Homes on 1+ Acre for Sale in Waddell, AZ

Waddell is a mostly unincorporated West Valley area in ZIP 85355, centered on Waddell Road and Cotton Lane near Surprise, Glendale and the White Tank Mountains. Homes on an acre or more are common on its county-zoned land, so expect open desert lots with room for animals and shops, plus homework on wells, septic, roads and Luke Air Force Base rules.

I'm Terry Day with DeLex Realty. Waddell is one of the closest places to the core of the West Valley where you can still find homes on real acreage. It is also a patchwork: some land is county, some has been annexed by nearby cities, and each piece has its own rules. Here is what I walk through with buyers before they write an offer out here.

Waddell acreage homes at a glance
  • Where: West Valley, ZIP 85355, around Waddell Road and Cotton Lane
  • Jurisdiction: mostly unincorporated Maricopa County, with some land annexed by Surprise and Glendale
  • Typical county zoning: Rural-43 (one acre per home), Rural-70 and Rural-190
  • Water: private or shared wells on many lots, a water company on others
  • Nearby: White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Luke Air Force Base, Village at Prasada shopping
  • Check: well records, septic inspection, Luke AFB maps, road maintenance, flood zones

See Waddell homes on 1+ acre Call Terry: 602-483-4665

Where Waddell is and how it got its name

Waddell takes its name from Donald Ware Waddell, a New York investment banker whose firm arranged the private financing for the dam that created Lake Pleasant. The dam was later named for him too. In 1935 he laid out a townsite on his land near Waddell Road and Cotton Lane, and a post office opened in a store in 1937, but the town he planned never really grew. As Surprise and Glendale spread west, the name lived on mostly in Waddell Road and the 85355 mailing address.

Today "Waddell" describes a wide stretch of the West Valley rather than a town. It is not incorporated and it is not a Census-designated place, so there is no official town population or boundary. Glendale annexed strips of road around it in the 1970s, and both Glendale and Surprise have annexed land nearby since then. White Tank Mountain Regional Park even uses a Waddell mailing address. For shopping, the Village at Prasada sits near Loop 303 and Waddell Road in Surprise, and in March 2026 ABC15 reported plans for a Prasada East center with a Whole Foods.

What acre-plus living looks like here

On unincorporated land, Maricopa County zoning sets how many homes a lot can hold. Rural-43 means one acre per home, while Rural-70 and Rural-190 call for about 70,000 and 190,000 square feet per home. The county's White Tank/Grand Avenue Area Plan, adopted December 6, 2023, covers about 727 square miles of the northwest Valley, and about half of that land carries rural designations of up to one home per acre. That is why so many Waddell listings come with room for horses, a detached shop, RV parking or a big garden.

If a home sits on land that a city annexed, city zoning applies instead of county rules, so the same street can have different setbacks, animal rules and building permits from one side to the other. I always confirm the jurisdiction for the exact parcel before we talk about plans for a barn, a guest house or a lot split.

Luke Air Force Base and what buyers should know

Much of the area sits within the reach of Luke Air Force Base. Arizona law (A.R.S. 28-8461) defines the "territory in the vicinity" of a military airport as 10 miles north, south and west and 4 miles east of the center of the main runway. Sellers of homes in that territory must give buyers a written disclosure (A.R.S. 28-8484), and the Arizona Department of Real Estate keeps maps of the high-noise and accident potential zones. The county also has a military airport overlay along the southern part of its plan area.

What that means for you: jet noise is part of daily life on some parcels, and land inside a high-noise contour or accident potential zone can have limits on new homes or splits. Before an offer, I pull the ADRE map and the county's PlanNet military layer for the parcel. For more on living near the base, see my homes near Luke Air Force Base guide.

Water: wells, water companies and the 100-year rule

Many Waddell acreage homes run on a private or shared well. ADWR treats a well that pumps 35 gallons a minute or less as an exempt well. Drilling, deepening or changing one takes a Notice of Intent and a licensed driller, and after you buy, you file Form 55-71A to put the well in your name. ADWR does not referee shared-well agreements, so we read that agreement closely and test the water before closing. Other homes are served by a water company; the county points buyers to the Arizona Corporation Commission to find the provider for an address.

Growth here also depends on groundwater rules. ADWR's Phoenix area groundwater model found unmet demand over 100 years and stopped new groundwater-based assured water supply approvals in the Phoenix Active Management Area, while saying existing homeowners are protected. It is one more reason existing acreage homes with good water records are worth a close look.

