Arizona has been my home for many years, but we’ve primarily stayed in the Phoenix area, what locals call “The Valley.”
However, I don’t need to be so tied to the Valley and can work, write and create from just about anywhere. It’s made me curious about a second-home or vacation home. My thinking is a home away from home could provide a welcome refuge from daily stress and offer new experiences! The breathtaking vistas and sunsets attract people of all ages to escape to Arizona. My state offers so much natural beauty and peace of mind.
Game on! I decided to do a little searching.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Northern Arizona’s high country, including downhill skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, UTV riding and even horse-drawn sleigh rides. Love shopping? You’ll find antique shops and craft sales with creations by local artisans. In the evening, casino gaming and nighttime skies with a multitude of stars provide a wonderful end to the day.
Phoenix and the southern area of the state offer perks as well. You’ll enjoy spring training games in Mesa, Saguaro National Park in Tucson and world-famous shopping in Scottsdale.
If you’re thinking about a second home or vacation home in Arizona, here are some of my top spots to consider.
Find yourself surrounded by natural beauty and terrific amenities in the cool air of the White Mountains outside Show Low Arizona. The 36 holes of championship golf are a big attraction, but Torreon offers more than just manicured fairways and greens. Enjoy the clubhouse pool, fishing, pickleball, sand volleyball or just pausing for a drink on the Torreon Grille patio after a hike.
Torreon offers an endless array of activities that cater to families and people of all ages, and while it is a resort-style community, the community members are down-to-earth and love gathering for outdoor movies and concerts, July 4th festivities and parade, Easter Egg hunt as well as regular whiskey and tequila tastings.
Land lots at Torreon are the perfect place to build your dream vacation home. All lots include tall ponderosa pines and aspens, surrounding you with natural beauty, wildlife and privacy. Choose a lot overlooking the fairway or perhaps a beautiful lakeview lot. Torreon has everything you need to build an unbeatable vacation home. For real estate inquiries, contact Linda Cedarblade, Designated Broker of Cedar Ridge Real Estate. 1-928-532-3030 / [email protected].
Located on the Mogollon Rim in east central Arizona, about three hours from Phoenix
Flagstaff is an excellent location for a vacation home. It’s the largest city in Northern Arizona and there’s always something fun to experience. Nestled at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, it’s surrounded by pine trees and beautiful views. Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, camping and rock climbing. In the winter Arizona Snowbowl ski resort beacons skiers from near and far. Plus, this charming town is near the Grand Canyon and Route 66 nostalgia.
Located at the intersection of I-17 and I-40 approximately two hours from Phoenix
2. Tucson
Tucson has it all, including museums, historic sites, hiking trails, golf courses, and shopping. It’s a great place for a vacation home near popular destinations such as Catalina Foothills, Tucson Mountain Park, Saguaro National Park and more. You won’t completely escape the heat of the summer in Tucson, but it’s a bit cooler by three to five degrees in Tucson than Phoenix due to the higher elevation. Plus there is an international airport in Tucson if you need to make quick return to the real world.
Located 108 miles southeast of Phoenix and 60 miles north of the U.S. Mexico border
3. Prescott
A vacation home in Prescott is ideal due to the abundance of natural beauty, lakes and recreational opportunities. There’s Prescott National Forest for camping and hiking; Lynx Lake, Goldwater Lake and Watson Lake for fishing, swimming and boating; plus, historical museums and the infamous Whiskey Row with saloons, shops and restaurants. The summers are cooler than Phoenix and the winters are cold, with year-round temperatures that vary from 25°F to 87°F.
Located in central Arizona, 100 miles north of Phoenix
4. Mesa
Mesa is in the heart of Arizona’s Cactus League Spring Training action with the Chicago Cubs and the Oakland A’s and a perfect location for a vacation home. You’ll also enjoy being near water recreation activities at the Salt River, Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, Roosevelt Lake and the Apache Trail. The Cadence at Gateway master-planned community in Mesa is a perfect option with fantastic amenities and quality homes available.
Located about 20 miles east of Phoenix in the East Valley section of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
5. Scottsdale
Treat yourself to spa resorts, shopping and golf resorts if you choose Scottsdale for your vacation home. It’s a picturesque area with rock formations, hills and cacti, plus the city boasts a network of neighborhood parks, open spaces, trails and picnic areas. Enjoy the views of the Camelback Mountain, spend some time at Butterfly Wonderland or take a fun food tour of all the eateries in the area. Don’t forget the Casino at Talking Stick Resort!
Located east of Phoenix in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Did I miss a great spot? Should Tombstone, Jerome or Payson be on the list? Let me know where you’d prefer to create a retreat within our great sunshine state!
