Tucson is a scenic desert city that has a unique blend of natural beauty and new-age convenience. With its stunning sunsets, majestic saguaro cacti, and a thriving arts scene, Tucson is a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the beauty of the Southwest.
From exploring the historic downtown to hiking the surrounding mountains, Tucson has something for everyone.
Whether you’re searching for apartments in Tucson, homes for sale, or want to learn more about what Tucson is known for, this article is the guide you’ve been waiting for.
1. Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park showcases the iconic Saguaro cactus, symbolizing the American Southwest. The park is divided into two sections, East (Rincon Mountain District) and West (Tucson Mountain District), offering breathtaking desert landscapes, hiking trails, and more.
2. Fourth Avenue
Fourth Avenue in Tucson, the social heart of Tucson, is known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and bars. This thoroughfare hosts several street fairs and events throughout the year, drawing locals and tourists alike on a daily basis. Needless to say, no trip to Tucson is complete without a stroll down Fourth.
3. Stunning desert landscapes
Situated in the Sonoran Desert, Tucson boasts breathtaking natural beauty. The city is surrounded by majestic mountains, picturesque canyons, and unique desert flora and fauna. Visitors and residents alike can easily explore the beauty of the desert at a moment’s notice, making Tucson the ideal home for outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Steward Observatory
Steward Observatory, part of the University of Arizona, is a leading center for astronomical research and education. With its state-of-the-art telescopes and facilities, including access to the Large Binocular Telescope, it offers incredible opportunities for discovering the mysteries of the universe.
5. Tucson Gem and Mineral Show
The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show is the largest event of its kind in the world, attracting vendors, collectors, and visitors globally. Held annually in Tucson, it showcases an astonishing variety of gems, minerals, fossils, and jewelry.
6. Mt. Lemmon and the SkyCenter
Rising above Tucson, Mt. Lemmon is a cool escape from the desert heat and hosts the SkyCenter, an astronomical observatory known for its SkyNights stargazing program. The drive up Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway is as breathtaking as the panoramic views and diverse ecosystems it passes through, making the journey almost as rewarding as the destination.
7. Sonoran Desert cuisine
As the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the U.S., Tucson celebrates its culinary heritage through dishes like the Sonoran hot dog, tamales, and mesquite flour pancakes. Local ingredients like chiltepin peppers, mesquite pod flour, and prickly pear cactus are staples, showcasing the unparalleled flavors and biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert.
8. Hispanic culture
With a strong Hispanic influence, Tucson’s culture is infused with traditions, celebrations, and flavors that reflect its rich heritage. From festivals to authentic Mexican cuisine, the city’s Hispanic culture is an integral part of its identity. Tucson’s embrace of its Hispanic roots adds a unique and lively dimension to the city’s cultural tapestry.
9. Biosphere 2
Biosphere 2 is a groundbreaking research facility designed to study ecosystems and the possibilities of creating self-sustaining environments for human space exploration. Managed by the University of Arizona, it offers tours to the public, providing a unique glimpse into scientific experiments that range from rainforest conservation to oceanic behavior.
10. University of Arizona
The University of Arizona is a premier public research institution that significantly contributes to the educational and economic prowess of the city. With a strong emphasis on innovation, the university offers a range of academic programs, research initiatives, and community engagement efforts. Beyond that, the campus is also home to a ton of museums, arts venues, and the Arizona Wildcats sports teams.
The faux cactus plant has to be leveled and secure, so using the dowels and sealant will help keep the pool noodles in place. Using tape first to map out where to put the dowels is helpful. Once you level your dowels, fill half the pot with sealant and let it dry overnight. If you’re not using sealant, place the noodles inside the pot, fill it with plastic bottles, and add large rocks to keep them in place. Remove the tape and slide the noodles over the dowels when dry. Then fill the noodles with sealant from the top to be glued to the dowels. You can create cactus hands with the foam sealant by spraying small blobs on plastic wrap.
Shape the noodles to give the cactus look by cutting out vertical indentations all around. The best tool to cut pool noodles with is a utility knife. Repeat on the hands. Then, cover the entire surface with plaster. After it dries, paint the whole cacti dark green, then add contrast with light green on the edges. Give a prickly look by gluing on paintbrush bristles with Modge Podge. Finally, hot glue the hands to the cacti, and you’re done! If you don’t want to use a paintbrush for the prickling look, insert toothpicks. Toothpicks can be harmful, so keep them away from children. Lastly, add faux flowers to enhance the look.
A shift in demographics. Affordable apartments transformed into luxury condos. A coffee shop called something like “Brew Slut.”
The signs of gentrification take many forms. A newly opened art gallery can serve both as a communal space and a harbinger of the displacement to come. Remodeled homes might boost a street’s curb appeal but then drive up rents in the ensuing months and years.
There are plenty of ways to tell when gentrification is coming to a community; rising home prices and an influx of trendy shops are classic omens. But in the modern market, developers are flipping houses at the highest rate since 2000, and the houses they churn out are often homogeneous: boxy, black and white, minimalist. They’re adorned with trendy house number fonts and chic drought-tolerant gardens, and they can be an obvious sign of gentrification on the way.
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Take a stroll through your neighborhood and keep an eye out for these trends. If you spot a few, gentrification may be on the way. If you spot a bunch, it might be well underway.
The gentrification font
If Neutraface starts speckling the homes and fences around your neighborhood, your rent might soar soon.
The sleek typeface and its many knock-offs have become so commonplace that they’ve become a meme, and the Guardian even declared it “the gentrification font.” It crowns countless brand-new builds across L.A., and like certain wines and cheeses, it pairs well with cheaply done fixer-uppers or the aforementioned box houses.
“The Shake Shack font has invaded,” said Steven Sanders, a Highland Park resident who has lived in the rapidly changing neighborhood since 2015. When Sanders moved there, the median single-family home value was around $463,000, according to Zillow. Today, it’s $1.002 million.
There’s nothing specifically wrong with the font; it’s clean, modern and easy to read. Ironically, it’s named after Richard Neutra, an iconic architect who often stressed affordability in his work.
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If a for-sale house has a Neutraface house number, the listing price will probably be anything but affordable.
Gentrification bonus point: if the font is also brass or gold.
Black-and-white paint jobs
Gentrification, in terms of housing, has become a monochromatic movement. Gone are the green-colored Craftsmans or the pink-hued bungalows of old; today, newly built homes are overwhelmingly white, black or a brutal combination of the two.
“Taste aside, a black house in an era of climate change is ridiculous,” said Adam Greenfield, a transportation and land-use advocate.
Gentrification bonus point: if a black-and-white exterior comes with an accent door — a splash of bright blue, yellow or turquoise to showcase that the property isn’t completely devoid of character. Just mostly devoid of character.
Excess security cameras
If you’re taking a stroll down your street and feel watched — not by anyone specific, but by a small army of Ring doorbells, Nest cameras and other electronic eyes making sure you don’t pick a Meyer lemon or your dog doesn’t defecate on the decomposed granite — brace for a new brand of neighbor.
Surveillance systems and the context behind them, in which owners view their neighbors and passersby as potential package-stealers, are all too common in gentrifying communities. For if it were truly a high-crime place, there would still be chain link and barred windows.
There’s plenty of evidence that smart doorbells lead to racial profiling, and while there’s nothing inherently wrong with security systems, they generally detract from the community feel instead of adding to it.
“It’s the degradation of the social fabric that for so long we all took for granted,” Greenfield said. “It’s legitimate to walk up to a neighbor’s door to ask for or offer something, and security cameras and warning systems discourage that. We can’t let fear win in our society.”
Gentrification bonus point: if they come with a speaker with a disembodied voice that barks at passersby in a condescending tone: “Hi! You are currently being recorded.”
Privacy fences
Sometimes, surveillance systems aren’t enough. Many modern homeowners moving into new neighborhoods don’t even want to be seen by neighbors, so they install privacy fences or towering hedges to shield themselves from anyone walking by.
Greenfield calls them “f— you fences.”
“Many people were raised in the suburban sprawl, where they don’t have as much access to other people. Then they move to denser areas and import those suburban norms of separation and privacy,” Greenfield said.
Lola Rodriguez, a Lincoln Heights resident who grew up in the area, said if a home in the neighborhood is ever hidden from view, it’s usually someone who just moved in.
Gentrification bonus point: if the privacy fence is chic and stylish, like the horizontal trend that has taken over in some areas.
Box houses
One of the more uninspired architectural trends of the last century, modern box houses forgo attempts at character or ornamentation, instead serving as shrines to simplicity. They worship at the altar of minimalism, squeezing out as much square footage as zoning laws will allow.
They’re clean, they’re simple, and they’re a likely sign that a new demographic is moving into a neighborhood.
“It’s jarring seeing a bright white box house jammed between older houses with more character,” Rodriguez said. She prefers the neighborhood’s stock of century-old bungalows over the new homes being built.
The polarizing style isn’t for everyone, but it’s a hit for deep-pocketed buyers eyeing extra space. And box houses are quicker and cheaper to build for profit-minded developers, who will keep cranking out supply as long as there’s demand.
Gentrification bonus point: if the box house includes a glass garage door.
Drought-tolerant gardens
To be clear, the ecological benefits of drought-tolerant landscaping make it a net positive for Southern California. Limited water usage is absolutely a good thing.
