What the best horse friendly areas to move in the Phoenix Area (Scottsdale: homes, employment)

[bbinc]

My husband and I are looking to purchase a home in the Phoenix Area. Meaning we are interested in all outlying areas of the Metro area. We are trying to narrow our search down to the best area to have put our young boys into school and that we can also have our horses. You would consider us a family that lives the western lifestyle. We rodeo, rope and have 5 horses to consider. We understand each area may have different restrictions on how many horses per acre etc. I am looking for feedback from anyone that is good information that will help narrow down my search. Schools are very important factor in my search. I want my boys to have the best school systems I can find but also have the space to keep our horses. Our price range is up to $600,000. We have looked at Wickenburg, Cave Creek which I still don't have enough information to make a good decision. Thanks for any feedback you have!! This MONTANA girl wants to head south!!!

[Jkgourmet]

I'd consider Apache Junction (though I don't know about the schools) and maybe New River.

But the most important part is this: Where are you going to be working?

[AZJoeD]

Without question the Cave Creek, Desert Hills, New River areas are an excellent choice. This area is close enough to the city (easy access to highways) and amenities like shopping and dining to keep you from getting bored, yet the "western lifestyle" dominates here. Many of the homes and properties are horse properties. Riding is easy, there are hundreds of acres of state land and you border the Tonto National Forest. Many people ride right out of their backyards. The area is in the foothills north of Phoenix which provides some very nice mountain views, slightly cooler temperatures and better air quality than down in the valley.

This area is served by two school districts, the Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) and the Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD), both are highly rated.

[bbinc]

My husband and I have own a Golf Course Consulting business. He travels and works for his home office. I am currently a HR and Accountant for a very large construction company. We wont be basing our location on employment situation.

[observer53]

Rio Verde has a lot of horse property, lots of reining/roping/cow horse trainers out that way.

[AZJoeD]

Originally Posted by observer53

Rio Verde has a lot of horse property, lots of reining/roping/cow horse trainers out that way.

Yes, the Rio Verde Foothills area just east of Scottsdale is very nice also, but your selection will be more limited as homes carry a higher price tag there. This might be good for your husband, as there are numerous golf courses in the area. Rio Verde, Tonto Verde, Scottsdale National, Troon, Desert Highlands, Desert Mountain and more, all within a few miles and a bunch of courses in Fountain Hills.

[bbinc]

Originally Posted by AZJoeD

Yes, the Rio Verde Foothills area just east of Scottsdale is very nice also, but your selection will be more limited as homes carry a higher price tag there. This might be good for your husband, as there are numerous golf courses in the area. Rio Verde, Tonto Verde, Scottsdale National, Troon, Desert Highlands, Desert Mountain and more, all within a few miles and a bunch of courses in Fountain Hills.

Yes, we are working down there already!!

[bbinc]

Originally Posted by observer53

Rio Verde has a lot of horse property, lots of reining/roping/cow horse trainers out that way.

Thanks for the input.

[KurtAZ]

South Chandler/Gilbert/Queen Creek area would work as well. There is a ton of horse property in those areas, even around the 202 with the added bonus of great schools. There is also a huge practice/show arena at Riggs and Ellsworth...Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre. Our daughter attends quite a few horse shows and competitions in this area as well as the Scottsdale Saddle Club up north. Just put "horse facilities" in as a search criteria on Realtor.com and it will pull up properties for you, whether they have horse facilities or are zoned for horses.

[KurtAZ]

Oh...also Estrella...might want to check this out as well if the kids are really into Agribusiness: Early College High School | Arizona Agribusiness & Equine Center (AAEC)