Two desert foothill towns, many on large lots
Two separate towns in the upper Sonoran Desert foothills north of Phoenix and Scottsdale, zoned largely for rural and large-lot homes, near Spur Cross Ranch, Cave Creek Regional Park and Black Mountain.
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Market figures: RentCast, from single-family listings (list prices, not closed sales) in each area’s main ZIP code. “To date” means the month so far. Areas that share a ZIP code show the same figures. Any figures shown are past results, not a forecast. Descriptions cover places and housing, not who lives there.
Boundaries are approximate. The list and links on this page carry the same information.
Yes. The Town of Cave Creek incorporated in 1986 and the Town of Carefree in 1984, each with its own council and zoning. A Cave Creek mailing address, ZIP code 85331, also reaches well outside both towns, so check whether a property is in a town with the Maricopa County Assessor.
Source: Town of Cave Creek, Cave Creek History; Town of Carefree, Village Center Redevelopment Plan (January 3, 2023); Maricopa County GIS, ZIP Code layer; Maricopa County Assessor
It depends on the zoning district. Cave Creek’s Desert Rural districts set minimum lots from 43,000 square feet (DR-43) to 190,000 square feet (DR-190), with smaller residential districts as well; Carefree’s run from 10,000 square feet (R1-10) to 190,000 square feet (Rural-190). Check the parcel’s zoning with the town.
Source: Town of Cave Creek Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 2, Residential Zones (effective December 4, 2025), § 2.1.D; Town of Carefree Zoning Ordinance (effective August 2021), § 4.01
On some lots. In Cave Creek, keeping horses and other livestock takes at least 87,120 square feet of contiguous land under one owner in a Desert Rural zone; Carefree’s ordinance allows one horse for each 43,560 square feet of contiguous land under one owner, up to six, in the districts that permit them. Confirm the parcel’s zoning, and any CC&Rs, before you buy.
Source: Town of Cave Creek, Notice to Prospective Property Owners; Town of Cave Creek Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 2, § 2.1.B.2; Town of Carefree Zoning Ordinance (effective August 2021), § 5.02
It depends on the address. Cave Creek’s sewer serves the core of the town, and about half of Carefree uses private septic systems, according to its general plan report. Water comes from the Town of Cave Creek’s utility, the Carefree Water Company or a private well, so ask which serves the property.
Source: Town of Cave Creek, Utilities; Town of Cave Creek, Notice to Prospective Property Owners; Town of Carefree General Plan, Existing Conditions Report; Carefree Water Company
Yes. Both towns’ zoning ordinances require most outdoor lights to be shielded so the bulb can’t be seen from neighboring property; Cave Creek limits lamps to 2700 Kelvin, and Carefree limits most free-standing fixtures to 4.5 feet tall. Check the current ordinance before adding exterior lights.
Source: Town of Cave Creek Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 2, § 2.4.I; Town of Carefree Zoning Ordinance (effective August 2021), § 9.12
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Your own contract controls, and your attorney, tax professional or other advisers can confirm what applies to you.
Rules and figures can change.
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