About History of Paradise Valley

The earliest history of Paradise Valley is fascinating. Although this beautiful town has only truly taken shape in the last 75 years. It is amazing to consider; 2,000 years ago Paradise Valley was home to the Hohokam Indians. They were the first settlers to the area locals now fondly referred to as “Paradise”. The tribe occupied central Arizona, including the Paradise Valley until around 1375.  When it is believed erratic climate changes forced them to abandon most of their settlements. By the early 1800s, European settlers had found their way west and were using the land around Paradise Valley for cattle grazing and farming.

In the 1860tys US troops were stationed in the area yet growth was still minimal. In an effort to encourage economic development of the dryer Western states. Congress passed the Desert Land Claim Act of 1877. This allowed individuals to apply for up to 640 acres of land to farm and cultivate.

History of Paradise Valley “Paradise is Named”

This, in turn, brought surveyors from the Rio Verde Canal Company out west in 1889 to survey the land in the Paradise Valley area for agricultural opportunities. Struck by the immense beauty of the spring wildflowers growing across the valley. The surveyors appropriately called it “Paradise Valley”. At about this same time in late 1880’s Paradise Valley’s neighbor Scottsdale was growing as a farming village. That little area was given the name “Scottsdale”. Scottsdale was named after its founder, U.S. Army Chaplain Winfield Scott in 1894.

History Of Paradise Valley – Early Housing and Real Estate

Going back to the earliest history of Paradise Valley. There was no reliable sources of water other than seasonal rainfall so the land was cheap.  Into the 1920’s development in Paradise Valley consisted mainly of modest adobe homes. Essentially shacks built on large plots of land. With just a very few stately properties built by wealthy individuals from the ‘East’ . Even after the second World War, most homes in Paradise Valley were small and modest. Yet a typical lot size was not less than 5 acres. Larger homes, the predecessors to the grand estates of today were turned into guest lodges.  Those lodges included, the still famous Hermosa Lodge and El Chorro.

Images below show the History of Paradise Valley in Pictures

PHOTOS OF EARLY PARADISE VALLEY

It wasn’t until the late 1930s, the modern history of Paradise Valley takes shape. Settlement began in earnest. It was around 1928, when one of Paradise Valley’s most notable historic buildings, The Judson School opened its doors with seven students.
It was one Arizona’s oldest independent college preparatory schools. In 1945 Henry Wick bought it from George Judson. Henry began offering English as a Second Language. These classes brought students from all around the world. Representing a total of 30 different countries. Girls were admitted to The Judson School in 1956. This historic campus stood until 1999 when the 55 acre property was sold to a home developer. Today, the land is home to one of the most prestigious and expensive communities in Paradise Valley, aptly named “Judson”.

History of Paradise Valley 1930 and Forward

The history of Paradise Valley evolves richly through 1930ty’s.  Paradise Valley was becoming renowned for its stunning beauty, wide open spaces, and beautiful weather.

As a result, the entire Valley became a draw for a number of the country’s most upscale resorts. In 1936, the Camelback Inn Resort opened in nearby Scottsdale. With special attention being paid to the culture and history of Paradise Valley. Each Casita at the Camelback Inn was built with adobe bricks. The bricks were made on the property, decorated with native American art and given a name that reflected the local cacti.

Other resorts, such as the Montelucia (at Tatum and Lincoln) and Hermosa Inn soon followed. The guest ranches such as Sun ‘N Sage, Diamond, Lazy K and Desert Lark soon followed. By the end of the World War II, Paradise Valley’s resorts were a go-to destination for the affluent. Today resorts are the only businesses allowed in town limits.

About Paradise Valley – Is Conceived

As the cities of Scottsdale and Phoenix grew around Paradise Valley. Paradise Valley’s early residents became determined to maintain the beauty that inspired the name.  Faced with mounting pressure from the growth of nearby Scottsdale and Phoenix. Residents of Paradise Valley formed the – Citizens Committee for the Incorporation of The Town of Paradise Valley. The committee’s goal was to incorporate the Town of Paradise Valley.  Incorporation would insure that urban sprawl and shopping centers didn’t overtake the rural lifestyle to which Paradise Valley residents enjoyed.

Paradise Valley Becomes a Town

In April 1961. The president is John F. Kennedy.  The Citizen’s Committee for the Town of Paradise Valley presented their petition for incorporation to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. On May 24, 1961 it was granted. Thus establishing of one the most desirable  residential communities in the world. Noting; Even in it’s infancy, Paradise Valley attracted strong and visionary individuals. In fact at the time, there were only about 2000 residences. Some of the more modest homes of the era, many with 5 acres could be purchased for a price below $25,000. The history of Paradise Valley would not be what it is without these early homeowners. We applaud their foresight and passion. Today 5 acres in Paradise Valley might cost between $6,000,000 and $12,000,000. Searching for a nice home on 5 acres in Paradise Valley today. The price could exceed $20,000,000.

Paradise Valley – A Luxury Oasis

Today, Paradise Valley is a thriving community of 13,000 people spanning across 16.5 square miles.  Elevation is 1,421 feet. Water is amply supplied by the Colorado river and natural resources. Residential taxes are some of the lowest in the nation. Taxes are typically less than or equal to 1% of the homes market value. Strict zoning ordinances have kept commercial endeavors to a minimum. The community consists mostly of multi-million dollar homes set on lots of at least one acre each.

