Photo by LIV Photography by Jen
One of the largest remaining undeveloped master-planned communities in Peoria broke last month. At a ceremony attended by local city officials and community members the first shovel of dirt was turned for Saddleback Ranch.
The community encompasses more than 5,200 acres and is expected to have more than 6,500 homes when finished. The homes, along with its array of amenities will be a welcome addition to the Upper Westside.
Castle Hills Partners, the master developer, has released plans that include more than 2,500 acres of open space, 60+ miles of walking, biking and hiking trails, over 50 acres of public parks as well as a variety of private parks and facilities.
Located only six miles from Lake Pleasant, the development touts itself as “a gateway to adventure,” fostering a connection with nature by rethinking amenities and incorporating modern design and technology into everyday life. The community will celebrate the land it occupies and those who will reside on it.
Saddleback aims to get back to the basics, creating a well-rounded experience where wellness, sustainability, and connections are celebrated. The focus of the community is to build a place that instills a true sense of belonging. By creating spaces where trails travel higher, nature is wilder, and community is encouraged, Saddleback intends to emphasize the “neighbor” in “neighborhood.”
Since 1990, Saddleback Heights has been a vision without substance. In 2022, Austin-based Castle Hill Partners bought the project for over $100 million. With construction now underway, phase 1 homes are expected to go on the market mid-2026.
The ground breaking included many speakers emphasizing the importance of Saddleback’s efforts in creating open space and preserving the natural environment and habitat. Officials said more than 3,400 cactuses and 1,600 trees have been salvaged in the first phase, and that more than 30,000 saguaros will blanket the development.
