Seniors Visit Paradise Valley

Doesn’t that sound like an ideal place to visit and to live? Paradise Valley is a small, affluent town in Maricopa County, Arizona with a population of 14,000. Surrounded by the iconic Camelback Mountain to the south, Phoenix Mountain Preserve to the west, and McDowell Mountains to the east, the Town of Paradise Valley is a quiet desert oasis in the heart of Scottsdale-Phoenix.  With an average of 294 days of sunshine a year, there is no limit to the number of exciting activities senior visitors can pack into each day.

Paradise Valley is the wealthiest suburb of Phoenix. It is known primarily for its many resorts and expensive real estate. However, its history dates back to a more agrarian society. After the initial European settlement, Paradise Valley was first used for cattle grazing.

In the 1880s, when the land was being surveyed so it could be developed into agricultural lots, the name “Paradise Valley” first came into use, being given by surveyors from the Rio Verde Canal Company and its manager at the time, Frank Conkey. According to the official town website, this name may have been chosen due to the abundance of spring wildflowers and Palo Verde trees.

Seniors Discover Home Of Barry Goldwater

Senior travelers, whether your interests lie with arts and culture, professional sporting events, desert hiking adventures, world-class golf courses, shopping, or luxury spa treatments, the Paradise Valley area offers truly special activities. One must-see attraction in town is the Goldwater Memorial.

The Town of Paradise Valley is pleased to have commissioned the first major work of art to celebrate the life of Senator Barry Goldwater. A long time resident of the town, he retired to Be-Nun-I-Kin, Navajo for ”house on top of a hill,’’ the name he gave to his home in Paradise Valley, after serving in the U.S. Senate for three decades.

Living in the Valley of the Sun myself, I have been in Paradise Valley on many occasions. This senior is always impressed with the plethora of beautiful homes that are pinned up against the mountain sides.

Also Home Of Architect Paolo Soleri

TripAdvisor has seven things not to be missed in Paradise Valley, starting with a couple of spas. I have driven by The Franciscan Renewal Center – or “Casa de Paz y Bien” on E. Lincoln Drive on numerous occasions. Existing since 1951, it is a place for spiritual retreats, wellness, worship and healing.

Cosanti, the gallery and studio of Italian-American architect Paolo Soleri,  was his residence until his death in 2013; it was located in Paradise Valley.  Soleri has developed the world renowned line of bronze and ceramic Soleri Windbells and Planters that are collected by folks all over the world.

 Seniors, when you are in the Valley of the Sun (Phoenix area), drive on up to Paradise Valley and take the sites in yourself. Perhaps plan a stay at one of the top-notch resorts and enjoy a soothing spa. -jeb