The growing demand for quality housing in Phoenix pushes potential customers to research the best builder. But where to begin?
Livabl is here to introduce buyers to a prominent and respected builder in the Phoenix metro — Ashton Woods. This article has all the information buyers need about Ashton Woods in Arizona. We’ll break down everything Ashton Woods does in Arizona — from a snapshot of some of their communities to their customer service history and financing options. Livabl also spoke to Robert Nunes, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods’ Phoenix division, for additional insight.
Ashton Woods: A trusted name in Phoenix real estate
Founded in 1989 in Atlanta, Ashton Woods builds design-focused homes in Atlanta, Austin, Charleston, Dallas, Houston, Orlando, Phoenix, Raleigh, and San Antonio. In 2017, Ashton Woods launched Starlight Homes for those who always felt the dream of home ownership was out of reach. A new Starlight Home in the Phoenix metro begins at $1667 a month.
In 2023, Ashton Woods was named Builder of the Year by Builder magazine. The publication is part of the media division of Zonda Home. “For years, Ashton Woods has continually ascended the ranks of the Builder 100 list,” said Jeff Meyers, CEO of Zonda Home. “And it is no surprise—their strategic business acumen combined with their ability to read the market and act quickly to create opportunity consistently sets them apart. We are proud to present Ashton Woods as the 2023 Builder of the Year.”
But what sets Ashton Woods apart as a builder in Arizona? Here’s what Robert Nunes had to say:
“In Phoenix, as well as in our divisions across the country, the difference is an exceptional home design that creates beautiful backdrops for memories that are made inside.”
“As you walk through our homes, you’ll feel it. From kitchen galleys generous enough for chefs and guests alike to hallways wide enough to gather between bath time and story time, we design homes that are an integral part of peoples’ lives.”
It starts in our studio, where inspiration and collaboration come to life. Here, our buyers work side-by-side with an Ashton Woods designer to discover your style, get inspired by the latest design-forward finishes, and hand-select the personal touches for your home.”
“In our studio, you can also experience our Ashton Woods collections. Our collections, curated by our designers, are easy-to-love design styles that give your home the Ashton Woods designer touch – without having to pick every fit and finish yourself.”
“With a wide variety of styles, every collection of countertops, cabinets, flooring, and tile has its vibe. Our Phoenix buyers find the collection that speaks directly to them or use it as the starting point for their inspiration.”
Phoenix: A thriving real estate market
Why move to Phoenix? Count the reasons: A robust economy, job opportunities, affordable housing, fabulous weather, outdoor activities, lower taxes, and much more.
Phoenix’s economy has been buoyed by many heavy hitters choosing to shop in the metro. Companies such as Amazon have invested in the northwestern suburb of Surprise, and Taiwan Semiconductor is opening a $12-billion chip plant next year, located twenty minutes from Surprise.
In Tempe, you’ll find another Amazon warehouse in addition to Microsoft, State Farm, Go Daddy, and more. There’s also a thriving healthcare economy, thanks to Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital, Express Scripts, and Medtronic.
Surprise and Tempe hold just a handful of examples. Homebuyers will find a wealth of career options throughout the Phoenix metro.
The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis places the median listing price for a home in Phoenix-Mesa–Scottsdale at $529,450 for May 2023. By comparison, the median listing price for a home in Los Angeles County was $1,099,500 during the same period.
Arizona enjoys a lower tax rate, ranking 28th at 5.60 percent. Nearby California has the highest state taxes in the country, with residents paying 7.25 percent. Arizona also bests Nevada (6.85 percent) and other popular hot spots such as Texas (6.25 percent) and Florida (6 percent).
The population of the Phoenix metro just passed five million in May 2023. Pinal and Maricopa counties added 66,850 people in 2021 and another 72,850 in 2022, marking some of the most significant gains of any metro in the U.S.
The weather in Phoenix is appealing, especially to those looking to escape the snow. However, keep in mind that the desert can experience extremes, especially when it comes to the heat. Temperatures during summer often reach triple digits.
Ashton Woods’ Phoenix communities
Community: Verde Trails
Location: Tolleson, AZ
Square footage: 1,494–3,264
Price: From $386,000
Three to five bedrooms, two-and-a-half to four bathrooms
Verde Trails is a single-family home community in Tolleson, AZ. This neighborhood is perfect for first-time homebuyers and growing families alike. Verde Trails features green spaces and a community park, including a playground, walking trails, recreation space, and picnic ramadas. Enjoy quick access to the US I-10 freeway and easy commuting to the west and central valley.
Community: Wales Ranch
Location: San Tan Valley, AZ
Square footage: 1,381-4,150
Price: Coming soon
Three to five bedrooms
At Wales Ranch, buyers can choose from an array of home sizes — from cozy 3-bedroom layouts to spacious 5-bedroom homes, there are options for every family size and lifestyle. For those with extra storage needs or love for recreational vehicles, some floor plans even offer the convenience of RV garages, allowing you to accommodate your outdoor gear and vehicles easily.
Community: Bella Vista Farms
Location: San Tan Valley, AZ
Square footage: 1,567–3,270
Price: From $376,000
Three to four bedrooms, two-and-a-half to three bathrooms
Bella Vista Farms features a collection of spacious homes in various styles, from Craftsman and farmhouse to Spanish-style and modern desert. The community offers work and play in a laid-back community ideal for families, with convenient access to nearby shopping, dining, employment opportunities, and walkability to local schools.
Community: Madera
Location: Queen Creek, AZ
Square footage: 1,567-4,962
Price: From $477,000
Three to six bedrooms, two-and-a-half to five bedrooms
Madera is a master-planned community in the heart of Queen Creek. Residents will have access to amenities such as pickleball courts, a covered playground, a community pool, and much more. Depending on the model, there are 16 different floor plans in the community, with one- and two-story options, as well as two- to four-car garages.