But such gardens aren’t always cheap, and if they start popping up in neighborhoods where most residents can’t afford to spend thousands of dollars, sometimes tens of thousands, on their yard, it could be a sign of gentrification.
Most carry the same look: a handful of shrubs, succulents and cacti surrounded by gravel or decomposed granite, giving it a sandy, desert-like quality.
Kerry Kimble and Steven Galindo, two real estate agents with the Agency, said they’ve noticed an increase in drought-tolerant gardens in neighborhoods such as Echo Park, Highland Park and Silver Lake, where displacement has already been happening for years.
The majority of Kimble’s listings are in northeast L.A., and she said she’s noticed a surplus of succulents.
Galindo said some developers add drought-tolerant gardens to attract potential buyers.
“Developers remodel homes for the taste of the gentrifier,” he said.
The pair are currently listing a 106-year-old duplex in Angelino Heights, a neighborhood protected by a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone, which preserves a community’s architectural feel by limiting new building designs and renovations. But not every neighborhood enjoys such protection.
Gentrification bonus point: if the garden is riddled with Firestick plants — the trendy, orange-tipped succulents that seem to anchor every lawn in those “up-and-coming” neighborhoods.
Little Free Libraries
Listen, these are lovely. Unlike surveillance systems and privacy fences, little libraries actually evoke a sense of community, bringing neighbors together over a shared love of literature (even though most generally seem to be stocked exclusively with James Patterson novels and unreadable how-to books).
The charming, birdhouse-like structures certainly don’t cause gentrification, despite what a handful of critics have claimed over the years. But they definitely seem to be a product of gentrification, usually popping up in areas where home prices are rising and well-to-do residents are moving in.
Gentrification bonus point: if a smart doorbell camera watches over the library, making sure nobody takes more than their fair share of books.
Pointed listing language
Sometimes, the clearest sign of gentrification is hearing how people are talking about a neighborhood and the homes within it. There’s a wealth of such examples posted daily on Zillow, Redfin and other listing sites as real estate agents take on certain tones to market properties to potential buyers.
For example, if a listing brags about the home being some kind of port in a storm, a refuge from the area around it, a ship of gentrifiers might be sailing in. One listing in Boyle Heights is touted as an “urban oasis.” Another in South L.A. promises to add “a touch of serenity to urban living.”
Also pay attention to whether a listing is marketed as an actual place to live or simply an investment opportunity. This listing near Leimert Park asks potential buyers to “come see your future investment today.” An Elysian Heights listing touts its use as an Airbnb.
Gentrification bonus point: if the language sounds like an extra flowery wellness ad, such as this listing in East L.A.: “Imagine stepping into a world where every corner whispers tales of renewal.”
With its stunning sunsets and iconic cacti, Phoenix is not just a hub of natural wonders, it’s also an evolving hotbed of real estate activity. The Phoenix housing market in 2023 is certainly not the same as the years prior. So, if you’re intrigued by the Phoenix housing market, here’s a comprehensive exploration of its current state.
Phoenix housing market prices and dynamics
Let’s begin with the golden number. In 2023, the Phoenix housing market witnessed a 2.3% year-over-year rise, catapulting the median sale price to $440,000. When you compare this figure with the national numbers, Phoenix proudly stands 5% taller than the national median.
However, the Phoenix housing market isn’t just about escalating prices. It tells a broader story. The number of owners finding new homes was 1,307, marking a 20.5% decline from the previous year. This decrease, juxtaposed with rising prices, hints at an intriguing supply-demand dynamic.
Homes in Phoenix are flying on and off the market quicker than a desert hare. They’re staying on the market for just 35 days on average, a full 8 days shorter than in 2022. Despite this, the Phoenix housing market remains somewhat competitive. The majority of homes are selling for just below their asking price. However, it’s heartening for sellers that about 22.9% of homes bucked the trend and sold above their list price.
Migration patterns in the Phoenix housing market
Phoenix’s allure is undeniable. Between July and September 2023, 70% of Phoenix homebuyers chose to settle down within the comforting confines of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
An intriguing 30% of Phoenix’s populace peeked over the city’s fences, contemplating relocation. On the national front, Phoenix’s charm called out to 2% of relocators. Seattle, Los Angeles and Tucson (pictured above) topped the list of cities whose residents made their way to the desert. But where are exiting Phoenicians casting their wandering eyes? The picturesque Prescott Valley, tranquil Show Low and forested Flagstaff emerged as the top choices.
Nature’s effects on the Phoenix housing market
Today’s homebuyers aren’t just looking at granite countertops and swimming pools. The Phoenix housing market, set against a backdrop of global climate discussions, prompts buyers to consider nature’s whims as well.
Floods: 12% of Phoenix homes face potential flood threats in the next three decades.
Fires: A significant 54% of properties sit under the shadow of potential wildfires.
Winds: Fortunately, severe winds give Phoenix a wide berth.
Heat: A sizzling 79% of Phoenix homes could feel the heat soaring to worrying levels in the coming years.
Getting around in Phoenix
No look at the Phoenix housing market would be complete without assessing how its citizens move. Phoenix scores 41/100 on the Walk Score®, making it largely car-dependent. Transit options are available but limited, scoring 36/100, while bikers can find solace with a fairly bikeable score of 56/100.
Final thoughts on the Phoenix housing market
The Phoenix housing market story unfolds as a tale of rising prices, quick sales, migration trends and nature’s ever-evolving effects. For buyers and sellers alike, navigating this market requires a blend of data-driven insights and a touch of desert intuition.
The Phoenix rental market: An inside look
The appeal of Phoenix is not only evident in its thriving housing market but also in its rental market. Let’s dive into the numbers and trends defining the Phoenix rental market in 2023.
Snapshot of average rents in Phoenix
If purchasing a home in Phoenix isn’t an option, renting is an attractive alternative. Here’s a concise breakdown of the average rent across various apartment types:
Studio: Holding steady, a studio apartment carries an average price tag of $1,122 per month, reflecting no annual change.
1-bedroom: Renters looking for a bit more space can expect to pay an average of $1,274 for a one-bedroom apartment, marking a slight 3% dip from the previous year.
2-bedroom: Those craving more space will find the average rent for two-bedroom apartments at $1,577, a 4% annual increase from the previous year.
Price ranges and their popularity
The Phoenix rental market is diverse, catering to a variety of budgets. A deeper look into the apartment rent ranges showcases a clear preference among renters:
Budget-friendly: Surprisingly, apartments in the $501-$700 bracket are virtually non-existent, with 0% availability. The $701-$1,000 range, often sought after by budget-conscious renters, constitutes only 4% of the rental market.
Mid-range: Apartments priced between $1,001-$1,500 are slightly more available, making up 17% of the market. Those between $1,501-$2,100 claim a more significant chunk, with 27% of apartments falling into this bracket.
Premium choices: Reflecting the city’s growth and the demand for luxury living, a whopping 51% of apartments are priced at $2,101 and above. This dominance underscores a trend towards upscale living in the heart of Phoenix.
Rental market implications
Phoenix’s rental market paints a picture of a city in flux. The predominance of higher-priced rentals suggests a shift towards luxury living and indicates a potential rise in disposable incomes among the city’s populace. However, the relative scarcity of budget-friendly apartments could pose challenges for students, young professionals or those seeking affordable housing options in Phoenix.
As Phoenix continues to grow and evolve, understanding these rental dynamics will be crucial for potential renters, real estate investors and policymakers to ensure that the city remains both welcoming and accessible to all.
Looking for a place to stay in Phoenix? Check out our apartments and homes for rent in the area.
A native of the northern suburbs of Chicago, Carson made his way to the South to attend Wofford College where he received his BA in English. After working as a copywriter for a couple of boutique marketing agencies in South Carolina, he made the move to Atlanta and quickly joined the Rent. team as a content marketing coordinator. When he’s off the clock, you can find Carson reading in a park, hunting down a great cup of coffee or hanging out with his dogs.
Phoenix, AZ, is known for its warm weather, vibrant art scene, and beautiful desert landscapes. The city is also home to numerous diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and appeal. Whether you’re looking for a charming community, a trendy urban enclave, or a peaceful suburban area, Phoenix offers something for everyone.
If you’re not sure where to start looking for a home to buy or an apartment for rent in Phoenix, look no further. At Redfin, we’ve compiled a list of 15 popular Phoenix neighborhoods to check out this year. Let’s jump in and see which neighborhood fits your lifestyle.
1. Ahwatukee Foothills
Ahwatukee Foothills is located in the southern part of Phoenix and offers a suburban feel with stunning mountain views. This neighborhood is known for its outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking and biking trails in South Mountain Park. Additionally, Ahwatukee Foothills is home to popular attractions like The Lost Ranch and Mountain Vista Park. The housing types in Ahwatukee Foothills range from single-family homes to townhouses, and the architectural styles include contemporary and Spanish influences.
Median Sale Price: $525,000
Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,821 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,773
Homes for Sale in Ahwatukee Foothills | Apartments for Rent in Ahwatukee Foothills
2. Alhambra
Alhambra has a convenient location, just north of downtown. Major attractions in the neighborhood include the Grand Canyon University and Phoenix Winter Wonderland. There are also several parks in the area, such as Cielito Park and Washington Park. The housing types in Alhambra vary, with options ranging from single-family homes to apartments. Architectural styles in the neighborhood include ranch-style homes, bungalows, and mid-century modern designs.
