 sqft (Listed for $895k and Sold for $800k in 300 days)

 

Most of the listings are selling for record prices in under 150 days.  Now is the time to sell..

For those of you who I have met while working in The Boulders for the past 10 years, I look forward to speaking with you again soon.  For those of you who I have not met and/or were unable to stop by Berkshire’s listings on Old Paint Trl, Boulder Dr, El Sendero , and Ironwood Rd here are a few more good reasons to work with me:

  • Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is one of the largest real estate companies in the country w/ over 2200 member offices and 62,000 sale professionals.
  • We have the web covered with multiple top rates websites as well as exclusive relationships with: Google, Yahoo, Zillow, RealtyTrac, Overstock.com real estate and HomeFinder.com
  • The Holm Group has closed over $120 million in transactions and counting
  • Check out some of our great reviews on Google – Yelp and our website
  • The Holm Group lived in and represents buyers and sellers in The Bouders
  • We have 6 full time licensed professionals to assist you with all of your real estate needs.
  • If you are looking at doing any home improvements give me a call as I have access to a variety of qualified contractors that can assist you in achieving top dollar for your home.

 

I look forward to earning your business not only for today, but in the years to come.

Andrew Holm, ABR, CDPE, EPro

The Holm Group – Scottsdale

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

Web: https://www.theholmgroupaz.com/the-boulders-homes-for-sale

Email: andrew@theholmgroupaz.com

8 Key Reasons Why People are Drawn to Live in Carefree, Arizona

Carefree Real Estate Articles

 

Carefree, Arizona, is a lovely master-planned community that was conceived in the 1950s. In 1984, Carefree was incorporated as a city and currently has a population of about 4,000 residents. Carefree is a community that is part of the broader Phoenix metropolitan area. There are eight key reasons why people elect to live in Carefree.

 

A Great Place to Retire

In recent years, Carefree has become evermore attractive to people interested in a pleasant community in which to retire. The city offers a nice selection of different types of housing options that are appealing to people in their Golden Years. In addition to retirees, Carefree is proving attractive to the snowbird population as well.

When it comes to housing in Carefree, the stock does tend to consist of higher end homes. With that said, housing prices in Carefree are notably more moderate that what is found in comparable Southwestern U.S. communities, including in Arizona.

 

Solid Community to Raise a Family

Another reason why a segment of the population finds Carefree an appealing place to reside is because the city truly is family friendly. Although housing prices in Carefree are on the higher end of what is found in Maricopa county, there are neighborhoods in the city that are attractive to people raising children. As is discussed in a moment, a low crime rate and excellent schools are a couple of the main reasons why Carefree attracts growing families.

Carefree is appealing to families because of recreational and other types of family friendly opportunities. In addition, the city is situated in close proximity to various family oriented activities in Phoenix itself. Carefree is located a short 17 miles from Bartlett Lake as well as from Tonto National Forest.

 

Carefree and the Employment Scene

Carefree is an attractive place to live because a myriad of employment opportunities are easily accessible to residents of the community. If a person doesn’t work directly in Carefree, an individual can commute with relative ease to jobs located in a myriad of locations throughout Maricopa county.

 

Excellent Schools

Carefree, Arizona, gets solid marks for its schools. School age children in Carefree are able to attend award-winning public and private schools. Collectively, schools I Carefree have an overall B+ rating, which means a significant number of schools serving the area have garnered top marks and are classified as excellent. Schools serving Carefree outpace what is available elsewhere in the greater Phoenix area. In addition, Carefree is within an easy drive to major Arizona institutions of higher education.

 

Significantly Low Crime Rate

Another of the key reasons why Carefree is an appealing community is because of its remarkably low crime rate. The crime rate is 76 percent lower than what is find on average in the United States. With that noted, what crime that does occur in the community tends to be more minor property crimes. Violent crime is not a common occurrence in Carefree.

 

A Scenic Locale

People are drawn to Carefree because of the stunning scenery in and around the community. Carefree and the neighboring community of Cave Creek share Black Mountain, a geographic point of interest and dramatic rise that provides a stunning view. Stunning desert expanses can be found on all sides of the city. Time and again people from all walks of life agree that Carefree offers the Sonoran Desert at its very best.

