Sonoran Desert Visionary

The East Valley Tribune reports on local developer George Johnson, the father of Johnson Ranch, and how he saw a vision for a master-planned community in Queen Creek over a decade ago, beyond the edge of development. Everyone told Johnson that the area was too far away and that there wouldn't be demand.

"There was nothing out there at that time," Johnson said. "Everyone thought I was crazy." Johnson forged ahead and ten years later, Johnson Ranch is a huge success, with about 20,000 residents in the area.

The article further profiles Johnson and his other developments, his future plans and his problems with local officials on his La Osa project north of Tucson. The article gives a detailed history of Johnson Ranch and the obstacles Johnson had to overcome to make it successful. More...

Learn more about living in the Sonoran Desert here.