Master Planned Communities (Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler: real estate, new home, neighborhood)

[esnox82]

Lets hear from all of you in the master planned communities in the East Valley.... does your community have a "small town/neighborhood" feel to it... or just another cookie cutter neighborhood? Who's got the best neighbors? Who doesn't know their neighbors at all?

[Kimballette]

Originally Posted by esnox82

Lets hear from all of you in the master planned communities in the East Valley.... does your community have a "small town/neighborhood" feel to it... or just another cookie cutter neighborhood? Who's got the best neighbors? Who doesn't know their neighbors at all?

In the east valley, I highly recommend Agritopia in Gilbert. However, some of the planned features make it unattractive to some people. For instance, it was designed with rather narrow streets and shallow front yards to encourage walking and getting to know your neighbors. Most houses have generous front porches, but are on relatively small lots. Backyards have lower fences rather than the common AZ tall block privacy walls. The garages in most of Agritopia are set back behind the houses, unlike most housing developments.

At the center of Agritopia is an urban farm, which grows organic produce (kind of a patchwork of crops with pathways for walking). There's also a coffee shop, a farm grill (featured on the Food Network), an orchard, and a greenbelt. My husband and I loved living there.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Kimballette

In the east valley, I highly recommend Agritopia in Gilbert. However, some of the planned features make it unattractive to some people. For instance, it was designed with rather narrow streets and shallow front yards to encourage walking and getting to know your neighbors. Most houses have generous front porches, but are on relatively small lots. Backyards have lower fences rather than the common AZ tall block privacy walls. The garages in most of Agritopia are set back behind the houses, unlike most housing developments.

At the center of Agritopia is an urban farm, which grows organic produce (kind of a patchwork of crops with pathways for walking). There's also a coffee shop, a farm grill (featured on the Food Network), an orchard, and a greenbelt. My husband and I loved living there.

I've never been there, but I'm willing to bet that's the only "master planned community" in the East Valley that has that feel. Master planned community is often just another way of saying "cookie cutter neighborhood" that may have a park or a walking path or an artificial water feature, or some combination of those.

[Kimballette]

Originally Posted by observer53

I've never been there, but I'm willing to bet that's the only "master planned community" in the East Valley that has that feel. Master planned community is often just another way of saying "cookie cutter neighborhood" that may have a park or a walking path or an artificial water feature, or some combination of those.

I think you're correct. Love it or hate it, I think Agritopia is unique in the Phoenix metro area.

[dura]

Don't forget about Dobson Ranch in Mesa.


YouTube - Dobson Ranch Real Estate in Mesa Arizona
(after minute two is an ad, not mine, so stop there if you want)

We have three community centers, four pools, a kiddie splash pad, several tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts, a community garden, a rose garden, lakes, trails, classes, clubs, and community events such as movies in the park, wine tasting, and star gazing.

Cookie cutter wouldn't be a phrase I'd use to describe Dobson Ranch. We are a friendly bunch of people, and our schools are reportedly decent.

• https://www.city-data.com/forum/15150775-post6.html
• https://www.city-data.com/forum/12718527-post8.html

Visit http://www.dobsonranchhoa.com/ for more information.

Other east valley master planned communities include...

• Las Sendas
• Mountain Bridge
• Ocotillo
• Power Ranch
• Val Vista Lakes
• ... and others

[esnox82]

Thanks for all the info everyone! Since I'm moving on my own I won't know another person, so it would be nice to end up in a community in which the residents actually interact with one another...

I drove by Agritopia, and viewed some of the houses online... unique certainly comes to mind... a cool concept, but really made me say WTH is that??? I couldn't believe the masses of people pouring into the grill that day... certainly made me want to stop and check it out!

[NorterraPhil]

Why don't you try North Phoenix in the Norterra area? I just bought a new home there and it's great. The area is within a few hundred feet of a mountain preserve so you can go hiking, has a new 17,000 sq. foot community center w/ gym, indoor rock climbing, tennis and basketball courts, jacuzzi, lap pool, kids pool, playground, and you get discounts off Harkins movie tickets and Diamondback games if you live in the community. It's also safer since it's a newer neighborhood and you need a resident ID card to get into the community center. Here's a picture of the area:

[esnox82]

I have nothing against North Phoenix, however, I'll am currently self-employed, and I feel the business I'll be opening will be most successful in the S. Chandler/S. Gilbert area of the Valley. With the growth along the Price Corridor and the business coming that way I think its the best fit for me.

With that said, I will be coming to stay in the Valley for a month or so before I make any final decisions... that will give me plenty of time to explore the communities to the north of Phoenix as well.

[Kimballette]

Originally Posted by esnox82

Thanks for all the info everyone! Since I'm moving on my own I won't know another person, so it would be nice to end up in a community in which the residents actually interact with one another...

I drove by Agritopia, and viewed some of the houses online... unique certainly comes to mind... a cool concept, but really made me say WTH is that??? I couldn't believe the masses of people pouring into the grill that day... certainly made me want to stop and check it out!

The Farm Grill's tasty.