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Southwest Valley

General

This area, in the shadow of the Estrella Mountains, is home to some large, iconic communities in the West Valley. Newer homes can be found throughout the area, which straddles two cities. A historic resort, and a popular retirement community are also here. Interstate 10, where most of the shopping is located, bisects this neighborhood. Estrella Mountain Community College is based here. Phoenix International Raceway is at the southern edge. 

This neighborhood guide - like every one on Street Scout - was researched and written by experts from The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. It's based on public records, census data and on-the-ground reporting. Our Emmy-winning photographers and videographers have brought images of each neighborhood to life. We know our neighborhoods. If you want to live here, you want to read this.

Transportation

I-10 runs through this area. The new Loop 303 runs along the northern side.

School Map
Walk Score

Explore the 5 Areas of Southwest Valley

Litchfield Park: 85340

Litchfield Park has many of the highest-priced homes and gated communities in this area. The Wigwam Resort and golf courses can also be found around Litchfield Park. Many streets are lined with orange and palm trees.

Estrella Mountains: 85338

The Estrella Mountains area is anchored by a 20,000-acre development called Estrella Mountain Ranch. The community was launched more than 30 years ago, with lakes and parks next to Estrella Mountain Regional Park. A spring training park is also located here.

Pebblecreek: 85395

Pebblecreek is home to an upscale retirement community on the northern side of I-10. The area has golf courses and is near Litchfield Park and Luke Air Force Base.

Garden Lakes: 85392

Garden Lakes gets its name from almost a dozen small waterways in the middle of this area. The Agua Fria River also runs through this neighborhood, where affordable new houses can be found.

South Avondale: 85323

South Avondale is home to several more-affordable new housing developments, including Coldwater Springs and Avondale Vista. Avondale’s Civic Center is in the center of the area.

Housing

Housing

Newer communities can be found in this West Valley neighborhood that includes two cities. Upscale retirement homes and a golf course are the heart of Pebblecreek. Million-dollar homes can be found in Litchfield Park. Bigger and more affordable houses and parks are the norm in Goodyear’s Estrella Mountain Ranch. There are several new subdivisions in Avondale. Newer apartments can be found near I-10 in this growing area.

The Market

Litchfield Park85340

Estrella Mountains85338

Pebblecreek85395

Garden Lakes85392

South Avondale85323

  • Much of this area has some of the most affordable new homes in metro Phoenix.

  • Avondale is one of the Valley’s most affordable areas with a median home price almost $40,000 below the region’s median. Investors purchased many new foreclosure homes in Avondale during the crash and turned them into rentals. The area draws many families.

  • Homes in Goodyear’s Estrella Mountain Ranch are almost identical to newer houses in the southeast Valley but cost 20 to 30 percent less.

  • Litchfield Park and Pebblecreek are this area’s priciest neighborhoods.

  • There’s still plenty of land for new development in this area, where new homes account for almost one-fourth of sales.

Living Here

Living here

Those living in this area can expect a somewhat quiet suburban lifestyle and a lot of future development near their homes. Most of the neighborhoods, except Pebblecreek, draw many families. Affordable new homes are much of this area’s calling card. Pebblecreek is a high-end retirement community that draws people from across the country. Litchfield Park is one of the West Valley's most established and upscale neighborhoods. Luke Air Force Base is near the northern end of this area, so count on some noise from the jets. At the southern end, Phoenix International Raceway draws many fans. The Estrella Mountains offer great views and hikes.

Things To Do

Litchfield Park85340

Estrella Mountains85338

Pebblecreek85395

Garden Lakes85392

South Avondale85323

Main attractions

This neighborhood is a short drive away from two of the Valley’s best and biggest venues: the Gila River Arena and University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. The arena is home to the Arizona Coyotes hockey team and host to big-name concert tours. The stadium is the home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals. Since Luke Air Force Base is nearby, keep your eyes peeled for cool planes and occasional air shows. Wildlife World Zoo offers an up-close look at a large collection of exotic animals, including white tigers and a rare white alligator.

