Revisiting Master Planned Communities in Arizona—Ten Years Later

In recovery mode following the most recent housing crisis—two Phoenix-area master-planned communities are continuing to grow.

1 minute read

May 12, 2014, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Two of metro Phoenix's most popular and biggest new-home communities opened a decade ago in the West Valley: Vistancia in Peoria and Verrado in Buckeye," reports Catherine Reagor. To mark their first decade of existence, Reagor examines the state of these two master-planned communities, which are recovering from the downswing of a boom and bust cycle.

In fact, "Vistancia and Verrado made LA-based real-estate analyst John Burns' national list of the 50 top-selling master-planned communities in 2013. Vistancia ranked No. 31, higher than any other Arizona community. Verrado ranked No. 41."

Moreover, plans for large expansions of both communities are well underway. "Plans for [Vistancia's] second phase call for as many as 3,500 houses, a 900-acre reserve and a 500-acre commercial center with offices and retail."

Verado's expansion plans include an age-restricted community called Victory, on 1,200 acres. "In the non-retirement area, the final phase of the Heritage District at Verrado recently launched. Seven homebuilders paid a total of $45 million for 150 acres, where 640 houses are planned."

Friday, May 9, 2014 in AZ Central

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

July 4 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

July 4 - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business