 

A Carefree Commute

As has been alluded to previously, but needs to be emphasized, when living in Carefree a resident has an easy commute around Phoenix and Scottsdale and to Tempe. As noted, this proves beneficial to individuals who work beyond the city of Carefree. In addition, it is appealing to all residents of Carefree because the various entertainment, artistic, shopping, recreation, service, and other offerings found throughout Phoenix are readily accessible from the city.

 

A Carefree Climate

Carefree is situated approximately 1,200 feet above Scottsdale and 1,100 abut Phoenix. As a result, the climate of Carefree is a bit more moderate than what is seen in Maricopa County, especially during the summer months. Temperatures in Carefree come in between 5 and 7 degrees lower than in some surrounding areas.

Jessica is a professional blogger who writes for Faxage, a leading company that provide Internet fax service services for individuals and businesses.

8 of the Best Restaurants in Carefree

8 of the Best Restaurants in Carefree, Arizona

Palo Verde at Boulders Resort and Spa

 

Carefree, Arizona, is home to a wide variety of different entertainment opportunities, including an array of wonderful restaurants. These eateries include eight of the best restaurants in business today in Carefree.

 

Giordano’s Trattoria Romana

Giordano’s Trattoria Romana opened its inviting, welcoming doors over 25 years ago. Located in the heart of Carefree, Giordano’s Trattoria Romana has become one of the most popular and highly regarded eateries not only in the community but across the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.

Giordano’s Trattoria Romana presents a delectable menu featuring classic Italian dishes that include pollo alla cacciatore, eggplant rollatini, piccata, Giordano, saltimbocca, marsala, piemontese, osso buco Milanese, among many other highly acclaimed dishes.

Giordano’s Trattoria Romana is also renowned for its great wine list grand selection of desserts. These include cannoli, four seasons, amaretto cheesecake, and chocolate Grand Teton

 

Palo Verde at Boulders Resort and Spa

Located at the magnificent Boulders Resort and Spa, Palo Verde is one of the most widely acclaimed restaurants in Carefree. As a result of its connection with the resort, Palo Verde is heavily patronized by visitors to the Phoenix area. In addition, locals consistently rank Palo Verde as one of their favorite eateries.

The menu at Palo Verde focus on simple and comforting entrée selections. Palo Verde strives to use the freshest, locally sourced ingredients.

The relaxing dining room offers guests stunning views of the Sonoran Desert. The dining room also overlooks the 6th fairway of an award-winning golf course. A lovely duck pond is also in view.

 

Spotted Donkey Cantina at Boulders Resort and Spa

Spotted Donkey Cantina is the second great eatery at Boulders Resort and Spa in Carefree. Spotted Donkey Cantina is rated as the best Mexican restaurant in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The restaurant features a brilliant menu that comes complete with a myriad of Mexican culinary favorites.

Spotted Donkey Cantina is home to a popular Carefree waterhole. The cantina has one of the most amazing tequila selections in Arizona and features some truly amazing Margarita offerings.

 

Brix Wine & Bistro

Brix Wine & Bistro is the place for the wine connoisseur and has a large wine list in Carefree and around the Phoenix metro area. The establishment offers a wide array of different wines.

In addition, Brix serves nosh plates and cheese platters. On Wednesday evenings, Brix presents gourmet dinners cooked to order in cooperation with Grilled Addition and The Wandering Donkey

 

Café Bink

Café Bink is considered the best new restaurant in Carefree and Phoenix. Café Bink features classic Parisian bistro fare, with a modern American twist.

Dinner at Café Bink is a multi-course affair. Lunch is more casual and the menu includes the highly popular sweet Sloppy Joe sandwich.

A lovely feature of Café Bink is its amazing patio. The patio seats 40 and provides guests an amazing view of Black Mountain. Café Blink is a great spot for a relaxing date night.

 

Venues Café

Another of the best restaurants in Carefree is Venues Café. Venues Café is a longtime favorite of Phoenix-area locals. Venues Café presents classic European and contemporary American cuisine.

The menu at Venues Café focuses on healthy selections. In addition, the eatery is committed to sourcing its ingredients locally.

 

Sundial Garden Café

Sundial Garden Café is another longtime favorite in Carefree. Sundial Garden Café is a seasonal eatery, opening during the pleasant “Desert Weather” months of mid-September through May each year. Sundial Garden Café is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Dinner is served at Sundial Garden Café on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. You can bring your own wine to Sundial Garden Café. There is a $10 corkage fee.

