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Apache Junction is the easternmost suburb of the Phoenix-Mesa Metropolitan Area with an area of 34.2 square miles and bordered by the Superstition Mountains, the Goldfield Mountains, and Mesa. Though it’s only 35 miles from Downtown Phoenix, its location gives it a far more rural feel than other suburbs. Warm weather, a reasonable cost of living index, and low crime earned it a spot on one of the Best Places to Retire in 2016 by Forbes. But with steady residential construction and ease of access for commuting, the city also appeals to young professionals and young families.

2017 saw a major shift in the direction of growth as Apache Junction held its State of the City event. In a recent video highlighting major events of last year, Mayor Jeff Serdy pointed to the new grocery store Fry’s completion as an indicator of future growth while Councilmember Gail Evans gave a nod to the new Flatiron Park. Because they leveraged the land in an even exchange land swap deal and were able to build the park on donations alone, the development indicates positive growth.

They also noted that, with the introduction of a water treatment plant, they can successfully treat their own water, allowing them to forgo the need to rely on the city of Mesa. But the largest indicator of growth is the Council’s focus on creating a clear vision and development statement about the direction for the future of the city with certain expansion on the horizon.

Statistics

According to the U.S. Census, this is a popular area for millennials with a median age of 33.5 and a total estimated population just over 39,000. There are a total of 32,725 total housing units with a median household income at $38,053 per Arizona-Demographics. As the 28th most populated city in the state of Arizona out of 440 cities, Apache Junction’s population has increased steadily over the last five years with growth expected to continue at a steady pace.

Competitive housing prices also make this a popular suburb. City-data lists median housing prices for detached houses at $210,959, townhouses or other attached units at $214,636, and duplex structures at $163,097. Per Info Please, the majority of homes were built between 1970 and 1989 with a resurgence of home builds between 1995 and 2000. 

Area Attractions

Flanked by mountain ranges, the area is prime for outdoor adventures, but it also happens to be considered one of the most historically rich suburbs of the metro.

Goldfield Ghost Town 

Goldfield Ghost Town was created in 1892 when high-grade gold ore was found in the area. No longer a working town, the location is a ghost town favorite with authentic looking buildings, underground mine tours, and the only narrow gauge railroad in operation in Arizona. Authentic gunfighter presentations, the Mystery Shack, and the Onsite Historical Museum make this a wild west day trip for cowboys at heart.

Lost Dutchman State Park 

Lost Dutchman State Park near the Superstition Mountains is a 320-acre park with scenic desert hiking trails, picnic facilities, and campsites. While there, you can visit the Lost Dutchman Museum on a 12-acre lot with regional artifacts alongside Native American and geological exhibits.

Canyon Lake 

Canyon Lake in the nearby Tonto National Forest is appreciated in hotter months for boating, fishing, and camping. Also, according to AZ Central Silly Mountain Park — a local hotspot for hikers — was a restoration project funded by public and corporate donations and managed through a partnership between Apache Junction and the Superstition Area Land Trust. The Botanical Walk is one of its features with 280 species of Sonoran Desert plants.

Apache Creek Golf Club 

A Phoenix suburb wouldn’t be complete without golf and Apache Junction offers the Apache Creek Golf Club. Built in 1994, the location has become a favorite to many Valley residents for the level of difficulty on the desert course. Roadhaven Golf course is revered for large, elevated fairways, while Superstition Mountain Club features generous fairways and water hazards designed by Jack Nicklaus and his sons.

Dining

Photo courtesy of Los Gringos Locos

The area has a variety of diners and delis serving up staples of Mexican, American, and Asian cuisine. A cluster of eateries can be found on Apache Trail before it becomes East Old West Highway by the Apache Home and Bixville Homes neighborhoods.

Dirtwater Springs 

With plenty of historic decor, Dirtwater Springs is an eclectic family diner serving American favorites. They have a 72 oz. steak challenge, and if you can eat it in under an hour, it’s on them.

Los Gringos Locos 

Los Gringos Locos is a vibrant cantina setting with patio seating for a relaxing dinner with friends. Boasting the freshest ingredients, this eatery serves up Mexican classics with a twist like The Green Horny Enchilada — green chile pork topped with green sauce and simmered in Sauza Hornitos Tequila.

Cowboys Up

Cowboys Up is a saloon and steakhouse frequented on Tuesdays and Thursdays for their live entertainment. Country music fans will enjoy the performances, and they have line dancing lessons when you’ve finished your meal.

Notable Neighborhoods

Palm Springs 

Palm Springs offers single-family homes and attached homes which are usually in the high-rise style. Built between 1954 and 2017, the architectural styles range from Ranch to Pueblo Revival with prices between $104,900 and $285,000. Families will appreciate the highly-rated Peralta Trail Elementary School for Kindergarten through 6th grade. Commuters will appreciate the neighborhood's location near Route 60 and the East Old West Highway.

Stagecoach Trails 

Stagecoach Trails is one of the newer communities with recent construction builds still available. Midsize homes range between 1,600 and 2,600 square feet on 3670.75-acre lots. Built in Spanish and Mediterranean Revival styles, the gated community of Stagecoach Trails also features a clubhouse with full kitchen and fitness equipment, a heated pool, and a dog park. Prices range between the high $100s and mid $200s.

Golden Vista Resort 

Golden Vista Resort is the location of single-family homes typically priced between $39,900 to $138,900, built between 1984 and 2014. This active 55+ community hosts a clubhouse with a community pool, and features concerts, clubs, and day trip excursions. The location offers 52 restaurants within 5 miles, 7 golf-courses within 7 miles, and a 34 mile drive to the Phoenix Airport.

Superstition Highlands

Featuring large homes that are competitively priced, the hoses in Superstition Highlands are typically custom design and range from Modern-Ranch to Mediterranean Revival. Prices range between $438,626 to $650,000 with square footage between 2,228 to 4,439 and homes typically have three bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as three-car garages. Lot sizes are also on the larger size at around 5-acres.