The Paradise Valley 85253 Zip Code
A few weeks ago, I realized our new office on Shea at Scottsdale Road was at the four corners of 4 great Zip Codes – 85254, 85260, 85258, and 85253. Our fourth and final Zip Code is 85253.
Bordered on the North by Shea Boulevard and Scottsdale Road on the east, 85253 extends south to Chapparal Road and west to 32nd Street. Although the northern strip running east and west from Shea to Mountain View Road is in Scottsdale, this Zip Code is predominantly the Town of Paradise Valley – arguably the most expensive real estate in Arizona.
Paradise Valley got its name from its position between Camelback Mountain and Mummy Mountain, both of which are included within the town limits. Founded as a township in 1961, Paradise Valley has its own city government including a Mayor and Police department.
When the town fathers laid out their community, they did two things that made it the residential jewel it is today. One was by design and one was by accident.
The first thing they wanted was for the town to be residential-only. And with only a few exceptions for golf courses, resorts and restaurants, it is today the home to beautiful residences, attracting the well-to-do from all over the world.
The second thing was what the original mayor Patrick G. Downey described as a happy accident. It seems the discussion was about septic tanks. Back then, sewers were relatively new in Arizona, and everyone had septic systems. Well, the discussion was about minimum lot size and the concern, considering the up and down topography of the valley, was about how big, as a minimum, the lots should be to assure some part of each lot would pass a percolation test for a leech field. There were some who said a half-acre was sufficient and some who spoke for two-or-more acres. Ultimately, they settled on a one-acre minimum, not knowing that their decision would destine Paradise Valley to be the luxury enclave it is today.
For Sunday brunch, I recommend the Hermosa Inn. For history, there is the Camelback Inn, tagline: “In all the world, only one.” For new, there is the Monte Lucia Resort and the Mountain Shadows Resort, and for those willing to wait, there will be a five-star Ritz hotel in the near future. Now quit rolling your eyes – it will open someday. It really, really will.
If you want to sell your magnificent estate, be sure your agent is a member of the prestigious Paradise Valley Luxury Home Tour, which meets twice a month. I am a member, attend religiously, and find their sense of congeniality and community to be amazing.
So, mount your Bentley, shop at AJ’s flagship store, stick to the speed limit as there’s radar everywhere and enjoy all that 85253 has to offer.
Here are the stats:
Total Homes Sold last 12 months (6/27/23 to 6/25/24): 374
Average Price: $3,637,279 Highest: $15,250,000 Lowest: $262,500
- Average $/SqFt: $746.10 Highest: $2,035.11 Lowest: $255.21
Call us if you are looking to buy in the Paradise Valley 85253 Zip Code. And if you are looking to sell – when you want a ‘SOLD’ sign – call Those Callaways on Shea at 480-596-5751.
– Joseph Callaway