Upper Canyon Ahwatukee: New Homes in the Foothills.

Upper Canyon is Ahwatukee’s newest gated, master-planned community — fresh modern layouts instead of 1990s floorplans, wide desert washes, and daily views of South Mountain’s ridgelines. The community sits minutes from the trailheads locals actually use: Desert Classic Trail, Telegraph Pass, Beverly Canyon, Pima Canyon and the broader South Mountain Preserve — one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S.

Upper Canyon Snapshot Common Questions Search New Homes

What is Upper Canyon & where is it?

Upper Canyon is a large and brand new master-planned community at Chandler Boulevard between 19th and 27th Avenues in the Ahwatukee Foothills of Phoenix, Arizona 85045. The current plan calls for roughly 1,050 single-family homes plus additional build-to-rent and multifamily units, built out in phases over several years.

It is located on the quieter, and western edge, of Ahwatukee with fast access to the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway, I-10, Sky Harbor, Tempe and Chandler. Many sites angle toward South Mountain and preserved washes, so you get big sky, desert light and mountain silhouettes instead of rooftop views. A true dream home in the desert.

Note: Information is as of December 15, 2025. Details, pricing, schools and timelines are subject to change.

Q: Upper Canyon Ahwatukee?
A: Upper Canyon Ahwatukee is a new gated master-planned community in the Ahwatukee Foothills with modern homes, South Mountain trail access and quick connections to major Phoenix job corridors.

Upper Canyon at a Glance

Location

Western Ahwatukee Foothills, Phoenix 85045 — near the Loop 202, close to trails at South Mountain Preserve, and roughly 20–30 minutes to major job corridors in normal traffic.

Builders

Builder marketing pages live now include Pulte Homes and D.R. Horton, and Blandford Homes is also publicly promoting Upper Canyon as “coming in 2026.” Expect multiple series and phased releases rather than one single “big opening day.”

Homes

New construction single-family homes are being marketed across multiple series. Public community info currently shows a broad size band (roughly ~1,300 to ~3,600+ sq ft depending on builder/plan), generally 3–5 bedrooms, 2–4.5 baths, and 2–3 car garages. Pricing remains “coming soon” and will move with the market.

Lifestyle

Gated with a resort-style amenity plan being promoted publicly: clubhouse, fitness, spa/hot tub, pool with lap lanes, sport courts (including pickleball), event lawn, playgrounds, ramadas/shade structures, and BBQ/picnic areas.

Schools

Expected to feed into Kyrene Elementary and Tempe Union High (Cerritos, Altadena, Desert Vista). Always confirm boundaries and programs directly with the districts at time of purchase.

Timing

Upper Canyon is still in “coming soon / under construction” marketing status across builder channels. Current public positioning points to first sales and closings starting in 2026, with a multi-year build-out and new phases releasing over time.

Who Upper Canyon is really for

Upper Canyon is for people who want the Ahwatukee lifestyle (hiking, close community, good schools) but don’t want to settle for 30-year-old floorplans.

Current Ahwatukee owners ready to trade up or down without leaving the foothills.
Chandler, Gilbert and Tempe move-up buyers who want a gated, resort-style feel.
Hikers and mountain bikers who want to live close to South Mountain Preserve.
Buyers who want Ahwatukee but dislike the older 1990s floorplans — they’ll love the fresh and modern layouts of Upper Canyon.
Remote and tech workers who want Sonoran Desert quiet with an easy freeway commute when needed.

Tour new homes in Upper Canyon

When you tour Upper Canyon with me, we’ll look beyond brochures. We’ll talk actual commute times, likely HOA ranges, any special tax districts, realistic price bands and how each builder’s product fits your long-term plans.

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Upper Canyon FAQs (Ahwatukee)

Is there an HOA? How much will it cost?

Yes, there will be at least one master HOA for the gated community, with the possibility of additional neighborhood-level HOAs. Exact fees and what they include are still being finalized. You’ll see the most accurate numbers in the builder’s public report and HOA budget before you sign a contract.

Is there a CFD or extra tax district?

New master-planned communities sometimes include a Community Facilities District (CFD) or similar special assessments to help fund infrastructure. To confirm for Upper Canyon, we’ll check the public report, a sample preliminary title report and the Maricopa County tax breakdown for a specific lot once parcels are recorded.

What price range should I expect?

Builders are currently marketing Upper Canyon in a “pricing coming soon” status. Based on location, builder mix and recent Ahwatukee / South Mountain comps, it’s reasonable to expect many homes to land in higher mid-tier and upper-tier ranges, with some higher and lower outliers. We’ll watch real-time releases and incentives so you’re not guessing.

Which schools does Upper Canyon feed into?

Builder and portal data currently point to Kyrene De Los Cerritos (elementary), Kyrene Altadena (middle) and Desert Vista High. Boundaries can shift; before you commit, we’ll confirm directly with Kyrene Elementary School District and Tempe Union High School District and talk about programs, open enrollment and waitlists if needed.

How do Pulte and D.R. Horton compare here?

Pulte’s plans are typically marketed as feature-rich, with multiple series and some larger footprints. D.R. Horton’s plans tend to be marketed as efficient, open-concept layouts that compete hard on value. In person, we’ll walk both so you can feel the differences in light, storage, circulation and outdoor space.

Can you help me negotiate with the builders?

Yes. Builders rarely “slash base price” first; they move in incentives, rate buydowns, lot premiums, design credits and closing costs. My job is to understand where they’re flexible in the current phase and protect you on contract contingencies, timelines, and the fine print.

Thinking about a new home in Upper Canyon?

Let’s talk through timing, budget and whether this community actually fits your life before you step into a sales office.

Call / Text 602-326-1098 Email Andrea

Search New Construction Homes in Upper Canyon & Nearby

Use the tool below to view Upper Canyon and other new-build communities around Phoenix. For builder incentives, unlisted specs and phase-by-phase intel, contact me after you browse.

Learn more about living in Ahwatukee:
Living in Ahwatukee • Ahwatukee Housing Market Update • Phoenix Homebuying Guide

Work with Andrea Scheppe

Phoenix native & award-winning Top Arizona REALTOR®

Relocating to Arizona or buying/selling in Greater Phoenix? Reach out to get on my calendar—I’ll give you real answers on the Phoenix housing market.

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