El Mirage might not be the largest city in land area, but it ranks way up on the list when you look at the place you would prefer to live.  The attractiveness of the community is the reason it has become a “hot spot” with many people are moving to the area.

El Mirage i in the middle of the Northwest Valley.  This central location makes it a convenient distance form so many areas the city.  El Mirage is a little south and east of Surprise, and northwest of Peoria.  El Mirage is mere miles from those two cities, but is a bit further north and west of Glendale and Phoenix.  And let’s not forget those scenic White Tank Mountains to the west!  It’s all part of what makes El Mirage such a great place to live. 

The bed of the Agua Fria River forms the eastern boundary, Northern Avenue is the southern border and Dysart Road to the west and Greenway Road the northern line.

Highway 60, also known as Grand Avenue, lets you drive right through the north section of the city.  This route gives residents access to Bell Road to the north and Loop 101 to the southeast.  With all of these automotive traveling options residents can easily access most all of the Valley of the Sun. 

Climate

The climate is typical of the southwest.  There is a mild winter that is balanced by a long hot, dry summer.  Many have claimed that the dry, hot summer conditions have helped to relieve many of their allergy symptoms. 

Summer days are clear and spectacular and the temperatures are truly remarkable.  Spring and autumn are mild transitions into the other seasons.  There is a brief monsoon season that is truly extraordinary.

El Mirage Properties

El Mirage is a special place to live.  New homes and subdivisions are being built every day.  These newly constructed single family homes are bringing in growing families, first time home buyers and retirees.  There is a property that will be perfect for anyone.

Large master planned communities and properties in mature quiet neighborhoods are all still found in El Mirage.  Through the expansion and developments, El Mirage continues to hold on to its friendly southwestern attitude.

Click here to locate properties that are ready for move in.

The Market

The spectacular amount of market activity in Arizona over the past decade has been well documented.  People of all walks of life have been moving to Arizona, and particularly Phoenix, in numbers unmatched in recent memory. 

Figures from 2000-2005 show nothing but increased construction, development, unit sales and unit sales prices in virtually every category of structure offered on the market. 

The greatest degree of growth occurred during fiscal 2005, where previous growth statistics, impressive in their own rights, spiked sharply to even higher levels.  Of particular note to the residential home seller/buyer was the record appreciation in new and resale home values.  These rates were up for new homes and resales, rentals and condominium units, the only difference being one of degree.

While it is true that not all Phoenix area real estate markets showed the same amount of increase it is true that the degree of growth for each area was proportional. 

Then along came 2006 and equally well documented has been the decline in the rate of growth of some key market indicators.  The greater Phoenix resale home market is showing marked decreases in sales figures for comparable periods last year across the valley and across most unit categories.

One interesting exception is median price for resale units has risen slightly.  This rising price accompanied by a decrease in sales seems to be more in keeping with normal market tendencies.  One would expect spectacular growth to lead eventually to a degree of scarcity that would be reflected in higher prices.  Could this indicate that the market has reached its peak?

Let’s look at another indicator to see what it may tell us.

Since 1985, the Arizona Real Estate Center has computed what it calls “affordability indexes” for the Greater Phoenix area and several nearby cities. 

The index was invented as a guide to predict market activity.  When the index value is 100, the typical home buyer (based on the current median resale price and household income) would be able to afford a median-priced home at the stated effective interest rate.  A lower index value indicates less availability of affordable single-family homes.

The affordability index for the areas selected for study shows significant reduction in the availability of that this type of housing within the means of the ordinary consumer.  Whether this data can be used as a reliable indicator for other groups and other types of housing is arguable, but it does beg the question “how much longer will the market be able to sustain a situation where both sellers and buyers can apparently benefit by getting involved in the market?

The short answer is that these conditions can remain so long as they are supported by the market. 

So when we take a long look at the larger picture we must ask ourselves whether we can realistically expect to realize more potential gain or value now or at some time in the future and it is very reasonable to conclude that the best possible time to buy or sell Arizona really is now.

El Mirage History

The city traces its origins to the early 1930’s.  That’s when some fearless farm workers settled on the west bank of what is usually the dry and dusty Agua Fria Riverbed. 

They made their best go of it, fighting the climate and the lack of water to finally establish farming and then agriculture to the extent that these pursuits are now part of the city’s heritage. 

Today, residential developments are taking the place of farms.  Many businesses, both commercial and industrial have located to El Mirage.  The city has embraced its new growth.

El Mirage Entertainment

Luke Air Force Base is located southwest of El Mirage.  This base is home to the 56^th Fighter Wing.  The base is the largest jet training base in the entire world and is also one the city’s biggest employers.  “Luke Days” is an annual event that is held at the base.  Spectators are treated to a spectacular air show that features everything from demonstrations of modern fighters and specialty aircraft, to high-speed jet aircraft formation flying, to historical aircraft flight demonstrations and stunt flying.

Visit Luke, it makes for an unforgettable afternoon. 

El Mirage is a city that continues to embrace friendship and traditions.  These beliefs can be felt throughout the community making the city of El Mirage a great place to call home.