Sundial Garden Café presents an exiting new menu each time it opens it seasonal doors. The eatery has a new owner, well-regarded and award-winning chef Shawn Jaynes. The bistro does offer some gluten free options. The Sundial Garden Café overlooks the iconic Sundial Landmark.

 

Corrado’s Cucina Italiana

Finally, the list of the eight best restaurants in Carefree, Arizona, is rounded out by Corrado’s Cucina Italiana. Corrado’s Cucina Italiana offers truly authentic, classic Italian cuisine. The chef-owned eatery features menu items brought from Italy. These include menu items that have been prepared in the chef’s Italian family for generations. Corrado’s Cucina Italiana also gets high marks for its relaxing and well-appointed dining room.

Jessica Kane is a writer for Silver Superstore, home of the internet’s best flatware.

5 of the Best Golf Communities in Scottsdale

5 of the Best Golf Communities in Scottsdale

 

Arizona is home to some of the best golf communities found anywhere in the United States, including in Florida. The outstanding golf community properties in Scottsdale offer everything from amazing estates to stylish patio homes perfect for the snowbird. A look at five of the best golf communities in Scottsdale sheds light on the amazing Arizona lifestyle.

 

The Boulders

The Boulders is one of the extraordinary golf communities in Scottsdale. The lovely community is set on a beautiful expanse that straddles Scottsdale and the neighboring berg of Carefree.

The Boulders is home to the internationally famous Boulders Resort and Spa, a property which is home to one of the most highly regarded golf courses in Arizona. In addition to an extraordinary course, The Boulders features brilliant custom homes set on oversized lots. In addition, The Boulders has lovely lock and leave patio residences, homes that are perfectly suited to snowbirds.

 

Mirabel Club

Located in North Scottsdale, Mirabel is a private preserve set on over 700 acres. With an elevation of 3,000 feet, this majestic golf community provides some of the most breathtaking views in all of Maricopa County. As an aside, the higher altitude provides a temperature respite during the warmer months of the year.

The centerpiece of Mirabel Club is the incomparable golf course designed by the legendary Tom Fazio. Next to the course if an amazing clubhouse inspired the iconic designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. The clubhouse comes compete with a spa, large pool, ad a fully equipped fitness center.

Nearly all of the residences at Mirabel are custom homes. There are also three dozen El Corazon homes located in close proximity to the clubhouse.

 

Terravita

Terravita is a Scottsdale golf community that offers perhaps the broadest selection of different residential options among these type of Arizona communities. Terravita sits on 823 acres and consists of 23 unique neighborhoods scattered across the expanse. Terravita is nestled in the shadows of the stunning Black Mountain.

The neighborhoods of Terravita consist of lock and leave patio homes of about 1,400 square feet, intermediate size residences of around 2,200 square feet, and larger homes at approximately 4,000 square feet.

The Terravita golf course is the brainchild of Billy Casper and Greg Nash. In addition to a tremendous course, Terravita has winding trails that run throughout the property.

 

Tatum Ranch

Tatum Ranch is a master planned golf community. The community is designed not only with a tremendous golf course as a primary feature but in a way that emphasizes the natural splendor of the area.

Tatum Ranch is an amalgam of several smaller neighborhoods. Some of these individual neighborhoods are themselves gated. Tatum Ranch prides itself in offering some of the more affordable golf community housing options found anywhere in the greater Phoenix-Scottsdale area.

Located in Scottsdale directly north of Desert Ridge and Phoenix itself, Tatum Ranch has residences that include condos, townhomes, and single family homes.

Tatum Ranch Golf Club itself features an outstanding course. The clubhouse offers a pro shop and other amenities that include delectable dining. Tatum Ranch Golf Club offers a number of different membership levels. These include memberships for families as well as for seasonal Scottsdale residents.

 

DC Ranch

Yet another of the sterling golf communities in Scottsdale is DC Ranch. DC Ranch is also a planned community that presents a broad selection of different types of housing options.

Residences at DC Ranch include condos and townhomes in different price ranges. There are also larger single family residences. The golf course itself is surrounded by magnificent luxury estates.

The Country Club at DC Ranch is home to a highly regarded golf course as well as other amenities, including a large pool and tennis courts. The Country Club at DC Ranch is the center of seemingly never-ending social and other offerings the year around. Residents of DC Ranch have ready access to a delightful entertainment, shopping and dining area called Market Street.

