Rio Verde & Tonto Verde

HISTORY

The sister adult communities known as "The Verdes" offer the epitome in lush fairway living surrounded by open spaces and desert beauty along the Verde River valley just north of Fountain Hills.
Rio Verde

One of Arizona's premier member-owned golf communities, Rio Verde opened in 1973 and is managed by a 15-member Board of Directors, all community residents who volunteer their time for the task. The beautiful Oasis clubhouse is designed for indoor and outdoor enjoyment with sunset views from terraces, dining rooms and a pro shop. The Oasis is equipped for full fitness and recreational activities, with exercise equipment, a library, art and crafts room, and two large card rooms. Residents enjoy ice cream socials, pot-luck dinners, Western dance classes, art classes and excursions. Or they can just sit back and watch the Golf Channel on cable TV.
Tonto Verde

Tonto Verde, two miles away, is a semi-private golf community. It opened in 1993 and features a state of the art GPS yardage and course information system on all of the golf carts. Surrounded by magnificent mountain vistas and rich desert vegetation just below the remarkable span of rock known as the Four Peaks, Tonto Verde has two great golf courses accented by fairways lined with mesquite trees and custom homes. When the over-55 residents aren't teeing off, they are swimming, playing tennis, hiking and enjoying organized social activities at their own club house.

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

Rio Verde is a 735-acre adult golfing community with custom homes and villas next to Tonto National Forest nine miles north of Fountain Hills. Development began in 1973 and 710 acres have been reserved for residential, commercial and recreational spaces, while 77 acres have been devoted to roadways. Most residents are retired, but travel primarily to Scottsdale for employment, shopping and services. Although the Rio Verde clubhouse does offer dining, restaurants and retail centers are available in Fountain Hills.

STATISTICS

• Population: 1,419 (2000 census)
• Incorporated: No
• County: Maricopa
• Elevation: 1,610 feet
• Total Area: 5.4 square miles
• Average July High: 104
• Average January Low: 40
• Average Yearly Precipitation: 8.08 inches
• Median Household Income: $86,248
• Median Age: 68
• Cable Internet Service: Yes
• Fiber Optics: Yes
• (information current as of 6/2004)
  

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

The Rio Verde Ranch is a great place to spend an evening being warmed by a campfire, songs and fellowship, while by day the Rio Verde Tennis Club is a great place to serve. Tonto Verde has two challenging 18-hole courses with spectacular Sonoran Desert views. Fountain Hills, a short distance to the south, offers many cultural events and shopping opportunities. Nearby Four Peaks Wilderness is worth an exploration by hiking - but watch out for black bears, coyotes, deer, mountain lions and other wildlife. A drive up the scenic road can be just as beautiful without the natural dangers. Other close attractions are Out of Africa Wildlife Park, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Fort McDowell Casino, and Needle Rock Recreation Area.