Median Sale Price: $368,350
Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,114 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,425
Homes for Sale in Alhambra | Apartments for Rent in Alhambra
3. Arcadia
Arcadia is a popular neighborhood for outdoor enthusiasts, with access to plenty of hiking trails, parks, and golf courses in the area. One of the historic places in Arcadia is Arizona Falls, a revitalized hydroelectric plant. Arcadia features a variety of housing types, including ranch-style homes and modern architecture. The homes often have a beautifully landscaped yards and lush greenery.
Median Sale Price: $1,350,000
Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,259 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,975
Homes for Sale in Arcadia | Apartments for Rent in Arcadia
4. Biltmore
Biltmore is known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The neighborhood is surrounded by beautiful parks, including the nearby Piestewa Peak Park and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. Additionally, Biltmore is rich in historic places, such as the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired landmark. Residences in Biltmore range from luxurious single-family homes to condos and apartments.
Median Sale Price: $850,000
Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,650 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,850
Homes for Sale in Biltmore | Apartments for Rent in Biltmore
5. Camelback East
Camelback East is located in the northeastern part of Phoenix, known for its beautiful views of Camelback Mountain. The neighborhood is home to several major attractions, including the iconic Biltmore Fashion Park and the Arizona Biltmore Resort. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the nearby Echo Canyon Recreation Area and Piestewa Peak Park. Camelback East also has a rich history, with notable historic places such as the Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights and the S’edav Va’aki Museum.
Camelback East offers a variety of housing types and architectural styles. You can find luxurious single-family homes, as well as stylish townhouses and condos. The neighborhood features a mix of modern and traditional architectural designs, ranging from contemporary condos to charming ranch-style houses.
Median Sale Price: $570,000
Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,325 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,692
Homes for Sale in Camelback East | Apartments for Rent in Camelback East
6. Central City
Central City is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with an array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The neighborhood is also home to several major attractions, including the Arizona Capitol Museum and the Arizona Science Center. Central City is surrounded by numerous parks, such as Barrios Unidos Park and Margaret T. Hance Park, providing residents with ample outdoor recreational opportunities. In terms of historic places, Central City boasts iconic sites like the Rosson House Museum and the Orpheum Theatre. Central City features a mix of housing types, including single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments.
Median Sale Price: $382,500
Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,537 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,172
Homes for Sale in Central City | Apartments for Rent in Central City
7. Deer Valley
With gorgeous mountain views set against a desert landscape, Deer Valley has a great blend of residential spaces and natural areas. This neighborhood is home to several major attractions, including the Deer Valley Petroglyph Reserve, a popular destination for hiking and exploring ancient petroglyphs. Residents of Deer Valley also enjoy easy access to outdoor recreational opportunities at the nearby Thunderbird Conservation Park.
Deer Valley offers a variety of housing types, ranging from single-family homes to townhouses and condos. Architectural styles in this neighborhood vary, with a mix of modern designs and traditional Southwest influences.
Median Sale Price: $430,000
Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,615 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,651
Homes for Sale in Deer Valley | Apartments for Rent in Deer Valley
8. Desert Ridge
Located in northwest Phoenix, Desert Ridge is a popular neighborhood for shopping, particularly along High Street. Major attractions include the Desert Ridge Marketplace, a sprawling outdoor mall with a wide range of shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. The neighborhood also has numerous parks and green spaces, including the scenic Cashman Park.
Desert Ridge offers a diverse range of housing types, from luxurious single-family homes to modern condos and townhouses. Architectural styles in the neighborhood vary, with options ranging from contemporary designs to Mediterranean-inspired villas.
Median Sale Price: $745,800
Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,744 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,427
Homes for Sale in Desert Ridge | Apartments for Rent in Desert Ridge
9. Downtown
Downtown is located in the heart of the Central City, and has a vibrant atmosphere and bustling city life. Some major attractions in Downtown include Footprint Center, which hosts the Phoenix Suns and various concerts, Chase Field, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Crescent Ballroom. Residents can also enjoy various parks such as Margaret T. Hance Park and Civic Space Park. Additionally, Downtown is home to historic places like the Orpheum Theatre and the Rosson House Museum. The housing types in Downtown vary from modern high-rise condos to historic loft-style apartments.
Median Sale Price: $481,000
Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,707 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,396
Homes for Sale in Downtown | Apartments for Rent in Downtown
10. Maryvale
Maryvale offers easy access to major attractions such as spring training sites like Camelback Ranch and American Family Fields of Phoenix. Residents can also enjoy spending time in the nearby Marivue Park and El Oso Park, which provide green spaces for recreational activities. Maryvale features a mix of housing types, including single-family homes and apartment complexes. Architectural styles in the neighborhood range from traditional ranch-style homes to modern designs.
Median Sale Price: $344,950
Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,269 |Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,487
Homes for Sale in Maryvale | Apartments for Rent in Maryvale
11. Moon Valley
Moon Valley is known for its scenic mountain views and lush green golf courses. The neighborhood is home to Moon Valley Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails. Other attractions include the Moon Valley Country Club and the Moon Valley Nurseries. Moon Valley consists primarily of single-family homes with a mix of architectural styles including mid-century modern and ranch.
Median Sale Price: $740,000
Homes for Sale in Moon Valley | Apartments for Rent in Moon Valley
12. North Gateway
North Gateway is located at the northern end of Phoenix and is in close proximity to outdoor activities such as hiking and biking trails like the Desert Hills Trailhead. The neighborhood is also home to Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum. North Gateway offers a mix of housing types including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The architectural styles in the neighborhood range from modern to traditional, providing a large selection for residents.
Median Sale Price: $637,500
Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,572 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,161
Homes for Sale in North Gateway | Apartments for Rent in North Gateway
13. North Mountain
North Mountain is located in Phoenix and is known for its beautiful mountain views and outdoor recreation opportunities. The neighborhood is home to North Mountain Park, a popular destination for hiking and picnicking. Historic points of interest in the area include the Martin Auto Museum and Event Center. Housing in North Mountain consists of a mix of single-family homes and apartments – styles range from modern stucco houses to mid-century ranch homes.
Median Sale Price: $389,700
Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,187 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,420
Homes for Sale in North Mountain | Apartments for Rent in North Mountain
14. Roosevelt Row Arts District (RoRo)
The Roosevelt Row Arts District, also known as RoRo, is located in the heart of downtown Phoenix. It’s known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, art studios, and street murals. The neighborhood is also home to First Friday, a popular monthly art walk, and hosts various festivals and events throughout the year. RoRo is surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a lively and bustling area to live and visit.
The housing options in Roosevelt Row Arts District include a mix of historic bungalows, modern lofts, and contemporary condos. The architectural styles range from adobe-style homes to sleek, urban designs, reflecting the neighborhood’s eclectic atmosphere.
Median Sale Price: $600,000
Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $997
Homes for Sale in Roosevelt Row Arts District | Apartments for Rent in Roosevelt Row Arts District
15. Sunnyslope
Sunnyslope is in northern Phoenix. The neighborhood is home to plenty of local restaurants, shops, and parks. It’s also close to Phoenix Mountains Preserve, where you’ll find lots of hiking trails and cacti. Sunnyslope offers a variety of housing options, including single-family homes and townhouses. Architectural styles in the neighborhood range from mid-century modern to ranch-style homes.
Median Sale Price: $345,000
Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,225 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,315
Homes for Sale in Sunnyslope | Apartments for Rent in Sunnyslope
Methodology: All neighborhoods must be listed as a “neighborhood” on Redfin.com. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during September 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com during September 2023.
With sunshine almost every day and amazing landscapes full of picturesque mountains and centuries-old cacti, living in Arizona provides daily wonder. Beautiful homes, a strong economy and cities for every stage of life enhance the appeal of the state.
Arizona is an accessible place to live, mostly. You’ll definitely find pockets where the cost of living is on the higher side, but you pay for what you get in Arizona, and the state has a lot of high-end amenities.
To ensure your ideal Arizona city aligns with your budget, it’s best to do some simple price comparisons. Looking at the key components that make up your overall cost of living can help you decide which city in Arizona is really best for you.
Arizona housing prices
Housing prices throughout Arizona hit on both sides of the national average. Some are slightly below, others edge a little high. The highest is Lake Havasu City, a popular retirement destination and also a favorite when it comes to renting houseboats for vacation. The housing price in Lake Havasu City is 88.7 percent above the national average. Pretty significant.
Most other cities, especially those attracting large volumes of people, sit within a more reasonable range.
Bullhead City
With a reputation of being a great place for retirees, the average age of Bullhead City residents is a little on the older side. However, the city’s proximity to both Las Vegas and the California border makes it great for anyone who wants road-tripping options.
Housing prices here are still below the national average by 3.9 percent, and two-bedroom apartments have seen no increase in cost since last year. They’re holding steady at $988 per month. One-bedroom apartments are holding steady at a reasonably priced $688.
Homes are a little pricer than you might expect, and the average home prices in Bullhead City are $470,400.
Flagstaff
Unique in Arizona, Flagstaff actually gets snow. In fact, it has its own local ski resort. Outdoor activities, as a result, are a huge draw for residents in this area. In addition to skiing, there’s plenty of hiking. And, with cooler weather year-round than in other Arizona cities, it’s never too hot to go outside. All of this comes packaged in a city with a small-town feel, but it’s not cheap.
Housing prices are 31.6 percent above the national average and home prices are pretty high. Up 24 percent, the median home price in Flagstaff is $677,500.
