Incorporated in 1989 Fountain Hills was formerly one of the largest cattle ranches in Central Arizona. Charles Wood Jr., famous for his work in California's Disneyland, helped design the town in the 1960s. Situated in the McDowell Mountains at an elevation of 1,500 to 3,200 feet, its 11,000 acres can be found 500 ft above and 30 miles away from the capital city of Phoenix.
Bordered on all four sides by beautiful, mountainous desert terrain, the town takes its name from its dramatic landmark, which stands in the middle of a 28-acre man-made lake. Believed to be the tallest fountain in the world its plume of water jets 560 feet into the sky and is visible for miles around! Moreover, Fountain Hills is also home to another landmark, Four Peaks Mountain, often known as the "crown jewel" in the local landscape. The peaks rise more than 7,500 feet in the air, surpassing all the other mountains in the Valley of the Sun, and incorporate more than 40 miles of hiking trails.
The area enjoys a typically warm sunny climate with temperatures ranging from a summer high of 105 degrees to a winter low of 36 degrees. Plus, Fountain Hills feels like a small town because it is a small town! With a population of approximately 25,000, it is run under a Council Manager system, a style of government popular with many smaller communities in the United States.
Fountain Hills is one of the last remaining places in the Valley of the Sun to escape the spreading urban sprawl. It's a strong family-oriented community, with most residents working locally or in the nearby metropolitan area of Phoenix. The town may be small but it boasts a new Community Center, another "jewel in the desert" for the entire valley. It has its own year-round theatre, a public library, and the River of Time museum which offers an excellent insight into an intriguing past.
The town's idyllic and peaceful setting provides the perfect place to escape the busy city and discover a relaxing way of life, especially for families with children. The city has been named as one of the top ten communities to live in and raise a family. The Fountain Hills Unified School District has a reputation for excellent academic achievement and offers students educational opportunities from pre-school through 12th grade. Residents seeking higher education also have some of the finest post-secondary schools in Arizona on their doorstep.
There are plenty of activities to be found in the area with something sure to please everyone on the list. There are four championship public golf courses, an equestrian center, tennis and basketball courts, baseball fields and the Fort McDowell Adventure Park . A short drive away you will also find plenty of fishing and water sport activities.
Fast Facts:
- County: Maricopa
- Location: 24 miles East of Phoenix, AZ
- Elevation: 1,609 feet above sea level
- Est. Population: 20,235 (2000 census)
- Land Area: 18 sq. mi.
- Overall Cost of Living Index: 123
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