Waterfront in Arizona

When thinking about properties in Arizona, most people probably think desert, golf, or maybe retirement communities, but what about the waterfront? That's right, waterfront. Arizona actually has a lot of waterfront real estate with two of the most exciting developments, Tempe Town Lake and the Arizona Canal near downtown Scottsdale, quickly becoming hot spots.

Built on the Rio Salado, 60 per cent of Tempe Town Lake has been designated for private development while the rest will be kept as open space, wildlife habitat and parks. The condos in this neighborhood have access to a marina, boat rentals, fishing and Tempe Beach Park.

This town is dedicated to providing a great atmosphere for its inhabitants and hosts 50 community events throughout the year, including a free Sunday music series at the marina, a marathon, a music festival and a community festival and fireworks display. Take in a show at the new Tempe Center for the Arts or visit one of the hundreds of shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs along Mill Avenue. The future Tempe marketplace is slotted to provide 130 acres of outdoor mall with dining, shopping and a multiplex movie theatre.

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, the beautiful lakeside trails are perfect for enjoying a leisurely stroll or morning jog, and if you've ever wanted to take up dragon boat racing or outrigger canoeing, local teams offer you the chance to do just that.

Lifestyle features such as pools, spas and onsite fitness centers are common offerings in this neighborhood. Take in stunning lake and mountain views from your private patio, courtyard or balcony, and check out the outdoor community spaces when you feel like being friendly. In fact, in addition to luxury condos, there are a number of award winning, master planned developments which include areas for commercial and office space so you can set up your business in the neighborhood and walk to work. If you work further afar, no worries - these developments enjoy easy access to Sky Harbor International Airport and Arizona State University, and with the light rail bridge your commute to downtown Phoenix is a snap!

With significantly less water but no less buzz is the development along the Arizona Canal near downtown Scottsdale. This waterfront revival is bringing with it the downtown's resurgence: there's a lot of excitement around what some people are billing "Scottsdale's renaissance". As the banks of the Canal undergo landscaping improvements the area is quickly becoming a hot spot for walking, biking and jogging. A number of condo and loft projects offer access to the nearby commercial projects, and buyers will delight in the area's one of a kind boutiques, locally owned shops and trendy eateries. The nearby championship golf courses sweeten the deal.

The residences here are within walking distance to Scottsdale Fashion Square and the Fifth Avenue and Old Town areas. With two pedestrian bridges and downtown Scottsdale's free trolley service, getting around town has never been easier - you'll love the freedom.

So there you have it - two of Arizona's hottest waterfront developments. Tempe Town Lake and the Arizona Canal near downtown Scottsdale are both great options for people looking to enjoy the urban lifestyle without the responsibilities of traditional home owning. These developments are ideal for professionals, empty-nesters and anyone who likes to be outside, or just wants to enjoy the view.

Anne Eliason, a dedicated professional specializing in Phoenix AZ real estate. To do a Phoenix AZ MLS search or to find out more about waterfront properties in the Phoenix Valley, visit Anne online at PhoenixValleyRealEstate.com

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