Gold Canyon is an unincorporated area created from a working cattle ranch at the base of the southeastern region of the Superstion Mountains. In the 1970's Dinamount Development Corp. assembled the property, and in the 1980s built Gold Canyon Golf Resort home to Dinosaur Mountain and Sidewinder, two of Arizona's premier golf courses.
Gold Canyon's rolling topography and magnificient vistas have attracted residents from all over the world who call this piece of paradise home. Over 10,000 people live in the area and love having the historic Superstition Mountains in their backyard. Gold Canyon offers a change of pace from the hectic lifestyle found in most urban centers of the valley. New freeway expansions make it an easy commute to most Phoenix metro work centers.
There are wonderful hiking trails accessible from Kings Ranch Road and Peralta Trail. Horseback riding is allowed and the area is still rural enough that nature is the attraction.
Apache Junction is a growing city with an exciting historic past. It is home to the legendary Superstition Mountains and is the gateway to a wonderful outdoor recreational area - The Tonto National Forest. Apache Junction has a real hometown feel and continues to value and respect the natural enviroment, with lifestyles and activities everyone can enjoy.
With a year-round population of 41,000+ the area welcomes over 35,000 seasonal residents increasing the population of the city from mid-October to mid-April to over 76,000 residents.
With the rapid growth in Pinal County, Apache Junction is becoming a popular destination for families and business.
DEMOGRAPHICS
Apache Junction
Population 41,104
Median Age 44 years
Households 17,923
Median Income $40,516
Gold Canyon
Population 10,120
Median Age 56 years
Households 3,250
Median Income $60,438
POPULATION GROWTH
Apache Junction 1990/18,092, 2000/31,814,
2004/33,725
Pinal County 1990/116,397, 2000/179,727,
2004/218,285
State of Arizona 1990/3,665,228, 2000/5,130,632,
2004/5,832,150
WEATHER
The area experiences approximately nine inches of rain, and an average of 214 totally cloudless days per year. The average January temperature is 53 degrees F, and the average July temperature is 93 degrees F.
TAXES
Sales
State of Arizona 5.6%
Pinal County 1.0%
City of Apache Junction 2.2%
Property (per $100 assessed valuation),2004
Elementary/High School 6.75
Fire District 2.48
Countywide 7.56
Income
City of Apache Junction None
State of Arizona $900*
*Based on a median family income of $37,726
Source: Arizona Tax Research Foundation
PRINCIPAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
Employment figures for Apache Junction do not truly represent its economic activity; proximity to metropolitan Phoenix gives a far more realistic indication of the area's economic base. Apache Junction's economy is based almost exclusively on recreation seekers on their way to Arizona's central lakes and forests. Extensive developments and accommodations serve many retired persons and winter visitors.
Pinal County Employment, 2004
Government 16,250
Trade,transportation & utilities 7,475
Educational and health services 4,000
Leisure and hospitality 3,350
Professional & business services 2,950
Manufacturing 2,850
Mining and construction 2,725
Financial activities 875
Information 300
Source: Arizona Department of Econimic Security. Figures organized under the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS).
HEALTH CARE
Several health-related projects are in the planning and building stages for the Apache Junction/East Mesa area. Banner Hospitals and Advanced Cardiac Specialists are looking to expand into the area. A new hospital is being built in far east mesa. This opportunity will provide a more solid job base in the area, along with increased opportunity for health care closer to home. The Superstition Mountain communities offer it all, including
Banner Baywood Hospitals/Medical Centers
Cardiac specialists
Long-term and Alzheimer's care
Professional registry
Urgent care
Docotors
Dentists
Physical thereapy
Chiropractic
Drug services
Hospice
Imaging
Oncology
EDUCATION
The Apache Junction/Gold Canyon area prides itself on the great educational opportunities available to residents. Opportunities from public school to charter and private Montessori to Christian, and pre-school to college are available.
