Moving From Washington to Verrado, Arizona: The Complete Second-Home Buyer’s Guide

There comes a point during a Western Washington winter when another gray morning can make you wonder:

What if we had a place in Arizona?

Not necessarily because you want to leave Washington.

Maybe you love your home here. Your friends are here. Your family is here. And there is almost nowhere better than the Pacific Northwest in the summer, amiright?!.

You just wouldn't mind trading a few months of rain, short days and jackets for sunshine, golf and dinner outside in February.

I understand that thought because my husband and I had it too.

We eventually bought our second home in Verrado, Arizona, a master-planned community in Buckeye, west of Phoenix. And now I have the unusual privilege of being a real estate agent licensed on both sides of that decision in Washington and Arizona.

After going through the process myself and helping other buyers do the same, I've learned something important:

Buying a second home in Arizona isn't really about buying another house. It's about creating another version of your life.

So if you've been looking at Verrado homes online from your couch in Western Washington and wondering whether this could actually work for you, this guide is where I'd start.

First: Why Verrado?

When my husband and I started looking at Arizona, we didn't automatically know Verrado was going to be our place. 

Like many Washington buyers, we considered other Arizona communities. But Verrado felt different.

It wasn't simply rows of houses in the desert.

There was a Main Street. People were walking and riding bikes. There were parks, trails, golf courses, restaurants, community events and neighbors actually interacting with each other.

It felt established and welcoming.

And perhaps most importantly, it felt like somewhere we could actually live, rather than somewhere we would simply own a house.

That's an important distinction when you're buying a second home.

You don't need to duplicate the life you already have in Washington.

You're creating the life you want when you're in Arizona.

Where Is Verrado?

Verrado is located in Buckeye, Arizona, on the western side of the Phoenix metropolitan area near the White Tank Mountains.

This is something Washington buyers should understand because looking at a map of the Phoenix area can be deceiving.

The Valley is enormous.

Verrado is not Scottsdale, and it isn't trying to be.

If your ideal Arizona lifestyle revolves around being in Old Town Scottsdale several nights a week, Verrado may not be the right fit.

But if you're picturing golf, hiking, walking to coffee, sitting on a patio, spending time with friends, enjoying the community and occasionally heading into Phoenix or Scottsdale, the equation can look very different.

That's especially true for second-home owners who aren't making a daily commute.

When you're considering Verrado, I recommend asking yourself a different question than:

"How far is this from Scottsdale?"

Ask:

"Where will I actually spend my time when I'm in Arizona?"

For many Verrado residents, the answer turns out to be: right here. I love that I can hop in my golf cart and go to the doctor, dentist, optometrist, pharmacy, Target, Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers, wine tasting, fitness center and the list goes on.

What Is It Actually Like to Live in Verrado?

This is probably the question that's hardest to answer from Zillow.

You can see bedrooms.

You can see square footage.

You can see beautiful kitchens and swimming pools.

You can't really see community.

That's one of Verrado's biggest selling points.

The community was designed around a small-town concept, with neighborhoods connected by parks, trails and gathering spaces. Main Street gives Verrado a center, with restaurants, coffee, shops and services.

Depending on where you live, your Arizona morning might include walking for coffee, playing a round of golf, hiking in the nearby White Tank Mountains, meeting friends for lunch or taking the golf cart out for a drive.

And yes, sometimes the day consists of doing absolutely nothing by the pool.

That's allowed too.

For someone coming from Western Washington, one of the biggest lifestyle changes is simply how much time you can spend outside during the winter.

The sunshine changes your routine, your mood, your health.

Verrado Isn't Just One Neighborhood

This is something I wish more buyers understood before they started looking at houses.

Searching "homes for sale in Verrado" makes it seem as though you're shopping in one neighborhood.

You're not.

There are different areas and neighborhoods within Verrado, and they can offer very different experiences.

You may want to be closer to Main Street.

You may prefer a newer home.

You may want a gated neighborhood.

You may care about mountain views.

You may want golf nearby.

Or you may be considering Victory at Verrado, the community's 55+ active-adult neighborhood.

This is why I encourage my buyers to choose their Verrado lifestyle before choosing their Verrado house.

A gorgeous house in the wrong location is still the wrong house.

Victory at Verrado or Traditional Verrado?

If you're 55 or older—or getting close—Victory will probably come up during your research.

Victory at Verrado is an active-adult community within Verrado with its own amenities and social opportunities.

