Centuries ago, when most of what is now called the Southwest was sparsely populated, the Verde River Valley was teeming with activity. The people who lived here were called the Hohokam and they became adept at utilizing the water from the Verde River to irrigate corn, bean and squash crops.

Around 1400 AD the Hohokam left the area. When the Spanish arrived several hundred years later they found no major population centers. The Native Americans were widely scattered in nomadic tribes that we know as Apache, Yavapai, Navajo, Hopi, Pima and Mojave.

Fast forward to 1919 when two ranchers obtained a homestead grant for 160 acres on the west bank of the Verde River. Using this as their headquarters, they leased 93,000 acres from the government and formed the Box Bar Ranch. In the mid-1900s land managers realized that the Phoenix area was due for a population boom. The Page Land and Cattle Company purchased the Box Bar Ranch and adjacent land that would eventually become a sister community called Rio Verde. Development began there in 1974.

When the Rio Verde property was approaching build-out, more property was acquired through land exchanges with the government. These were consolidated into 695 acres and became Tonto Verde. Before construction started, an archaeological survey was conducted. Numerous Hohokam sites were identified and nine significant ones were excavated in the fall of 1991. In early 1992 construction began and by November of 1993 the first Tonto Verde golf course was ready for play. This course was called The Peaks for its panoramic mountain vistas, including breathtaking views of Four Peaks.

The first residents moved into their homes in November of 1994 and others quickly followed. Home sales grew rapidly. By late 1996 a 26,000 square foot clubhouse, overlooking two lakes and an 18-hole putting course, was ready for use. The view from the clubhouse terrace is widely known as one of the most spectacular in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

By 1999 construction on the second golf course was completed and was named The Ranch after its Box Bar Ranch heritage. This course also boasts great pliability and fantastic mountain views.

By 2009 all lots had been sold, 613 homes were completed or under construction, and Tonto Verde transitioned from the developer and became wholly owned by its residents. Unlike many communities, Tonto Verde is debt free and has strong reserves. In that same year, a major renovation of the clubhouse was undertaken producing a stunning Santa Fe style facility that received the first place 2010 award from Golf, Inc., as the best clubhouse renovation in the country.

Surrounded by mountains and bordered by national forest lands, Tonto Verde is the perfect setting in which to create a strikingly beautiful golf community. Whether looking for a retirement or a vacation home, Tonto Verde provides the ideal location. You can enjoy the amenities of a first class country club amidst an open and peaceful setting…a setting unmatched in the Phoenix area.

Tonto Verde’s magnificent location and amenities attracts people from diverse backgrounds and locales across the US and Canada. They come together in this Sonoran desert oasis to create a spirit of community unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. When you discover Tonto Verde, you’ll want to call it home.