What makes Carefree such a great place to live? This rural town actually offers a lifestyle that makes you feel a bit more “care free.” And whenever I drive up there myself, I understand firsthand: Nestled in the desert foothills of Black Mountain, the community is a beautiful and tranquil place in the valley where the air just seems a bit clearer and the desert a bit more rugged.
If you love the sound of a home where outdoor activities are just outside your door and the heart of the Wild West still beats, Carefree has plenty of neighborhoods you might enjoy. Boulders at Carefree is a stunning gated community anchored by the namesake Boulders Resort. Golfers will love the proximity to the top-tier championship golf courses designed by Jay Morrish at The Boulders Club. Nearby Velvet Shadows offers spacious and luxurious homes built in harmony with the surrounding Sonoran Desert, all just minutes from the center of Carefree.
When I visited for the first time, I was struck by the atmosphere downtown. The heart of Carefree boasts boutique shopping and independent, locally-owned dining, and a myriad of arts and culture activities throughout the year. A farmer’s market is busy every Friday, and in the spring, the street is packed for the Thunderbird Artists Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival. There’s even the Carefree Desert Gardens, the jewel of town—a stunning botanical garden right off Easy Street that houses beautiful desert plants, a splash park, signature events throughout the year and the country’s largest working sundial. (You can’t miss it!)
Residents might be kicking back when it comes to low traffic and serene nights in the backyard, but for many, Carefree is the perfect place to get out and be active. The proximity to the Sonoran Desert entices bikers, hikers and runners to move in and fully embrace their outdoor lifestyle. And it’s not only retired professionals who find Carefree so appealing; young families enjoy Carefree for the local activities and great schools. The Cave Creek Unified School District operates the Sonoran Trails Middle School and Cactus Shadows High School for the entire area, while different neighborhoods are serviced by five elementary schools.
Oh, and one other perk of living in Carefree? Its location farther north in the foothills means it’s about 3 to 5 degrees cooler than the rest of the valley. Need I say more?