Rent prices are also on the high end and increasing over last year. Two-bedroom apartments are increasing at the fastest rate, up 21 percent over last year to an average monthly rent of $1,907. One-bedroom apartments have risen by 22 percent over last year to an average monthly rent of $1,682.
Phoenix
Stretching its boundaries pretty far, Phoenix is a huge city with plenty of unique pockets throughout. Amenities, entertainment and professional opportunities are all thriving as this city continues to grow. High-quality living is the norm here, but not everything costs an arm and a leg. Housing prices, though, are above the national average, but only by 14.4 percent.
This puts average rents at higher numbers than we’ve seen so far, and they’re rising. One-bedroom apartments average out at $1,443 per month, up 39 percent over last year. Two-bedroom apartments are averaging out at $1,625 per month, up 24 percent over last year.
Housing prices are also rising at a similar rate, up 24.8 percent over last year. That puts the median home price in Phoenix at $470,000.
Tucson
Laid back and full of art and culture, Tucson is so much more than just a college town. Home to the University of Arizona, the city is also known for its year-round activities and indie vibe. A popular destination, housing prices are 3 percent above the national average.
Both home prices and rental costs are rising, as well. One-bedroom apartments have an average rent of $1,012, up 16 percent over last year. Two-bedroom apartments have an average rent of $1,267, up 22 percent over last year. Even with increases, rents are still averaging out in a more affordable range.
Home prices have risen by 20.7 percent in Tucson, bringing the median home price up to $350,000.
Yuma
With a small-town feel and a strong sense of community, Yuma is diverse and beautiful. It’s also on the more affordable side of things with housing prices 12.7 percent below the national average. One-bedroom apartments are up 20 percent, with an average monthly rent of $972.
Monthly rent for two-bedroom apartments is on the rise, up 23 percent over last year. Currently, the average rent is $1,123. That’s definitely more rent than you may expect to pay for two bedrooms in a less expensive town.
You may also run into similar feelings when buying a home. The average home price in Yuma is $393,274, slightly more than you may anticipate homes costing.
Food prices
Another cost of living in Arizona is the food. The average Arizonan speeds between $200 and $233 per month on groceries. This includes buying everyday staples, as well as ingredients for the state’s famous Sonoran hotdog. On the whole, most cities hover close to the national average when it comes to food prices.
Bullhead City is 8 percent below the national average
Yuma is 1.7 percent below the national average
Phoenix is 0.1 percent below the national average
Tucson is 4.9 percent above the national average
Flagstaff is 10.7 percent above the national average
Once again, though, Lake Havasu City really tops the charts when it comes to the cost of living expenses. Food prices here are 20.8 percent above the national average, way more than in Flagstaff.
To see how these varying averages impact single food items from the grocery store, eggs in Yuma are only $1.75 per dozen. In Flagstaff, they’re $2.14. If you need to buy some ground beef to make tacos, and you live in Bullhead City, a pound will cost you $4.23, but if you live in Phoenix, you’re paying $5.68.
These price differentials are also apparent when you’re out to dinner. An average three-course meal for two in Yuma is $40, but that same meal is 43 percent more in Flagstaff.
Utility prices
When it comes to utility costs, especially when living in the desert, you want to know in advance that you’re not going to pay through the roof. Luckily, most towns in Arizona sit well below, or just slightly above, the national average.
Flagstaff is 10.5 percent below the national average
Bullhead City is 10.1 percent below the national average
Phoenix is 2.3 percent above the national average
Tucson is 3.4 percent above the national average
Yuma is 7.6 percent above the national average
Taking advantage of so much sunshine, Arizona is a leader in solar power. It’s currently the No. 1 state when it comes to the most solar electricity installed. This is good news, since that same sun that makes all this energy also heats things up pretty high. With average temperatures in the summer around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, residents definitely need plenty of electricity to keep things cool.
Transportation prices
Quite a few cities in Arizona have high bike scores, making it easier to get around without the need for a car or public transportation. Tucson, Phoenix and Flagstaff, in particular, all have high bike scores. Tucson tops the list at 72 and both Phoenix and Flagstaff share a bike score of 63. Phoenix and Tucson also have high walk scores at 54 and 51, respectively.
However, you’re going to have days where all you want to do is sit in your car with the AC on full blast and drive somewhere. This is one reason why some Arizona cities have higher transportation prices than others.
Bullhead City is 3.9 percent below the national average
Yuma is 1.8 percent below the national average
Tucson is 1.6 percent above the national average
Phoenix is 8.2 percent above the national average
Flagstaff is 13.2 percent above the national average
The other reason is public transportation costs. This option also comes in handy on those hot days when you just have to ditch the bike.
Sun Tran in Tucson
A combination of buses and streetcars, the Sun Tran in Tucson is all totally free through December 2022. It services Tucson and the surrounding areas through 20 fixed routes, 12 commuter routes and streetcar services that do a loop around downtown, stopping 23 times.
After 2022, fares will return on Sun Tran, so to get ahead, you can purchase a Sun Go card now and load it up with funds to begin getting deducted in 2023.
Valley Metro in Phoenix
A combined streetcar, rail and bus system, the Valley Metro in Phoenix is offering free streetcar rides currently as the mode of transportation is still in its first year of operation. Afterward, it will cost $1.00 to ride this cute vehicle.
Local bus and light rail fares are $4.00 for a single-day pass, which is a much better deal than paying $2.31 per ride. You can also purchase a 31-day pass for $64.00.
Mountain Line in Flagstaff
With nine bus routes and a seasonal express that goes to the Arizona Snowbowl, Flagstaff’s local ski resort, Mountain Line is the perfect Northern Arizona transit system. Routes are even color-coded for easier navigation.
Again, buying a day pass if you’re doing limited traveling is a much better deal than paying per way. A single-way fare is $1.25, but a day pass is only $2.50. If you’re riding on the regular, a 30-day pass is $34.00.
Healthcare prices
Healthcare costs include all your doctors’ visits and prescription medications. Throughout Arizona, home to a campus of the Mayo Clinic, what you end up paying isn’t too far off from the national average, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have big bills every once in a while.
Bullhead City is 7.9 percent below the national average
Phoenix is 0.2 percent below the national average.
Yuma is 1.3 percent above the national average
Tucson is 3.6 percent above the national average
Flagstaff is 5.9 percent above the national average
These numbers are specific to your overall healthcare, but individual appointments may not rank in this order exactly. For example, an average doctor’s visit in Bullhead City is actually the second-lowest price at $103.33. An average doctor’s visit in Flagstaff is only the second-highest cost. Tucson actually has the most expensive average visit at $150.
Goods and services prices
For anything that sneaks into your budget that you don’t really have to have, you’re looking at what constitutes the goods and services section of your overall cost of living in Arizona. These are really what makes or breaks the bank, and you may find yourself having to limit the number of goods and services you use in some Arizona cities.
Thankfully, almost all the cities on our list are below the national average.
Bullhead City is 17.3 percent below the national average
Phoenix is 3.8 percent below the national average
Yuma is 0.8 percent below the national average
Tucson is 0.4 percent below the national average
Flagstaff is 11.1 percent above the national average
The best way to examine how these average prices would impact your preferred activities is to look at a few common ones.
Flagstaff takes the top in almost all of these four categories. A bottle of wine is the only thing less expensive. Phoenix wins the most expensive distinction there. Bullhead City also plays into the lowest pricing seat in everything but a movie ticket. There, Yuma wins.
The numbers all fall surprisingly out of order when looking at another key expense, as well — childcare. The addition of this service to your monthly budget, whenever it’s time, can really change things up. That’s because it’s expensive (that’s an understatement).
Yuma, which ranks right in the middle overall, has the highest childcare expenses for a full-day, private preschool. In Yuma, your monthly preschool bill averages out to $1,300. No other city breaches the $1,000 mark, though Tucson comes close at $968.75. The least expensive is Flagstaff, typically our heavy hitter. Childcare like this in Flagstaff averages out to only $534.50 per month.
Taxes in Arizona
Arizona does have a state income tax, but individual rates range from 2.59 to 4.5 percent. There’s also both state and local sales tax. State sales tax is 5.6 percent, and the average local sales tax, added to this, is 2.8 percent. That means that in many places, you’re paying around $84 in taxes for every $1,000 you spend.
Specifically, in our cities:
Bullhead City has a combined sales tax rate of 7.6 percent
Yuma has a combined sales tax rate of 8.41 percent
Phoenix has a combined sales tax rate of 8.6 percent
Tucson has a combined sales tax rate of 8.7 percent
Flagstaff has a combined sales tax rate of 9.18 percent
Most of these cities are actually higher than the statewide average rate of 8.4.
How much do I need to earn to live in Arizona?
Earning enough to live comfortably in Arizona starts with being able to afford rent. To calculate this you can use some averages to help provide an estimate. For example, the average rent in Arizona is $1,503 per month. Since you should use 30 percent of your annual income to cover rent, you’d need to make at least $60,360 per year to hit this average.
This is very much a possibility given that the average annual salary in Arizona is $61,744. However, with numbers so close to each other, you may want to use our rent calculator to really get what you can comfortably afford.
