Neighborhoods

Monte de Paz

Monte de Paz has the distinction of being the first neighborhood developed on the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive. In fact, in 1973 when an Arizona developer began selling the 63 lots in Monte de Paz for custom homes, there were no residential developments on Scottsdale Road between Shea Boulevard and Carefree Highway.

One of the first people to build their home in Monte de Paz says, "There was almost nothing out here then but desert. Most of the roads were unpaved. Not many months after we moved in we were shocked to learn that a partner in the development company was being prosecuted for mail fraud in connection with previous dealings along the Mexican border. Back then the closest grocery store was five miles away in Carefree; an independantly owned place with a wooden floor; business was slow and we were always concerned about the freshness of the meat."

Monte de Paz reflects a a blend of new and traditional Scottsdale. Houses range from Arizona, New Mexico-style with flat roofs to California-style ranch homes with tile roofs. There is a mix of mature and new homes. Property owners can own horses and about 10% of them do. It is not unusual to see neighbors riding their horses on the streets in or near Monte de Paz. Lots in Monte de Paz range from one to two acres with natural desert surrounding most homes.  coyotes, Harris hawks, great horned owls, Quail, white-winged doves and turkey vultures are often spotted. Once and awhile, we get to see the nocturnal Javelina pictured below.

The Monte de Paz Homeowners Association is an informal organization of residents. Residents meet periodically to discuss topics of mutual interest.

Location

Monte de Paz is located on the west side of Scottsdale Road between Jomax Road and Pinnacle Vista Road. There are 63 home sites arranged in a circle formed by 71st Place and 70th Place. MacDonald's Ranch, which has offered horseback riding for more than 40 years, is adjacent to Monte de Paz.