Challenges within the real estate market and the economy as a whole may still be lingering over the nation like a menacing storm cloud, but in Arizona that cloud has a bright silver lining. As real estate prices are decreasing throughout the southwest, homes in Arizona have become much more affordable spurring a dramatic 28.3 percent increase in home sales for the third quarter. According to the NAR, this was the largest quarterly sales gain in the nation.

As home sales increase and inventory dwindles, prices are going to start to rise again in response. If you want to get into the market while prices are still low, now is the time to make your move! There are still plenty of great deals for home buyers and investors. Give me a call today at 480-205-6324 to set up your free customized home search.

One of the things I love most about Fountain Hills is all the great hiking trails we have in and around the town. For a quick day hike right in town, I really enjoy the Dixie Mine Trail.

The Dixie Mine Trail is a fairly easy 5.6 mile trail through the McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Along the way you will enjoy beautiful mountain views, stunning natural desert vegetation, and an opportunity to view desert wildlife in its natural habitat.

Parking for the trail is located just outside the entrance gate to the Eagle Nest subdivision at the end of Golden Eagle Blvd. It's about a .6 mile walk through the community to the trailhead. At the trailhead, you will need to pay a park entrance fee of $1 per person.

About 2.8 miles into the trail, you come to the highlight of this great hike, the Dixie Mine. Although currently, not much more than a gated hole in the ground next to a pile of rubble, the site represents a time when prospectors scoured the hillsides of the McDowell Mountains in search of precious metals.

Mining began here sometime around 1917 and continued for nearly 50 years with the hopes of striking large deposits of commercial ore. But, despite drilling nearly 500 feet of tunnels and a 240 ft deep shaft, the mine never paid off and operations were shut down.

Shortly after, the City of Scottsdale filed an application to purchase the area for use as a city park. The area has subsequently been added to the McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

Many hikers turn around after reaching the mine, or you can keep following the trail for another 2.2 miles to its intersection with the Pemberton Trail.

This is also a popular trail for trail runners and mountain bikers.

For more information visit the McDowell Mountain Park website.

The Fountain Hills Festival of Arts & Crafts will be held this Friday, Saturday & Sunday, November 14th through 16th from 10am to 5pm each day. The festival, which takes place near the fountain at Saguaro Blvd & Avenue of the Fountains in downtown Fountain Hills, features nearly 500 artists, live music, food & beverage & much more! Admission & parking are free and wheelchairs & scooters are available for rent if needed.

This is a great opportunity to enjoy a beautiful weekend outdoors and see what this charming town has to offer.

Directions to the Festival

From the South East Valley
Take 87 - (Country Club Drive) north to Shea Blvd., turn left at Shea Blvd. At the first traffic light, turn right on to Saguaro Blvd. Continue on Saguaro Blvd. to downtown and follow signs for parking.

From the South West Valley
Take 10 East to 202 East. Exit 202 at 87 - (Country Club Drive). Turn left at exit, heading North. Continue for approximately 12 miles to Shea Blvd. Turn left at Shea Blvd. At first traffic light, turn right to Saguaro Blvd. Continue on Saguaro Blvd. to downtown and follow signs for parking.

From the North West Valley
Take 101 South. Exit at Shea Blvd. East. Continue on Shea Blvd. for approximately 5 miles. Turn left to Palisades Blvd. Continue on Palisades Blvd. to downtown and follow signs for parking.

Tour de Scottsdale - Sunday, October 5, 2008

Don't let the name fool you. This extraordinary cycling adventure begins in Scottsdale and circumnavigates the beautiful McDowell Mountains in North Scottsdale, going right through the heart of Fountain Hills. The race benefits The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, an organization committed to preserving the Sonoran desert and its mountains for the benefit of this and all future generations.

The race begins at 7:00am at the Market Street Bridge at DC Ranch. From there, the course will wind through approximately 70 miles of rolling hills and spectacular desert views through Scottsdale, Rio Verde and Fountain Hills. COURSE MAP

Click here for more information.

I have been a long time subscriber of National Geographic Adventure Magazine. The magazine covers the exciting world of adventure, from travel destinations and outdoor pursuits to accounts of cutting-edge expeditions and profiles of modern-day explorers. Each issue features at least one Adventure Town, someplace that is an ideal location to live & play in the United States. They typically include a brief overview of the town, local adventure activities (like hiking, mountain biking, etc), lodging and the real estate market.

I really like this feature as it introduces you to new aspects of communities that you may not be aware of. I thought it would be fun to do my own take on this and share with you some information about my favorite adventure town, Fountain Hills, AZ and why I love it so much.

Most people who know of the community think of it as a retirement community, artist haven, or sleepy suburb. In reality, Fountain Hills is a very active community close to some of the greatest indoor & outdoor adventures in Arizona. Over the next few months, I'll share with you some of these great adventure activities in and around Fountain Hills.

Please let me know if you have any questions about Fountain Hills or if you would like to make it your Adventure Town. I'd be happy to help you find your new home!