Fountain Hills is located just 31.2 miles from Phoenix, making it a great spot for those who want easy access to the city while enjoying a quieter, scenic setting. It’s bordered by Scottsdale, the McDowell Mountain Regional Park, and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, giving residents plenty of options for outdoor activities and stunning views.
Let’s explore some of the perks of living in Fountain Hills and see if it’s the right place for your next move.
History of Fountain Hills
Originally the land of the Yavapai people, Fountain Hills began its modern history as Pemberton Ranch in the early 20th century. Later, it was developed by C.V. Wood and officially became a town in 1989.
The town was named after its famous man-made fountain, which stands proudly in the center of town and is one of the tallest fountains in the world.
Besides the iconic fountain, Fountain Hills is also well-known for its excellent biking trails, which are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Some of the notable residents who have called Fountain Hills home include:
- Kathy Ahern, professional golfer
- Steven Alker, professional golfer
- Charles Juels, astronomer
- David Schweikert, U.S. Congressman
Fountain Hills is popular for its proximity to Phoenix along with its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. It is a fantastic place to live for those who love nature.
Before you pack your bags, let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of moving to Fountain Hills.
1. People Living in Fountain Hills, AZ – Population & Demographics
Since 2000, the population of Fountain Hills has stayed pretty steady. Early on, there was a big jump in numbers as more people discovered the charm of this town, growing from about 10,000 residents in 1990 to over 23,000 today.
As of now, 23,739 people call Fountain Hills home. The median age here is 60.2 years, making it a popular spot for those seeking a quieter, relaxed lifestyle.
Fountain Hills has a diverse community, with its demographics breaking down as:
- 89% Caucasian
- 2% African American
- 2% Asian
The gender ratio is almost even, with 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
In terms of income, the median household earns around $100,317 per year, showing that residents enjoy a solid standard of living in this beautiful area.
2. Cost of Living in Fountain Hills, AZ
How much does it cost to live in Fountain Hills, AZ? Living in Fountain Hills comes with a bit of a price tag. The cost of living here is 13.2% higher than the U.S. average and 6.2% above the Arizona average.
Residents can expect to spend more on housing, groceries, transportation, and utilities compared to the average American. On the bright side, healthcare costs in Fountain Hills are actually lower than the national average, offering some savings in that area.
While it’s a bit pricier, the beauty and lifestyle in Fountain Hills make it worth the cost for many who choose to call this place home.
Typical Fountain Hills Living Expenses
- Carton of Eggs $4.02
- Bananas (bunch) $0.74
- Milk (regular 1 gallon) $4.87
- Bread (1 loaf) $4.12
- Hamburger $5.69
- Doctor Visit $127.78
- Dentist Visit $106.83
- Average Cost of Gasoline (per gallon) $3.40
- Average Cost of Utilities (per month) $195.56
3. Fountain Hills Real Estate | Buying or Selling a Home in Fountain Hills?
The Fountain Hills real estate market is known for its luxurious single-family homes. Finding a home under $1 million can be tough due to the area’s popularity. If you’re not ready to buy, there are rental options available, but they can be on the pricier side.
About 84.9% of residents in Fountain Hills own their homes, making it a place where most people settle down long-term.
If you’re thinking of making the move, there are plenty of Fountain Hills homes for sale to explore.
The average price of a home in Fountain Hills is $518,200. Depending on your down payment, which typically ranges from 3% to 20%, you’ll need between $15,546 and $103,640 upfront.
Homes in the area have a median sale price of $332 per square foot, and the property tax rate is 0.57%, meaning homeowners pay an average of $2,954 annually in property taxes.
If you’re planning to rent, the average monthly rent in Fountain Hills is $1,624, which is $224 more than the Arizona average. Whether buying or renting, Fountain Hills offers a beautiful, upscale lifestyle for those who want to enjoy the best of Arizona living.
4. Fountain Hills Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Fountain Hills
Where should you live in Fountain Hills?
There are plenty of great neighborhoods to choose from, each offering something unique. Here are some of the top picks:
- Firerock
- Sunridge Canyon
- Eagles Nest
- Courtside Villas
- Eagle Mountain
- Downtown Fountain Hills
No matter which neighborhood you choose, you’ll have access to Fountain Hills’ five parks and various amenities that make life here even more enjoyable. You can explore all the options on the Fountain Hills Parks and Recreation website.
For shopping, you’ve got plenty of convenient options, including Safeway, Bashas’, Bealls, and Target to cover all your needs.
Located 31.2 miles from Phoenix, Fountain Hills offers a manageable commute to downtown Phoenix, which takes about 37 minutes. You get the best of both worlds—a quiet, scenic community with easy access to the big city!
5. Fountain Hills, AZ Weather & Climate
Fountain Hills offers a mix of sweltering summers, cool winters, and plenty of clear skies year-round. Like much of Arizona, the town has a semiarid climate, meaning there’s not much rain throughout the year.
During the summer, temperatures can climb to 106°F, with lows around 77°F. In the winter, you can expect highs of 66°F and lows dipping to 42°F.
Fountain Hills sees about 10 inches of rain annually and 0 inches of snow. While you won’t experience snow in town, a quick drive can take you to spots where you can enjoy all your favorite winter sports.
If you love the outdoors, you’re in luck. Fountain Hills is perfect for activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking, with plenty of scenic spots to explore.
