On November 12th about 1,000 runners gathered at the Hohokam Stadium, the spring training facility for the Chicago Cubs, to participate in the third annual Shun the Sun 5K, 10K, and half marathon.  The purpose for the race is to raise awareness of the importance of skin cancer prevention.  My purpose for attending the race was to be the cheer leader for my wife Chris who ran the half-marathon (13.1 miles).  The weather was perfect, overcast and 55 degrees at the 7:00 a.m. start time.

Shun The Sun Race follows Consolidated Canal in Mesa

The race course was changed due to construction taking place on the original route. Instead of running on sidewalks on major arterial streets, the alternate course took place along the 18 mile Consolidated Canal that provided a more protected route.  The paths along the many SRP canals have long been favorite routes for walkers, joggers, and bicyclists throughout the Phoenix valley.

Organized races are very upbeat events.  With the endorphins flowing,  crossing the finish line creates a strong sense of accomplishment.  After completing the race, participants were met with refreshments such as fresh fruits, granola bars, fruit smoothies, snacks and cookies.

One half marathon participant was met at the finish line by her boyfriend who took advantage of the opportunity to propose marriage.  Maybe that was part of his strategy; to ask her to marry him while she was in a weakened physical and emotional state.  Regardless of the strategy, he was successful  because shortly after crossing the finish line she was met with a bonquet of flowers and the proverbial question to which she quickly responded with a hug and “yes”.

Phoenix is an ideal location for running events beginning in November through April.  The P.F. Chang’s half marathon and full marathon are scheduled for January that starts in Tempe.  The annual Pat Tillman 4.2 mile run, also in Tempe, takes place in April.  The Lost Dutchman races offer a 2 mile run/walk, , 8K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon every February.  These are just a sample of the many races that are available to runners to choose from.

When a client asks what is the on-going operating cost of a private pool, I struggle to offer a precise answer.  The upfront cost to install a private pool can be determined after a 30 minute consultation with one of the many pool builders in the Phoenix area. But what are the daily operating costs that  a homeowner can expect?   For luxury homes, a well appointed private pool can be a standard expectation.  A family with children may look to a private backyard pool as a essential activity for the children during the 100+ degree summer days common to Phoenix.  So what is the day to day cost of this hydrated desert amenity?

Breaking down the daily operating costs of a private pool in Arizona

I have always been curious about what portion of my monthly SRP electricity bill is due to the pool pump that recirculates and filters the swimming pool water and runs the water feature.  I’ve read that a pool pump can be the 2nd highest usage of electricity for a typical home with a pool next to the air conditioner.  Instead of asking somebody at the pool store and getting an anecdotal response, I looked for a more analytical answer.

The first step is to calculate the Watts used consumed.  This is done by multiplying the volts x amps. To the left is the label from my pool pump.  For a 230 volt motor, multiply this by 7.8 amps.  The result is 1,794 Watts, or 1.8 KWh.  The next step is to calculate the KWh/day by multiplying this by the hours per day the pump runs.  During the summer, it is recommended the pump run 6  – 8 hours/day, and less during the winter.  For my calculations, I’ll use 8 hours.   1.8 Kwh x 8 hours = 14.4 KWh/day or 432 KWh/month.  The SRP standard summer rate is $0.0806/KWh, so the cost/month is 432 KWh  x $0.0806/KWh = $35/month, or a little more than $1/day. The winter rate is lower  so this calculation is on the high side.

Pool chemical cost can vary depending on the system used to keep the chemicals in balance.  Newer technology uses salt water systems to assist in chlorinating the pool.   A rough estimate for chlorine, acid and misc. chemicals such as diatomacheous earth for the filter  would be approximately $300/year or $25/month.

Evaporation of pool water

The Phoenix area has over 350,000 private pools. According to the Water Resources Deparment, an uncovered pool loses 4 – 6 feet of water per year.  This coincides with other estimates that a pool loses its entire volume once a year due to evaporation.  If a pool holds 12,000 gallons and the residential water rate is $1.15/1,000 gallons, the yearly cost for water due to evaporation is barely $14 /year.  This much lower than I would have expected and unfortunately such a low cost does not encourage water conservation which could be achieved through the use of a pool cover.