For some second-home buyers, it's exactly what they're looking for.

For others, traditional Verrado is a better fit.

The decision isn't simply about age.

Ask yourself:

Do you want an active-adult environment?

Would you enjoy having organized activities and amenities close by?

Do you want neighbors from a mix of generations?

Will children or grandchildren visit often?

How important are golf, fitness and social activities?

Neither option is automatically better.

You're deciding what you want your Arizona community to feel like.

How Much Does It Really Cost to Own a Second Home in Verrado?

This is where I encourage buyers to look beyond the purchase price.

Your actual cost of owning a Verrado home can include:

• Mortgage payment, if you're financing
• Property taxes
• Homeowner's insurance
• HOA and community assessments
• Electricity
• Water
• Landscaping
• Pest control
• Pool service, if you have a private pool
• Home-watch or property-check services when you're away
• Routine maintenance

For Washington buyers, electricity deserves special attention.

In Western Washington, air conditioning may barely factor into your household budget.

In Arizona, it matters.

Even if you're back in Washington during the hottest months, your home still needs to be properly maintained.

This is why I like to look at the total ownership picture with buyers rather than simply asking, "Can you afford this house?"

The better question is:

"Will owning this house feel easy enough that you'll actually enjoy it?"

What Happens to Your Verrado Home When You Go Back to Washington?

This is one of the best questions a second-home buyer can ask.

Your Arizona house doesn't stop being a house because you're spending the summer in Washington.

You'll want a plan for things like air conditioning, landscaping, pest control, water, security and, if applicable, pool maintenance.

Many seasonal homeowners also use smart-home technology such as:

• Smart thermostats
• Water-leak detectors
• Security cameras or video doorbells
• Smart locks
• Garage-door sensors
• Interior temperature monitors

I also like the idea of having a trusted local person or home-watch service physically check the property. Thankfully we have very good friends who can pick up our mail and take our packages inside.

And here's something buyers don't always realize:

How you plan to use the home when you're away should influence what you buy in the first place.

Maybe a private pool sounds wonderful until you realize you'll be gone five months of the year.

Maybe low-maintenance landscaping suddenly becomes much more important.

Maybe a newer home gives you more peace of mind.

Maybe a lock-and-leave property is exactly what you need.

We shouldn't just shop for how you'll live in the house when you're there.

We should consider how the house works when you're not there.

Do You Need a Pool?

Ah, the Arizona pool question.

When you're sitting in Washington looking at listings, the answer can feel obvious.

Of course we need a pool. We're buying a house in Arizona!

Maybe.

But let's talk about how you'll actually use the home.

If you're primarily planning to be in Arizona from late fall through spring, how often will you use your private pool?

Do you want the maintenance?

Would you rather use one of the community pools?

Would you prefer to spend that money on a better lot, golf-course location, larger patio or upgraded home?

For some buyers, a private pool is non-negotiable. (it was for us and I have a whole lesson on that coming soon!)

For others, it sounds much better in the listing photos than it does once they understand the maintenance.

This is one of those decisions where there's no universally correct answer.

There's only the answer that fits your version of Arizona life.

New Construction or Resale in Verrado?

This is another decision many Verrado buyers face.

New construction has obvious appeal.

Everything is new.

New roof. New HVAC. New appliances. Current finishes. Better energy efficiency. Fewer immediate maintenance concerns.

For a second-home owner living more than 1,000 miles away part of the year, that peace of mind can be valuable.

Builders may also offer incentives depending on current market conditions.

But new construction isn't automatically the better deal.

You also need to consider:

• Lot premiums
• Landscaping
• Window coverings
• Builder upgrades
• Backyard completion
• Pool costs
• Construction around you (so true!)
• The timeline before the neighborhood is finished

A resale home may already have tens of thousands of dollars invested in landscaping, window coverings, patio improvements and a completed backyard.

And there's another advantage:

You know exactly what you're buying.

The house across the street already exists.

The view behind you isn't a rendering.

The trees have grown.

The neighborhood has a personality.

I help buyers compare the whole package, not simply the sticker price.

And one thing I always remind buyers considering a new build:

The friendly salesperson in the model home works for the builder.

You are allowed to have someone representing your interests too. That's me!

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Home in Verrado?

This is one of the most common questions I hear, and the answer may surprise you.

There isn't one magical month.

Winter is when Arizona is easiest to fall in love with.

