The affluent city of Paradise Valley is located about 14.4 miles from Phoenix. This beautiful community is bordered by Scottsdale and Phoenix.
To see if this is the place you want to call home, let’s learn more about the benefits of living in Paradise Valley.
History of Paradise Valley
Early European settlers initially used the land Paradise Valley is on for cattle grazing. In the 1880s, it was surveyed for the development of lots.
Today, Paradise Valley is known as the wealthiest suburb of Phoenix and contains many high-end real estate properties.
Paradise Valley was named by surveyor, Frank Conkey, who first divided the area into individual lots.
Paradise Valley is often referred to as the “jewel of Arizona.” The town’s residents created the motto, “there’s a reason we call this valley paradise,” which is inspired by the stunning natural beauty and breathtaking desert sunsets that have given the valley its name.
The area is known for its gorgeous homes, large lots, wealthy residents, and luxury golf courses.
Paradise Valley is the home of notable residents like:
- Michael Bidwill, owner and president of the Arizona Cardinals
- Alice Cooper, rock singer
- Doug Ducey, former governor of Arizona
- Sandra Day O’Connor, former Justice of the US Supreme Court
Paradise Valley is a wonderful place to live if you are looking for excellent schools, safe streets, and beautiful real estate properties.
Let’s talk about what to know before moving to Paradise Valley.
1. People Living in Paradise Valley, AZ – Population & Demographics
How many people live in Paradise Valley? The Paradise Valley population is 12,502 people. Within this city, residents have a median age of 54.5 years.
Since 2020, there hasn’t been any population growth in Paradise Valley. The community is fully developed within minimal space to expand any further.
People relocating to Paradise Valley can expect a fairly stable population. In the last five decades, the population has remained within the range of 11,000- to 13,000 residents.
Local Paradise Valley demographics are made up of about 80% Caucasian, 11% Hispanic, 3% Asian, and 2% Islander. The gender ratio is 53% male and 47% female.
With the affluence of its residents, the median household income in Paradise Valley is $221,333 per year. This is $146,578 higher than the United States average income of $74,755 per year.
2. Cost of Living in Paradise Valley, AZ
How much does it cost to live in Paradise Valley, AZ?
The average cost of living in Paradise Valley is 13% higher than the United States average and 6.2% higher than the Arizona average.
Housing costs in Paradise Valley are significantly higher than the national and state averages. The average home is priced at $3,012,800, which is 791.1% higher than the national average of $338,100. This is about 639.5% more than the average home in Arizona, which costs $407,400.
Groceries and transportation expenses are also slightly more than the Arizona average. On the other hand, Paradise Valley’s utilities and health care cost less than Arizona’s average price.
According to PayScale, you can expect to find the following average prices in Paradise Valley.
Typical Paradise Valley Living Expenses
- Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant (such as a cheeseburger) $5.10
- Milk (regular 1 gallon) $2.42
- Eggs (1 dozen) $2.24
- Bread (1 loaf) $3.86
- Bananas (bunch) $3.34
- Doctor’s Visit $116.67
- Dentist Visit $100.66
- Average Cost of Gasoline (per gallon) $3.62
- Average Cost of Utilities (per month) 3% higher than US average
3. Paradise Valley Real Estate | Buying or Selling a Home in Paradise Valley?
Within the Paradise Valley real estate market, the typical home costs almost eight times the national average. Nearly every property in the area is an owner-occupied home, with only 5% of homes occupied by renters.
An estimated 99% of properties are single-family homes so you’ll find very few multi-family homes, mobile homes, or alternative dwellings in the area.
The homeownership rate in Paradise Valley is 95%.
If you’re interested in living in the area, check out some of the most luxurious Paradise Valley, AZ homes for sale.
The average price of a home in Paradise Valley is over $3,000,000.
Since the average down payment in Paradise Valley is 3% to 20%, this means you can generally expect to pay $60,000 to $400,000 for your down payment.
Within this exceptionally wealthy area, there is a median sale price of $881 per square foot.
New residents can expect to pay a Paradise Valley property tax rate of 0.570%. This means the median home accrues $17,100 in property taxes each year.
Paradise Valley rent is $3,500 or more per month on average. This means the price of rent in Paradise Valley is $2,050 more than the average in Arizona.
4. Paradise Valley Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Paradise Valley
Where should you live in Paradise Valley? If you take the time to consider the best Paradise Valley neighborhoods, you can get a better idea about where you should buy your house.
- Cheney Estates
- Tatum Canyon
- Camelback Country Club Estates
- Mountain Shadow Resort
- Colonia Miramonte
Paradise Valley operates over half a dozen parks, attractions, and other amenities for all residents to enjoy.
Check them out on the Paradise Valley Parks and Recreation site.
Once you’re living in this affluent city, you can enjoy convenient shopping in Paradise Valley. While you’re in the area, you can visit REI, Plato’s Closet, Whole Foods Market, and AJ’s Fine Foods.
Paradise Valley is 14.4 miles from Phoenix.
The commute from Paradise Valley to downtown Phoenix generally takes about 23 minutes.
5. Paradise Valley, AZ Weather & Climate
Paradise Valley weather is known for its warm temperatures, blue skies, and minimal rain. Like the rest of Arizona, the setting in Paradise Valley is known as a semiarid climate. This means it’s dry and receives only 10 to 20 inches of rain per year.
The average temperature in Paradise Valley varies between highs of 105°F and lows of 81°F in the summer and highs of 66°F and lows of 40°F in the winter.
This affluent city typically gets 9 inches of rain and 0 inches of snow per year. While it rarely snows in the area, you can always drive a couple of hours north if you want to enjoy your favorite winter activities.
For outdoor activities in Paradise Valley, you can check out the many golf courses, hiking trails, biking trails, and climbing options.
