Best residential boating lakes in Phoenix

Boating on Phoenix Residential Lakes

A common question I receive about waterfront property is,”Can I boat on the lake?”   Many waterfront owners want to use a pontoon boat or a kayak and enjoy boating from a dock in their backyard in the desert!  Some may not. A previous post discussed how to determine if a lake allows boating.  Now let’s take it a step further and  list the best residential lakes in Phoenix for boating.

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Does this Phoenix Residential Lake Allow Boating?

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Determining if a Phoenix lake community allows boating

One of the most frequently asked questions I recieve is “Does this lake community allow boating?”  The second most frequent question is “How big is the lake?”  We’re going to answer both of these questions.  Previously, I’ve attempted to make a list of lakes where boating, kayaking, and canoeing are permitted and which lakes are larger and more conducive to boating.     I’m going to share some tools with you so that you can answer these questions.

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Pinelake Estates Waterfront homes in Chandler, Az

Chandler Lake Community at Pinelake Estates

Chandler has more lake communities than any city in the Phoenix valley.  And of the Chandler waterfront subdivisions, Pinelake Estates is one of the newer lake commmunities next to Fulton Ranch.  If  boating on the lake is important,  Pinelake Estates should be on your list.  Homes in the community were built by Schuler, Shea, Trend, and DR Horton between 2002 to 2005.

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Boating in Phoenix Lake Communities

Waterfront Homes and communities that allow boating

As with a search for any home, Phoenix area waterfront property buyers have their criteria that best describes their dream home.  When describing Phoenix real estate waterfront homes, there is an additional parameter that is often important; a lake that allows boats. Instead of going to a park, a waterfront home owner may decide to go “crusing” around the lake.   Some communities allow boats and some do not.  Most lake communities only allow pontoon boats that are powered by electric motors.  To enjoy a true motor boat ride you’ll have to choose from one of the six water ski communities in the valley.  Even if the community does allow boating, make sure and verify that the body of water to which you’ll have access is large enough for that occasional boat ride. For an updated post on this subject, go to  residential lake communities that allow boating.

Granite counter tops – An enviable upgrade

 Granite – An Elegant Natural Stone Upgrade

Granite counter tops in Phoenix homes are always considered an upgrade and a distinguishing characteristic in any kitchen. The Arizona Regional MLS has recently made “granite countertops” a searchable field for those buyers where granite kitchen counter tops are a “must have”.  While buyers and sellers alike will attest to the natural beauty of granite, the facts behind this natural igneous upgrade are sometimes unknown. 

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Chandler Az Waterfront Homes and Lake Communities

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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Rankings of Phoenix Waterfront Homes and Communities Schools

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.

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Outstanding swim facility near Chandler waterfront homes

Hamilton Aquatic Center

Three times a week my son has swim practice as part of the Rio Salado Swim Club.  Practices are long; 90 minutes in the water and when he’s done he’s looks like a raisin.  But he’s getting some good exercise and not in front of the T.V.!   Practices are held at the Hamilton Aquatic Center located right next to Hamilton High on Arizona Ave.   It’s a perfect combination; a high caliber swimming program taking place at an Arizona Parks & Recreation Outstanding Facility Award recipient.  The San Tan Sun newspaper has given it the “Best of South Chandler for Family Fun” award, so it’s definitely worth visiting.  The facility includes 8 competition swim lanes, 2 water slides, two 1 meter diving boards, a zero depth play pool, SCS interactive water feature, water vortex and current river.
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Chandler Waterfront Homes: Pinelake Estates

 

One of the newer Chandler lakefront communities

Those who appreciate homes on larger lots and enhanced curb appeal with a great selection of single story and two story luxury waterfront homes must add Pinelake Estates to their itinerary.  It is complemented by the Chandler city park that creates a gathering place where families can enjoy the playground, volleyball and basketball court.

Hamilton High School is less than a mile way and the 202 freeway is just 3 miles to the north.  You won’t have to venture far with the recent addition of retail shopping at the intersection of Arizona Ave. and Ocotillo.  The ever popular Chandler Fashion Center is a quick 7 miles away.  The south Chandler area has become home to many high tech semi conductor companies including Intel which are major employers in the Phoenix area.  Again proximity to work with a 3 mile commute from Pinelake Estates to Intel is extremely enticing.

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