For those who love the outdoors, Fountain Hills becomes a unique place of joy. There are so many things to enjoy, from water sports to golf to hiking to horseback riding. To help you and your family decide which activities will best suit your personal preferences, budget, and time frame, here is an overview of some of the things you can see and do outside in Fountain Hills.

Golf

Fountain Hills is close to several golf courses, combining its own attractions with the Scottsdale greens. The Desert Canyon Golf Club, Eagle Mountain Golf Club, and Ancala Country Club all beckon those who’d like to take their game to the next level. The stunning year-round sunshine makes tee times relatively assured. The biggest problem is the wait list for popular weekends and in the peak winter season. Booking a month or more in advance will almost guarantee that you will be able to have the time you would like for your group.

Trail Riding

Fountain Hills is surrounded by several different sets of mountains. The Four Peaks, the Superstition Hills Mountains, and the McDowell Mountains provide plenty of rugged terrain for exploring. The state parks, Indian reservations, and dude ranches of the area all offer horseback riding and trail riding opportunities. Whether you are an experienced rider or a total novice, there is a package for you. Those who are new to horseback riding, however, may want to think twice about signing up for all-day rides, as saddle soreness can make the trip back into town a literal pain.

Water Sports

Although Fountain Hills is in the middle of the Sonora, the famous Fountain that gives the town its name is not the only body of water around. Those who love watersports will be pleased to arrive at Saguaro Lake, the Salt River, or the Verde River. A full range of watersports activities are available between the three of them.

For those who just want to lay back and enjoy the scenery, inner tube tours of the Salt River will be in order. While only the brave take their cameras out in the river, the views are spectacular. It’s a good way to see more of what the desert has to show.

Saguaro Lake, on the other hand, offers a selection of more active water sports. Boating, fishing, swimming and limited skiing are available here. Watching the sun rise over the water as you fish will allow you to appreciate all the charms of the painted desert sky.

Wild West Adventures

Although many people think of Fountain Hills as strictly a modern community, it actually has a rich western history. You can explore the elements of the Wild West in its past with a trip to Fort McDowell. It is part of the Yavapai Indian Reservation and the Tonto National Forest. Tours as well as activities for the whole family are available here. It is also a convenient drive from the downtown area to the starting point for most of the activities.

Fountain Hills Arizona is a popular choice for those seeking a second home in the greater Phoenix area. Fountain Hills has been voted as the best place to live in the area by Phoenix Magazine. As a result, competition for choice properties is fierce, and securing a second home in the area will take slightly more effort than in other parts of the region.

Of course, there are many reasons why Fountain Hills is such a popular second home destination. Fountain Hills, AZ real estate is nestled is some of the most scenic country in the nation. Between the Four Peaks, Superstition Mountains, and the Tonto National Forest is a crisp landscape of rugged beauty with almost 365 days of sunshine.

People from grayer, colder, plainer regions of the world flock here each winter season for short stays, but the truly blessed put down roots. Fountain Hills has a vibrant local culture, and really makes an effort to welcome newcomers with a warm smile and multiple community events. Fountain Hills seems to have a festival going every single month of the year, with extra events in peak season.

Before buying your second home in Fountain Hills, you may want to schedule some time to stay in the area for an extended period in both high and low season. This will let you know if you really feel comfortable with the community. It will also let you dip into local Fountain Hills news and issues, to help you gauge your level of connection with the community’s concerns.

During your extended stays, you should check out the different neighborhoods of Fountain Hills. They range from traditional suburban zones to specially gated golf course communities. Each of the 27 main areas has its own flair, and you will want to know which traits match your personality best. Don’t be afraid to attend community association meetings, walk in the parks and streets, and poke in the boutiques and strip malls of each of the major neighborhoods.  Some communities you may want to check out are Firerock, SunRidge Canyon and Eagle Mountain.

Once you’ve had the opportunity to see the town in high season and low season, as well as spend time in the different neighborhoods, you will be reading to get serious about making an offer. Expect the ultimate purchase process to take 3 - 6 months of viewing, negotiating, and finalizing details. While the property market is eager for buyers here as well as the rest of the country, there is a competition for the very best properties. To the patient and persistent go the spoils, however, so keep up your search until you find the very best house for you.