Major pool expenses

An important consideration is the type of lining, the cost and how often it will need to be replaced.  When we installed our pool, we went with a basic plaster pool. After 9 – 10 years it had to be replaced.  The replacement cost to have the pool relined varies depending on the lining; plaster with quartz, or pebble tec.   Pebble tec pool liners are more robust and can out last less expensive linings. A basic lining would be around $5,000 – $6,000 which would equate to $600/year or $50/month over a 10 year functional life expectancy.   And as with any replacement parts, watch out when your pool vacuum needs bearing or other replacement parts, you’re looking at a miniumum of $150.

My estimate of the on-going cost of a Phoenix area pool would be $35 for the pool pump, $25/month for chemicals and $60/month for major expenses, so plan to budget roughly $120/month for the maintenance of your swimming pool.  This estimate is based largely on my own pool which is from the mid 1990′s era and probably on the high side, so please do your own analysis based on the expense types I’ve outlined above.  Your comments are welcome based on your experience!

Still interested in a home with a pool? Click on e-mail me homes with a private pool.

 Gilbert and Chandler Waterfront Homes with a private pool

For additional real estate information, go to Gilbert and Chandler Real Estate, or Phoenix Short Sale info.

The Heritage District encompasses 0.3 square miles (192 acres) of downtown Gilbert. The vision for the downtown Heritage District is a family-friendly, pedestrian-oriented mixed-use development.  This is supported by the Redevelopment Plan and the Heritage District Design Guidelines. Here’s a look at what has happened in downtown Gilbert.

The Heritage District in Pictures

Water Tower Plaza is ideally located across from the Hale Centre Theatre and provides a perfect gathering place before or after a play.  The water feature that looks even more inviting in the summer is right below the iconic Gilbert water tower.  You’ll also find a 19,000 lb. granite ball that floats on a thin layer of water.

 
Downtown Restaurants

Downtown Gilbert is home to many popular restaurants.  Joe’s Real Barbeque, Oregano’s, Romeo’s Euro Cafe,  Farmhouse Restaurant, and Liberty Market are some of the more well known.

Steel Dreamz on Gilbert road  is a step back in time allowing patrons to appreciate cars from past decades for anyone looking for collector car sales.

On the northern boundary of The Heritage District is the intersection of Gilbert Road and the Western Trail that connects with the McQueen District Park to the west and The Riparian Preserve to the east.   Gilbert is fortunate to offer various trails along canals for runners, bikers, joggers and walkers.

Historic Downtown Gilbert is definitely worth getting acquainted with and offers patrons the opportunity to appreciate Gilbert’s heritage when it was known as the “Hay Capital of the World”, until the late 1920′s.

Make sure and leave your comments on your experience in historic downtown Gilbert.

Gilbert is known for many things.  A safe community with a family friendly atmosphere.  A  great place to raise children with a high quality of life.  A growing community with  highly rated schools.  Good freeway access to Phoenix and surrounding areas.  Affordable homes including waterfront and lake communities and award winning hospitals.   All in all, Gilbert is one of the most desireable towns in the Phoenix valley.   For a sample of some of the things that make Gilbert such a popluar community, read on.

Riparian Preserve  A truely unique destination in Gilbert.  This 110 acre park is an integral part of Gilbert’s water conservation commitment.  It provides residents a fishing lake stocked with catfish, trout, bass, and sunfish by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. In addition, there are 70 acres of recharge lakes that are home to over 200 species of birds, and 4.5 miles of trails.  The recharges basins or lakes provide a Riparian habitat and also a means for Gilbert effluent water to transfer back into underground aquifers and replenish important ground water.  There is an Observatory that is open to the public every Friday and Saturday night from nightfall to 9 p.m.  A $3 donation is requested.   To find out everything that is going on at the Riparian Preserve, to go the events calendar to classes and times.

