Cave Creek or Apache Junction?
 

What are the pros and cons of these two Phoenix area communities? We are looking for a rental for the fall and prefer access to nature, good dining options, a charming commercial area and not too much traffic. Thanks in advance!

I don't know, but I'm looking forward to the answers!

I had to check the map to find Cave Creek. I don't know anyone who has been there or lived there.
I do have friends that have lived in Apache Junction for 4+ years. They have a motor home to go someplace cooler in the summer when it is very hot. Parts of Arizona will reach 90*F for the first time this year this week.
Easy access to US 60 would sway me to Apache Junction.

I spent the month of Jan in that area- Mesa actually- and I did not see any areas that I was describe as "charming commercial area."

I am not an expert on the area of course - just an observation.
From Apache Junction it is a short drive to the Lost Dutchman park which I thought was beautiful There are some great hikes, easy to difficult or you can do a horse back ride. We did one of the easy hikes as friend had just had back surgery.
There is much to see and do in the area for sure.

Maybe Scottsdale would best fit your description.

Well, I am getting some more detailed responsed on this inquiry, and that is great. I appreciate the feedback on Apache Junction, and good freeway access can be a plus. I have been looking at some rentals in the Cave Creek area too, and people comment on how much they like it. Just wanted to get some additional feedback from travelers who have spent time or visited both places.

I am by no way an expert on this subject, but from when I visited the area, I just liked Cave Creek alot more than Apache Junction. It is certainly more attractive and near to Scottsdale which is a real plus for me. Apache Junction seems to be "in the middle of nowhere".

Thank you! I was waiting to hear from someone who had been to both areas and could offer a comparison.

Personally I'd look a little further east as in Gold Canyon

What makes Gold Canyon a contender? I would love to get more details. Thanks!

I'd like to know, too. Looking at pictures online, Gold Canyon appears to have beautiful topography, but otherwise looks pretty uninteresting.

I have been to the Gold Canyon Resort- very nice- but unless you golf, there was not much else.
As far as I know, there is no "charming commercial area" there.

In fact, the only charming commercial areas I saw were in Scottsdale- and I really did not think it was that charming- but I certainly did not see it all so could be parts I missed.

I don't think I was in Cave Creek so no opinion there.

How long are you planning to stay in the area?

Probably around 10 days...trying to get a feel for living a snowbird life in Arizona.

I spent a month in Mesa doing the same thing. I stayed at an over 55 resort called "The Resort"
It is on S Ellsworth. I found this to be a good location- easy to get around- several nice shopping malls close by, easy to get to the outdoor things I like to do. Although I did not use it, I understand there is a train close by that will take you into Phoenix.
The Resort is a great place- like camp for adults. So much to do within the park. They do have rentals - but I believe most people only rent by the month- you could check though.

We were very close to freeways but mostly used city streets as easier than the freeways. As I said before, found no areas with charming commercial areas -

I have lived in the Phoenix area my entire life and do not understand why anyone would desire to spend time in Apache Junction. It gained some popularity several years ago for those looking for an inexpensive location for their travel trailer or fifth wheel. While it is near the Superstition mountains for hiking, Cave Creek offers proximity to Spur Cross and Pinnacle Peak for hiking. Cave Creek is also much closer to good dining, cultural and shopping options in Carefree, Scottsdale and Phoenix. Traffic should not be a huge problem unless you choose to get on a freeway during rush hour.

Wow, I am getting some good information now. I appreciate everyone's feedback!

We have friends who live in Cave Creek and it is a beautiful area and is close to all the wonderful things in Scottsdale. I have been to Apache Junction and have no idea why anyone would want to go there. We also have friends who live in Gold Canyon and they have a gorgeous home in a lovely gated area on a golf course, but don't know if I'd like the area if I didn't golf. My first choice would be Cave Creek and the Scottsdale Area.

I live in Cave Creek. It's a funky little town and I would definitely think it is better suited for what you are looking for. Good hiking nearby, good restaurants here and in the adjoining town of Carefree, and at a higher elevation than Phoenix so usually about 8 degrees cooler. Let us know what you decide.

Cave Creek is much much better, just north of Carefree, north of Scottsdale. Apache Junction is to the far east, beyond Mesa, not much out there to meet your requirements.no comparison between the two choices.

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