Bordered by the Fort McDowell area and the city of Scottsdale, the town of Fountain Hills is a beautiful and peaceful community in Arizona. Conveniently located on the northwest side of the Phoenix valley, it’s no surprise that more people are moving to Fountain Hills.
Known for being the location of one of the tallest fountains in the world, the Fountain Hills spout can be seen shooting as much as 560 feet high.
There are plenty of other interesting facts you’ll want to know before you decide whether living in Fountain Hills is the best option for you.
Table of Contents
1. People of Fountain Hills, AZ – Population & Demographics
The city of Fountain Hills is home to a population of about 24,047 residents with a median age of around 58 years old, making it a popular city for retirees. But as the town expands, you’ll find some areas with young families as well. The population has seen a gradual growth rate since the 1980s when less than 3,000 people lived here.
While the area is slowly growing more diverse, Fountain Hills demographics point to about 92% Caucasian, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.3% Asian locals. The gender ratio of people living in Fountain Hills leans favorably on the side of women with a split of about 53.34% female and 46.66% male.
2. Fun Things to Do in Fountain Hills
Most notably recognized for gorgeous parks and other open spaces, you’ll find a variety of exciting activities in Fountain Hills. Among the top parks in town is the famous Fountain Park, which is home to the once world-record-holding fountain. The area spans about 64 acres and includes amenities such as a disc golf course, children’s playground, picnic tables, ramadas, and much more.
Fountain Park, 12925 N Saguaro Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 (480) 816-5100
Another one of the most enjoyable things to do in Fountain Hills is walk through the spectacular Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden. This unique destination was originally opened in 1975 as a wildlife preserve and covers about 8 acres of walking trails, desert landscapes, and lush gardens. Take a stroll through this landmark to see beautiful flowers and plants as well as a range of local wildlife species.
Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden
Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden, 11300 N Fountain Hills Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 (480) 816-5100
3. Top-rated Fountain Hills Restaurants
It’s always a good idea to find all the best places to eat where you’re going to live and if you’re relocating to Fountain Hills, you’re sure to have plenty of options. Among the best spots to grab a bite is the local Phil’s Filling Station, where you can have breakfast, lunch, or dinner in their diner styled like a truck stop. A few of their dishes include burgers, pizza, sandwiches, pasta, and soups.
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Phil’s Filling Station, 16852 E Parkview Ave, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 (480) 816-8200
Residing in Fountain Hills means getting one of the best benefits of being this close to the southern border: Mexican food. And as one of the premier restaurants in Fountain Hills, Señor Taco is happy to answer the call with their delicious tacos, tortas, quesadillas, tostadas, chips, and dip. They are also known for their large burritos that are packed with meat, cheese, and other fillings.
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Señor Taco, 16948 E Shea Blvd suite 105, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 (480) 816-8226
4. Fountain Hills Cost of Living
A review of the cost of living in Fountain Hills will show you it’s about 25% higher than the Arizona average and about 27% higher than the national average. The biggest factors that have an impact on these numbers are the housing market and local transportation costs.
As you’re looking through your choices, you’ll find the average sale price of a home in Fountain Hills is hovering around $415,000, which is an increase of about 17.6% since this time last year. While you’re checking for local Fountain Hills, AZ homes for sale, the list will point you in the direction of townhomes around $180,000 to multi-million dollar mansions in upscale parts of the city.
Although only about 21% of residents living in Fountain Hills lease their homes or apartment, there are some nice options for you to choose from. The average price of rent in Fountain Hills is presently about $1,482 per month which is a 4.39% increase from last year. Due to the area’s main needs, you find rental locations around town have a minimum of two bedrooms.
5. Secure Neighborhoods in Fountain Hills
While you prepare for moving to Fountain Hills, you’ll need to decide which part of town will be right for you and your lifestyle needs. Spanning an area of about 20 square miles, you’ll be happy to know that Fountain Hills communities recently ranked as one of the safest towns in Arizona according to an ADT crime index.
Some of the best Fountain Hills neighborhoods worth looking at are:
- Firerock
- Scottsdale Mountain
- Crystal Ridge
- Eagle Mountain
- Fontana
The city of Fountain Hills is located on the eastern side of Maricopa County and has only two zip codes: 85259 and 85268. Once you’re living in Fountain Hills, your new phone number will likely have either a 480 or 602 area code.
Newcomers relocating to Fountain Hills are often pleased with the many convenient shopping options around the city including the Fountain Hills Plaza, Fry’s, Safeway, Dollar Tree, Target, and Plaza Fountainside.
6. Highly-ranked Schools in Fountain Hills
Home to a relatively small population of about 2,499 children residing in Fountain Hills, only about 10% of the area is school-age students. The city has its own Fountain Hills Unified School District, which has improved over the years and now hosts strong educational programs and systems for local kids.
The main three Fountain Hills schools include:
- McDowell Mountain Elementary School
- Fountain Hills Middle School
- Fountain Hills High School (ranks among the top 30 high schools in Arizona)
There are no colleges or universities within the borders of Fountain Hills.
7. Fountain Hills Jobs
Holding a decent median household income of $76,729 in Fountain Hills, the city’s workforce has an average salary that is about 30% higher than the national average. Some of the most dominant industries of local workers are healthcare, retail, technical services, and business professionals.
If you’re still looking for jobs in Fountain Hills, a few of the area’s top employers are:
- Fountain Hills Medical Center
- American Express
- Southwest Airlines
- Intel
- U.S. Air Force
There are also a good amount of residents living in town who commute from Fountain Hills to Phoenix, AZ about 31 miles away. But thanks to the reliable freeway system, you can get there in about 30 to 40 minutes.
8. Weather in Fountain Hills
Most people moving to Fountain Hills already know it tends to be a bit warmer around here than other parts of the country as the area sees minimal rainfall with only about 13 inches per year on average. During the hottest parts of the summer, Fountain Hills weather can reach average temperatures of highs around 106°F and lows in the upper 70s. But you will certainly look forward to the cool, mild winter between the low 40s and mid-60s.
And while there are a few hot months during the year where you may want to spend most of your time inside, you’ll find many outdoor activities in Fountain Hills that you can enjoy all year long. Visit the McDowell Mountain Regional Park, McDowell Sonoran Preserve Gateway Trail, or simply go for a leisurely bike ride around town.
Tips for Moving to Fountain Hills
- Great place to live for retirees and new families alike.
- Enjoy close access to fun activities and top-tier places to eat.
- Ensure the Fountain Hills cost of living is within your budget.
- Find the right neighborhood for you.
- Prepare for a few months of hot weather followed by a comfortable climate the rest of the time.
If the thought of living in Fountain Hills sounds like the perfect choice for you, the team of friendly Fountain Hills movers here at Mentors Moving would love to assist with your relocation! Call us today at (480) 376-1009 or complete the form above for a free moving estimate!