Southeast Regional Library  The Maricopa County Southeast Regional library is located adjacent to the Riparian Preserve and offers the best views of any library in the state. Built in 1999, this 66,000 sq.ft. award winning  library offers patrons access to internet accessible public computers and state of the art library facilities.  It is located at the southeast corner of Greenfield and Guadalupe Rd.  Hours are from Mon-Thurs. 10 am – 9 p.m, Friday & Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, and Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm.

Hale  Centre Theatre -Arizona  Located in historic downtown Gilbert, the unique center stage configuration ensures that there are no bad seats.  The company originally started in Glendale, California in 1947 to a meager opening night audience of 6, but it has not  missed a week of presenting high quality, affordable entertainment since its humble beginning.  The Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert opened in July 2003 and has been entertaining patrons ever since. 

 Town of Gilbert Parks  – The Town of Gilbert has some of the best parks in the Phoenix valley.  For a full inventory of the parks, public pools and facilities , go to Gilbert Parks.

Freestone Park    The largest of the Town of Gilbert Parks, Freestone provides a buffet of recreational activities.  Multiple soccer fields, batting cages, 4 softball fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, play areas, an amphitheatre, and a 22,000 sq.ft. skate park with features to accomodate all skill levels.   

The recent addition of the $6.75 million Freestone Recreation Center provides 51,000 sq.ft. of family focused fun and recreation.  Within the award winning architecture building is a rock climbing wall, racquetball courts, a running track, dance & aerobics room, childcare center and weight room.

McQueen Regional Park  Located in the northwest park of Gilbert is McQueen Park and Recreation Center which sits on 40 acres, but only has about 500 ft. of  frontage on McQueen Rd., so it’s easy to miss.        McQueen Park Satellite View     There are sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, softball diamonds, soccer fields, and running trails.   The 27,000 sq.ft.  McQueen Park Activity Center is host to a gymnasium , game room with Wii, X-box and play station systems, pool table, ping pong, foosball, air hockey, a lobby with a 51″ TV and rooms for leisure pursuit classes.  There is pleny of area to hang out or go outside and walk around the 2 acre lake that is to the west of the center.

 Cosmo Dog Park  If you have a dog, then add the Cosmo Dog Park to your list of places to visit, especially if they love to swim.  Cosmo Dog Park was the winner of DOG FANCY’s Dog Park of the Year for 2007, a year after opening in July 2006.   It is the only Dog Park in the Phoenix area with a lake, which many dogs thoroughly love! A detailed map shows the many amenities offered in this dog paradise.  The 4 acre park provides two dog wash stations, a wet dog area,  an lighted open dog park, and a timid dog area.  This is in addition to the ramadas, walking trails, basketball court, restroom,  picnic tables and amphitheatre.  For the location check the Google Map of Cosmo Dog Park.

Polar Ice Rink  The 76,000 sq.ft. Polar Ice Gilbert facility was introduced to the public on Sept. 13, 2008. It is conveniently located near the 202 freeway at the north end of Crossroads Park at Greenfield and Knox.  Satellite view of Polar Ice Gilbert In the development of the facility, environmental features such as low energy fluorescent lighting, skylights and a state of the art ice cooling system that cost over $120,000 have been incorporated into the design.  The two rinks in the facility provide 17,000 sq.ft. of skating enjoyment.  

Polar Ice offers public skating, hockey leagues and classes offered through the Gilbert Parks and Recreations department.  It also hosts games for the ASU Hockey clubs.

Running and Biking Trails   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. 

In Gilbert,  the Western Canal Powerline /Sun Circle Trail runs east and west, connecting Big League Dreams, the Riparian Preserve, Freestone Park and the McQueen District Park in a 8.5 mile stretch. It continues west into Chandler and also Tempe.  Anyone looking for a peaceful bike ride or jog will find this trail enjoyable and with much less congestion than a street sidewalk with cars racing past at 45 miles/hour.

