Pontoon Boats and Valley Lake Property

There are a variety of reasons why a waterfront property may not allow owners to have an electric pontoon boat or any kind of water craft.  One may be that even though the listing agent has designated the property as waterfront, a distant view of H2O on the golf course may qualify as waterfront in their mind but it just isn’t so.  There may also be a community sidewalk, walkway or common area that separates the property from the water, such as in Sun Lakes, Fulton Ranch, and Wellington Estates in Chandler.

Lake Communities that DO allow boating:

Tempe - The Lakes in Tempe, built in the mid-1970′s is said to be Arizona’s first man made lake community and features a community clubhouse and pool.   Tempe Town Lakes offers more contemporary  housing options.  While home owners do not have private waterfront access, there are public  and private boating options.  Tempe Town Lake is one of the major visitor attractions for the valley.  Condomiums such as Bridgeview, Edgewater, and Northshore provide fantastic views of Tempe Town Lake.

Ahwatukee /Phoenix  - Lakewood is located in the Ahwatukee foothills part of Phoenix.  One of the benefits of the location of this lake community is the Kyrene school district and the access to the I-10 freeway.

San Tan Valley & Buckeye The remaining waterski lakes are located in San Tan Valley and Buckeye.  Buchli Lake is the valley’s original lake community in the east valley.  There are two communities in the west valley; Lakeside Ski Village and Spring Mountain Ski Ranch.   Don’t hesitate to call me regarding homes or lots that may be for sale that are not listed on the MLS.

 How do you know if you live in a master planned community? It is a commonly used expression when describing  Phoenix residential real estatePho to say a community is a “master planned community”.  If you ask 5 people for a definition, you’ll probably get 5 different answers.  Many are very well recognized communities throughout  the valley such as McCormick Ranch, Power Ranch,  Anthem, Desert Ridge, Verrado, Estrella Mountain Ranch and Ocotillo.

 Characteristics of a Master Planned Community in Phoenix

Master planned communities allow developers a way to create a more unique environment.  Through a combination of residential housing choices, common amenities such as parks, community pool, clubhouse and walking trails, retail and commercial centers, the master planned community offers a more complete lifestyle to its residents.  Indeed some of the larger scale master planned communities incorporate this mixed use concept.  McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale, one of the first in the valley, sits on just over 3,000 acres and includes a variety of residential housing, as well as two golf courses, 25 miles of biking/walking paths, man-made lakes, commercial and retail centers.  In the east valley, some of the most desireable and unique developments, are amenity rich master planned communities that include Power Ranch in Gilbert, Val Vista Lakes, Agritopia, and Chandler’s Ocotillo.  Depending on the size and scope, a master planned community can approach a “city within a city”.  For example, Desert Ridge in northeast Phoenix is comprised of 5,700 acres and will have up to 50,000 residents.  Besides residential choices,  the Desert Ridge master planned community is home to the Mayo Clinic,  Desert Ridge Marketplace,  and a JW Marriot Resort and Spa and a business park.    Ocotillo, a 1,900 acre master planned community in Chandler  includes 167 acres of man made lakes, an award winning golf course, retail, commercial and industrial centers as well as desireable residential communities.

Phoenix Lake and Waterfront  Master Planned Communities

 When it comes to community amenities, there are some lake community subdivisions that come to the top of the list.  Val Vista Lakes, Province an active adult community in Maricopa, McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale, Power Ranch in Gilbert,  and Estrella Mountain Ranch in Goodyear.

Waterfront Homes in Val Vista Lakes    

Val Vista Lakes Homes for Sale

Province Waterfront Homes for Sale

Estrella Mountain Ranch Homes for Sale

Power Ranch Homes for Sale

The above  lake communities all have community centers, walking paths, and a community pool offering their residents additional community amenities.

To find out about other master planned lake communities , click on receive homes for sale and describe to me the home you’re looking for.  There are many other master planned lake communities that offer scenic views from your backyard.  Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Custom waterfront luxury homes in Val Vista Lakes

If a waterfront home afficionado is looking for a luxury lakefront custom home in a gated community, then Val Vista Lakes needs to be on the short list.  This 900 acre master planned community also has one of the most complete community centers in the valley.   There are three sub-divisions that offer this unique combination;  The Regatta, West Lake Estates, and Lakeside at Val Vista Lakes.

Impressive Clubhouse at Val Vista Lakes

Few residential communities in the valley have a club house/community center with the amenities and facilities that the Val Vista Lake clubhouse can offer.  Residents can participate in 5 different clubs.   In addition you’ll find a lagoon swimming pool with a sandy beach, a cardio and weight training facility, raquetball courts, a tennis club with 8 tennis courts, and a banquet center for social events.