Living in Arizona
It’s not everyone that can comfortably call the desert home, but those who pick Arizona, love it. The combination of amazing outdoor beauty, sunshine and plenty of activity creates a pretty exciting place. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, as well as those who want a nice backdrop to their urban abode, Arizona is the ideal place for you. So, start crunching those numbers and see if your budget stands up to the average cost of living here in the Grand Canyon State of Arizona.
Related articles:
The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.
The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of June 2022.
Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.
Austin is known for being cool. I got to experience it first hand when I had the pleasure of staying at one of the coolest hotels in the city: Hotel San Jose. Tucked inside lush garden walls, the hotel felt like a tiny oasis in a sweltering city – my own secret garden! It was such a breath of fresh air to stay in a small bungalow style hotel with just 40 rooms. A truly calming and relaxing experience: it now tops my Gotta Getaway list.
Hotel San Jose was founded by an attorney who left her job in New York to return to her native home of Texas. She had always admired the run down hotel across the street and wished to fix up the place. At the time, the hotel was in a bad neighborhood, full of crime, but Liz took a leap of faith and bought the place in hopes to renovate and make her dreams a reality. In the process, she made a documentary about the residents of the hotel, gentrification and urban renewal called “Last Days of the San Jose”, and in the end transformed Hotel San Jose into a gorgeous respite.
I was immediately smitten with the design of the rooms! Iconic pieces like the Eames Chair and butterfly chair were nestled into cozy quarters with chic cowhides and minimalist furniture. The clean lines of the bed and sofas were balanced with a pop of color and whimsy with things such as these beautiful Mexican blanket inspired kimono style bathrobes I’ve got to have one! that hung in the bathroom.
However, the best part about the hotel has to be the outside gardens and landscaping. The exterior, much like the interiors, stays true to the minimalist Mexican inspired design aesthetic. Cacti and greenery abound in the cool concrete exterior and grounds. Colorful lanterns and richly hued emeralds and terra cotta furniture blended right in with their surroundings, making me feel like I had really taken a mini vacation South of the border!
Isn’t that pool just gorge? If you’re ever in Austin, I highly recommend retreating to the Hotel San Jose. I have one more spot in Austin to share with you coming up this week that I know you are just going to love as much as I did. Stay tuned!
original photography for apartment 34 by chris perez
The plant is back in the building woot! and we’re loving the extra life and greenery it brings to a space. Any greenery really opens the environment up and makes it feel more livable- makes sense, technically there are more living things in the room now! After I jumped on the Fiddle Leaf bandwagon, I’ve been wanting to add a new plant or two to the loft.
Thankfully, I’ve had pretty good luck in the houseplant department thus far miracle! and am happy to report, I haven’t had to bury too many green friends in the plant cemetery. Don’t be fooled, by no means am I a green thumb, but sites like my new favorite, The Sill, certainly help me feel more like an expert. They break down the care of the most popular houseplants they even break down plants by personalities so thatyou can find the perfect plant for your lifestyle! and are my go-to reference for the current or future plant lover.
In order to steer clear of the black thumb club, I make sure I’ve aced my one on one time with the employee at the gardening store before I even dare bring a plant home with me. There is something so depressing about watching the leaves on your plant turn yellow and then a whithered brown and feeling like you have no control over nursing it back to health. Isn’t it the worst feeling, ever?
We’re currently reading up on the care guides of these guys The Sill offers PDF’s that you can download here! because we want to bring some new life into the new office! Here’s a quick breakdown of our top picks:
I vote for something like the Snake Plant which is cool and graphic, but it might be a good idea to have low maintenance guys around like cacti since we’re always running around and are likely to forget to water them! Oops. One thing for sure is that you don’t already, you must buy a Pothos for your home. It’s our go-to plant besides our trusty Fiddle Leaf Fig tree! and according to the plant experts, you can take a sledge hammer to it and it won’t die. We’ll see about that…
image 1 via Ferm Living // 2 via Lotta Agaton // 3 via Daniella Witte // plant images via The Sill
High above the Las Vegas Strip, solar panels blanketed the roof of Mandalay Bay Convention Center — 26,000 of them, rippling across an area larger than 20 football fields.
From this vantage point, the sun-dappled Mandalay Bay and Delano hotels dominated the horizon, emerging like comically large golden scepters from the glittering black panels.Snow-tipped mountains rose to the west.
It was a cold winter morning in the Mojave Desert. But there was plenty of sunlight to supply the solar array.
“This is really an ideal location,” said Michael Gulich, vice president of sustainability at MGM Resorts International.
The same goes for the rest of Las Vegas and its sprawling suburbs.
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Sin City already has more solar panels per person than any major U.S. metropolis outside Hawaii, according to one analysis. And the city is bursting with single-family homes, warehouses and parking lots untouched by solar.
L.A. Times energy reporter Sammy Roth heads to the Las Vegas Valley, where giant solar fields are beginning to carpet the desert. But what is the environmental cost? (Video by Jessica Q. Chen, Maggie Beidelman / Los Angeles Times)
There’s enormous opportunity to lower household utility bills and cut climate pollution — without damaging wildlife habitat or disrupting treasured landscapes.
But that hasn’t stopped corporations from making plans to carpet the desert surrounding Las Vegas with dozens of giant solar fields — some of them designed to supply power to California. The Biden administration has fueled that growth, taking steps to encourage solar and wind energy development across vast stretches of public lands in Nevada and other Western states.
Those energy generators could imperil rare plants and slow-footed tortoises already threatened by rising temperatures.
They could also lessen the death and suffering from the worsening heat waves, fires, droughts and storms of the climate crisis.
Researchers have found there’s not nearly enough space on rooftops to supply all U.S. electricity — especially as more people drive electric cars. Even an analysis funded by rooftop solar advocates and installers found that the most cost-effective route to phasing out fossil fuels involves six times more power from big solar and wind farms than from smaller local solar systems.
But the exact balance has yet to be determined. And Nevada is ground zero for figuring it out.
The outcome could be determined, in part, by billionaire investor Warren Buffett.
The so-called Oracle of Omaha owns NV Energy, the monopoly utility that supplies electricity to most Nevadans. NV Energy and its investor-owned utility brethren across the country can earn huge amounts of money paving over public lands with solar and wind farms and building long-distance transmission lines to cities.
But by regulatory design, those companies don’t profit off rooftop solar. And in many cases, they’ve fought to limit rooftop solar — which can reduce the need for large-scale infrastructure and result in lower returns for investors.
Mike Troncoso remembers the exact date of Nevada’s rooftop solar reckoning.
It was Dec. 23, 2015, and he was working for SolarCity. The rooftop installer abruptly ceased operations in the Silver State after NV Energy helped persuade officials to slash a program that pays solar customers for energy they send to the power grid.
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“I was out in the field working, and we got a call: ‘Stop everything you’re doing, don’t finish the project, come to the warehouse,’” Troncoso said. “It was right before Christmas, and they said, ‘Hey, guys, unfortunately we’re getting shut down.’”
After a public outcry, Nevada lawmakers partly reversed the reductions to rooftop solar incentives. Since then, NV Energy and the rooftop solar industry have maintained an uneasy political ceasefire. Installations now exceed pre-2015 levels.
Today, Troncoso is Nevada branch manager for Sunrun, the nation’s largest rooftop solar installer. The company has enough work in the state to support a dozen crews, each named for a different casino. On a chilly winter morning before sunrise, they prepared for the day ahead — laying out steel rails, hooking up microinverters and loading panels onto powder-blue trucks.
But even if Sunrun’s business continues to grow, it won’t eliminate the need for large solar farms in the desert.
Some habitat destruction is unavoidable — at least if we want to break our fossil fuel addiction. The key questions are: How many big solar farms are needed, and where should they be built? Can they be engineered to coexist with animals and plants?
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And if not, should Americans be willing to sacrifice a few endangered species in the name of tackling climate change?
To answer those questions, Los Angeles Times journalists spent a week in southern Nevada, touring solar construction sites, hiking up sand dunes and off-roading through the Mojave. We spoke with NV Energy executives, conservation activists battling Buffett’s company and desert rats who don’t want to see their favorite off-highway vehicle trails cut off by solar farms.
Odds are, no one will get everything they want.
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The tortoise in the coal mine
Biologist Bre Moyle easily spotted the small yellow flag affixed to a scraggly creosote bush — one of many hardy plants sprouting from the caliche soil, surrounded by rows of gleaming steel trusses that would soon hoist solar panels toward the sky.
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Moyle leaned down for a closer look, gently pulling aside branches to reveal a football-sized hole in the ground. It was the entrance to a desert tortoise burrow — one of thousands catalogued by her employer, Primergy Solar, during construction of one of the nation’s largest solar farms on public lands outside Las Vegas.
“I wouldn’t stand on this side of it,” Moyle advised us. “If you walk back there, you could collapse it, potentially.”
I’d seen plenty of solar construction sites in my decade reporting on energy. But none like this.
Instead of tearing out every cactus and other plant and leveling the land flat — the “blade and grade” method — Primergy had left much of the native vegetation in place and installed trusses of different heights to match the ground’s natural contours. The company had temporarily relocated more than 1,600 plants to an on-site nursery, with plans to put them back later.
The Oakland-based developer also went to great lengths to safeguard desert tortoises — an iconic reptile protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, and the biggest environmental roadblock to building solar in the Mojave.
Desert tortoises are sensitive to global warming, residential sprawl and other human encroachment on their habitat. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has estimated tortoise populations fell by more than one-third between 2004 and 2014.