Septic, roads, floods and dust

  • Septic: before a sale, the seller has a qualified inspector check the system within six months and gives you the report. After closing, you file a Notice of Transfer within 15 days (ADEQ).
  • Roads: MCDOT does not maintain private roads, and county money cannot be spent on them. The county's Road Information Tool shows whether a road is in the county system. If it is not, ask who grades it and whether there is a road agreement.
  • Flooding: check the Flood Control District's Floodplain Viewer and request a free flood hazard report for the parcel. The district handles floodplain rules for Surprise, while Glendale handles its own.
  • Dust: county Rule 310.01 covers dust from unpaved areas, including residential parking areas of 3,000 square feet or more and livestock pens and arenas, so plan for gravel or other stabilizing.

Horses, animals and splitting land

On county rural zoning, farm animals and limited horse keeping are allowed as part of a home. Boarding six or more horses, giving lessons or holding larger arena events is treated as a separate use that may need a Special Use Permit (county directive DD-2017-05). Riders have White Tank Mountain Regional Park nearby, the county's largest at nearly 30,000 acres, where horseback riding is allowed. Browse more options on my Arizona horse property page.

Thinking of splitting off a lot? The county treats a split into five or fewer parcels as a minor lot split that Planning and Development does not review, but each new lot still has to meet its zoning minimums. Six or more lots is a subdivision that needs county approval, and the Arizona Department of Real Estate has its own rules. Get those answers in writing before you count on a split.

Schools, fire and services

Depending on the address, Waddell homes are commonly served by Dysart Unified or by the Litchfield Elementary and Agua Fria Union High school districts, so confirm the assigned schools with the district for each home. Unincorporated areas often rely on Rural Metro Fire, a subscription service, while annexed areas get city fire service. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office patrols county land. Electric service is SRP or APS depending on location, so call the provider with the address.

Questions buyers ask

Is Waddell its own town?
No. Waddell is an unincorporated area with a 85355 mailing address, not an incorporated town. Most of it is county land, and some nearby land has been annexed by Surprise or Glendale, so the rules depend on the exact parcel.

How big are lots in Waddell?
Many are an acre or more, because county Rural-43 zoning allows one home per acre and Rural-70 and Rural-190 call for more land per home. Every home in the search on this page sits on at least 43,560 square feet.

Will I hear jets from Luke Air Force Base?
On many Waddell parcels, yes, at least some of the time. Sellers in the area near the base must give a written military airport disclosure, and I check the ADRE noise and accident potential maps for each home before you offer.

Do Waddell acreage homes have city water?
Some do through a water company, and many use private or shared wells. I ask for the well records, a water test and any shared well agreement, and we confirm the provider for the address with the Corporation Commission.

Nearby areas to compare

Moving to Waddell | Waddell new construction | Moving to Surprise | Moving to Litchfield Park | Wittmann acreage homes | Buckeye acreage homes | Rainbow Valley | All Waddell listings

Buying with an FHA or VA loan in mind? Read my assumable mortgage guide and my first steps to buying a home in Arizona.

Looking for land around Waddell?
Call Terry Day at DeLex Realty. I will check zoning, Luke AFB maps, water, septic and road access on each property with you at 602-483-4665.

Zoning, water, septic, road, flood and military airport details come from Maricopa County, ADWR, ADEQ, Arizona statutes and news reports and can change. Confirm jurisdiction, zoning, utilities, school boundaries and any restrictions for a specific property before you buy.

Newest Waddell Homes on 1+ Acre

6411 N 172nd Lane, Waddell
$989,000
4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 7084586 MLS ⋅ 2,935 SqFt.
Welcome to Montana Farms! Offered by the original owner, this custom-built site home was thoughtfully designed from the beginning for multigenerational living, with private mother-in-law quarters incorporated into the original floor plan--not a later addition. The spacious home features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and whole-house 10-foot flat ceilings, including the garage. Enjoy a large and inviting great room with a wet bar and plenty of space for entertaining, plus a walk-in pantry. Both the primary bedroom and laundry room feature built-in ironing boards, and all three bathrooms have cultured marble showers/tubs and cultured marble counters. Numerous updates add comfort and efficiency, including two replacement SEER 13 A/C systems, programmable Wi-Fi thermostats, a temperature-controlled Welcome to Montana Farms! Offered by the original owner, this custom-built site home was thoughtfully designed from the beginning for multigenerational living, with private mother-in-law quarters incorporated into the original floor plan--not a later addition. The spacious home features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and whole-house 10-foot flat ceilings, including the garage. Enjoy a large and inviting great room with a wet bar and plenty of space for entertaining, plus a walk-in pantry. Both the primary bedroom and laundry room feature built-in ironing boards, and all three bathrooms have cultured marble showers/tubs and cultured marble counters. Numerous updates add comfort and efficiency, including two replacement SEER 13 A/C systems, programmable Wi-Fi thermostats, a temperature-controlled attic fan, dual-pane vinyl windows, LED interior and exterior lighting, programmable smart switches in many commonly used areas, and energy-efficient replacement appliances. Additional improvements include an 80-gallon hybrid water heater with recirculation pump, whole-house water filtration and softener system, and a 6-stage reverse-osmosis drinking water system plumbed to the kitchen sink and two refrigerators. Situated on approximately one acre, the property features a beautifully maintained, fully irrigated lawn and pasture, plus a large east-facing back patio with spa, misters, and ceiling fans for comfortable outdoor living. Horse amenities include a 2-horse mare motel with water, lights, fans, and fenced pasture. The approximately 1,100 sq. ft. garage offers 10-foot ceilings, approximately 35 linear feet of attached storage cabinets, two 9' x 16' garage doors with smart openers, a utility sink, and space noted for four vehicles. A 28' x 14' shed with two lofts, LED lighting, and a ceiling fan provides additional storage and workspace. The drip irrigation system was replaced approximately six months ago, and the hot tub has been updated with two rebuilt pumps and 30 new jets. Some furniture may be available. Property is located within the Luke AFB vicinity; applicable Luke AFB disclosure applies. A distinctive Montana Farms property offering multigenerational living, extensive updates, horse amenities, irrigation, generous garage and storage space, and comfortable indoor-outdoor living.

