Carefree, Arizona
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Around
Carefree
Notable For
Carefree is marked with several historic landmarks. The Carefree Sundial, widely known as the largest sundial in the U.S., boasts the area’s most beautiful desert landscape that is especially breathtaking at sunset. Downtown Carefree is also notable for housing one of two botanical gardens in the area, the Carefree Desert Gardens, as well as the Historic Spanish Village, which is one of the first buildings constructed in Carefree and is home to renowned artists like Ray Villafane. Additionally, Carefree is well-known for its easy-going atmosphere, full of charming shops, galleries, and eateries.
Cost of Living
Carefree is considered a relatively expensive town, with a cost of living index well over the U.S. and state average. Although housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living in Carefree, residents can look forward to a range of homes and prices that are suitable for a variety of budgets and lifestyles. While quality schools account for a portion of tax dollars, Carefree homeowners are afforded a lower tax rate than other nearby school districts. In addition, Carefree does not assess a local real estate tax as well as other taxes associated with fire and police coverage.
Transportation
While there are no public transportation options near Carefree, residents depend on cars to get around town. This suburb is surrounded by major roadways that connect locals to the surrounding cities throughout Arizona. Some of these include N Scottsdale Road and N Cave Creek Road, which links Carefree commuters to major cities like Phoenix. SkyRanch at Carefree Airport is another major transportation resource. Although private, SkyRanch is perfect for a quick flight to neighboring areas. Residents looking to take commercial and international flights can find the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport about 40 minutes from Carefree.
Schools
Carefree is serviced by the highly rated Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD), which consists of public, charter, and private school options. At least five of the schools in this district are top-rated on GreatSchools, providing parents and students with quality education. CCUSD boasts an extensive list of academic programs and awards, from gifted and cultural immersion programs to merit scholars and extremely high graduation rates.
Attractions
Carefree’s civic pride is represented at events like the Memorial Day Tribute and Veteran’s Day Honor. Holidays in Carefree are also festive, with annual events like the Tree Lighting ceremony at the Sundial, Breakfast with Santa, and Chanukah in Carefree Celebration. Residents frequent the Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour every year, a large and signature event that celebrates and promotes artists and their work. In addition, the Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival debuts in three different neighborhoods throughout the city in the late fall and winter months. Aside from events, popular places to visit include the Carefree Desert Gardens in Downtown Carefree, the Cave Creek Regional Park, and Spanish Village for a host of shops, galleries, and restaurants.