Big League Dreams  is located near Power and Elliot Rd in east Gilbert, and represents a public/private venture on 60 acres that offers a unique facility unlike anything in the state.   There are eight scaled down versions of real ballparks, past and present;  including Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Polo Grounds, Ebbets Field, Angel Stadium, Sportman’s Park, and to appease the local crowd, Chase Field. Each ballpark has seating for 190 spectators.  There are two clubhouses that provide food and beverages.  Once you see the prices for the soda pop,   you’ll make a quick note to fill up the cooler the next visit.   Besides softball leagues, there is also an indoor soccer  complex that is well utilized.

Joe’s Real Barbeque  One of my favorite restaurants in the center of downtown Gilbert.   Joe’s opened for business in January 1998 and has been satisfying cravings for barbeque brisket, pulled pork, pit ham, pork ribs, chicken and turkey breast ever since.  The food is award winning and you’ll also appreciate the old-style atmosphere that is one of a kind.  Where else will you find a  1948 John Deere tractor in the middle of the dining area?  The New Times awarded Joe’s the Best of Phoenix for Old-Fashioned Charm. If you are into sauces, you  have your choice of spicy, or “we dare you” hot which uses habanero peppers to turn up the heat.   My favorite lunch time meal is the BBQ sampler with over 3/4 lb. of ribs, chicken, pork and beef.  Most plates are in the $8 – $12 range.  What more can I say, you have to try it!

San Tan Village Outdoor Shopping Center   San Tan Village located at Williams Field and the Santan 202 freeway is comprised of two sections; the shopping center and the urban village.  For a layout of both click on San Tan Village Shopping Center layout.   The list of stores is almost endless as seen in the Story Directory  The layout of the the urban village is nothing new, but the uncommon outdoor layout for the shopping center is a unique twist, especially for Phoenix when  outdoors in the summer is synonymous  with 110 degree days.  That misting system better work! 

Places to eat include Paradise Bakery & Cafe, Johnny Rockets, Famous Dave’s, Blue Wasabi Sushi & Martini Bar, Cantina Laredo and the Kona Grill among others.  After a relaxing dinner, the Harkins Theatres complex is just a short walk away.

Golf Courses – Gilbert is home to 5 golf courses; Kokopelli, Trilogy, Western Skies, Seville Country Club, and Greenfield Lakes. All are public course except for Seville.  A golfing friend of mine ranks Trilogy as the best in Gilbert. 

As you can see, Gilbert has a lot of offer its residents and neighbors.  Feel free to comment on some of the activities or attractions that you enjoy in Gilbert.

Gilbert also provides some of the best real estate options in Arizona.   For assistance with real estate needs, feel free to sign up for Gilbert Real Estate listings. Or if you live in Gilbert and want to know the value of your home. To search for homes visit, Gilbert Real Estate.

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

Tumbleweed Recreational Center

The Tumbleweed Recreationa Center is packed with activities, classes, programs and fitnees factilites.   The daily resident adult fee is $4.00, $5  for non-residents.  A monthly pass for residents is $30, and $38 for non-Chandler residents. Children and, youth and teens are less. The 6,000+ sq.ft. fintess center features 46 pieces of cardiovascular equipment.  The 1/10 mile indoor running track loops around the second story of the facility. Two basketball courts are on the lower level as well as raquetball courts.  The Tree House is available for children 1 – 7 for up to two hours at an additional fee.

The center hosts a variety of classes, camps, and programs for kids and families, including acting classes, arts and crafts, babysitting training and CPR certification, chess, cooking, hip hop, beginner/preschool tap and ballet, preschool tumbling, jazz, drawing, Spanish, racquetball, yoga, parent/child Spanish, parent/child music and movement, Club Pee-Wee, and computers.

The Chandler Tennis Center  has 15 lighted tennis courts, and offers leagues, lessons, tournaments, private instruction and more.  Daily court fees for 1.5 hours of play is $2.50, and $3.5 after 5 p.m. 

Playtopia is a 2.5 acre picnic and playground section of Tumbleweed Park.  Within Playtopia are different theme based play areas such as Farm Land, City Land, and Critter Land.