6411 N 172nd Lane, Waddell

7227 N 173rd Avenue, Waddell
$1,795,000
8 Beds ⋅ 6 Baths ⋅ 7082414 MLS ⋅ 5,370 SqFt.
Motivated Seller! A truly one of a kind Waddell estate offering nearly 2 irrigated acres, a beautifully updated main residence, separate 1,200 sq ft guest house, incredible garage and RV accommodations, resort-style backyard and a complete horse setup, all with OWNED SOLAR! Designed for those who need room for horses, vehicles, toys, guests and entertaining, this unique property truly has it all. The main house features a beautifully '24 remodeled kitchen w/white shaker cabinetry, pull-out storage, solid stone quartz countertops, copper farmhouse sinks & high end Kinetico water system. Step outside to your own private retreat featuring a huge covered patio and sparkling pool with a real-rock waterfall, surrounded by custom iron gates and plenty of space to entertain. Main home features 5 bdrs + an office + a loft, 4 baths, a custom built elevator & walk deck off the loft. The separate 1,200 sq ft guest house offers exceptional flexibility with its own private patio, family room, full kitchen, dining nook, laundry, two bedrooms and full bathroom, ideal for extended family, guests or multigenerational living. Car collectors dream garage features car lift, evaporative cooling and a full bathroom with direct backyard/pool access, plus an enclosed garage addition, 6 car carport and approximately 34-ft RV carport. Equestrian amenities include 2 horse stalls with water and electric, three rail horse fencing, large irrigated pasture and a hay barn with approximately 3 ton capacity. Water & power at the chicken coop & horse stalls. Two storage sheds with electricity and custom iron security screens. With a private guest residence, resort-style backyard, extensive vehicle and RV accommodations, equestrian facilities and room to spread out, this is the kind of property that is increasingly hard to find in the West Valley. A truly special estate with the space and features to accommodate nearly any lifestyle.

7227 N 173rd Avenue, Waddell

17435 W Maryland Avenue, Waddell
$1,300,000
4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 7077804 MLS ⋅ 2,052 SqFt.
Welcome to your turnkey equestrian dream estate in Waddell! Situated on a sprawling 3.87-acre lot, this fully equipped horse property offers the perfect blend of remodeled living space, income potential, and top-tier ranch facilities. Main Residence: The beautifully updated 2,000 sq. ft. primary home is completely move-in ready with fresh interior paint, remodeled flooring, and updated bathrooms. The heart of the home is a modernized kitchen featuring a large central island, updated cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. The home is also equipped with a solar power system for excellent energy efficiency. Guest Quarters: Incredible multi-generational living or rental income opportunity! The property features an attached 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom guest apartment complete with a full bathro and its own dedicated washer and dryer room. Equestrian & Grounds: A true horse lover's paradise. The fully fenced 3.87 acres feature four distinct, well-maintained pasture areas. The facilities include a massive 14-stall horse setup, a dedicated chicken coop area, and plenty of space to ride and roam. Workshop & Storage: Bring your RVs, trailers, and heavy equipment! The property boasts a substantial 38x57-foot metal barn and workshop with soaring 15-foot ceilings, perfect for large projects or storage. Additionally, the exterior includes expansive covered parking structures providing exceptional shelter for vehicles and ranch equipment. With the remodeling already completed and facilities ready for immediate use, this exceptional estate is a rare find. Don't miss your chance to own this highly versatile property!

17435 W Maryland Avenue, Waddell

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