Aerial View of Val Vista Lakes

Gated Waterfront Custom Home Lake Communities

On the western side of Val Vista Lakes is West Lake Estates that features over 45 waterfront homes.  Lot sizes in West Lake Estates range in size from 11,000 sq.ft. to over 28,000 sq.ft. (over 1/2 acre).

Lakeside at Val Vista Lakes, the southern most lake community has over 80 waterfront homes that range in size from 11K – 12k square feet, with homes typically in the 2,600 – 4,800 sq.ft.

The Regatta on the eastern side has homes that range in size from 2,400 – 3,600 sq.ft. and lots in the 9 – 10K range.

Custom gated waterfront homes for sale in Val Vista Lakes

Val Vista Lakes also offers close proximity to Freestone Park, jogging and biking trails, the Riparian Preserve, Polar Ice, and Dana Park Village Square shopping center. Needless to say, it’s strategically located in one of Phoenix’s safest cities.

To keep updated on the new Val Vista Lakes homes, click on receive new Val Vista Lakefront listings.

Phoenix area lakefront homes.

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.

Chandler Gated Waterfront Property 

  The Ocotillo master planned community features many gated subdivisions.  Gated condominium developments include Cantabria Shores located right next to the Ocotillo Golf Resort.  The Bridges at Ocotillo, a 234 unit development offers 2 car garages and 9 foot ceilings. 

Single family homes within Ocotillo include The Peninsula, Watermark, Ocotillo East, Embarcadero at Ocotillo, The Vistas at Ocotillo, and Balboa Point.

Fulton Ranch offers 2 condominium subdivisions within the newest Chandler lake community;  Serenity Shores and Crescent Falls.  Fulton Ranch Townhouses & Condos  for Sale   Another Chandler single family home community is Lagos Vistoso, built between 2003 and 2005.   An exclusive 20 home gated luxury waterfront community in Chandler is Wellington Estates.

Chandler Gated Waterfront Property

For those that wish to build their own custom luxury waterfront home, The Island at Fulton Ranch may be for you.

Gilbert Gated Waterfront Communities

 Some of the most expensive and luxurious waterfront homes in the southeast valley are found within the water ski lake communities of Crystal Point and Santan Lakeside Estates with their own 13 acre tournament ski lakes.  Another water ski and wake board lake subdivision in Gilbert is Playa del Rey Estates.

Playa Del Rey Estates Homes for Sale

Crystal Point Estates Homes for Sale

Other gated Gilbert lake communities are found in Val Vista Lakes, one of the valley’s most amenity rich developments.    The two community swimming pools, clubhouse, recreation center, tennis courts and on site community personnel help make this a tight knit community.  It also enjoys great freeway access and proximity to many Gilbert parks.

Val Vista Lakes Gated Waterfront Homes

West Lake Estates in Val Vista Lakes features some of the most luxurious waterfront homes in the community.

Gilbert Gated Waterfront Homes

Tempe Gated Waterfront Property

When you mention luxury gated Tempe  waterfront property, your attention turns to Tempe Town Lake and the luxury condo developments that create an urban luxury living setting. Two of the most impressive developments are Edgewater and Bridgeview.

Tempe Waterfront Condos for Sale

Mesa Gated Waterfront Homes

Mesa gated lake communities are not as numerous as its east valley neighbors.  Lake Park condos are near Dobson Ranch and set in along the fairways of the highly rated Dobson Park Municipal Golf Course.   For active adults with an interest in a lake community in Mesa, check into Leisure World.

One of my favorite gated condo lake communities is Superstition Lakes Condos.  A quiet community surrounded by a golf course and man made lakes.  It enjoys great access to the US60, shopping and dining.  This is a perfect development for anyone looking for a vacation home during the winter months.

City of Maricopa Gated Retirement Community

One of the most impressive active adult retirement lake communities in the Phoenix area is Province in Maricopa. Complete with a gated entry and impressive community center, this development was voted the best active adult community in 2006. Here’s a link to waterfront homes in Maricopa.

Scottsdale Gated Luxury Waterfront Homes

The majority of the Scottsdale gated waterfront properties are found in Scottsdale Ranch.  This 1,100 acre development features homes built by Geoffry H. Edmunds,  Costain  Arizona, Scholz Design Builders, Dix Custom Homes, Golden Heritage, Trammel Crow, LaBlonde Development, Felker and others. Specifically, the gated communities are Las Brisas, Monterey Point, Mountainview Lake Estates, Scottsdale Bay Club, The Island at Scottsdale Ranch and Landings at Scottsdale Ranch.

