亚利桑那州成为豪宅买家寻找最佳气候和休闲场所的灯塔

The population of Arizona, especially Phoenix and the surrounding area, is increasing by leaps and bounds, and the real estate market is growing to keep up.

Luxury buyers are choosing to relocate to the western desert state in droves to take advantage of its weather, nature and multitude of activities – all of which have made it a favorite vacation destination for decades.

“Luxury buyers who once used their time for R&R in Arizona have begun to turn their focus toward full-time residency,” said Denise Pruitt, Realtor with Scottsdale, Arizona-based Arizona Best Real Estate.

Rising temps

Arizona is certainly becoming a real estate hot spot.

Phoenix, Arizona, became the fifth-largest city in the U.S. in 2021 with a population of over 1.6 million, growing faster than any other major city throughout the decade previous, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Also in 2021, five of the top 15 fastest-growing cities in the country were in the state, per the census. In 2022, two – Queen Creek and Maricopa, both near Phoenix to the south and west – remained on the list.

For luxury homebuyers, Phoenix and the nearby Scottsdale and Paradise Valley to the city’s northeast are major hubs, according to Ms. Pruitt, thanks to easy access to the area’s many amenities, especially now that many can work from anywhere.

“Working remotely, for many, has led some to seek destinations like Scottsdale that boast 330-plus sunny days a year, a mild winter climate, breathtaking views, robust dining, retail and cultural resources, hiking, biking, world class golf and other outdoor activities nearby,” Ms. Pruitt said.

Signature high-end events to be enjoyed in the area include the Barrett-Jackson Car Auction, Waste Management Phoenix Open, Arabian Horse Show and, of course, spring training for Major League Baseball.

The weather is another major draw for the Grand Canyon State, in which one can experience the four climate zones that exist between Mexico and Canada in one day from a base in the Phoenix area.

“Try this one on next winter,” Ms. Pruitt said. “You start up in Flagstaff to do a few ski runs at Snow Bowl in the morning, hop back in the car and play a round of golf in Sedona, followed by a wetsuit water-ski run at Lake Pleasant, all in one day as you make the quick two-hour drive between Flagstaff and Phoenix. 

“Many long-time locals like to brag about that one if they’ve ever actually done it,” she said.

Desert dwellings

Maricopa County, Arizona, which includes the Phoenix area, also had the second-highest numeric gains in housing stock from 2021 to 2022, according to the census, sandwiched by two counties in Texas.

This boom in construction is unsurprising given the population growth in the area, and luxury buyers are creating their dream desert homes.

“Privacy, security, open space and a connection with nature remain paramount priorities for many luxury homebuyers who choose to build in Arizona,” Ms. Pruitt said.

Sleek, modern architecture is still popular, although Ms. Pruitt noted a return to rooms and separated spaces as many now work either exclusively or partly from home.

The latest home advancements are also important to include when starting from scratch.

“What is behind the walls is important to the discerning homeowner, who chooses to build to ensure that the latest technologies and ecological elements are woven into the fabric, even when it cannot be seen,” Ms. Pruitt said.

No matter if a home is a new build or not, taking advantage of the weather and outdoors is a must.

“Indoor/outdoor spaces that blend together seamlessly expand opportunities for entertaining and enjoying the Arizona climate, sunsets, local flora, fauna and more,” Ms. Pruitt said.

It is not hard to see why the state is attracting more and more luxury buyers, no matter where they may be flocking from.

“It’s very easy to blend in here, with its relaxed lifestyle surrounded by robust and quality amenities,” Ms. Pruitt said.