It's said that anyone who drinks from the Hassayampa River, which winds its way through the town of Wickenburg, can never tell a lie again. That's because the river appears dry while its waters flow beneath the surface, earning it the nickname "The River that Flows Upside Down." The town has erected tongue-in-cheek signage warning that there's "No fishing from the bridge" in the town.
Back in 1866, Wickenburg was one of the three largest towns in the state of Arizona and became famous as the birthplace of the bola tie, the official neck wear of Arizona. Two votes were all it took to prevent Wickenburg from becoming the state capital at that time, but missing the state capital has kept Wickenburg with its Old West flair intact. The sun-baked desert hills surrounding town sprout with saguaro cacti, providing a picturesque backdrop for vacationers escaping winter snows. You probably won't be able to fry an egg on the sidewalk, as the town's 2,000 foot elevation makes it a bit cooler than the sizzling city of Phoenix 60 miles to its south. But dramatic summer thunderstorms bring the desert alive with the sweet smell of chaparral and exotic lightning shows. About 6,000 people call Wickenburg's 12 square miles home, averaging about 568 people per square mile.
Moving to Wickenburg
Spring and autumn are the ideal times to move to Wickenburg if you have a choice. The weather is dry and in the 80s and 90s, a little too warm for out-of-state visitors but not too hot for a move. Summer brings a higher vacancy rate, but be prepared to move in temperatures that can top out at 110 degrees, although local residents will tell you "it's a dry heat." Actually, the months of July and August can be very wet when summer monsoons bring about half of the 11 inches of annual rainfall -- not to mention blowing dust -- to the area. Plan on moving in the morning during those months as storms tend to roll in during afternoon and evenings.
Let a local property manager do the legwork for you if you want to rent an apartment or home. Housing options range from small, independently owned apartments to spacious luxury apartments, townhouses and single family homes with horse setups and fenced yards. Once you find an agent to work with, submit an application early in the search process so that once you find the right place, you won't risk losing it to another prospective renter while you are waiting for your app to be approved.
Wickenburg Neighborhoods
West Wickenburg
Listening Hills: Shhh! Do you hear it? Tucked away in the desert hills in the far southwestern part of the town, Listening Hills has large luxury homes with average of 2,500 to 3,500 square feet on spacious lots. This neighborhood is 5 miles from the town center, so saddle up or drive your car to visit shops and restaurants.
Vista Del Rio Estates: Two miles west of the town center, Vista del Rio Estates is set back a few blocks south of U.S. 60. The neighborhood has 2 to 5 bedroom homes on large lots ranging from .8 to 3.5 acres. The neighborhood is just a few blocks away from service businesses such as veterinary and auto care.
Saddle Ridge West: Four miles west of town center, Saddle Ridge West has luxury homes in the 2,000-foot range set on 1 acre lots.
Three Crosses: Immediately east of Saddle Ridge West, Three Crosses' homes vary from 2,500 to 3,500 feet set on lots 1-acre or greater in size.
Wickenburg Country Club Acres: Immediately south of the Wickenburg Country Club in the west central part of town, this neighborhood has 2.5- to 5-acre lots with homes in the 3,000-foot range. Don't worry about paying too much to live at the club -- you can walk a half-mile to banking, veterinary care and Screammers Drive In. Look in this area for all bills paid apartments.
Black Mountain Ranches: Giddy-up in style! Enjoy luxury living set on 5 acres in this neighborhood 7 miles west of town center.
Town Center
Remuda: Tucked in the heart of town near the junction of U.S. 60 and U.S. 93, this neighborhood holds Wickenburg's historic tourist attractions, such as the historic mesquite tree that served as the town's first jail. Enjoy a selection of diners, grocery stores and cowboy shops within walking distance. Look for 1 bedroom apartments in this area as well as single family homes.
North Wickenburg:
Monte Vista Ranch: Found 2 miles north of the town center, Monte Vista ranch is set in rolling hills with views of the river. Homes in this neighborhood run in the millions with some homes having as much as 8,000 square feet. While most of the homes are owner occupied, it is possible to find a house to rent in this neighborhood.
Top Apartment Complexes
Kokopelli Village Apartments: Set on a quiet street in Wickenburg's town center, Kokopelli Village offers 1 and 2 bedroom luxury apartments. Find furnished and unfurnished units available to rent. Community amenities include patios, pool, barbecues and laundry room. While Kokopelli is a symbol of fertility in Native American lore, don't worry -- the birth rate isn't higher hear than any other neighborhood in the city.
Coronado Glen Apartments: On the western edge of town, you'll find 1 bedroom apartments for rent as well as 2 bedroom units at Coronado Glen apartments. The apartments feature extra storage and pantry and on-site laundry facilities.
Bradshaw Vista Apartments: Bradshaw Vista Apartments have 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units in the north part of town. Each unit has washer and dryer hookups and a patio with storage room. Covered parking is provided.
Living in Wickenburg
Whether you love roughing it in the outdoors, exploring old mining areas in hopes of striking it rich or playing a round of golf and relaxing at a spa, Wickenburg has you covered. The community's golf courses include the private Rancho de los Caballeros Golf Club and the Wickenburg Country Club. Strap on the feed bag and dine on authentic Mexican food at Los Rancheros, grab shakes and burgers at Screammers or chow down on a juicy steak at Charlie's. Head out on one of the numerous trails leading into the desert. Rent a horse: Mountain views and horse privileges are two major draws to this area that is tucked back in the desert foothills. Also, mountain biking or ATV-ing in town are options if you don't want to tackle the desert on foot, but remember to bring plenty of water!
