Phoenix Arizona Waterfront Homes

Tempe Town Lake Inflatable Dam Bursts

At 9:45 pm on  Tuesday,  July 20th, one section of the inflatable dam at Tempe Town Lake burst releasing 750 million gallons into the Salt River.  Since it occured at night nobody was on the lake and one visitor at the west end of the lake was able to capture the release on video.   The day after the failure, the Town of Tempe and Bridgestone, the manufacturer of the inflatable bladders, squared off and each offered explanations of why the other party was at fault.  Obviously, something went wrong somewhere because according to the Town of Tempe  website, “The bladders have special ozone and ultraviolet ray protection from the southwestern climate and have been tested extensively for durability.” Bridgestone contends improper maintenance since  the bladders need to be kept moist and cool through the use of a sprinkler system that was not being used at the time of the failure, while the Town of Tempe Mayor counters that the poor design of the dam made it difficult to use the sprinklers effectively.

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Goodyear Waterfront Homes and Lake Community

Estrella Mountain Ranch in Goodyear is home to its’ largest lake community that according to planning documents has the potential to grow to 50,000 homes and 1,600 acres of commercial development.  This secluded secluded community has one of the best community centers, resident waterpark and community pools in the west valley, and is located right next to the 19,840 acre Estrella Mountain Regional Park.  Nestled next to the Sierra Estrella mountains just 8 miles south of the I-10,  Estrella Mountain residents enjoy over 40 acres of parks that include pathways, pavilions, an amphitheater, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts.  On the lake north lake is the Yacht Club that offers sailboats, paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks.  Estrella is also home to a Nicklaus-designed championship golf course.

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Gated Lake Subdivisions and Waterfront Property

When looking for Phoenix area waterfront homes, your dream home could be hiding behind one of the gated lake communities featuring waterfront homes. These unique gated subdivisions are spread throughout the valley in cities and towns such as Chandler, Mesa, Maricopa, Scottsdale, Tempe and Gilbert among others.

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 Gainey Ranch - outstanding combination of lakes and green fairways

This prestigous Scottsdale community takes its name from Daniel C. Gainey,  the original owner and Minnesotan.  It was James Kilday,  the founder and CEO of Markland Properties who acquired 560 acres of the original 640 acres owned by Daniel Gainey that had  the vision of creating  a luxury resort community.

Gainey Ranch is a mixed use community comprised of residential, commercial office buildings, a private  golf course, and a luxury hotel.  The residential portion of Gainey Ranch occupies approximately 264 acres, less than half of the 560 acres.   The Gainey Ranch master planned community also includes commerical office buildings,  the Hyatt Hotel and an award winning 27 hole private golf course , Gainey Ranch Golf Club. 

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Chandler Lakefront Condos at Lakeside Village at Andersen Springs

Lakeside Village at Andersen Springs occupies the other side of the lake from Lakeshore at Andersen Springs.   The complex features a tennis court, spa and two community pools.  Another unique feature is the lakefront stores and restaurants on the opposite side of the lake, all within walking distance.  Within minutes is the newer 202 freeway and Chandler Fashion mall.

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 Chandler Az. Regional Park is loaded with things to do!

Of the more than 50 parks in Chandler,  Tumbleweed Park and Recreational Center is one of Chandler’s largest and best parks,  located at 2250 S. McQueen at the southwest corner of McQueen and Germann Rd.  The Recreation Center features an indoor track, a gymnasium, raquetball courts, a fitness center and exercise rooms, computer labs, and art and ceramic studios.

Satellite view of Tumbleweed Park

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 Gilbert, Chandler and Mesa boast Waterfront Trail Systems

An almost hidden  feature of Gilbert, Chandler and Mesa is the recreational trail system that has been developed along the canals that have been in the east valley longer than 99% of the homes.   The Consolidated Canal, 18 miles long runs thr0ugh Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler and dates back to 1891.      The development of recreational paths along SRP canals has become an attractive amenity in many cities.   Bikers and joggers will be most familiar with the paths since they offer a welcome alternative to narrow sidewalks, inattentive passing cars and frequent crossings at stop lights. Websites that cater to runners and joggers even calculate the mileage between beginning and ending points along different canals. Consolidated Canal Running Route  or the Western Canal Mileage Calculator

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New Ownership and Pricing at Bridgeview at Hayden Ferry Lakeside

2009 was a transition year for the Bridgeview urban luxury condominiums. Denver-based Condo Capital Solutions stepped in to purchased the 64 unsold units for $20.3 million in August 2009.  Sales in early 2009 were virtually non-existent and only 40 of the total 104 condominiums had sold.  Revised pricing has re-ignited interest in this luxury waterfront  project.  Originally, sales of $591K for 1,283 sq.ft, or $923K or 1,921 sq.ft. were the norm. Now prices are 50 – 60% of  original 2008 offering  prices.  Over 20 units have sold in the first quarter 0f 2010.

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Chandler boasts more lake communities than any city in the Phoenix valley

If you count the individual Chandler waterfront communities, you’ll easily be in excess of 25 Chandler lake communities.  Many of them are part of the overall Ocotillo Community Association.  Many of these are well know Ocotillo lake communities such as Balboa Point, Embarcadero, Cantabria Shores, Bridges at Ocotillo The Vista at Ocotillo, The Penisula, and Crown Point.  This post will give anyone interested in Chandler waterfront homes a good overview of the available options.

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Sometimes you swear at them and sometimes you swear by them

Let’s face it, if you are considering purchasing a home in the Phoenix area; whether it be Avondale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, or Gold Canyon, you will have to come to terms about buying a home that is part of a Home Owners Association.   When a buyer purchases property that has an HOA, they  automatically agree to abide by the governing documents which are the CC&R’s; Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions.   While many CC&R’s are typically very boiler plate, it is a good idea to review them and make sure there are no hidden surprises.  Even better, talk to your future neighbors and inquire about their experience.

If you are looking to speak out against HOAs, you’ll have plenty of company because at times they do some pretty dumb stuff and deserve the criticism.  At the same time, attend any of the regularly scheduled meetings and see how many residents come to participate, offer suggestions and be involved.  That number is in the single digits and I’m estimating on the high side. If residents are concerned or upset, they should get involved, contribute, and help shape the neighborhood.   I’ve gotten a little upset over a couple of letters I received that I thought were unneccesary, but I also remember being thankful when a neighbor’s mother came to visit for a while in her aged travel trailer that was definitely an eye sore!  I’m glad they did the dirty work of letting the neighbhor know that is not allowed.  Like I said, sometime you swear at them and sometimes you swear by them. For a more legalistic viewpoint, here’s a link to a website explaining homeowner’s rights.

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