Located in the northwest corner of the valley, for most of its history, El Mirage was considered a remote cattle ranching community. Today, this small city is a fast-growing suburb of Phoenix, convenient to Luke Air Force Base. It’s a known fact that El Mirage is quickly becoming a preferred place to live in the Valley of the Sun. Let’s look at 10 of the top reasons why this small city is a great place to live.
Real Estate in El Mirage is a Great Value
If you’re looking to buy a home around Phoenix, especially if you work at Luke AFB, consider the suburb of El Mirage. The median home value here is 29% lower than the rest of Arizona, and 32% lower than the national average. The time to get in on an El Mirage home is now, because El Mirage real estate is trending up and very competitive.
However, the affordable home prices are not due to many older homes in poor condition; on the contrary, many of the housing in El Mirage is relatively new, having been built during the boom beginning in the early 2000s. If you’d like to move your family into an affordable, spacious home with a Spanish flair, look to El Mirage.
It’s a Great Place for Military, Average Families and Retirees
The year-round sunshine has made the Valley of the Sun a hotspot for retirees from all over the country, and that includes El Mirage. However, the town is definitely not only for those 55 and over; on average, but more than half the families also have children under the age of 18, with an overall median age of 25 years.
El Mirage Retirement Homes For Sale
The city has a Senior Center, a library, as well as plenty of parks and recreational activities for people of all ages. Shopping, medical services, and other amenities here are also excellent. Finally, public transportation here is pretty good, making it convenient for the rest of the valley.
Lower Cost of Living
The cost of living in El Mirage is 6% lower than the rest of Arizona, and 7% less than the national average. Goods and services here are 11% lower than the national average, and housing is 18% lower than the national average. That gives both retirees and families a little more pocket money to spend on the fun things in life.
A Golf Lovers Paradise
The City of El Mirage is surrounded by golf courses; Desert Springs, Willow Creek, Pebble Creek, Pueblo El Mirage, Palm Valley, and the Sun City South Golf Course are all convenient. Overall, there are 68 golf courses within 20 miles of El Mirage; 56 of those are public, 7 are municipal and 5 are private golf courses. Twenty-five golf courses are within 5 miles or less of El Mirage, making this an oasis for golf lovers in the valley.
The Area is Steeped in Old West History
History lovers will appreciate the local history museums around El Mirage. Cattle ranching has historically been a huge part of Arizona’s economy, and located in nearby Glendale, Sahuaro Ranch Historic Area features renovated buildings, gardens, barns, and the orchard from the oldest ranch in Maricopa County.
Likewise, The Pioneer Living History Museum on West Pioneer Road just off Interstate 17, consists of 30 renovated and preserved buildings from the 1800s. The museum spans 100 acres and is a great place to learn about Arizona’s fascinating pioneer history.
Finally, the Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix is a world-renowned museum highlighting Arizona’s native American cultures. Founded in 1929 by the Heard family, the museum’s mission is to promote and preserve the culture and art of the many tribes that call Arizona home.
Nearby Natural Beauty
The Sonoran Desert is one of the most unique environments in the world, and El Mirage is right in the center of it. The nearby Thunderbird Conservation Park has 1,200 expansive acres of pristine desert to hike and bike. The park’s visitor’s center has trail maps, and there are restrooms, picnic cabanas, and wildlife viewing areas along the trails.
Finally, the White Tank Mountain Regional Park near El Mirage spans 30,000 pristine desert acres. It’s not heavily visited, making it the place to go when you need fresh air and solitude. The park has more than 25 miles of trails as well as a campground, restrooms, and a small visitor center.
Sports Fans Will Love El Mirage
The home of the Cardinals, the State Farm Stadium, is in nearby Glendale. If you want to be within a short drive of the celebrated Fiesta Bowl, or even a Super Bowl game, this is the place to be.
Also, for decades, Phoenix has been a spring training center for major league baseball. The practice games have long been a favorite family pastime, and in 2017, the MLB spring training drew nearly 2 million visitors to the Valley of the Sun.
Aerospace Fanatics Will Love El Mirage Too
The Challenger Space Center is located in nearby Peoria, and is dedicated to everything related to space and space travel. The museum is full of exhibits, memorabilia, and the stories of those who played a role in the exploration of space.
Wildlife World Zoo
While the Phoenix Zoo is on the other side of the valley in Tempe, there is another zoo near El Mirage in Litchfield Park. The Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, and Safari Park is home to more than 600 exotic and endangered species, and more than 6,000 individual animals. Both adults and kids will enjoy visiting the critters, and even interact and feed some of the tamer residents. From lions and cheetahs, to a rare white alligator and the only saltwater crocodile in the state, it will take a full day to visit every single animal here.
El Mirage is a Nice, Friendly Place to Live
Overall, El Mirage is a small, quiet, and safe corner of the valley, perfect for both families and retirees. Convenient to many amenities and fun things to do, El Mirage is affordable, has a low cost of living, and a great quality of life.
