Whispering Ranch area (Phoenix, Surprise, Douglas: real estate, power lines, custom home)

[Stefan_from_Germany]

Season greetings from Germany

I realize that property development has been slow recently. However, I was wondering how people feel about the future of the "Whispering Ranch" area. For those unfamiliar, it is located north-west of Phoenix. Take highway 60 (Grand Avenue) towards Wickenburg, exit Patton road and take it west for about 12 miles. After crossing the Hassayampa river you enter "Whispering Ranchh" at the south-east corner. This is at 299th Avenue and Patton Rd. The Toyota proving grounds are nearby. There is electricity in that part of the "Ranch" but most parcels don't have power.

Almost all parcels are 5 acre lots, most are vacant land, but some people do live there. There are a couple of custom homes and some not so nice dwellings.

I bought my parcel a couple of years ago, when the market had already cooled off, but prices have fallen further.

My land is flat and builable with no floodway or flood plain. I have no immediate plans of moving to the area, but might do at some point in the future.

I am interested to hear what kind of potential people see in the area. Yes, it is remote, but not super-remote by south-western standards. It's about 35 miles to Wickenburg and maybe 25 or so miles to the developments close to the loop 303 and Grand Avenue (City of Surprise).

Sure, recovery will take a bit more time but my hope is that the area will see more growth when the economy picks up again.

I don't expect any master planned communities in the area since all those 5 acre parcels are individually and privately owned. However I do feel that this could be an advantage for people looking for elbow room but not too far from shopping etc.

There is no bridge across the river in that area, but the road across the river bed is dry most of the time.

So, what are your views? Will this "forgotten" area of the valley attract more interest and see some growth in the next 5 to 10 years or so?

Looking forward to hearing from many of you

[rambrush]

Yes it has potential there is the back way out by Vulture Mine to avoid the river when its running.

The only thing I recall and have heard is the area has some less than desirables living there but that is to be expected most anywhere.
I have not checked in awhile but Buckeye annexed way out there to Whittman but beleive they stayed on the east side of the river.
At one point Whittman fire was not responding out there because of distance and rough roads not sure if that is still true.

[Stefan_from_Germany]

Thanks rambrush,

I think you are abolutely correct. There are some dodgy people in the area, but that is to be expected in such a remote place. On the other hand, you don't realy see them. There is so much space and it's a case of live and let live I think.

My parcel is on the east side of the ranch, so I would have to cross the ranch to the west side (which takes about half an hour) to get to Vulture Mine Road to Wickenburg. But what a nice drive Vulture Mine road is. Plus it is only 25 minutes or so to Wickenburg. So again, not that remote.

Patton road from Wittmann to the east side of the ranch is paved and in good condition. I gues Wittmann fire don't have to respon dto emergencies in the area but the southeastern corner is easy to get to. My parcel is a few blocks up north Patton, just of off 299th Av. Some of it is dirt roads but they are in ok condition, even for a regular FWD vehicle.

Not all dirt roads in the area are good, but hopefully roadway improvements will come as the area develops.

I think Whispering Ranch could be perfect for people that either work from home or are retired, or maybe work in Wickenburg (for those that live close to vulture mine road) etc. Lot's of space for custom homes, horses, RVs etc. Very affordable at the moment and not as remote as the current low land prices would sugest.

Anybody else on here who owns property out there?

[rambrush]

Thanks.

There used to be a road off of Patton just east of the river that you could take that was in pretty good condition and it would jump you over to Sun Valley Parkway into shopping in Surprise or other areas places. Then you could take Sun Valley Parkway south to I-10 and Buckeye.

When I was employed in the fire service, we would respond out with Arizona State land fire to take care of Vegetation fires there in Whispering ranch

[Stefan_from_Germany]

I thought I'd revisit this old thread of mine to give everyone an update of what's happening in the area.

I have visited my land last week and also met with Joe Liberty, the agent who sold me my parcel and probably knows the area better than anyone. He told me that funding has been approved for a roadway study that includes a parkway (hidden waters parkway) through the area. The city of Wickenburg also has plans for the area including a major east/west arterial road through the ranch.

It's obvious that this isn't gonna happen overnight but it sure is good news for those of us hoping for a bright future for Whispering Ranch. It will be interesting to watch this part of the valley in the years to come. I guess once Douglas Ranch becomes a reality Whispering Ranch won't be far from civilization any more and land values will start up.

Joe has plenty of info including links to the proposed roadways on his website Whispering Ranch Information

[Stefan_from_Germany]

Hidden Waters Parkway study update: Road Closure Advisory | MCDOT News | Department of Transportation, Maricopa County (http://www.mcdot.maricopa.gov/news/2011/hidden-waters-meeting.htm - broken link)

Public meeting for area residents tomorrow evening. Anybody going?

[Jay in Missouri]

I own some land by 107th and Occupado, I was wondering if there has been any change in the electric or roads in the area.. Jay

[AZMotorcycletours]

There has been some electrical extensions (APS) into WR but not very far (near Toyota proving grounds). I believe the electric distribution lines are as far north as W. Windstone Tr. on 306th ave.

There are a few of us property owners trying to work with Joe Liberty (area real estate specialist) to establish a plan to get APS to provide more facilities or perhaps try to for an "Electrical District".

if anyone is interested in helping please contact me. It will help the more folks we can get involved!

Thanks!

[Stefan_from_Germany]

Hi,

My understanding is that the power lines running to the general area don't have the capacity for significant expansion, meaning they could never cover the entire WR area just by extending the lines.

I think the future is in smarter (and perhaps greener) solutions. Can you explain what you mean by "Electrical District"? Do you mean local power generation for the area? How?

I own some land there and am interested in principle but don't live in the are and wont be building or moving there anytime soon. But anything that's good for long term development of the area is positive in my opinion and I would be interested in getting involved. Joe has my email contact.

Stefan

[broncosilly]

An electric district is a section where an electric company has power lines (overhead or underground) and is owned either by a private or government electric company.


Think of your town or city. That town or city has an electric district. Within the district there are electric grids providing power to customers. No different in theory than a water or gas district with distribution lines and transmission lines.


There is a major transmission line going thru Whispering Ranch on W Dove, but without additional substations for distribution and electric lines for distribution.............you better think solar panels.


And distribution of water? Forget it, well or nothing.