Golf will always be a focal point of life in Arizona for many people. As a result, prime golf communities like these in Scottsdale will continue to draw residents looking for the very best that the state has to offer.

Jessica Kane is a writer for Nick’s Building Supply, Inc., the best place for custom made or replacement front doors online. 

Carefree Fore More Market Update – February 2018

 

Carefree AZ

 

As you are probably aware, the market is starting to change back to what is considered to be a “normal market” with short sales and foreclosure appear to be a thing of the past.  Throughout the valley we are seeing an increase in inventory as well as slower sales cycles for the homes that are on the market for the most part.

The average market time on market in Carefree Fore More is roughly 30 days according to MLS data.  In addition, we are also seeing an average price per square foot for properties that are currently on the market of $240, as well as an average of roughly $190 per sqft for homes that have recently sold. With only 3 active listings on the MLS (not including 4 Sale Buy Owners and/or lots) in Carefree Fore More now is the time to sell and it is  more than ever a Realtor that knows the Carefree market place so that your property will sell in a timely manner and for the right price.  Although there are one 3 houses for sale in your subdivision, Desert Mountain which is less than a mile away has over 190 active listings.

With housing inventory on the rise as well as the market showing signs of improvement now is the time to sell and/or consider an upgrade or move closer into central Scottsdale!  Below are a few examples of homes that have recently sold or that are currently on the market in Carefree Fore More for your review (only one sale in the past 6 months):

  • 8720 E. No More Rd 3170 sqft (Listed for $945k)
  • 8402 E. Careefree Dr 5880 sqft (Listed for $1,100,000)
  • 8433 E. Carefree Dr 5916 sqft (Listed for $1,195,000 and sold for $1,125,000)

For those of you who I have met while working the Carefree area, I look forward to speaking with you again soon.  For those of you who I have not met and/or were unable to stop by my listings over the past 17 years while working in the Carefree area here are a few good reasons to work with me and my team:

  • Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is one of the largest real estate companies in the country with over 290,000 transactions in 2016 and $29 Billion in gross income.
  • We have the web covered with multiple top rates websites as well as exclusive relationships with: Google, Yahoo, Zillow, RealtyTrac, Movoto, Redfin and HomeFinder
  • The Holm Group has closed over $120 million in transactions and counting
  • If you are looking at doing any home improvements give me a call as I have access to a variety of qualified contractors that can assist you in achieving top dollar for your home The Holm Group lives in and has represented buyers and sellers in Scottsdale Ranch
  • We have 6 full time licensed professionals to assist you with all of your real estate needs.

 

I look forward to earning your business not only for today, but in the years to come.

Take a look at our Carefree Fore More community page.

Andrew Holm, ABR

The Holm Group

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Office: 480-767-2738  Cell: 480-206-4265

Email: andrew@theholmgroupaz.com

Looking To Purchase A Home in Carefree?

Looking To Purchase A Home in Carefree?

Looking To Purchase A Home in Carefree?

Carefree, Arizona is a great place to live and raise your family, and you will be able to find plenty of great Carefree, Arizona real estate from which you can choose when you are ready to buy a home.

You have a wide variety of options that should fit most budgets. Many different types of homes for sale in Carefree, AZ are available today. If you are on your own, you may want to consider some of the condominiums for sale in the area. Townhouses are available as well. You will even be able to find some large, luxurious homes that are in the million-dollar range. Whatever you need, chances are you will be able to find it in Carefree.

An area located near Carefree is Cave Creek. This area also has a wide range of options for those who are looking for a home. Rather than limit your choices to Carefree, look further afield and see what Cave Creek, Arizona real estate opportunities are available to you as well.

You will be able to find a Carefree real estate agent at The Holm Group who will be able to help you find homes in either of these locations, as well as in other areas. Having an experienced agent helping you find all of the best properties in the area is the simplest way to find just what you need from a home!

If you are looking for a place to stay in the area while you are trying to decide on your new home, you might consider taking a trip to The Boulders in Carefree, AZ. This resort offers excellent golf, a spa, and a host of other amenities. Staying here is also a great way to get to know that area around Carefree, so you will be able to make a decision on your new house

 

View all of the homes for sale in Carefree by clicking on the link below:

Carefree Real Estate Communities For Sale