Desert Hills & New River
Wide-open country off the I-17 corridor
Desert Hills and New River sit north of Phoenix along I-17, where the subdivisions thin out into wide-open country. Homes sit on one to two acre parcels with desert views and plenty of space between neighbors, and the pace of life is noticeably slower. It is close enough to the city for work, and far enough to feel like the country every evening.
Why Desert Hills & New River works
What buyers find when they get here.
- Deer Valley Unified schools, including Boulder Creek High
- Big desert parcels with real space between neighbors
- Country parcels with room to spread out
- I-17 puts Phoenix and Anthem minutes away
Getting around
North of Phoenix on the I-17 corridor, minutes from Anthem and Phoenix's north side; the commute is the I-17, so rush hour is a known quantity rather than a surprise.
Schools & families
Both communities are served by Deer Valley Unified School District, which has covered the area since the 1930s, with K-8 campuses like Desert Mountain and New River Elementary close by and Boulder Creek High School in nearby Anthem.
The honest stuff
What I tell buyers who ask about Desert Hills & New River.
- Well and septic are common here; take both inspections seriously.
- I-17 is the lifeline, so test the morning commute before you commit to the quiet.
- Summer storms flood desert washes; know your access roads and drive them after rain.
Local favorites
Where Desert Hills & New River locals spend their weekends.
The parks, farms, and hangouts that give the area its character. These are the places buyers ask about, and the ones worth planning a day around.
New River Kiwanis Park
The area's favorite neighborhood park, with green space, playgrounds, and a place to meet the neighbors.
Anthem Community Park
A short drive south with playgrounds, sports fields, and a splash pad for warm afternoons.
Pioneer Living History Museum
A living-history museum of Arizona's frontier days, worth a family afternoon on the way into town.
Lake Pleasant and Cave Creek parks
Both regional parks are within reach for boating, hiking, and exploring on the weekend.
Compare these areas too.
All guides
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