Sonoran Foothills Homes for Sale in Phoenix, AZ 85085

Sonoran Foothills is an 800-acre master-planned community in far north Phoenix, ZIP 85085, about a mile south of Carefree Highway along North Valley Parkway, overlooking the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve. It has single-family homes, townhomes and condos in 16 gated and non-gated neighborhoods built from about 2003 on, a community center with a pool, and a K-8 school inside the community.

I'm Terry Day with DeLex Realty. Sonoran Foothills sits right next to Tramonto in the I-17 and Carefree Highway corner of north Phoenix, and it is one of the few established communities here where a builder is still selling a small number of new homes. Here is what I tell buyers and sellers about it.

Sonoran Foothills at a glance
  • Location: far north Phoenix, ZIP 85085, off North Valley Parkway south of Carefree Highway
  • Size: about 800 acres; the master association was formed in 2002
  • Homes: single-family homes, townhomes, condos and lofts in 16 neighborhoods, some gated
  • Building era: about 2003 to the present
  • Amenities: community center with pool, tennis, volleyball, basketball, playground, splash fountain and trails
  • Schools: Deer Valley Unified, with Sonoran Foothills School (K-8) inside the community

See all Sonoran Foothills homes for saleCall Terry: 602-483-4665

Where Sonoran Foothills is

Sonoran Foothills is in the far north part of Phoenix, about a mile south of Carefree Highway at North Valley Parkway. The community center is at 31910 N. Foothills Drive. North Valley Parkway connects to I-17, so getting onto the freeway is quick, and the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve lies just to the south, which gives many homes open desert and mountain views.

Shopping is close in several directions: Tramonto Marketplace next door, the Shops at Norterra to the south and the Outlets at Anthem to the north. Lake Pleasant is about 10 miles away, and the TSMC campus in north Phoenix is in the same part of town.

History

The Sonoran Foothills Community Association was formed in October 2002, and homes have been built here from about 2003 onward. In 2004, construction started on the community's recreation center, which was scheduled to open that fall. Over the years, builders here have included Engle, Maracay, Shea, Toll Brothers, T.W. Lewis, William Lyon and Homes by Towne.

The homes

Sonoran Foothills is divided into 16 neighborhoods with their own entrances, and some are gated while others are not. Most homes are single-family, and there are also attached condos, townhomes and lofts, so buyers can find everything from a lock-and-leave townhome to a larger single-family home on a view lot.

New construction is still going on in a small way. K. Hovnanian is selling two- and three-story townhomes at Serenity at Sonoran Foothills, and The Hillburn is a gated build-to-rent community of homes for lease, not for sale. If you are weighing new against resale, read my guide to using a buyer's agent for new construction before you visit a sales office.

Things to do

  • Community center: a pool, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, playground, splash fountain and a large park. The center also has a library, catering kitchen and multipurpose room.
  • Trails: walking and biking paths wind through the community, and the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve is next door for hiking.
  • Lake Pleasant: boating and lake days are about 10 miles away.
  • Shopping: Tramonto Marketplace, the Shops at Norterra and the Outlets at Anthem are all close.

Schools

Sonoran Foothills is in the Deer Valley Unified School District. Sonoran Foothills School (K-8) is inside the community on North Foothills Drive, and Barry Goldwater High School is the high school commonly listed. Please confirm school assignments with Deer Valley Unified for the specific address.

HOA basics

The master association is the Sonoran Foothills Community Association, which runs the community center and common areas. Some neighborhoods have extra charges, such as for gates or their own pools and tot lots, so the total cost can differ from one neighborhood to the next. Ask which associations and charges apply to the home you like, and read the CC&Rs, rental rules and reserve study.

Buying in Sonoran Foothills

I compare each home with recent sales in the same neighborhood, since a gated single-family home and a townhome here are different markets. View lots facing the preserve, single-level plans and updates all move value. If you want to ask about a lower-rate loan, see my assumable mortgage guide, and if you are just getting started, read first steps to buying a home in Arizona.

Selling your Sonoran Foothills home

Your buyers will compare your home with Tramonto, Norterra and new townhomes nearby, so pricing has to account for that competition. Highlight what new construction can't offer: a mature yard, finished upgrades, window coverings and a view lot. Read how to price your Arizona home to sell, then call me for a pricing review.

Questions buyers ask

What ZIP code is Sonoran Foothills in?
Sonoran Foothills is in Phoenix ZIP code 85085. It sits about a mile south of Carefree Highway along North Valley Parkway.

Is there a school inside Sonoran Foothills?
Yes, Sonoran Foothills School (K-8), part of Deer Valley Unified, is inside the community. Barry Goldwater High School is commonly listed for high school; confirm with the district.

Are new homes still being built in Sonoran Foothills?
Yes, on a small scale: K. Hovnanian is selling townhomes at Serenity at Sonoran Foothills. Most single-family homes here are resale.

Is Sonoran Foothills gated?
Some neighborhoods are gated and some are not. The community has 16 neighborhoods, each with its own entrance, so check the specific neighborhood.

Nearby communities to compare

More: Moving to Phoenix | DeLex Realty listings in Phoenix | All Phoenix homes for sale

Thinking about Sonoran Foothills?
I can compare neighborhoods, new townhomes and resales, and help you write a strong offer. Call or text Terry Day, REALTOR®, DeLex Realty: 602-483-4665.

Community details come from public sources and can change. Confirm HOA, builder and school information for a specific home before you buy.

Newest Homes in Sonoran Foothills

31816 N 19th Avenue, Phoenix
$1,250,000
5 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 7097058 MLS ⋅ 5,727 SqFt.
Stunning Toll Brothers Flagship Model in Gated Sonoran Foothills! Originally showcased as the spectacular Mirador Model Home, this impressive 5,727 SqFt residence was designed to make a statement! From the grand entry with dramatic dual curved staircases and soaring ceilings to the extensive architectural detailing throughout, this is anything but an ordinary home! With 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths and a 4-car garage configuration (2 bays currently used as a game room), the expansive floor plan delivers exceptional versatility for entertaining, working from home, hosting guests and everyday living. The gourmet kitchen features beautiful knotty alder wood cabinetry, granite countertops, a center island and premium appliances. Formal living & dining rooms showcase elegant architectural details while the spacious family room provides a comfortable gathering place. A desirable first-floor 2-room guest suite offers flexibility, complemented by a separate home office with built-ins. Upstairs, the enormous primary retreat features a sitting area, romantic fireplace, private balcony, luxurious bath and TWO walk-in closets! Additional bedrooms and a generous bonus/game room provide plenty of room to spread out. Outside, your private backyard retreat offers a sparkling heated pool, outdoor kitchen, covered entertaining areas, mature landscaping and mountain views, all situated on approximately 1/3 acre. With a NEW ROOF, newer HVAC units and an exceptional combination of space, architectural character and versatility, this remarkable home presents a rare opportunity in one of North Phoenix's most desirable gated communities! Enjoy year-round HOA activities and outstanding community amenities including a lap pool, splash pad, pickleball, tennis, basketball, volleyball, dog park and numerous tot lots. Conveniently located near TSMC, K-8 school, I-17, shopping, dining and Apache Wash Trailhead.

31816 N 19th Avenue, Phoenix

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