Paradise Valley – Strict Building Regulations

Paradise Valley’s local zoning ordinances have taken the town’s commitment to preserving individual privacy and space even further.  There are restrictions for where a builder can place a home on a plot of land. The exact restriction is based on the height of the home’s exterior roof. For example;  a home with an exterior roof height of 16 feet cannot be placed closer than 20 feet from the property line. A home with a 20-foot-high exterior roof cannot be closer than 40 feet to the property line. A home with 20 foot high roof line home must be 40 feet from property line. Paradise Valley homes with a maximum height of 24 must be 60 feet from the property line. This is referred to as the “Wedding Cake” rule and is intended to ensure each home has privacy and a view.

Paradise Valley – From Fields of Flowers to Luxury Homes

Paradise Valley has risen so far from its humble agrarian beginnings that it is now one of the most affluent communities in America.  Since we know you’re probably wondering what that means in actual dollars. Consider this: a “fixer upper” in Paradise Valley starts around $2 million dollars and the most expensive luxury home ever sold in the state of Arizona (which sold for $35 million) is located here. But don’t worry…within a range of $2.5 million to $25 million dollars, there are plenty of homes for everyone’s taste! Some of the more prominent architects who have made their marks on the luxury homes found in Paradise Valley are fathers of contemporary design including Frank Lloyd Wright, Ralph Haver, and Blaine Drake, to name a few.

Today Paradise Valley continues to be at the forefront of modern residential design. Attracting the best of the best. Over 25% of the homes currently for sale in Paradise Valley are stunning new construction. Or built within the last 3 years. To learn more about the builders, designers and architects currently influencing Paradise Valley’s newest luxury homes; please phone Paradise Valley specialist – Realtor  Michael Chaisson.

History of Paradise Valley Homeowners and Guest

Residents include CEOs, physicians, entrepreneurs, celebrity athletes, lawyers, software moguls, and plenty of other, famous and not-so-famous, names and faces. Some of Paradise Valley’s most high profile earliest residents included a who’s who of art, Hollywood and politics, many of these early residents contributed to and shared in Paradise Valley’s natural treasures including:
 Robert Mitchum, tough guy actor owned a home on Mockingbird Lane. For many years Robert enjoyed attending Arabian horse events. Horses are quite a big part of the history of Paradise Valley. Even today, there are luxury estates with full horse facilities to train Arabian and Thoroughbred horses. One such Paradise Valley estate sold recently for 5.2 million.  Dick Cheney, former Vice President of the United States so popular here he has a community named after him “Cheney Estates”.
 Alice Cooper, guitar-slaying rock star and modern day Rock-n-Roll Disc Jockey! Who still shares his DJ skills with hosting a local radio show. You can tune in while in Paradise Valley. Those are just a few of the early notables.

Paradise Valley – Arizona’s Beverly Hills

Today Paradise Valley has become a mecca for the sporting elite, A-list celebrities, fashion moguls and fortune 500 executives. The amazing weather is undoubtedly a contributing factor to their attraction to this beautiful town. Paradise Valley only receives an average of eight inches of rainfall per year. Also, missing from local weather? Snow! yes. NO snow. Summer temperatures average between 90 and 105 degrees and winter temperatures average between the mid 60tys to high 70ty’s. Outside activities are abundant and available year-round. In addition to world-class golf courses, tennis courts and playing fields; there is hiking, biking and nature trails. Paradise Valley is home to world renowned Camelback Mountain. A destination for hiking enthusiast from around the world. With all this warm weather, many parts of Paradise Valley have the beauty and lush greenery of Beverly Hills.

Paradise Valley Nightlife

If indoor activities are more your style, rest assured that Paradise Valley also has you covered. While the city’s Planning Committee has continued to honor its predecessor’s legacy of preserving the natural, rural, residential feel of the community. Owners and guest still have options for fine dining, retail therapy, entertainment and more. Examples include The Phoenician Resort – built by Charles Keating at a cost of $300 million. Recently joined by the new five-star Ritz Carlton Resort. Rest assured, if you can’t find it in one the Paradise Valley’s Resorts,  it’s less than 5 minutes away in Scottsdale – 5 star dining, music venues, dancing, play activity and all the social and cultural events one could wish for!

Moving to Paradise Valley

There are so many more details about this stunningly beautiful, charming, and affluent community that would make anyone want to call it home. For example:

Beautiful scenic views, gorgeous private residential lots, highly rated schools, high per capital income, crime rates well below the national average, pretty tree lined streets, many homes with spectacular city views, beaches within a three hour drive and some of the nicest neighbors anywhere.

But let’s be honest: this article can only give you words. So come to Paradise Valley–take in the sights, feel the air, meet some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet and explore the community. Minutes to Scottsdale, 9 miles from downtown Phoenix ..And while you’re here, let’s meet for lunch —Michael Chaisson, Luxury Paradise Valley Realtor, —for a personal introduction into the luxury lifestyle offered here in Paradise Valley.

Realtor -Specializing in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and Arcadia Arizona

Michael Chaisson – Realtor
Launch Realty – Compass
Premier Client Services
Ranked Top 1% Nationally
Circle of 26 Excellence Award Recipient
Awarded Top 50 Realtors Phoenix Magazine
480-450-4632

Please feel free to browse this site for information on activities in Scottsdale, Arcadia and Paradise Valley (see resources Tab)and recommendations for the best restaurants and service providers in the community. I also encourage your recommendations.

Images :Courtesy of Scottsdale Public Library and Scottsdale Historical Society