Top Phoenix Suburbs with Unmatched Access to Nature and Parks

One of the reasons why Arizona is such an appealing destination for homebuyers is its incredible natural scenery. The sandy red deserts, famous winding canyons, evergreen forests, and mountain views are all defining parts of the state.

Arizona’s natural beauty is still abundant, even near its biggest city. Let’s look at some of the suburbs surrounding Phoenix that offer ideal proximity to great parks, hiking trails, and natural scenery.

Fountain Hills

Fountain Hills is a small suburb around a 40-minute drive from Phoenix, a quiet place with much to explore. One of the highlights of Fountain Hills is the world-famous fountain at the center of Fountain Park, which used to be the tallest in the world. But there’s much more to it.

Fountain Hills is surrounded by nature, with McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Adero Canyon, and Sunrise Trailhead all offering great places to explore and discover. For a great view of the city, head to Lake Overlook Trail.

DC Ranch

DC Ranch is a picturesque neighborhood in North Scottsdale, around a 35-minute drive from the core Phoenix area. It is a pleasant and scenic area with desert flora and fauna, making it a popular place for hikers and tourists. It features numerous top-notch parks and trails worth a visit.

The highlight of the DC Ranch area might be the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Inspiration Point is a well-known local site with rocky hills, cacti, and great views. DC Bluffs is also only a short drive or walk from Pinnacle Peak Park.

Peoria

Peoria is a Phoenix suburb with a dense urban feel, but despite its significant population and 30-minute drive to the center of Phoenix, this suburb manages to have some incredible natural sites. It is well-known for the great golf courses within and around the city, but if golf isn’t your speed, there’s still much to see.

Peoria is the site of Lake Pleasant, a scenic lake surrounded by Lake Pleasant Regional Park. This is an area that people flock to in the summer, a great site for kayaking and boating. Peoria Regional Reserve and Agua Fina River are other popular natural areas in Peoria.

Tempe

Tempe is a gorgeous suburb just 15 minutes outside Phoenix, famed for its lively atmosphere, trendy restaurants, and great arts scene. While Tempe is a hub for culture, it is known as one of the best cities to live in America because it also has an abundance of great natural settings to explore.

Tempe Town Lake is a pleasant body of water constantly packed with kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft, and it is the perfect place to beat the Arizona heat. Hayden Butte is a large mountain with great trails that feature picturesque rock art, so you can get active while looking at incredible art displays. Tempe is also right near South Mountain Park Preserve.

Paradise Valley

Paradise Valley has long served as a hub for the wealthiest residents of Phoenix, an affluent suburb just over a 20-minute drive to the city. Paradise Valley has great golf courses, top-notch shopping, and high-quality dining options, but its natural beauty might be its biggest draw.

Paradise Valley is near the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, which also features the ever-popular Piestewa Peak Park. There are many other popular natural areas in Paradise Valley, like Barry Goldwater Park, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, and Mummy Mountain.

Cave Creek

Cave Creek is a quiet suburb home to a small population roughly 40 minutes north of Phoenix. Known for its Old West style and unique setting, this small town is known for its incredible desert scenery, horseback riding, and saloons, and visiting can feel like stepping through a time machine.

Cave Creek has a beautiful desert location and is surrounded by great places to hike and explore. Cave Buttes Recreation Area is a popular area outside the town, Cave Creek Regional Park is a great spot for camping, and Jewel of the Creek Preserve offers a quiet place for hiking and reflection.

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