If you're feeling at a crossroads, you might well be in Golden Valley, Arizona. The unincorporated community sits along the original route historic Route 66 at its junction with two other significant roadways. The Canamex Highway running from the Mexican border to Canada slices through the valley on its way to Las Vegas and Route 68 will have you in Laughlin and the Colorado River Valley in less than 20 minutes. If you're really in a hurry to get somewhere, there's always Interstate 40 just a few miles south.
Golden Valley nestles between two mountain ranges separating the city of Kingman from Mohave County's extensive shoreline along the Colorado River. Chaparral desert characterizes much of the community. The community is sparsely populated, with just 48 people per square mile. Although rural, the valley has a fire department, emergency medical techs and other public services. Medical facilities lie just 15 miles east on Kingman's western edge.
Moving to Golden Valley
Approximately 14 percent of Golden Valley's housing is rental property, meaning you'll usually find a few home rentals available at nearly any time of year. Selection is greatest when temperatures heat up and winter visitors have gone home. It's not uncommon to find a month to month rental at a bargain price as long as you are willing to move out before winter visitors return for the season.
Some homes in the valley have their own well and septic system. Others are hooked up to a local water company. No matter which type of service you have, your water comes from wells tapped into an underground river flowing out of the Cerbat Mountains east of the valley. Make sure to ask your property manager about your source of water so if you need to purchase from the water company, you can get your account set up before you move in.
Avoid moving during the hottest part of the summer if you can help it as temperatures often soar to 110 degrees and above. Low humidity makes the heat relatively comfortable, but will dehydrate you more quickly than you realize, leaving you nauseous and exhausted. If you do move during the hot part of the year, hook up portable spotlights and move after the sun goes down when things cool off.
Neighborhoods in Golden Valley
If you're looking to rent luxury apartments, you won't find any in Golden Valley. The area has future plans for a golf course and 38,000 homes that would include condos, town homes and apartments in the southern part of the valley. While you'll probably find it hard to find an apartment in the desert community, the area presently has several distinct neighborhoods with rentals varying from duplexes and mobile homes to single family houses.
Town Center: Golden Valley's Town Center surrounds the community's main thoroughfares, including Highways 68 and 93 and Interstate 40. You'll find grocery stores, banks, gas stations and other conveniences in this area as well as other professional services. Homes sit on one to five acre lots, many with horse set-ups. More than half of the neighborhood's housing consists of mobile homes. Single family homes also prominently characterize the Town Center neighborhood, but you'll find a few privately owned duplexes and one bedroom apartments in the area.
Golden Sage Ranchos: Situated about five miles west of Golden Valley's Town Center, Golden Sage Ranchos have two to two and half acre lots. Newer double wide mobile homes are common in this area, as well as single family homes. All homes are hooked up to community utilities.
Walnut Creek Estates: Convenient to Interstate 40 but far enough away that you don't hear the noise, Walnut Creek Estates provides an "away from it all feel." Single family homes sit on one acre parcels, often with outbuildings and equestrian setups. Many parcels in this area of town are still raw land, adding a remote ambiance less than 20 miles from the Town Center. Covenants, codes and restrictions apply in this neighborhood, but there is no homeowner's association.
Hackberry/Yucca: South of Interstate 40, the Hackberry/Yucca neighborhood consists mainly of single family homes and mobile homes on one acre or more. You may find a rental home sitting on as much as 20 acres in this neighborhood. Most homes in this area are two to four bedrooms and were built between 1970 and 1999. There are no apartment complexes in this neighborhood.
So-Hi Estates: Nestled up against the Cerbat Mountains, So-Hi Estates has single family homes with panoramic views of Golden Valley and the surrounding mountains. All homes have community electric and water service and are accessed by paved streets. Single family homes and large mobile homes are common in this neighborhood.
Living in Golden Valley
Ride your horse through the expansive desert right from your front door. Seldom-traveled dirt roads and trails lead through the valley and into the surrounding mountains, giving you plenty of riding options. Mountain bikes and ATVs are two other options for exploring the desert terrain.
Learn about the desert plants and their uses at a local privately owned botanical garden. The garden welcomes visitors from March through November from dawn to dusk any day of the week. Veterans Park has 10 grassy acres with sports fields, a lighted picnic ramada, barbecue grills and mature shade trees.
The annual Golden Valley Day Festival takes place each October. The festival kicks off with a pancake breakfast followed by a parade. Other events include live entertainment, a fine art display, car show and farmers' market. Activities for children run throughout the day and food vendors are on hand to fill your growling stomach. A street dance and fireworks wrap up the event.
