The Verde River Valley where Rio Verde now lies was settled in the 1880’s by small farmers who grew hay and alfalfa to feed the horses at the Fort McDowell Army post. Eventually the small farms combined to become the Box Bar Ranch. This ranch still exists to this day. In 1970, the adjacent land was sold to Rio Verde Development, Inc. and building began in 1973. When Rio Verde became built out, additional property was developed just north of Rio Verde. In 1992 construction began on Tonto Verde.
An adult 55+ community is where at least 80% of the households must have one member who is 55 years old or older to be in residence. The 80% rule makes it possible for residents to be less than 55, but no one under 19 years of age may be a permanent resident. Because Rio and Tonto Verde are 55+ communities, the residents pay no city school taxes, just county taxes on their properties.
Property taxes are based on valuations determined by the County assessor. The basis for the tax is approximately one percent of the assessed value. Rio Verde has no city taxes with the exception of the fire district tax payment.
Both the water and sewer are provided by Epcor on site in Rio Verde. The water is from deep wells on the ranch property, and the sewage treatment is also controlled by Epcor. Electricity is provided by Salt River Project. Natural gas is not available in the Verdes, and any gas appliances are fueled by propane. Rio Verde owners also have basic cable feed provided by Cox Communications paid for in their HOA dues
Yes, both Rio Verde, Tonto Verde and Trilogy have Home Owners Associations. All homes built must follow guidelines, and there are dues assessed bi-annually to pay for the community upkeep.
Annual dues to the Rio Verde Association in 2022 are $4599, payable in advance in two payments on January first and July first. This includes Community facilities such as the swimming pool, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, fitness center, library, card and art rooms, exercise classes, garbage and recycling pick- up, street maintenance, basic cable, common area maintenance and a social membership equivalent to Rio Verde Country Club. If you live in a townhouse you may have an additional fee for landscaping and exterior painting of your unit if your townhouse is in a townhouse HOA. These dues range from $1800-$2300 per year, dependent on your location and type of unit.
Dues to the Tonto Verde Association are $4600 per year, and townhouse HOA fees range from an additional $1870-$2100 per year for their additional maintenance. The heated pool, fitness center, garbage and recycling pick-up, street and gate maintenance, common areas, social membership equivalent to Tonto Verde Country Club, and an 18 hole natural grass putting course are paid for out of the HOA fees
Both are debt-free, have strong reserves and are in compliance with reserves required by the state.
The Verdes have a fire station, US Post Office, and Community Church on the property. The fire station has EMS service on site, with an average response time of 3 minutes 43 seconds. Mayo Clinic and Scottsdale Healthcare at Shea are 25 minutes away. The town of Fountain Hills is 8 miles to the south of Rio Verde, and offers restaurants, shopping, medical facilities and the world famous Fountain and park.
Rio Verde has 980 households on 735 acres. Tonto Verde has 629 homes on 695 acres. As of the 2020 census 2180 people live here in the Verdes. Many of our residents are seasonal.
Construction on a lot in either community will require the approval of the architectural committee before you can build. The minimum size home is 1800 square feet, and the maximum would depend on the size and shape of your lot since there are setbacks. All homes are single story, and any changes to landscaping or fencing would also require you to adhere to the guidelines.
The acceptable number of dogs per household is two. Any structure to house pets must not be visible from the street, and commercial breeding or boarding pets is not allowed. Excessive dog barking is not allowed, and dogs must walk on a leash. The community of Rio Verde has a cart path walking program on the golf course cart paths prior to the first tee time in the morning, and owners MUST pick up pet waste and dispose of it back at the owner’s home, not in community trash cans. Tonto Verde does not allow pets or residents to walk on the golf course at any time.
No, joining the club is not required. As a community resident, your HOA dues include a social membership to the club with limited golf on a fee basis. Both clubs have resident and non-resident memberships available, and you can join either club or both! Visit my Golf in the Verdes page for more information about both clubs.