Scientists consider much of the Primergy site high-quality tortoise habitat. It also straddles a connectivity corridor that could help the reptiles seek safer haven as hotter weather and more extreme droughts make their current homes increasingly unlivable.
Before Primergy started building, the company scoured the site and removed 167 tortoises, with plans to let them return and live among the solar panels once the heavy lifting is over. Two-thirds of the project site will be repopulated with tortoises.
Workers removed more tortoises during construction. As of January, the company knew of just two tortoises killed — one that may have been hit by a car, and another that may have been entombed in its burrow by roadwork, then eaten by a kit fox.
Primergy Vice President Thomas Regenhard acknowledged the company can’t build solar here without doing any harm to the ecosystem — or spurring opposition from conservation activists. But as he watched union construction workers lift panels onto trusses, he said Primergy is “making the best of the worst-case situation” for solar opponents.
“What we’re trying to do is make it the least impactful on the environment and natural resources,” he said. “What we’re also doing is we’re sharing that knowledge, so that these projects can be built in a better way moving forward.”
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The company isn’t saving tortoises out of the goodness of its profit-seeking heart.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management conditioned its approval of the solar farm, called Gemini, on a long list of environmental protection measures — and only after some bureau staffers seemingly contemplated rejecting the project entirely.
Documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the conservation group Defenders of Wildlife show the bureau’s Las Vegas field office drafted several versions of a “record of decision” that would have denied the permit application for Gemini. The drafts listed several objections, including harm to desert tortoises, loss of space for off-road vehicle drivers and disturbance of the Old Spanish National Historic Trail, which runs through the project site.
Separately, Primergy reached a legal settlement with conservationists — who challenged the project’s federal approval in court — in which the company agreed to additional steps to protect tortoises and a plant known as the three-corner milkvetch.
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The company estimates just 2.5% of the project site will be permanently disturbed — far less than the 33% allowed by Primergy’s federal permit. Regenhard is hopeful the lessons learned here will inform future solar development on public lands.
“This is something new. So we’re refining a lot of the processes,” he said. “We’re not perfect. We’re still learning.”
By the time construction wraps this fall, 1.8 million panels will cover nearly 4,000 football fields’ worth of land, just off the 15 Freeway. They’ll be able to produce 690 megawatts of power — as much as 115,000 typical home solar systems. And they’ll be paired with batteries, to store energy and help NV Energy customers keep running their air conditioners after sundown.
Unlike many solar fields, Gemini is close to the population it will serve — just a few dozen miles from the Strip. And the affected landscape is far from visually stunning, with none of the red-rock majesty found at nearby Valley of Fire State Park.
But desert tortoises don’t care if a place looks cool to humans. They care if it’s good tortoise habitat.
Moyle, Primergy’s environmental services manager, pointed to a small black structure at the bottom of a fence along the site’s edge — a shade shelter for tortoises. Workers installed them every 800 feet, so that if any relocated reptiles try to return to the solar farm too early, they don’t die pacing along the fence in the heat.
“They have a really, really good sense of direction,” Moyle said. “They know where their homes are. They want to come back.”
Primergy will study what happens when tortoises do come back. Will they benefit from the shade of the solar panels? Or will they struggle to survive on the industrialized landscape?
And looming over those uncertainties, a more existential query: With global warming beginning to devastate human and animal life around the world, should we really be slowing or stopping solar development to save a single type of reptile?
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Moyle was ready with an answer: Tortoises are a keystone species. If they’re doing well, it’s a good sign of a healthy ecosystem in which other desert creatures — such as burrowing owls, kit foxes and American badgers — are positioned to thrive, too.
And as the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated, human survival is inextricably linked with a healthy natural world.
“We take one thing out, we don’t know what sort of disastrous effect it’s going to have on everything else,” Moyle said.
We do, however, know the consequences of relying on fossil fuels: entire towns burning to the ground, Lake Mead three-quarters empty, elderly Americans baking to death in their overheated homes. With worse to come.
The shifting sands of time
A few miles south, another solar project was rising in the desert. This one looked different.
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A fleet of bulldozers, scrapers, excavators and graders was nearly done flattening the land — a beige moonscape devoid of cacti and creosote. The solar panel support trusses were all the same height, forming an eerily rigid silver sea.
When I asked Carl Glass — construction manager for DEPCOM Power, the contractor building this project for Buffett’s NV Energy — why workers couldn’t leave vegetation in place like at Gemini, he offered a simple answer: drainage. Allowing the land to retain its natural contours, he said, would make it difficult to move stormwater off the site during summer monsoons.
Safety was another consideration, said Dani Strain, NV Energy’s senior manager for the project. Blading and grading the land meant workers wouldn’t have to carry solar panels and equipment across ground studded with tripping hazards.
“It’s nicer for the environment not to do it,” Strain said. “But it creates other problems. You can’t have everything.”
This kind of solar project has typified development in the Mojave Desert.
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And it helps explain why the Center for Biological Diversity’s Patrick Donnelly has fought so hard to limit that development.
The morning after touring the solar construction sites, we joined Donnelly for a hike up Big Dune, a giant pile of sand covering five square miles and towering 500 feet above the desert floor, 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas. The sun was just beginning its ascent over the Mojave, bathing the sand in a smooth umber glow beneath pockets of wispy cloud.
On weekends, Donnelly said, the dune can be overrun by thousands of off-road vehicles. But on this day, it was quiet.
Energy companies have proposed more than a dozen solar farms on public lands surrounding Big Dune — some with overlapping footprints. Donnelly doesn’t oppose all of them. But he thinks federal agencies should limit solar to the least ecologically sensitive parts of Nevada, instead of letting companies pitch projects almost anywhere they choose.
“Developers are looking at this as low-hanging fruit,” he said. “The idea is, this is where California can build all of its solar.”
We trekked slowly up the dune, our bodies casting long shadows in the early morning light. When we took a breather and looked back down, a trail of footprints marked our path. Donnelly assured us a windy day would wipe them away.
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“This is why I live here, man,” he said. “It’s the most beautiful place on Earth, in my mind.”
Donnelly broke his back in a rock-climbing accident, so he used a walking stick to scale the dune. He lives not far from here, at the edge of Death Valley National Park, and works as the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity’s Great Basin director.
As we resumed our journey, the wind blowing hard, I asked Donnelly to rank the top human threats to the Mojave. He was quick to answer: The climate crisis was No. 1, followed by housing sprawl, solar development and off-road vehicles.
“There’s no good solar project in the desert. But there’s less bad,” he said. “And we’re at a point now where we have to settle for less bad, because the alternatives are more bad: more coal, more gas, climate apocalypse.”
That hasn’t stopped Donnelly and his colleagues from fighting renewable energy projects they fear would wipe out entire species — even little-known plants and animals with tiny ranges, such as Tiehm’s buckwheat and the Dixie Valley toad.
“I’m not a religious guy,” Donnelly said. “But all God’s creatures great and small.”
After a steep stretch of sand, we stopped along a ridge with sweeping views. To our west were the Funeral Mountains, across the California state line in Death Valley National Park — and far beyond them Mt. Whitney, its snow-covered facade just barely visible. To our east was Highway 95, cutting across the Amargosa Valley en route from Las Vegas to Reno.
It’s along this highway that so many developers want to build.
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“We would be in a sea of solar right now,” Donnelly said.
Having heard plenty of rural residents say they don’t want to look at such a sea, I asked Donnelly if this was a bad spot for solar because it would ruin the glorious views. He told me he never makes that argument, “because honestly, views aren’t really the primary concern at this moment. The primary concern is stopping the biodiversity crisis and the climate crisis.”
“There are certain places where we shouldn’t put solar because it’s a wild and undisturbed landscape,” he said.
As far as he’s concerned, though, the Amargosa Valley isn’t one of those landscapes, what with Highway 95 running through it. The same goes for Dry Lake Valley, where NV Energy’s solar construction site is already surrounded by energy infrastructure.
What Donnelly would like to see is better planning.
He pointed to California, where state and federal officials spent eight years crafting a desert conservation plan that allows solar and wind farms across a few hundred thousand acres while setting aside millions more for protection. He thinks a similar process is crucial in Nevada, where four-fifths of the land area is owned by the federal government — more than any other state.
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If Donnelly had his way, regulators would put the kibosh on solar farms immediately adjacent to Big Dune. He’s worried they could alter the movement of sand across the desert floor, affecting several rare beetles that call the dune home.
But if the feds want to allow solar projects along the highway to the south, near the Area 51 Alien Center?
“Might not be the end the world,” Donnelly said.
He shot me a grin.
“You know, one thing I like to do …”
Without warning, he took off racing down the dune, carried by momentum and love for the desert. He laughed as he reached a natural stopping point, calling for us to join him. His voice sounded free and full of possibility.
Some solar panels on the horizon wouldn’t have changed that.
Shout it from the rooftops
Laura Cunningham and Kevin Emmerich were a match made in Mojave Desert heaven.
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Cunningham was a wildlife biologist, Emmerich a park ranger when they met nearly 30 years ago at Death Valley. She studied tortoises for government agencies and later a private contractor. He worked with bighorn sheep and gave interpretive talks. They got married, bought property along the Amargosa River and started their own conservation group, Basin and Range Watch.
And they’ve been fighting solar development ever since.
That’s how we ended up in the back of their SUV, pulling open a rickety cattle gate off Highway 95 and driving past wild burros on a dirt road through Nevada’s Bullfrog Hills, 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas.