Out on the town

Westgate Entertainment District is the West Valley’s central hub of choice retail, dining and entertainment. You’ll find a sprawling complex full of shops, bars and restaurants and a 20-screen AMC theater. Just across the street is Tanger Outlets, home to dozens of stylish stores. In the spring, the 13,000-seat Camelback Ranch stadium is home to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox for spring training. For special occasions, treat yourself to a night at the elegant Wigwam Resort and its high-class cuisine, golf and spa services.

Main attractions

Come spring training time, baseball fans can rejoice at Goodyear Ballpark, where the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds play. The area is also home to Phoenix Goodyear Airport and is close to Luke Air Force Base. So keep your eyes peeled for cool planes and occasional air shows. The more studious can pick up a class or two at Estrella Mountain Community College.

Out on the town

Enjoy high-octane fun at Phoenix International Raceway, home to two annual NASCAR race weekends. For a fancier affair, treat yourself to a night at the elegant Wigwam Resort and its high-class cuisine, golf and spa.

Main attractions

Come spring, baseball fans can rejoice at being so close to two spring training facilities. Goodyear Ballpark is home to the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds. And nearby Camelback Ranch is where the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox play. The area is also close to Phoenix Goodyear Airport and Luke Air Force Base. So keep your eyes peeled for cool planes and occasional air shows.

Out on the town

Enjoy high-octane fun at Phoenix International Raceway, home to two annual NASCAR race weekends. For a fancier affair, treat yourself to a night at the elegant Wigwam Resort and its high-class cuisine, golf and spa.

Main attractions

Come spring, baseball fans can rejoice at being so close to two spring training facilities. Goodyear Ballpark is home to the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds. And nearby Camelback Ranch is where the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox play. The area is also close to Phoenix Goodyear Airport and Luke Air Force Base. So keep your eyes peeled for cool planes and occasional air shows. The studious can sign up for classes at Estrella Mountain Community College.

Out on the town

Close by are two of the Valley’s largest concert and event venues, Ak-Chin Pavilion and Gila River Arena. Nearby Westgate Entertainment District and Gateway shopping complexes offer a huge selection of dining, retail and entertainment options, including a pair of state-of-the-art movie theaters. For a fancier affair, treat yourself to a night at the elegant Wigwam Resort.

Main attractions

Come spring, baseball fans can rejoice at being so close to two spring training facilities. Goodyear Ballpark is home to the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds. And nearby Camelback Ranch is where the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox play. Right down the street is Ak-Chin Pavilion, one of the Valley’s premiere concert venues.

Out on the town

Enjoy high-octane fun at Phoenix International Raceway, home to two annual NASCAR race weekends. For a fancier affair, treat yourself to a night at the elegant Wigwam Resort. Gateway shopping center offers a huge selection of dining, retail and entertainment options, including a state-of-the-art movie theater.

Explore the Outdoors

Outdoors

Goodyear and Avondale neighborhoods surround Estrella Mountain Regional Park, with scenic trails for hiking, mountain biking or running. There also is camping, picnicking and urban fishing. A rodeo area and the trails make it a popular spot for horse owners. Estrella Mountain’s staff offers hundreds of guided programs throughout the year, including scavenger hunts, full-moon hikes, and bird and critter watching. There’s even a scorpion search.

Stats & Facts

Litchfield Park85340

Estrella Mountains85338

Pebblecreek85395

Garden Lakes85392

South Avondale85323

5 Things To Know About Southwest Valley

It doesn’t have a downtown.

The city grew without developing a central core. Avondale, which shares some ZIP codes with Goodyear, has a central area called Civic Center.

It draws spring training visitors.

The Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds play at Goodyear Ballpark.

It has many places to play and hang out.

The city has 18 parks including a dog park and a BMX bicycle park. The city offers youth and adult sports, senior activities, community special events and special-interest classes.

Its residents like it there.

A recent survey showed 97 percent of residents feel safe there. And 96 percent say it is an excellent place to live.

It has lots of land for growth.

More than 80 percent of Goodyear’s 190 square miles of land is available for development.