Scottsdale Urban living can be found at Scottsdale Waterfront Residences.   Another popular Scottsdale lake community is Gainey Ranch.

Gated waterfront communities are throughout the Phoenix valley and I have only highlighted a couple of the cities and communities that feature these unique subdivisions.

For a specific search, please click on Gated Waterfront Home Search and describe the home you’re looking for. More general area information can be found at MyHomeInAz.  Or feel free to call or e-mail me directly.

You know when a community pool is popular when it is early November and residents are still enjoying lounging around the pool, as seen in the picture to the right. This Jr. sized Olympic pool is just one of the features of the Val Vista Lakes Clubhouse and Community Center.  In addition you’ll find a lagoon swimming pool with a sandy beach, a cardio and weight training facility, raquetball courts, a tennis club with 8 tennis courts, and a banquet center for social events.

Val Vista Lakes Clubs and Activities

This would just be “window dressing” if it was not for the residents of this 900 acre master planned community that are actively engaged in creating a high quality and vibrant community.  Val Vista Lakes Community Association includes 5 clubs; the Niffy Fifty’s, the Play Group, Care & Share,  Tennis Club, adn the Women’s Club.   Activities and events are planned throughout the year such as Dancing Under the Stars, the Polar Bear Senior Open, the Fitness Challenge, the Annual Chili Cookoff, and more.

Satellite view of Val Vista Lakes Clubhouse

Val Vista Lakes Real Estate

The Val Vista Lakes master planned community includes 24 subdivisions,  four parks and the Val Vista Lakes Elementary School.  The 24 individual subdivisions offer residents a range of options; from townhouses up to million dollar luxury waterfront homes by different builders.  Gated Val Vista Lakes communities include West Lake, Lakeside, Voyager Cove, Regatta, Enclave and Castaway Bay.

Val Vista Lakes Homes for Sale

Val Vista Lakes Waterfront Homes for Sale

The location of this Gilbert Lake Community is ideal. Approximately 1 mile from the US60, freeway access and proximity to Phoenix makes commuting simple.

The Dana Park outdoor shopping center is even closer, and features popular retail, grocery and restaurants such as Paradise Bakery, Pei Wei’s Asian Restaurant,  A.J.’s Fine Foods,  RA Sushi, California Pizza, and much more.

Just a couple miles away is the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, right next to the Southeast Regional Library.

To receive more information and Val Vista Lakes real estate homes for sale, click on Receive Val Vista Lakes Homes for Sale automatically.

Val Vista Lakes Waterfront Homes for Sale

Phoenix

In your quest for Phoenix lake communities that have waterfronthomes, any search would be incomplete if you didn’t consider the eight waterfront communities in Gilbert.  I’m not counting  subdivisions that have a community lake at the entrance or near the clubhouse.  These are communities in which some of the homes are on waterfront lots.  Specifically, these Gilbert waterfront lake communities are Val Vista Lakes, The Islands, Crystal Point, Santan Lakeside Estates, Playa del Rey,  Lago Estancia, Stonebridge Estates, and Wind Drift.

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Few think of lake communities in Phoenix Arizona

When home buyers think of  Phoenix Arizona real estate, the last thing that comes to mind is a home on a lake.  Admittedly, they are man made lakes.  A common request is a waterfront lot on one of the reserviors around Phoenix on the Salt and Verde rivers. These  do not have any private land,  and  are critical components of the watershed system managed by SRP.  In fact they are also man made, starting with Roosevelt Dam and Lake in 1911.

Lake communities in Gilbert offer variety – Community Overview

Each lake community offers a dimension of variety to offset the perception that all Phoenix communities that tend to look the same.

Val Vista Lakes is one of the largest Gilbert waterfront communities in the east valley. The 900 acre development offers 24 residential subdivisions and one of the best community clubhouses and recreation centers in the valley.  This amenity-rich community has repeatedly been awarded the Neighborhood of the Year Award by the Town of Gilbert.  It is also home to Val Vista Lakes Elementary, conveniently located within the development.  Residential options range from townhouses in Beach Club Village to luxury waterfront homes in gated West Lake Estates.

Val Vista Lake Homes for Sale

View of Val Vista Lakes

Val Vista Lakes is located nearby many favorite Gilbert attractions such as Dana Park Village Square, Santan Village, Big League Dreams, Joe’s Farmhouse Grill, Cosmo Dog Park, and the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch.