They had told us Sarcobatus Flat was stunning, but I was still surprised by how stunning. I got my first look as we crested a ridge. The gently sloping valley spilled down toward Death Valley National Park, whose snowy mountain peaks towered over a landscape dotted with thousands of Joshua trees.
“Everything we’re looking at is proposed for solar development,” Cunningham said.
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Most environmentalists agree we need at least some large solar farms. Cunningham and Emmerich are different. They’re at the vanguard of a harder-core desert protection movement that sees all large-scale solar farms on public lands as bad news.
Why had so many companies converged on Sarcobatus Flat?
The main answer is transmission. NV Energy is seeking federal approval to build the 358-mile Greenlink West electric line, which would carry thousands of megawatts of renewable power between Reno and Las Vegas along the Highway 95 corridor.
The dirt road curved around a small hill, and suddenly we found ourselves on the valley floor, surrounded by Joshua trees. Some looked healthy; others had bark that had been chewed by rodents seeking water, a sign of drought stress. Scientists estimate the Joshua tree’s western subspecies could lose 90% of its range as the world gets hotter and droughts get more intense.
But asked whether climate change or solar posed a bigger threat to Sarcobatus Flat, Cunningham didn’t hesitate.
“Oh, solar development hands down,” she said.
Nearly 20 years ago, she said, she helped relocate desert tortoises to make way for a test track in California. One of them tried to return home, walking 20 miles before hitting a fence. It paced back and forth and eventually died of heat exhaustion.
Solar farms, she said, pose a similar threat to tortoises. And at Sarcobatus Flat, they would cover a high-elevation area that could otherwise serve as a climate refuge for Joshua trees, giving them a relatively cool place to reproduce as the planet heats up.
“It makes no sense to me that we’re going to bulldoze them down and throw them into trash piles. It’s just crazy,” she said.
In Cunningham and Emmerich’s view, every sun-baked parking lot in L.A. and Vegas and Phoenix should have a solar canopy, every warehouse and single-family home a solar roof. It’s a common argument among desert defenders: Why sacrifice sensitive ecosystems when there’s an easy alternative for fighting climate change? Especially when rooftop solar can reduce strain on an overtaxed electric grid and — when paired with batteries — help people keep their lights on during blackouts?
The answer isn’t especially satisfying to conservationists.
For all the virtues of rooftop solar, it’s an expensive way to generate clean power — and keeping energy costs low is crucial to ensure that lower-income families can afford electric cars, another key climate solution. A recent report from investment bank Lazard pegged the cost of rooftop solar at 11.7 cents per kilowatt-hour on the low end, compared with 2.4 cents for utility solar.
Even when factoring in pricey long-distance electric lines, utility-scale solar is typically cheaper, several experts told me.
“It’s three to six times more expensive to put solar on your roof than to put it in a large-scale project,” said Jesse Jenkins, an energy systems researcher at Princeton University. “There may be some added value to having solar in the Los Angeles Basin instead of the middle of the Mojave Desert. But is it 300% to 600% more value? Probably not. It’s probably not even close.”
There’s a practical challenge, too.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has estimated U.S. rooftops could generate 1,432 terawatt-hours of electricity per year — just 13% of the power America will need to replace most of its coal, oil and gas, according to research led by Jenkins.
Add in parking lots and other areas within cities, and urban solar systems might conceivably supply one-quarter or even one-third of U.S. power, several experts told The Times — in an unlikely scenario where they’re installed in every suitable spot.
Energy researcher Chris Clack’s consulting firm has found that dramatic growth in rooftop and other small-scale solar installations could reduce the costs of slashing climate pollution by half a trillion dollars. But even Clack said rooftops alone won’t cut it.
“Realistically, 80% is going to end up being utility grid no matter what,” he said.
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All those industrial renewable energy projects will have to go somewhere.
Sarcobatus Flat may not be the answer. Federal officials classified all three solar proposals there as “low priority,” citing their proximity to Death Valley and potential harm to tortoise habitat. One developer withdrew its application last year.
Before leaving the area, Cunningham pointed to a wooden marker, one of at least half a dozen stretching out in a line. I walked over to take a closer look and discovered it was a mining claim for lithium — a main ingredient in electric-car batteries.
If solar development didn’t upend this valley, lithium extraction might.
On the beaten track
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The four-wheeler jerked violently as Erica Muxlow pressed her foot to the gas, sending us flying down a rough dirt road with no end in sight but the distant mountains. Five-point safety straps were the only things stopping us from flying out of our seats, the vehicle leaping through the air as we reached speeds of 40 mph, then 50 mph, the wind whipping our faces.
It was like riding Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds — just without the Yeti.
Ahead of us, Muxlow’s neighbor Jimmy Lewis led the way on an electric blue motorcycle, kicking up a stream of sand. He wanted us to see thousands of acres of public lands outside his adopted hometown of Pahrump, in Nevada’s Nye County, that could soon be blocked by solar projects — cutting off access to off-highway vehicle enthusiasts such as himself.
“You could build an apartment complex or a shopping mall here, and it would be the same thing to me,” he said.
To progressive-minded Angelenos or San Franciscans, preserving large chunks of public land for gas-guzzling, environmentally destructive dirt bikes might sound like a terrible reason not to build solar farms that would lessen the climate crisis.
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But here’s the reality: Rural Westerners such as Lewis will play a key role in determining how much clean energy gets built.
Not long before our Nevada trip, Nye County placed a six-month pause on new renewable energy projects, citing local concerns about loss of off-road vehicle trails. Similar fears have stymied development across the U.S., with rural residents attacking solar and wind farms as industrial intrusions on their way of life — and local governments throwing up roadblocks.
For Lewis, the conflict is deeply personal.
He moved here from Southern California more than a decade ago, trading life by the beach for a five-acre plot where he runs an off-roading school and test-drives motorcycles for manufacturers. His warehouse was packed with dozens of dirt bikes.
“This is my life. Motorcycles, motorcycles, motorcycles,” he said, laughing.
Lewis has worked to stir up opposition to three local solar farm proposals. So far, his efforts have been in vain.
One project is already under construction. Peering through a fence, we saw row after row of trusses, waiting for their photovoltaic panels. It’s called Yellow Pine, and it’s being built by Florida-based NextEra Energy to supply power to California.
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Lewis learned about Yellow Pine when he was riding one of his favorite trails and was surprised to find it cut off. He compared the experience to riding the best roller-coaster at a theme park, only to have it grind to a halt three-quarters of the way through.
“I don’t want my playground taken away from me,” he said.
“Me neither!” a voice called out from behind us.
We turned and were greeted by Shannon Salter, an activist who had previously spent nine months camping near the Yellow Pine site to protest the habitat destruction. She and Lewis had never met, but they quickly realized they had common cause.
“It’s the opposite of green!” Salter said.
“On my roof, not my backyard,” Lewis agreed.
Never mind that conservationists have long decried the ecological damage from desert off-roading. Salter and Lewis both cared about these lands. Neither wanted to see the solar industry lay claim to them. They talked about staying in touch.
It’s easy to imagine similar alliances forming across the West, the clean energy transition bringing together environmentalists and rural residents in a battle to defend their lifestyles, their landscapes and animals that can’t fight for themselves.
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It’s also easy to imagine major cities that badly need lots of solar and wind power — Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix — brushing off those complaints as insignificant compared with the climate emergency, or as fueled by right-wing misinformation.
But many of concerns raised by critics are legitimate. And their voices are only getting louder.
As night fell over the Mojave, Lewis shared his idea that any city buying electricity from a desert solar farm should be required to install a certain amount of rooftop solar back home first — on government buildings, at least. It only seemed fair.
“Some people see the desert as just a wasteland,” Lewis said. “I think it’s beautiful.”
The view from Black Mountain
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So how do we build enough renewable energy to replace fossil fuels without destroying too many ecosystems, or stoking too much political opposition from rural towns, or moving too slowly to save the planet?
Few people could do more to ease those tensions than Buffett.
Our conversation kept returning to the legendary investor as we hiked Black Mountain, just outside Vegas, on our last morning in the Silver State. We were joined by Jaina Moan, director of external affairs for the Nature Conservancy’s Nevada chapter. She had promised a view of massive solar fields from the peak — but only after a 3.5-mile trek with 2,000 feet of elevation gain.
“It’ll be a little StairMaster at the end,” she warned us.
The homes and hotels and casinos of the Las Vegas Valley retreated behind us as we climbed, looking ever smaller and more insignificant against the vast open desert. It was an illusion that will prove increasingly difficult to maintain as Sin City and its suburbs continue their march into the Mojave. Nevada politicians from both parties are pushing for legislation that would let federal officials auction off additional public lands for residential and commercial development.
Vegas and other Western cities could limit the need for more suburbs — and sprawling solar farms — by growing smarter, Moan said. Urban areas could embrace density, to help people drive fewer miles and reduce the demand for new power supplies to fuel electric vehicles. They could invest in electric buses and trains — and use less water, which would save a lot of energy.
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“As our spaces become more crowded, we’re going to have to come up with more creative ideas,” Moan said.
That’s where Buffett could make things easier.
The billionaire’s Berkshire Hathaway company owns electric utilities that serve millions of people, from California to Nevada to Illinois. Those utilities, Moan said, could buck the industry trend of urging policymakers to reduce financial incentives for rooftop solar and instead encourage the technology — along with other small-scale clean energy solutions, such as local microgrids.