6. Things to Do in Fountain Hills
Once you’re living in Fountain Hills, there are a variety of local attractions, parks, and landmarks you should check out.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, McDowell Mountain Regional Park is a must-see attraction in Fountain Hills. This scenic park offers something for everyone, whether you’re into horseback riding, hiking, or simply soaking in the stunning views.
It’s the perfect spot to explore the natural beauty that makes Fountain Hills such a special place to live.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park, 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264 (480) 471-0173
The Fountain Hills Fountain
Living in Fountain Hills wouldn’t be complete without visiting the city’s world-famous fountain. As one of the area’s top attractions, this fountain once held the title of the tallest in the world and still stands an impressive 10 feet taller than Notre Dame. It’s a must-see landmark and a great way to experience the unique charm of Fountain Hills.
Fountain Hills Fountain, Fountain, Lake, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 (480) 837-5226
Fountain Hills Artists Gallery
Another one of the top things to do in Fountain Hills is visit the Fountain Hills Artists Gallery. Known for being one of the most relaxing places to visit, this gallery features 30 different local artists in a location near the famous Fountain Hills fountain.
Fountain Hills Artists Gallery, 16858 E Ave of the Fountains # 103, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 (480) 836-9919
River of Time Museum & Exploration Center
The River of Time Museum & Exploration Center is a can’t miss thing to do in Fountain Hills. This interactive museum features the history of the Verde River and family-friendly attractions.
River of Time Museum & Exploration Center, 12901 N La Montana Dr #4742, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 (480) 837-2612
Additional Fountain Hills Attractions
7. Fountain Hills Restaurants
Whether you’re interested in Italian cuisine or fine dining, there are plenty of options to choose from in Fountain Hills.
Arrivederci Cucina Italiana
Experience the simple pleasures in life at one of the top restaurants in Fountain Hills. Guests can enjoy traditional Italian cuisine and plenty of patio seating.
Arrivederci Cucina Italiana, 12645 N Saguaro Blvd #1, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 (480) 816-5895
Phil’s Filling Station
To discover one of Fountain Hills’ top places to eat, visit Phil’s Filling Station. Designed to look like a classic truck stop diner, this restaurant features vintage memorabilia and classic American dishes.
Phil’s Filling Station, 16852 E Parkview Ave, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 (480) 816-8200
Georgie’s
At Georgie’s, you can enjoy dining at one of the top restaurants in Fountain Hills. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch. Whether you want a delicious wrap or fried zucchini, Georgie’s has a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes to choose from.
Georgie’s, 16725 E Ave of the Fountains C110, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 (480) 837-4392
8. Jobs in Fountain Hills
The average salary in Fountain Hills is $43,831 per year, giving you a solid idea of the local income level. Arizona’s state income tax rate is 2.5%, which helps keep more of that income in your pocket.
The unemployment rate in Fountain Hills is quite low at 2.7%, meaning there are plenty of job opportunities available. Some of the top employers in the area include:
- Fountain Hills Unified School District
- Bashas’
- Town of Fountain Hills
- Brokers Alliance
- Target
Whether you’re in education, retail, or local government, there are many great places to work once you make the move to Fountain Hills.
9. Fountain Hills Schools
Fountain Hills is home to about 3,086 kids aged 0 to 18, making up around 13% of the population. It’s a great place for families, offering safe streets and top-rated schools.
The Fountain Hills Unified School District serves the area, providing students with access to some of the best schools, including:
- Fountain Hills Virtual Academy
- Little Falcons Preschool
- Fountain Hills Middle School
- McDowell Mountain Elementary
- Fountain Hills High School
For those interested in higher education, Franklin University is nearby, offering options for college-bound students.
Plus, the Fountain Hills Library is a free resource for students and residents alike, perfect for studying or just enjoying a good book.
10. Crime Rate in Fountain Hills
Is Fountain Hills a safe place to live? The answer is yes—Fountain Hills is known for being extremely safe.
The crime rate here is 1,046 crimes per 100,000 people, which is relatively low compared to other areas. The town is kept safe by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, ensuring a secure environment for all residents.
To explore the area’s safe neighborhoods, you can check out the Fountain Hills crime map for more details on local safety.
11. Essential Fountain Hills Information
- Square Miles: 20.37 square miles
- County: Maricopa County
- Zip Code: 85268, 85269
- Area Codes: 602 and 480
Fountain Hills follows Mountain Standard Time (MST) year-round. Like the rest of Arizona, there’s no need to worry about changing your clocks for Daylight Savings Time here.
Sitting at an elevation of 1,798 feet above sea level, Fountain Hills offers beautiful views and a perfect desert climate to enjoy all year long.
Map of Fountain Hills, AZ
Find plenty of other things to do, places to eat, and beyond with this Fountain Hills map.
Tips for Living in Fountain Hills
- With plenty of sunshine and very little rain, make sure to stay prepared by packing lots of water and always wearing sunscreen when you’re out and about.
- Fountain Hills is known for being a safe and peaceful community, but if you’re looking for nightlife, you’ll need to head over to Scottsdale or Phoenix for more action.
- If you’re unsure about committing to the area, there are several long-term and short-term rentals available. You can easily test out life in Fountain Hills before deciding if it’s the perfect place for you!
Moving to Fountain Hills, AZ
Whether you’re searching for luxury homes or delicious restaurants, there are many reasons to move to Fountain Hills. You can hike local trails, visit art galleries, and admire one of the world’s tallest fountains.
If you need a real estate agent, contact a trusted Fountain Hills real estate team like our experienced partners at SPACE.
