Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley was given its name at the turn of the century when promoters for a canal project saw the flower-covered valley in early spring. Today, the town is known as Arizona's most upscale community, with a median home value of more than $800,000.
Paradise Valley is nestled between Squaw Peak Mountain, Mummy Mountain and Camelback Mountain; it's bordered by Scottsdale (on the east) and Phoenix (to the north, west and south).
The population of Paradise Valley was pegged at around 13,660 in mid-2000. The median age was 46.3, and 75% of the population was over 18 years of age.
The town is strictly zoned for single-family dwellings; in general you will find one acre lots with one house per lot. About 97% of Paradise Valley homes are owner-occupied; the remainder are rented. Multiple housing units or common walls are not allowed. There are no townhomes or patio homes in Paradise Valley. There also are no commercial shopping areas; any use of land other than residential requires a Special Use Permit. Such non-residential establishments as religious facilities, resorts, medical clinics, stables, golf courses and private schools have been granted Special Use permits.
Paradise Valley does not have a property tax. The town says its main sources of revenue come from "a share of the State of Arizona sales tax, income tax and gasoline taxes, a 1.4% Town sales tax, a 3% Town bed tax, a 1.4% Town use tax, permit fees, annual franchise fees from the utilities, and interest from investments." Residents contract separately for solid waste removal, fire protection and water service. Paradise Valley public school students attend schools in Scottsdale.
The Mummy Mountain Preserve Trust ensures that the area's land, plants and wildlife will be protected. The Trust's mission is "to acquire, maintain, preserve and protect in perpetuity undeveloped real property and developed real property that can be returned to its natural state on and around the Mountain Preserve," currently about 320 acres.