The Islands Lake Community, located in southwest Gilbert features homes built between 1987 and 1995, with a range of properties from townhouses to luxury waterfront homes.  The mature landscaping that lines the streets and lakes gives the community a lush green feel appreciated by all residents. The Islands, approximately 800 acres, is make up of popular floorplans by builders such as UDC, Blandford, Continental, Hunter, and US Homes as well as custom and semi-custom homes.

Homes for Sale in The Islands

Satellite View of The Islands

Only minutes away is  McQueen Park to the north. Also nearby is Historic Downtown Gilbert and Hale Centre Theatre.

Lago Estancia, is a short distance to the east of The Islands, and one of the smaller Gilbert lake communities with around 100 waterfront homes.  A distinguishing characteristic of the subdivision is the generous number of walking paths around the lake. Most of the waterfront homes are separated from the lake by a view fence.

Homes for Sale in Lago Estancia

View of Lago Estancia

The smaller community with the walking paths around much of the lake perimeter gives this waterfront community a close knit feel and the opportunity for all to enjoy the lake community atmosphere.

Stonebridge Lakes is made up of two subdivisions, Stonebridge Lakes Estates and Stonebridge Lakes Manor.  Stonebridge Lakes Manor includes front yard landscaping as part of the HOA fee.  This lake community features houses built mostly in the early 1990′s.  It is located almost directly across from Freestone Park.  The Gilbert Heritage Trail, a favorite jogging and riding path passes right by Stonebridge Lakes. Stonebridge Lakes also offers it’s residents the choice of two community pools.

Satellite View of Stonebridge Lakes

Homes for sale in Stonebridge Lakes

Wind Drift has the fewest lakefront lots in it’s subdivision, approximately 50. Wind Drift is definitely in the middle of what’s happening in Gilbert.  Gilbert High is almost directly across the street and Freestone Park is it’s neighbor to the north.

Homes for Sale in Wind Drift

Satellite view of Wind Drift

Gilbert’s Waterski Lake Communities

Unique to Gilbert are it’s water ski lake communities.  Of the 6 in the valley, 3 are in Gilbert.

Playa del Rey Estates has the most waterfront ski lake properties of the three.  There are approximately 130 homes in Playa del Rey and all have access to the lake.  Shorter than a slalom ski lake, the length is around 1,150 ft. long with a island in the middle, perfect for family water skiing or wakeboarding.

Homes for sale in Playa del Rey Estates

Satellite view of Playa del Rey Estates

Crystal Point Estates is the most established competition ski lake in Gilbert.  18 luxury homes surround the 2,250 ft. length lake.  Crystal Point is a short 20 minute drive to the airport and convenient to many Gilbert amenities, yet secluded within the gated community which offers practically year round skiing and a lifestyle for those who love water skiing.

Crystal Point Homes for Sale

View of Crystal Point Estates

Santan Lakeside Estates is located in south Gilbert with luxury homes that enjoy a water ski lake at the foot of the San Tan mountains.  The one acre lots at Santan Lakeside Estates provide 235 feet of lakeside waterfront.  About half of the 20 lot subdivision is built out.  Make sure to check out this video of Santan Lakeside Estates waterskiing.

Santan Lakeside Luxury Homes for Sale

View of Santan Lakeside Estates

As you can see, there are many options available for those who wish to call Gilbert home and do it in a peaceful lake community or waterfront lot.  For more details, don’t hesitate to call or e-mail me.

How do schools near waterfront / lake communities rank?

The other day the Tribune featured an article that discussed the number of schools that attained each level of the Achievement Profile as reported by the Arizona Department of Educaton. That made me wonder how the schools that serve the Phoenix area waterfront homes and communities are ranked.  I should have stopped at that point since that simple question led to hours worth of searching, copying, pasting and creating hyperlinks.  The best way to answer the question was to go the Arizona Department of Education website and find the rankings for each elementary school and the corresponding community.  The page School Report Card page is invaluable with the amount of information it contains. Unfortunately, 2007 is the last year for which it will be available.  Starting in 2008, the format is greatly condensed and I believe does not have as much information.  If you want to how the Jr. High and High Schools rank for a specific neighborhood, just e-mail or hopefully you’ll have visited the department’s website and learned how to use this useful tool.  I’m also convinced that what follows is the most complete list of waterfront / lakefront homes and communities for the Phoenix area by city.