Community: Estrella Crossing
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Square footage: 1,567–3,020
Price: From $405,000
Three to four bedrooms, two-and-a-half to three bathrooms
Buyers will find Estrella Crossing in the community of Laveen in southwest Phoenix. Estrella Crossing is nestled between the South Mountain Range and the Estrella Mountains southwest valley, surrounded by mountain views and hiking trails. The new Loop 202 makes for easy commuting, and Laveen Village is just around the corner with shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Plenty of customers expressed their happiness with Ashton Woods and its customer service. From the communication to the quality of construction, you can read many more testimonials from happy homebuyers on its website.
Josh D. wrote, “After spending many years overseas in the military, we were blessed with the opportunity to purchase our first home with Ashton Woods in San Antonio. Kim and her team’s knowledge, dedication, responsiveness, and professionalism were simply outstanding! The entire process was informative, seamless, and pain-free, and has provided our family with peace of mind for years.”
Matt and Michelle C. wrote, “Our experience in having Ashton Woods build our home was great. From when we first met our Community Sales Manager, Lauren, to when we got the keys to our new home, we had no complaints. We received weekly updates during construction, on-time completion, and now have a beautiful home to enjoy for years!”
Robert R. wrote, “Building our first home together was something we thought was out of reach until we found the Ashton Woods communities. They have been welcoming and diligent from the beginning. I cannot speak highly enough to the level of communication and respect the Ashton Woods team has shown us during our time with them. From the planning and designing stages to the building, Emily and Luke have kept us in the loop and made the process easy and enjoyable. The attention to detail and high level of service with the staff has made building our first home a wonderful experience. With Ashton Woods, we were able to customize a unique home within an amazing community. We absolutely cannot wait to see the results!”
Ashton Woods’ commitment to sustainability
Ashton Woods wants customers to enjoy better-built, healthier, and more comfortable homes. The builder concentrates on seven markers to maintain sustainability in the house.
Tight Construction — Special framing techniques and improved insulation systems help reduce internal leaks and drafts.
Fresh Air Ventilation — efficient delivery and filtration systems reduce dust, odors, and indoor contaminants.
Improved Insulation Systems — enhanced insulation and framing techniques help minimize voids and gaps while using Low-E glass and higher thermal properties add value to increased energy efficiency.
“Right-sized” HVAC Equipment —high SEER-rated equipment, multiple air ducts, and return air grilles help stimulate fresh air ventilation, decrease humidity, and reduce energy usage.
Pressure Balancing — Return air ducts, transfer grilles, or jumper ducts help balance pressure throughout the home, enabling air to circulate more easily.
Interior Moisture Management —Using correctly sized HVAC systems, multiple air ducts, and return air grilles helps dry the moisture that naturally passes through the home.
Combustion Safety — combustion appliances are sealed or power vented to help avoid the build-up of carbon monoxide.
Financing options and affordability
Starlight Homes by Ashton Woods makes it easier for families to secure their first home. Starlight Homes works with an affiliated lender to simplify the home-buying process. The Starlight Advantage Program provides support and a quick and efficient buying experience.
The program offers special interest rates on select houses to buyers who choose to purchase their home through the Starlight Advantage Program.
Ashton Woods is an excellent option for homebuyers in Arizona
Ashton Woods is a compelling choice for homebuyers in Arizona due to several factors that set it apart and make it a preferred option for many. Here are ten reasons why Ashton Woods stands out as a top choice:
Quality Craftsmanship: Ashton Woods is known for its commitment to quality craftsmanship. It prioritizes attention to detail in design and construction, ensuring the homes it builds are built to last and showcase excellent artistry.
Customization Options: One of the critical advantages of choosing Ashton Woods is its emphasis on customization. It offers a range of design options and allows buyers to personalize various aspects of their homes, tailoring them to their unique preferences and needs. This level of customization enables buyers to create a home that truly reflects their style and vision.
Innovative Design: Ashton Woods consistently introduces innovative design concepts and architectural trends into their homes. This ensures that its properties are aesthetically appealing and incorporate modern features and layouts that enhance the overall living experience.
Energy Efficiency: Many Ashton Woods homes have energy-efficient features and sustainable materials. This reduces the environmental impact and leads to potential long-term cost savings for homeowners through lower utility bills.
Desirable Locations: Ashton Woods often selects prime locations for its developments, ensuring that homeowners can access essential amenities, reputable schools, entertainment options, and convenient transportation. This enhances the overall quality of life for its residents.
Proven Track Record: With years of experience in the industry, Ashton Woods has built a solid reputation for delivering high-quality homes. Positive reviews and testimonials from previous buyers showcase its commitment to customer satisfaction.
Transparent Process: Ashton Woods strives to maintain transparency throughout the home-buying process. From the initial design and customization stages to construction and post-purchase support, it aims to keep buyers informed and engaged at every step.
Dedicated Customer Service: Homebuyers appreciate Ashton Woods’ commitment to excellent customer service. Its teams work closely with buyers to address concerns, answer questions, and ensure a smooth home-buying experience.
Variety of Home Designs: Ashton Woods offers various home designs catering to different tastes and lifestyles. Whether you’re looking for a cozy townhouse, a spacious single-family home, or a luxury estate, you will likely find a suitable option in its portfolio.
Respected Builder Awards: Over the years, Ashton Woods has earned several accolades and awards for their exceptional home designs, innovation, and customer satisfaction. These recognitions validate its position as a reputable and trusted home builder.
Ashton Woods is a preferred choice for homebuyers in Arizona due to its emphasis on quality, customization, innovation, energy efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Its commitment to delivering well-crafted homes in desirable locations sets it apart as a top contender in the Arizona housing market.