The Tumbleweed Park pavilions and ramadas are perfect for large gatherings with nearby barbeque grills, sand volleyball and horseshoe pits and restrooms.  The ramadas are available by reservation and can accomodate groups that range in size from 15  up to 320 people.

Homes near Tumbleweed Park

Tumbleweed Park is a spacious and well maintained facility with plenty to do for all ages with great facilities for family or group get togethers.  I haven’t even mentioned some of  the other activities such as the annual Chandler Ostrich Festival and the Fourth of July fireworks celebration, but we’ll leave that for another day!

Homes for sale near Tumbleweed Park

Popular Chandler homes nearby Tumbleweed Park include Arden Park and Carino Estates, and Ocotillo.

More information regarding Chandler real estate can be found at Chandler Real Estate.

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

Gilbert Trails and Canal System

Much of Arizona’s history is tied to water and the distribution of this valuable resource.  Canals were an integral part of the early infrastructure.  The canals in Gilbert serve as boundaries for those areas that have SRP water rights in the town. It is natural that the bike, walking and equestrian pathways would follow these natural landmarks.

In Gilbert,  the Western Canal Powerline /Sun Circle Trail runs east and west, connecting Big League Dreams, the Riparian Preserve, Freestone Park and the McQueen District Park in a 8.5 mile stretch. It continues west into Chandler and also Tempe.  Anyone looking for a peaceful bike ride or jog will find this trail enjoyable and with much less congestion than a street sidewalk with cars racing past at 40 miles/hour.

Enlarged map of Gilbert Trail System

Gilbert Parks and Recreation Facilities Guide

The Consolidated Canal was  initially conceived by Dr. A. J. Chandler and started in 1891.  The Consolidated Canal Trail currently run 18 miles in a north and south

orientation through Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler. In the 1980′s the trail became  popular with walkers,  joggers, and bicyclists.  Federal grants and city funds have transformed this dirt path into a lighted multi-use trail.

In Chandler It’s the Paseo Trail

In Gilbert it’s called the Heritage Trail, but cross over into Chandler and now the multi-use trail alongside the Consolidated Canal is the Chandler Paseo Trial.  This 6.5 mile trail is a 10 foot wide pathway on the eastern side of  the canal. The western side is unimproved that can be used for horseback riding or bicycling.  Currently the trail starts at the Tibshraeny Family Park in north Chandler which provides parking and restrooms.  The trail heads south past The Springs and crosses the 202 freeway.

Map of Paseo Trail in Chandler

More parking and access to the Paseo Trail is found at Tumbleweed Park and Recreation Center.  It’s course continues south passing by Pinelake Estates, a popular waterfront community.  The trail currently ends at Riggs Rd although future plans include a southern trailhead near Arizona Ave. and Hunt Highway.

Chandler Lifestyle and Leisure Link

For additional information regarding homes near Gilbert and Chandler recreational trails, call Gordon Baker  at 480-326-8571.

Related Link:

Things to do in Gilbert

Shun The Sun Half Marathon and 10K in Mesa

Last Saturday, over 28,000 participants were at the stating line at 7 a.m. to participate in the sixth annual Pat’s Run to raise money for educational scholarships.  Pat Tillman, was a former ASU and Arizona Cardinal football player and Army Ranger.  After Sept. 11, 2001, Pat and his younger brother joined the military.  In so doing, Pat turned down a $3.6 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals to serve his country.  On April 22, 2004, Pat was killed by friendly fire while serving in eastern Afghanistan.

That one little dash

My motivation for attending was to watch my son, Austin, run in the event.  Unfortunately, with over 28,000 participants it was impossible to find him in the crowd. But while attempting to photograph my son and other friends that were in the race, I stood on the Tempe Town Lake bridge next to a banner with a quote from Steve White, a friend of Pat and Navy SEAL. In referring to the years in between his friend’s birth and death, 1976 - 2004, ” ……. that one little dash represents a lifetime.  How do we spend our dash?”   It’s not the start or end of life that matters but what we do in between.

