Looking to start, relocate, or expand your business? The Desert Foothills region of North Maricopa County offers something increasingly rare in today’s marketplace: an affluent, engaged customer base; a strong sense of place; and direct access to one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. Anchored by the towns of Carefree and Cave Creek, and extending into North Scottsdale, North Phoenix, Anthem, New River, and surrounding foothills communities, the region blends small-town charm with big-market opportunity.

Businesses that are located here benefit from high household incomes, strong property values, a steady flow of visitors and seasonal residents, and a lifestyle-driven economy that values quality, experience, and local connection. The Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce plays a central role as an economic driver, connector, and advocates supporting businesses, amplifying visibility, and fostering collaboration across the entire Desert Foothills region.

At the center of it all is the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce, serving as a regional economic driver, business advocate, and connector. The Chamber actively supports new and expanding businesses through visibility, partnerships, advocacy, and community engagement, helping businesses not just open their doors, but thrive for the long term.

Whether you are launching a boutique concept, expanding a professional service, or seeking a destination-driven market for hospitality, retail, or wellness, the Desert Foothills offers a strategic, sustainable environment for long-term success.

Carefree

• Population: ~3,700
• Median Age: ~64.5
• Median Household Income: ~$141,000+
• Median Home Value: ~$1,066,600
• Education: ~62% bachelor’s degree or higher

Cave Creek

• Population: ~5,100
• Median Age: ~60
• Median Household Income: ~$102,000+
• Median Home Value: ~$900,000+
• Education: ~51% bachelor’s degree or higher

What this means for business:

Both communities offer affluent, educated populations with strong discretionary spending. Carefree skews toward retirees and empty nesters with high net worth, while Cave Creek provides a slightly younger demographic combined with tourism and a strong professional workforce.

Carefree

• Town-supported economic development and redevelopment planning
• Emphasis on sustainable commercial growth that preserves character
• Strong performance in boutique retail, dining, wellness, and hospitality

Cave Creek

• Low-cost annual business license (~$50)
• Diverse economy including professional services, tourism, retail, arts, and hospitality
• Business-friendly environment that encourages independent and experience-based concepts

Regional Advantage:

Together, Carefree and Cave Creek create a complementary economic ecosystem, balancing upscale, curated experiences with destination-driven foot traffic and entrepreneurial flexibility.

Tourism, Lifestyle & Destination Appeal

Shared Strengths

• Year-round visitors driven by events, festivals, outdoor recreation, and seasonal residents
• Proximity to Scottsdale and Phoenix attracts weekend and day-trip traffic
• Access to hiking, desert preserves, art, culture, and signature community events

Carefree

• Known for the Carefree Sundial, Desert Gardens, concerts, art festivals, exquisite dining, and refined desert ambiance
• Strong appeal for boutique hospitality, galleries, wine bars, and experiential retail

Cave Creek

• Distinct Western heritage with live entertainment, art galleries, rodeos, bike weeks, and eclectic dining, with the small-town charm.
• Active tourism promotion through the Cave Creek Tourism Bureau
• Outdoor attractions that include hiking, parks, horseback riding, and annual community events.

Business Impact:

Tourism and lifestyle-driven visitation significantly expand the customer base beyond year-round residents, supporting premium pricing and experience-focused business models.

Strategic Location & Regional Access

• Located within the Desert Foothills, approximately 24–35 miles from the center of Scottsdale and Phoenix
• Easy access to major employment centers while maintaining a destination identity
• Ability to draw from both local residents and the greater Phoenix metro population
• Mild winters and outdoor activities attract both tourists and “snowbirds” — seasonal residents who contribute to local spending.
• Low crime and strong community involvement are part of the quality–of–life appeal for both residents and small businesses.

High-Opportunity Business Sectors (Regional)

Based on demographics, income levels, and visitor trends, the following sectors perform especially well:

• Upscale & specialty retail
• Fine dining, wine bars, and specialty cafés
• Boutique lodging, inns, and experiential hospitality
• Health, wellness, and concierge medical services
• Professional services (financial, legal, consulting, real estate)
• Arts, culture, and creative enterprises
• Outdoor, equestrian, and guided experience businesses

The Chamber as an Economic Driver

The Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce has served the Desert Foothills since 1965 and is a key catalyst for regional economic vitality. The Chamber:

• Connects businesses to customers, partners, and community leaders
• Advocates for a pro-business environment across multiple municipalities
• Provides marketing, visibility, and event-driven foot traffic
• Supports business retention, expansion, and recruitment
• Serves as a regional connector linking Carefree, Cave Creek, and surrounding communities

Businesses don’t just open here, they become part of an engaged, collaborative regional economy.

Why the Desert Foothills Region is a Smart Business Move

• Affluent, educated customer base with strong purchasing power
• Destination-driven tourism and year-round visitation
• Supportive towns and an active regional Chamber
• Proximity to a major metro without urban saturation
• High quality of life that attracts both customers and employees
• Low barrier to entry. Affordable business licenses and permits. Pro-development orientation.
• Small-town characteristics.

Carefree. Cave Creek. Desert Foothills.
A region defined by opportunity, connection, and sustainable growth.