The weather is beautiful, golf courses are busy, patios are full and Washington buyers understand immediately why people spend winters here.

But you're not the only person who notices.

Summer is a completely different experience.

It's hot. Very hot. The kind where you need to use an oven mitt to open door handles.

But there may be fewer seasonal buyers competing for homes, and depending on market conditions, sellers or builders may be more motivated.

Summer also lets you evaluate a home during Arizona's toughest season.

What does that west-facing backyard feel like at 4:00 p.m.?

How much direct sun hits the windows?

Is there enough patio shade?

How does the house cool?

Those things matter.

Rather than trying to time a perfect month, I encourage buyers to watch for the intersection of three things:

The right house. The right terms. The right time for you.

That's usually more important than the date on the calendar.

Should You Buy Your Verrado Home Before You're Ready to Retire?

This is an interesting question because many second-home buyers aren't retired. (Like us).

They aren't necessarily moving to Arizona permanently either.

They just want another option.

Maybe you're working remotely.

Maybe your schedule has become more flexible.

Maybe your adult kids are scattered around the West.

Maybe you're realizing that you don't have to wait until 65 to create the lifestyle you've been imagining.

That's one of the things I love about the second-home conversation.

It isn't necessarily:

"Where are we retiring?"

It can simply be:

"How do we want to spend the next ten years?"

Those are very different questions.

How Should You Plan Your First Verrado House-Hunting Trip?

Please don't fly to Arizona and schedule twelve random houses based solely on Zillow photos.

There's a better way.

Before my out-of-state buyers arrive, I want to understand the life they're trying to create.

Golf?

Walkability?

A pool?

Mountain views?

New construction?

Low maintenance?

55+ amenities?

Room for adult kids to visit?

Lock-and-leave convenience?

Once we understand those priorities, we can build a much smarter tour.

And when you visit Verrado, I don't want you only looking at houses.

I want you to experience the community.

Walk Main Street.

Have lunch.

Drive the neighborhoods.

See the golf courses.

Look at the trails.

Visit the community amenities that matter to you.

Drive around at different times of day.

Sit outside.

Imagine it's January and you're scrolling Facebook while floating in your pool and everyone back home is posting pictures of snow.

Could you see yourself here?

Because we're not simply trying to find a house you like.

We're trying to determine whether you like the life that comes with it.

The Biggest Mistake Washington Buyers Can Make

I think the biggest mistake is trying to solve the entire decision online.

Online research is wonderful.

You should research.

Read the blogs. Look at homes. Study the neighborhoods. Compare prices.

But eventually, you have to experience Verrado.

There are things a listing cannot tell you.

How the street feels.

Whether the mountains seem close.

How much road noise you hear.

Whether you like the drive.

Which part of the community immediately feels like you.

And sometimes the house you were convinced you'd love online isn't the one you choose.

That's okay.

That's what the visit is for.

Buy the Life, Not Just the House

If there's one thing I want you to take away from this guide, it's this:

Your Arizona second home doesn't need to be a second version of your Washington home.

It has a different job.

Maybe its job is to give you sunshine in January.

Maybe it's where your adult kids come for Thanksgiving.

Maybe it's where you finally play golf three days a week.

Maybe it's coffee outside in February.

Maybe it's a place to spend six weeks now and six months later.

Maybe it's simply knowing that when Western Washington settles into another long stretch of gray skies, you have another front door you can open.

That's what a second home can give you.

My husband and I made the Washington-to-Verrado decision ourselves, and today I get to help other Western Washington buyers decide whether that same lifestyle makes sense for them.

I'm licensed in both Washington and Arizona, which means I understand both sides of this move—the home and life you're coming from and the Arizona community you're considering.

And my job isn't to convince you that Verrado is right for you.

My job is to help you figure out if it is.

Thinking About a Second Home in Verrado?

If you're sitting somewhere in Western Washington wondering whether an Arizona second home could actually work, let's talk.

We can start with a simple conversation about what you're looking for, how often you imagine using the home, what you'd like to spend and what kind of Arizona life you're picturing.

Then, if Verrado sounds like a fit, we'll map out your visit so you can experience the community—not just tour a collection of houses.

Ready to explore Verrado? Let's start with a conversation. You can simply send me a DM on Instagram @thetammycannon and we'll go from there.

Tammy Cannon | Washington + Arizona Realtor | Helping Western Washington buyers find their second home in Verrado.