People participate for different reasons.  Some do it to support a good cause and enjoy the comraderie of fellow runners.   For others it represents a milestone in their quest to shed a few pounds or become more fit.  Other use it as a training exercise and run in army fatigues and a backpack! Races like this with runners of different abilities are interesting because the leaders are sprinting along and make it look so easy.  Then towards the end the participants have a much slower pace and you wonder how they’ll ever complete the 4.2 mile course.   Training can make all the difference in the world.

The race ended in the ASU Sundevil football stadium.  That was one of the few places in the Phoenix valley that could accomodate a crowd that size.  We finally caught up with Austin to take the picture we missed along the way.

If you’re ever in town in late April looking for an enjoyable way to get in better shape, check out Pat’s Run.

For real estate information about the Phoenix area, visit my Buyer and Phoenix Relocation website.

Related Posts:

Mesa half marathon and 10K – Shun The Sun race

If you live in the east valley and enjoy boating or water skiing, you are familiar with Saguaro or Canyon Lake.  If you live in Peoria or Surprise, Lake Pleasant is exceptionally close.  But for those that live in the northeast part of the valley, Bartlett Lake is the safe haven for water sport activists that live in Scottsdale, Carefree and  Cave Creek.  Bartlett Lake is 15 miles from north Scottsdale custom home communities such as Desert Mountain, Treviso, Mirabel, and Boulder Heights.

Water Skiing, Wakeboarding, Hydrofoiling and Fishing at Bartlett Lake

Satellite view of Bartlet Lake Reservoir

Lake Pleasant is 35 miles west of Bartlett Lake and because Lake Pleasant is closer to Phoenix and the I-17 freeway, Bartlett Reservoir is closer to a smaller number of residents and therefore is less congested.  Because of the surrounding topography, Bartlett Lake is calmer.  The size is approximately 2,800 acres; larger than Canyon Lake or Saguaro Lake, but smaller than Lake Pleasant.

Homes For Sale Near Bartlett Lake Reservoir

For a more specialized search of homes near Bartlett Lake, call or e-mail me or fill out the attached form,  Search the MLS for me.

Scottsdale, Cave Creek & Carefree Homes for Sale Close to Bartlett Lake

Water sport enthusiasts,campers and fisherman that live above the 101 freeway in Peoria, Glendale, Ph0enix, Cave Creek, and Anthem will count themselves lucky with their 15 mile or less commute to Lake Pleasant.  They are conveniently located near the largest lake in the Greater Phoenix area that offers 10,000 acres of water and 50 miles of shoreline.  Lake Pleasant Regional Park offers two paved boat launching ramps; a 10 lane ramp and a 4 lane ramp with plenty of adjacent parking making easy access for boaters, water skiers, fisherman, jet skiers and wake boarders.

History of Lake Pleasant Regional Park

Lake Pleasant lies within the municipal boundaries of Peoria.  The lake was created by the construction of the Wadddell Dam in 1928 with a surface area of 3,700 acres and served primarily as a private irrigation project. It was filled by the Agua Fria river.   With the completion of the Central Arizona Project (CAP), the lake was converted into a storage factility for water from the Colorado River.   Inadequate to fulfill this role,  the New Waddell Dam was authorized and completed in 1993, tripling the surface area of the lake and leaving the old dam 100 feet below the current water level.  While still receiving water from the Agua Fria river, the main function is storage of water from the Colorado River that arrives via the Central Arizona Project.  The structure in the picture  to the left houses  the pumps that transfer water to the lake from the CAP aqueduct.

Satellite view of Lake Pleasant

Lake Pleasant Regional Park Map

Living Near Lake Pleasant

The proximity of the lake to the Greater Phoenix market makes it ideal for homeowners who enjoy anything related to water, camping or fishing.  Lake Pleasant also offers a private marina, Pleasant Harbor.