Elementary Schools that correspond to waterfront / lakefront communities by city

Cave Creek

Cave Creek Metes and Bounds     Black Mountain Elementary

Chandler Waterfront / Lakefront Communities

Ocotillo Lakes / Oakwood Hills  Basha Elementary Anna Marie Jacobson Elementary

Oakwood Hills    Anna Marie Jacobson Elementary

The Springs  Rudy Bologna Elementary

Lagos Vistoso   Santan Elementary

Chandler Elementary School Boundaries

Gilbert Waterfront / Lakefront Communities

The Islands        Islands Elementary Shumway Elementary

Val Vista Lakes    Val Vista Lakes Elementary

Playa del Rey Estates / Crystal Point Estates    Playa del Rey Elementary

Santan Lakeside Estates       Ryan Elementary (not available)

Stonebridge   Burk Elementary

Wind Drift   Sonoma Ranch Elementary

Lago Estancia   Gilbert Elementary

Mesa Waterfront / Lakefront Communities

Dobson Ranch   Washington Elementary

Superstition Springs  Superstition Springs Elementary

Tempe Waterfront / Lakefront Communities

Oasis at Anozira   Kyrene del Norte

The Lakes   Rover Elementary

Scottsdale  Waterfront / Lakefront Communities

Scottsdale Ranch  Laguna Elementary

Desert Mountain  Black Mountain Elementary

Gainey Ranch      Cochise Elementary

McCormick Ranch   Kiva Elementary

Scottsdale Country Club    Cochise Elementary

Glendale Waterfront / Lakefront Communities

Arrowhead Lakes  Legend Springs Elementary

Arrowhead Ranch  Arrowhead Elementary

Palomino / Sierra Verde   Sierra Verde Elementary

Phoenix Waterfront / Lakefront Communities

The Foothills ( Ahwatukee Foothills)    Kyrene de la Sierra

Miralago (Ahwatukee Foothills)    Kyrene de la Sierra

Lakewood  Kyrene de los Lagos Elementary

Center Court Lakefront   Kyrene de la Colina Elementary

Peoria Waterfront / Lakefront Communities

Harbor Island   Desert Harbor Elementary

Ventana Lakes   Adult Community

Avondale Waterfront / Lakefront Communities

Garden Lakes     Garden Lakes Elementary

Crystal Gardens   Rio Vista Elementary Canyon Breeze Elementary

Goodyear Waterfront / Lakeside Communities

Reflection Bay      Westar Elementary

Litchfield Waterfront / Lakefront Communities

Laguna Royale   Litchfield Elementary

Casa Grande Watefront / Lakeside Communities

Casa Grande Lakes   Cottonwood Elementary

For additional information regarding schools in the Phoenix area, visit the Schools page of my website.  If you have any questions about specific communities or subdivisions,  e-mail or call and I’ll find the answer.

Amenities in Val Vista Lakes : A+

Val Vista Lakes, a 900 acre master planned lake community is one of the most amenity rich waterfront communities in Phoenix. Residents enjoy the multi-million dollar clubhouse that features a sand beach community pool, racquetball courts, weight and aerobic facilities, and eight tennis courts. Driving by the clubhouse you may notice the Val Vista Lakes Women’s Club banner notifying this cohesive community of their next event.  Residents also enjoy regularly scheduled classes such as yoga, martial arts, body sculpting and personal training at the clubhouse.  Baseball enthusiasts will definitely feel at home at the baseball field located within this Gilbert master planned lake community. The base monthly HOA fee is $81plus an additional charge for gated subdivisions.

Close to Everything

The proximity to the Superstition freeway facilitates a smooth commute and further enhances the desireability of Val Vista Lakes. Shopping at Dana Park Village Square is less than a mile away and home to such favorites as Pei Wei Asian Restaurant, A.J. Fine Foods, Rolf’s hair salon, Barnes & Noble, Paradise Bakery and more.   Freestone Park, a 65 acre Town of Gilbert Park is less than 2 miles away and home to a skate park, recreation center, 2 lakes, basketball courts and sand volleyball.  Val Vista Lakes features a top notch elementary school that belongs to the Gilbert Unified School District and is located within the community.

What kind of homes will you find in Val Vista Lakes?

There are 24 subdivisions within this Gilbert lake community with over 300 waterfront properties.  Phoenix home buying options are nearly limitless with the variety of Val Vista Lakes homes ranging from condominiums in Beach Club Village to multi-million dollar custom luxury waterfront homes in the gated communities of The Regatta and West Lake Estates.  Since Val Vista Lakes was one of the earlier planned communities, a distinguishing factor is the mature landscaping which provides a lush and inviting feeling.  The use of pine trees is a atypical, but a nice change from the common mesquite and palo verde trees found in many master planned communities.

For your convenience, I have added a link to the blogroll on the right hand side to waterfront homes in Val Vista Lakes.  If you would like a more complete list of all homes , please e-mail or call me.

To view all valley waterfront homes visit, Phoenix Waterfront Home Search

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