10 Things to Know Before Moving to Fountain Hills, AZ

In 1970, the construction of homes in the area now known as Fountain Hills, Arizona, began. This thriving community got its name from the stunning fountain in the town center and the nearby McDowell Mountains. Yet it wasn’t until 1989 that Fountain Hills officially became a city.

Fountain Hills, Arizona, was one of the fastest-growing cities in the state throughout the 1990s. The current population of this prosperous and safe area is about 25,000.

Find out more as we talk about ten things to know before moving to Fountain Hills, AZ.

1. Explore the outdoors at Dixie Mine or the Sonoran Desert

The magnificent Sonoran Desert is always within easy reach from this location in the shadow of the McDowell Mountains. In addition to experiencing the desert’s natural splendor, you’ll also be treated to a breathtaking viewpoint of the Valley below.

Petroglyphs from the Hohokam culture, dating back 800 years, can be seen by hikers who make it to the ancient Dixie Mine. The trailhead is located near the northernmost part of Golden Eagle Boulevard. Eagle’s Nest is a gated community, so you’ll need permission to enter. Next, travel the two miles up the dirt path to the abandoned mine. The area has a rich history involving ancient civilizations, miners, and ranchers, all of which can be explored on this beautiful hike.

2. Visit Emerson Art Gallery or the Fountain Hills Artist Gallery

Fountain Hills has around 150 works of public art, making it potentially the most incredible collection in the state. The Community Center’s Centennial Circle sculpture garden houses different artworks, including bronze sculptures, paintings, murals, and photographs.

However, that’s not all; the Avenue of the Fountains is also home to a spectacular bronze eagle named Freedom. Several presidents, including George Washington and Teddy Roosevelt, have bronze monuments in Fountain Park.

Both the Emerson Art Gallery and the Fountain Hills Artist Gallery feature works by well-known painters from the surrounding area and further afield. You can find unique pieces of art for your Fountain Hills house here. The city is a great place to call home if you appreciate both natural and man-made aesthetic splendor.

3. Easy access to amenities

You can get what you need in this town, including food and medical care, without having to travel too far. There are numerous retail options in Fountain Hills, including three supermarkets, two home improvement centers, and a Target. Primary care, walk-in care, and emergency services are all available at the Fountain Hills Medical Center. Everything you could possibly want is available at Fountain Hills.

The Scottsdale malls, though, are only half an hour away if you’re looking for more shopping options. Stop for a bite and window browse at nearby Kierland Commons or Fashion Square. You can outfit your entire Fountain Hills house in high-end designer goods from either of these malls. Kierland Commons even has a whole new Tesla showroom for you to peruse.

Fountain Hills is conveniently located on the outskirts of the Phoenix metropolitan region, providing easy access to all of the area’s amenities.

4. Eat at Phil’s Filling Station or Señor Taco

If you’re moving to Fountain Hills, it’s a good idea to do some research on the top restaurants in the area. One of the best places to eat is Phil’s Filling Station, a truck stop-themed diner that serves all three meals of the day. Burgers, pizza, sandwiches, spaghetti, and soups are just some of the items on the menu.

One of the best advantages of living in Fountain Hills is easy access to delicious Mexican cuisine, thanks to its proximity to the southern border. Señor Taco is pleased to answer the call as one of the best restaurants in Fountain Hills, serving up authentic Mexican fare, including tacos, tortas, quesadillas, tostadas, chips, and dip. Their massive burritos, stuffed with meat, cheese, and other goodies, have also become famous.

5. A cost of living index of 127

A comparison of the cost of living in Fountain Hills and the rest of the country reveals that it is roughly 25% more in Fountain Hills than in the rest of the state and about 27% higher nationally. The housing market and local transportation costs have the most influence on these figures.

The median sales price of a property in Fountain Hills is currently $415,000. This list of properties for sale in Fountain Hills, Arizona, ranges in price from $200,000 to several million-dollar mansions in the city’s ritziest neighborhoods.

6. Fountain Hills communities are one of the safest

As you prepare to move to Fountain Hills, you’ll need to pick out a neighborhood that suits you and your preferences. In a recent ADT crime index, the roughly 20-square-mile area included by the communities that make up Fountain Hills scored among Arizona’s safest.

A few of the most desirable areas in Fountain Hills are Firerock, Scottsdale Mountain, Crystal Ridge, Eagle Mountain, and Fontana.

7. The Fountain Hills Unified School District serves the city

Fountain Hills has a modest student population, with roughly 2,499 children in the region of school age (10% of the total population). The Fountain Hills Unified School District serves the city’s children, and it has grown and developed into an excellent facility for teaching and learning.

The top three schools in Fountain Hills are McDowell Mountain Elementary School, Fountain Hills Middle School, and Fountain Hills High School (one of the best 30 high schools in the state).

8. Work in the healthcare sector, the retail sector, or the technical services sector

The average pay in Fountain Hills is almost 30% greater than the national average, helping the city’s residents enjoy a comfortable median household income of $76,729. The healthcare sector, the retail industry, the technical services sector, and the business professionals sector all employ a disproportionately large number of locals.

Some of the best places to work in Fountain Hills are Southwest Airlines, American Air Force, The Fountain Hills Medical Center, American Express, and Intel.

A sizable portion of Fountain Hills’ population makes the 31-mile trip to Phoenix every day to work. However, the highway system will bring you there in under 40 minutes.

9. The summers are quite hot

Most newcomers to Fountain Hills are aware that the city is often warmer than other regions of the country due to the average annual rainfall of only 13 inches. The average high temperature in Fountain Hills during the summer is around 106 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average low temperature is in the upper 70s. Winter temperatures range from the low 40s to the mid-60s, which you will enjoy immensely.

While the summer months in Fountain Hills can be pretty warm, residents and visitors alike can take advantage of the city’s many outdoor attractions. Spend some time exploring McDowell Mountain Regional Park, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Gateway Trail, or just taking a bike ride through the neighborhood.

10. A convenient location

Fountain Hills boasts a convenient location in the northeastern part of the Greater Phoenix area. Its proximity to Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the Salt River recreation areas offers residents and visitors easy access to urban amenities, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures. Convenience is at your doorstep, allowing for a weekend getaway to popular destinations like Las Vegas, San Diego, Rocky Point Mexico, Bisbee, Tombstone, or Lake Mead—all within an easy 6-hour drive or less.

This strategic location makes Fountain Hills an ideal place for those seeking a balance between natural beauty and urban conveniences.

To Sum it All Up

Fountain Hills is known for its stunning natural surroundings, offering a balance of small-town charm and access to essential amenities. The city boasts a vibrant art scene, a strong job market, warm summers, and numerous outdoor attractions.

 While the cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, it’s considered a safe place to live, with several desirable communities.