To everyone who lives here,
Ahwatukee means home By Alison Stanton
W
elcome to Ahwatukee! Let’s start by helping you answer a question you may hear more than few times from friends and relatives in other states: The word Ahwatukee (which, by the way, is pronounced Ah-Wah-TOO-Key), doesn’t mean anything specific. Granted, there has been a rumor circulating around for years that the name apparently was a Crow Nation translation for the Spanish phrase “Casa de Sueños” or “House of Dreams.” However, historians who have researched this claim have decided that this is not the case. But no worries — even if you cannot share a specific meaning of Ahwatukee’s name, you can definitely let others know what you love about living here. And, as it turns out, there are plenty of reasons. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, over 87,000 people live in Ahwatukee. Although it is technically part of Phoenix, it does not have that bigcity vibe. In fact, residents often say Ahwatukee resembles Mayberry much more than Manhattan. In Ahwatukee, which was once referred to as the “World’s Largest Cul-de-Sac,” neighbors get to know each other. Quick trips to the grocery store to grab bread and milk often turn into marathon chat sessions with friends who are shopping there. Head to a local coffee shop for a cup of inspiration or to a family-owned restaurant for lunch and plenty of familiar faces will probably be there, too. This small-town feel means Ahwatukee residents have the best of both worlds: life in a family-friendly and welcoming community that feels more relaxed than rat race — all with easy access to everything the Valley has to offer. Having said this, please do not think 6
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE
that Ahwatukee is lacking in things to do or places to go. If you enjoy eating out, the community boasts a wide selection of top-notch restaurants that cater to every whim. In the mood for Mexican, Italian, sushi or just an amazing sandwich? Residents won’t have to venture far to find these choices. For shopaholics, Ahwatukee offers a variety of stores including nationally known retailers and smaller boutiques. The shopping centers at 48th Street and Ray Road are always busy, as are plenty of other stores throughout the community. It also takes a few minutes to go south on 40th Street to Phoenix Premium Outlets; to head east on Ray Road over the I-10 freeway to Casa Paloma; or to visit Chandler Fashion Center, off the Loop 202 freeway. Speaking of the Loop 202, the expansion project for the freeway is now finished, and it is making commuting out of Ahwatukee even easier. In other words, that largest culde-sac nickname is quickly becoming outdated. In better times, Ahwatukee is home to community events that take place during the year. The annual Easter Parade is a classic example, with high school bands and floats aplenty. Dance Studio 111 puts on amazing performances of “The Nutcracker” every year, and students and parents cheer on their fave high school football team during the yearly meeting of Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe High Schools in the “Tukee Bowl.” Annually — when there’s not a pandemic — the Festival of Lights kicks off the holiday season with a huge party in Desert Foothills Park. It culminates in the lighting of the cactus and trees along Chandler Boulevard with thousands of beautiful white lights. Speaking of parks, Ahwatukee has plenty of them, many of which feature walking/biking/jogging trails and colorful playground equipment for
the kids. It’s extremely easy to take advantage of the gorgeous sunny weather and head out for some exercise, whether it’s at a park, a local neighborhood greenbelt or at a nearby hiking trail. As you speak with your new neighbors and ask them what they enjoy about living here, you might also hear “the outstanding school system.” If you share your home with kiddos, you can rest assured that what your new friends are telling you is true. As part of the Kyrene and Tempe Union high school districts, Ahwatukee has plenty of outstanding facilities serving its youngest residents. There are charter schools with great reputations, too. Of course, no discussion about what makes Ahwatukee special would be complete without mentioning its many lovely homes and neighborhoods. Like the restaurants, shops and schools, there is truly something for everyone here in terms of housing — from well-maintained apartments and condos to family homes and large and luxurious mansions. In fact, some of the spendiest real estate in the Valley of the Sun can be found in Ahwatukee. Singles, couples and families of all sizes can easily find their dream home in Ahwatukee. Many of the homes are located in specific neighborhoods like Lakewood, Mountain Park Ranch, Tapestry Canyon and Ahwatukee Equestrian Estates. All of this brings us back to one of the original questions: the meaning of Ahwatukee. While the word may not officially mean some variation on the phrase “House of Dreams,” you will probably understand why this urban legend stuck around for so long. Ahwatukee is a friendly, scenic and outstanding place to live. The quality of life is high, and the neighbors are friendly and welcoming. For you, and the tens of thousands of others who are proud to live here, Ahwatukee truly does mean “home.”
