The Norman Lykes House by Frank Lloyd Wright is on the market for $9 million with HomeSmart.
Photo: Casey Pickard
Arizona’s Paradise Valley Lures Buyers with Magnificent Landscapes and Architectural Marvels
The median sale price for a home in the area has increased to $3.9 million thanks in part to an exodus of wealthy California residents
Unlike the untamed spirit that defines much of Arizona, the aptly named Paradise Valley beckons with a refined elegance; dramatic scenery, including the picturesque McDowell Mountains; and architectural odes to the desert sun. Located between Scottsdale and Phoenix, the small community recently acquired the nickname the “Beverly Hills of Arizona” as much for its abundance of high-end boutiques and restaurants as for the wave of wealthy residents newly arrived from California seeking more space and a lower tax burden.
A 22,000-square-foot retreat on the market with Compass for $25 million. Photo: Austin LaRue
As a result of this latest migration, the median sale price for a house in the area increased to $3.9 million (up nearly 2 percent year-over-year). “The state is seeing an influx of tech workers, entrepreneurs, and retirees, all drawn by its thriving economic environment, pristine golf courses, warm weather, and breathtaking landscapes,” says Susan Solliday, a luxury real estate advisor with Launch Powered by Compass.
The unique combination of commerce and green space is one of Paradise Valley’s most enticing attributes. “You’re right in the heart of town, but almost everybody has an acre; some have two or three,” says Cheryl Anderson, an agent with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. “It feels more rural, like you’re in the country.”
A modernist masterpiece in Paradise Valley was recently on the market for $18 million with beSpoke Real Estate. Photo: Jason Roehner
This isn’t by accident. When Paradise Valley was incorporated as a city in the 1960s, standard lots were generously portioned out. “In the old days, it used to be one acre per horse,” says Anderson. “It’s a very peaceful life because you have land around you, mountain views, and tranquility. In Paradise Valley, there are no streetlights allowed, so you can really feel the desert at night.”
Aesthetically, the vibe is understandably influenced by Spanish and Mediterranean Revival styles but with a Southwest kick. Terra-cotta roofs crown adobe-sheathed villas, while treelike saguaro cacti and towering palms flank the streets and gardens. Cutting-edge contemporary design can also be found, such as an $18 million mountainside retreat built in 2022 featuring glass walls and cantilevers.
An Italian-inspired residence is listed for $15 million with Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty. Photo: Marlon Decastro, Tourfactory/Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty
Those in the market for a bona fide historic landmark will be delighted to know that a wonderfully preserved Frank Lloyd Wright gem is available for $9 million, listed with HomeSmart. Known as the Norman Lykes House, the 1967 residence is one of hte architect’s rare circular designs, with rounded walls and windows, plus a crescent-shaped pool lined with mother-of-pearl. Blending seamlessly into its mountainside setting, Wright’s masterpiece is spectacular inside and out—the perfect place to watch the sun sink over Palm Canyon and the constellations start to fill the inky night sky.
A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2024 Fall Issue under the headline “Paradise Found.” Subscribe to the magazine.
Cover: The Norman Lykes House by Frank Lloyd Wright is on the market for $9 million with HomeSmart.
Photo: Casey Pickard
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