Trend In Luxury Homes Goes West

In recent years, the West Valley has become a hot spot for luxury, custom-built mansions that resemble those in the Northeast Valley. One main lure is the affordable land, but there is also the open space, large lots, intimate mountain views and close proximity to the state's second-largest lake, Lake Pleasant.

"The Lake Pleasant corridor is becoming the next North Scottsdale, just with a different flavor," said Bryan Cromer, a project manager for Alexander Homes. "It's the Valley's next luxury-home boom area."

Alexander Homes is building Montana de Oro Ranch, a 24-lot, gated community near Pinnacle Peak Road and 93rd Ave. Some homes in the community will have price tags over $1 million. They are also building at Casa de Sunrise, a 29-lot luxury gated community at 81st Ave. and Pinnacle Peak Road.

In addition to small communities like Montana de Oro Ranch and Casa de Sunrise, buyers are building their custom-built dream homes in master-planned developments like Sonoran Mountain Ranch, West Wing Mountain and Verrado. More...