6. Things to Do in Paradise Valley
Once you live in Paradise Valley, there are a variety of museums, parks, and landmarks you can visit.
Camelback Golf Club
One of the most popular things to do in Paradise Valley is the Camelback Golf Club. Boasting two 18-hole golf courses, the club offers professional lessons and luxury amenities.
Camelback Golf Club, 7847 N Mockingbird Ln, Scottsdale, AZ 85253, (480) 596-7050
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Cosanti Originals
One of the most notable Paradise Valley attractions and points of interest is Cosanti Originals. Until Italian-American architect Paolo Soleri died in 2013, the gallery was his studio and residence. Today, it’s an Arizona Historic Site.
Cosanti Originals, 6433 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, (480) 948-6145
Cholla Trailhead Camelback Mountain
While it’s only three miles long, the Cholla Trailhead is one of the best outdoor activities in Paradise Valley. It’s a highly advanced mountain trail, so be ready for rocky terrain. After a series of steep climbs, you can enjoy a phenomenal view from the summit.
Cholla Trailhead Camelback Mountain, 5150 N Invergordon Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, (602) 261-8318
Franciscan Renewal Center
Despite the name, the Franciscan Renewal Center is open to people of all faiths. As a ca n’t-miss thing to do in Paradise Valley, the Franciscan Renewal Center is one of the best places to visit if you want a moment of peace and clarity. Other than retreats, the center hosts individual therapy, counseling, and conferences.
Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E Lincoln Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85253, (480) 948-7460
Additional Paradise Valley Attractions
7. Paradise Valley Restaurants
Whether you’re searching for American cuisine or luxury dining, there are many options available in Paradise Valley.
El Chorro
Placed in a 1937 landmark building, this elegant restaurant features beef tartare, lobster tails, and oysters. In the cocktail bar, you can enjoy custom recipes and high-end liquor. Known as one of Paradise Valley’s top places to eat, this is a restaurant you can’t afford to miss out on.
El Chorro, 5550 E Lincoln Dr, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, (480) 948-5170
Hoppin’ Jacks
If you’re looking for one of the top restaurants in Paradise Valley, visit Hoppin’ Jacks. This popular cocktail bar offers delicious burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Hoppin’ Jacks, 5402 E Lincoln Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85253, (480) 948-1700
Hearth ‘61 at Mountain Shadows
If you want an unforgettable experience, this is one of Paradise Valley’s top places to eat. This restaurant has been recognized for having the top dish by the Arizona Republic and top chef by PHOENIX Magazine. To really experience this new American cuisine, try the tempura oyster mushrooms, Iberian pork chop, hearth-roasted swordfish, or za’atar meatballs.
Hearth ‘61 at Mountain Shadows, 5445 E Lincoln Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85253, (480) 624-5458
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8. Jobs in Paradise Valley
The median income in Paradise Valley is $221,333 per year.
The state income tax rate is 2.5%.
Paradise Valley currently has a 1.1% unemployment rate.
If you’re interested in Paradise Valley jobs, the following locations are some of the best places to work in Paradise Valley:
- Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia
- Sanctuary on Camelback
- Camelback Inn
- Paradise Valley Country Club
- Phoenix Country Day School
9. Paradise Valley Schools
There are around 2,407 kids between the ages of 0 and 18 years old living in Paradise Valley. They make up about 19% of the population.
Thanks to the top-rated schools, beautiful parks, and safe streets, Paradise Valley is an excellent place for families to live.
The best Paradise Valley schools include:
- Great Hearts Academies
- BASIS Phoenix Primary
- Cocopah Middle School
- Phoenix Country Day School
- Cherokee Elementary School
- Chaparral High School
If you’re interested in pursuing an advanced degree, there are top colleges and universities in neighboring cities such as:
Students and others will enjoy free access to the local Paradise Valley library.
10. Crime Rate in Paradise Valley
Is Paradise Valley a safe place to live? Paradise Valley is known for having affluent neighborhoods with safe streets.
The crime rate in Paradise Valley is 1,524 per 100,000 residents.
Paradise Valley is a safe place to live.
It is protected by good men and women of the Paradise Valley Police Department.
You can see how safe your future neighborhood is by checking the Paradise Valley crime map.
11. Essential Paradise Valley Information
- Square Miles: 15.4 square miles
- County: Maricopa County
- Zip Code: 85253
- Area Code: 602 and 480
The time zone in Paradise Valley is Mountain Standard Time. Like the rest of the cities in Arizona, Paradise Valley doesn’t use Daylight Savings Time. So there’s no need to change your clocks twice a year.
The elevation in Paradise Valley is 1,854 feet above sea level.
Map of Paradise Valley, AZ
Find the best things to do, places to eat, and more with this Paradise Valley map.
Tips for Living in Paradise Valley
- You may want to do your day-to-day shopping in neighboring cities. Paradise Valley is an expensive place to live, so you’ll spend less on your groceries and household goods if you go elsewhere.
- Like the rest of Arizona, Paradise Valley is incredibly hot in the summer. Because of this, you should make sure you buy a home with a properly functioning air conditioner and learn how to take care of it.
- People tend to put down roots in this close-knit community so don’t be surprised if you’re one of the newest faces in your neighborhood after relocating to Paradise Valley.
- Thanks to zoning restrictions, there are few nightlife options and retail shops in Paradise Valley. If you want a happening nightlife, you’ll need to drive into Phoenix or Scottsdale.
Moving to Paradise Valley, AZ
There are many reasons to move to Paradise Valley. Within this wealthy town, you’ll find phenomenal schools and stunningly beautiful homes.
If you need a real estate agent, you can contact an experienced Paradise Valley real estate team like our partners at SPACE.