That would limit the need for big solar farms — at least somewhat.
Berkshire and other energy giants could also build solar on lands already altered by humans, such as abandoned mines, toxic Superfund sites, reservoirs, landfills, agricultural areas, highway corridors and canals that carry water to farms and cities.
The costs are typically higher than building on undisturbed public lands. And in many cases there are technical challenges yet to be resolved. But those kinds of “creative solutions” could at least lessen the loss of biodiversity, Moan said.
“There’s money to be made there, and there’s good to be done,” she said.
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It’s hard to know what Buffett thinks. A Berkshire spokesperson declined my request to interview him.
Tony Sanchez, NV Energy’s executive vice president for business development and external relations, was more forthcoming.
“The problem for us with rooftop solar,” he said, is that it’s “not controlled at all by us.” As a result, NV Energy can’t decide when and how rooftop solar power is used — and can’t rely on that power to help balance supply and demand on the grid.
Over time, Sanchez predicted, a lot more rooftop solar will get built. But he couldn’t say how much.
Rooftop solar faces a similarly uncertain future in California, where state officials voted last year to slash incentive payments, calling them an unfair subsidy. Industry leaders have warned of a dramatic decline in installations.
As we neared the top of Black Mountain, the solar farms on the other side came into view. They stretched across the Eldorado Valley far below — black rectangles that could help save life on Earth while also destroying bits and pieces of it.
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Moan believes the key to balancing clean energy and conservation is “go slow to go fast.” Government agencies, she said, should work with conservation activists, small-town residents and Native American tribes to study and map out the best places for clean energy, then reward companies that agree to build in those areas with faster approvals. Solar and wind development would slow down in the short term but speed up in the long run, with quicker environmental reviews and less risk of lawsuits.
It’s a tantalizing concept — but I confessed to Moan that I worried it would backfire.
What if the sparring factions couldn’t agree on the best spots to build solar and wind farms, and instead wasted years arguing? Or what if they did manage to hammer out some compromises, only for a handful of unhappy people or groups to take them to court, gumming up the works? Couldn’t “go slow to go fast” end up becoming “go slow to go slow”?
In other words, should we really bet our collective future on human beings working together, rather than fighting?
Moan was sympathetic to my fears. She also didn’t see another way forward.
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“We really need to think holistically about saving everything,” she said.
The sad truth is, not everything can be saved. Not if we want to keep the world livable for people and animals alike.
Some beloved landscapes will be left unrecognizable. Some families will be stuck paying high energy bills to monopoly utilities, even as some utility investors make less money. Some tortoises will probably die, pacing along fences in the heat.
The alternative is worse.
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Enjoy exclusive access to some of the best courtyards and gardens in Austin.
From the best neighborhoods to the best views, Austin has a lot to offer the energetic apartment hunter. The city is filled with beautiful apartments, but the trick is finding somewhere that truly meets all your needs.
This means thinking through what amenities matter most to you. Whether you want a resort-style pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center or even covered parking, you can find what you’re looking for in Austin. That said, you need to be sure not to forget about the outdoor space when you’re wading through the vast sea of amenities. Austin is just too beautiful to deny yourself an outdoor space you can use to hang out with those closest to you without leaving home.
To see a few hand-selected standout apartment complexes with courtyards and gardens in Austin, check out this list below. Pick your favorite spot and schedule your tour today.
Source: Rent. / Troubadour
This long strip of lawn at Troubadour is the perfect spot for some outdoor games. Grab a set of cornhole boards and make a day of fun in the sun for you and your friends. As the sun goes down, head into the outdoor TV lounge and catch a movie under the stars.
Located within the safe and comfortable Hancock neighborhood, this area is known for its great parks and spanning green space. In this bike-friendly area, with public easily accessible transportation, getting around doesn’t have to involve a car. A little to the north of the city center and the University of Texas, you’ll get a nice mix of students, young professionals and families living here.
Source: Rent. / Lantana Ridge
Get closer to nature in the on-site park at Lantana Ridge. With a paved trail for walking, running or cycling, no corner of this beautiful, 55-acre space will be left unexplored after a few months of living here.
Found in one of Austin’s larger neighborhoods, East Oak Hill is only 10 minutes from downtown. Although close to the urban center of the city, you’ll feel separated from all that living here in the hill country. With plenty of outdoor space, you can spend time exploring the Texas hills, hang out on Lady Bird Lake or even wander through Barton Creek Wilderness Park.
Source: Rent. / MAA Barton Skyway
Although you’ll find a well-maintained walking trail on the property at MAA Barton Skyway, the little oasis pictured above allows you to stop and settle into your natural surroundings. Set under the trees, among a layer of fallen leaves, a little wooden table and benches await for you to take a calming break in this bit of secluded space.
To keep up the outdoor activity, make sure you head to nearby Zilker Park. A prime feature of this Barton Hills neighborhood, the 350-acre park includes a botanical garden, a sculpture garden and a spring-fed pool.
Source: Rent. / Paloma
Enjoy a moment of zen in the minimalist courtyard at Paloma. A single, skinny bench lets you sit and take a moment to meditate alongside two companion trees. In the center of this space, a marble fountain provides a soothing soundtrack, ideal for deep contemplation.
Minutes away from great shopping, dining and entertainment, living in Northeast Austin gives you convenient access to the rest of the city as well as plenty natural resources. A quieter part of town, you’ll also find touches of suburbia with wide streets plenty of parks and an ever-evolving populous of young families.
Source Rent. / Bridge at Steiner Ranch
The garden at Bridge at Steiner Ranch is more for walking around than stopping to smell the roses. In fact, there aren’t any flowers here, just native trees and bushes, giving this area a comfortable, natural feel. The lawn is close-clipped to really highlight the other plant life, and the curved path lets you quickly do a lap or two before moving on.
Up in the hill country, this Northwest Austin neighborhood is picturesque to say the least. It’s also a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts to call home. An abundance of hiking and biking trails throughout means there’s no shortage of fresh air activities within a short drive.
Source: Rent. / Barton’s Mill
An outdoorsy vibe is what stands out at Barton’s Mill. Walking up to your apartment, for example, takes you along a path surrounded by grass, trees and manicured bushes. It’s like walking through a little park or garden, something that should put you in a good mood whether you’re leaving for the day or getting back home after a long day out and about.
Outdoor recreation is a favorite pastime of many Austinites, so living in South Lawn is great because of the easy access to the outdoors. Throughout this neighborhood, you’ll find opportunities to hike, bike and even hop into a canoe. It’s a great place to call home to make those sunny days count in this great city.
Source: Rent. / Camden Stoneleigh
The courtyard at Camden Stoneleigh feels like a garden thanks to the circle of trees and vibrant green lawn. Gnarled branches lean in all directions, giving this space a mystical feel, combining tasteful hardscaping with small plants along the border. Take the path, walk right through or weave between the trees for a little solo time in nature.
Yet another popular part of Austin, living in Southwest Austin gives you the best of both worlds. You’re close to the downtown area and all its fun, but you still have plenty of parks, shopping and green space to enjoy close to home. There are a few lakes to utilize for a dip or a boat ride as well, which comes in handy when summer temperatures soar.
Source: Rent. / Sonterra
The garden at Sonterra welcomes you in with a special message, “Plant dreams, pull weeds and grow a happy life.” This sweet sentiment makes this lush space all the more special. Take a walk around to get closer to the trees and other greenery or sit on one of the stone benches for a quiet moment. Between the wide variety of plant life and the stacked rock borders, you’ll fall in love with this tranquil space in no time.
This Northwest Austin community provides an element of seclusion thanks to its heavily-wooded surroundings which extend into the greenbelt. You’re also very close to Lake Travis and Volente Beach, which sits along four acres of the lake.
Source: Rent. / The Park at Wells Branch
Nice decking and red wooden benches set the courtyard at The Park at Wells Branch apart. This is also where you’ll find the charcoal grill and umbrella-covered picnic table for when it’s time to whip up a meal alfresco. Surrounded by a short wall of shrubbery and mature trees with leaning branches, this is the ideal spot for a Saturday barbecue.
A tranquil Austin community, living here can also make your daily commute very easy. It’s close to some of the local major employers like IBM and Amazon. Other amenities within this eco-friendly community include a pool and hot tub, playground and basketball court. There are also nearby trails for hiking and biking to keep those active vibes going.
Source: Rent. / The Social
A minimalist approach to greenery doesn’t make the garden path any less peaceful at The Social. Iron gateways spice up an otherwise basic sidewalk, giving it a fun look. Cacti and other desert-friendly greenery sit low to the ground, while pruned bushes and trees rise up to near-eye level.
For a real taste of Austin suburbia, you’d do well to call any community in Parker Lane home. This chill neighborhood is primarily residential, so you may have to drive a little to head out for the night, but you do have an excellent bit of greenery all around. Mabel Davis District Park is here. It takes up 50 acres in the center of the neighborhood and contains a playground, an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a skate park. There’s also a covered picnic area and basketball courts.
Find an apartment with one of the best gardens in Austin
Don’t forget to consider amenities as you decide what your ideal Austin apartment looks like and start uncovering all the secrets this great city has to offer. Having all the right features — and a great outdoor space — will give you a winning combination to call home no matter what part of the city speaks to you the most.