Buyers looking for homes with good access to Lake Pleasant can choose from homes in Glendale, Phoenix, Peoria, Anthem, Sun City and Cave Creek.  Familiar subdivisions will include Arrowhead Ranch,  Vistancia, Melton Ranch, Eagle Heights, Sonoran Mountain Ranch and Indian Springs Estates.

Homes near Lake Pleasant for Sale

Besides being close to Lake Pleasant most areas enjoy good access to the I-17 and 101 freeways as well as shopping, entertainment and the University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals.  If you are interesting in receiving automatic updates of homes for sale, click on receive listings of homes near Lake Pleasant.

Available Homes for Sale Near Lake Pleasant

Let’s face it, to live on a lake in Phoenix or any surrounding city may not be a possibility, especially when you are are looking for a place  to  water ski, wake board or use a hydrofoil.  To water ski, you are limited to 6 subdivisions in the valley. When a client from Utah with a passion for an “airchair” or hydrofoil was looking for a home, we had to look  close to a lake or reservoir since hydrofoils require a depth well beyond the typical  6 – 8 foot depth of a residential man made ski lake.  Or the goal may be to find a home close to a lake if you love fishing. The good news is that there are many Phoenix area homes near lakes or reservoirs.  The cities or towns of Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Phoenix, Cave Creek, Carefree, Apache Junction, Fountain Hills and Gold Canyon enjoy good access to lakes such as Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, Lake Pleasant and Bartlett Lake.

Canyon Lake in the Tonto National Forest

One of the lakes in the east valley is Canyon Lake which has great proximity to north east Mesa, Gold Canyon, Apache Junction and Gilbert. Canyon Lake is situated in the southwest part of the Tonto National Forest.  I receive many inquiries regarding finding waterfront homes on lakes or reservoirs such as Canyon, Saguaro, Bartlett or Roosevelt Lake.  Being in a national forest, lakeside homes are not permitted.  Canyon Lake is the smallest of the reservoir lakes consisting of 950 surface acres of water and 28 miles of shore line, and was formed by the completion of Mormon Flat Dam in 1925.   It is stocked with rainbow trout from November to March by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.  Anglers will enjoy fishing for large and small mouth bass, crappie, sunfish, catfish, trout, walleye and carp. If you grow tired of pulling a boat to the lake, you’ll want to talk to the folks at the Canyon Lake Marina.

Satellite view of Canyon Lake

Arizona Has More Boats Per Capita Than Any Other State

Really? Believe me, I want this to be true but I’m struggling to find  facts that  support this oft quoted phrase.

On June 14, 2006 the Arizona Republic wrote,  “Despite being a landlocked state, Arizona boasts the highest per capita boat ownership of any state in the U.S.”

Other websites and hard copy brochures also quote this questionable statistic.

Could Arizona have more boats than Alaska, or Washington state, or other coastal states?  What about states in the Great Lakes region?

Well, the most solid facts I found were in an article by Judy Hedding ranks Arizona 43rd in the number of boats per capita.  A far cry from #1. We knew it was too good to be true.

Homes Near Canyon Lake

If you have a itching for water sports; fishing, water skiing, wake boarding or hydro foiling that can only be satisfied by a lake then it makes sense to look for a home close to  a reservoir or lake.  Two very desirable locations with good accessibility to Canyon and Saguaro Lakes would be northeast Mesa or Gold Canyon.  To see available homes in these areas, click on the links below:

Homes in northeast Mesa for Sale

Homes in Gold Canyon for Sale

Other features to consider in a home close to any reservoir or lake is the size of the garage or ensuring that you have a RV gate sufficiently wide for your boat.  A tandem garage will ensure adequate length for a boat and trailer.  Make sure that when you store a boat behind the RV gate, it is not in violation of CC&R’s by extending above the fence line.  Searching for a tandem and extended length garage as well as homes with a RV gate will help find homes that more easily accommodate storing a boat.

To learn more about homes near lakes in the Phoenix area and east valley, feel free to call or tell me what you’re looking for, and I’ll be glad to help.  This includes homes near Saguaro Lake, Bartlett Lake, and Lake Pleasant.