Apache Junction Unified School District
Central Arizona College
Charter Elementary Academy
Charter High School
Little prospector Pre-School
King Ranch Kids Pre-School
RECREATION
The City of Apache Junction has one of the best-rated parks and recreation departments in Arizona. With a full schedule of activities for adults and children, the staff also cares for several public parks, a pool, and sports facilities. For more information on parks and recreation activities, call (480) 983-2181.
Prospector Park
Lost Dutchman State Park
Swimming Pool and Waterpark
Skate Park
Dinosaur Mountain Park in Gold Canyon
Rodeo Arena and Event Center
2007 ARIZONA LECTURE SERIES
All programs are scheduled for Mondays at 7pm.
January 8 Incident at Skull Cave, Dale C. Miles
January 15 Mrs. Wyatt Earp, Terry Earp
January 22 Territorial Health Seekers,
Robert Kravetz
January 29 Gunfight at the O.K. Corral,
John Zeigler
February 05 The Hohokam: A Civilization,
Dr. Paul Fish
February 12 Geronimo's Surrender, Jay Van Orden
February 19 Tragic Esmond Train Wreck,
William Kalt
February 26 Life of Everett D. Newcomer,
Nyle Leatham
March 05 The Presidio Soldier of the Pimeria
Alta, Richard Collins
March 12 Ruins of the Sierra Anchas,
Richard Lange
March 19 Legends of the Superstitions,
Tom Kollenborn
March 26 Colossal Caves, Rick Sundt
April 2 Justice Run Amok, Paul Kietter
January 11 The Martins
January 18 Nosotros
January 25 The Swing Tips
February 8 Swing Memories
February 15 Jimmy Travis Show
February 22 Wayne Richardson & Cowboy Way Band
March 13 Swinging Resorters "Glen Miller
Story"
All programs begin at 7 pm in the Performing Arts Center, 2525 South Ironwood Drive. Doors open one hour in advance. Tickets are $5 each at the door. Pre-sale tickets will be available two weeks in advance at the Community Services Office, 1575 West Southern Avenue, Suite 4. Season tickets are $50 each and go on sale October 1, 2006. For more information, call (480)982-1110, ext. 2014.
GOLF
Gold Canyon, Superstition Mountain, and the City of Apache Junction are home to some of Arizona's premier golf courses. The area recently became home to the Superstiton Mountain Golf and Country Club. With two Jack Nicholas courses, it hosted the Countrywide Seniors Golf event in 2002, and the LPGA Safeway Tournament in 2005 and 2006.
Apache Creek Golf Club
Mountainbrook Golf Course
Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club
Dinosaur Mountain @ Gold Canyon Golf Resort
Sidewinder @ Gold Canyon Golf Resort
Augusta Ranch Golf Club
EMERGING INDUSTRY
Excitement and interest in the Superstition Mountain Region - specifically, the Town of Superior - is being created by the new investment of Resolution Copper Co. Resolution will bring jobs to the region and growth in residential, business, and community development.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
The Superstion Vistas state land which is scheduled for development in the very near future will greatly change the landscape and future of Pinal County. At 275 square miles, Superstition Vistas would stretch from Sky Harbor Airport to Williams Gateway Airport.
The Superstiton Vistas population may some day reach 900,000. That number could be approached by 2060, but may take much longer, depending on the rate of growth.
Five trends are likely to shape future urban lifestyles: aging of the baby boomers; more diversity; rising transportation costs; more technology and telecommuting; and embracing new ways of designing communities.
Everyone wants to know if there is enough water for Superstion Vistas. Water is a regional, rather than geographic, issue. As the metro area expands, Superstion Vistas will have to compete for regional water resources. Four regional sources with different costs, reliability, and availablility could sustain the area: Central Arizona Project, other Colorado River water, groundwater, and reclaimed water. Superstition Vistas is well-positioned to compete.
Source: Morrison Institute for Public Policy Report/2005
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