Ahwatukee Foothills Village is a charming L-shaped, bedroom community of about 85,000 nestled between South Mountain on the North, the Gila River Indian Reservation to the South, and Chandler on the East. Though Ahwatukee is, technically, a part of Phoenix, which annexed the gorgeous swath of desert in the late 1970s, it is physically isolated from the rest of the big city, giving "The ?Tukee" as locals call it, a tranquil, suburban feel. Still, all the excitement and attractions of downtown Phoenix are just a short drive north on I-10.
Sure, its part of Phoenix, and just down the highway from the bustling city center, but within village limits is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise ? South Mountain Park and Preserve. South Mountain Park is the worlds largest municipal park, encompassing three mountain ranges ? Ma Hua Tuk, Gila and Guadalupe ? and nearly 17,000 acres of pristine desert. There are 58 miles of trails within the park, ranging from the easy walk that is the Javelina Canyon Trail to the more strenuous 5-mile Holbert Trail which takes you to Dobbins Lookout. At 2,330 feet it is the highest point in the park that is accessible by trail.
Ahwatukee has four public golf courses and a fairly vibrant nightlife centered around 48th Street and Ray Road. Local teens like to hang out at the newly built Pecos Park Community Center. The village also boasts expansive paved bike paths, the Kyrene Area Youth Collaboration ? a one-stop fun shop for kids, and the Ahwatukee Country Club. Playing the country clubs traditional, wide open course is pricey, but worth it. There is an AMC 24 movie theater and numerous dining establishments, Brazilian steak houses to fine Indian restaurants to Mexican taquerias, to sate the appetites of even the most discriminating foodies.
Recognized by Money Magazine as one of the best places to live in America, the median household income in Ahwatukee is $70,000. Some of this affluence comes from the many professional athletes who call Ahwatukee home. Most residents, though, are dual income couples with children, so quality education is a priority. Grades K through 8 are served by the Kyrene School District, which is known for its academic excellence. Tempe Union High School District serves secondary students in the village. For higher learning, Ahwatukee is served by all the colleges and universities of Phoenix, and its only a 20 minute drive to the main campus of Arizona State University, the largest university in Arizona.
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