A vast new 'city within a city' is taking shape in the Arizona desert, promising a radical solution to housing affordability with a strong emphasis on sustainable living. The enormous Teravalis development in Buckeye, situated roughly 30 miles west of Phoenix, will eventually comprise 100,000 homes across a 37,000-acre site.
A Blueprint for a Self-Contained Community
Developed by Howard Hughes Communities, the project celebrated its grand opening last month and is envisioned to grow into a fully-fledged community for up to 300,000 residents. Charley Freericks, Arizona Region President for the developer, explained the vision, stating the community is designed to integrate schools, healthcare, employment, and services all within easy reach.
"The community is designed to be an employment hub, ensuring that residents can live and work - enjoying an exceptional quality of life and career growth opportunities within the same community for generations to come," Freericks told the Daily Mail.
The project has received support from Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, who emphasised the state's need for more homes and lower costs. Seven builders are involved in constructing properties, with starting prices around $324,990 (approximately £257,000). This is notably below the Phoenix area's average home price of $400,000, according to Zillow.
Sustainability at the Heart of Desert Development
With the community located in a water-scarce region, water stewardship has been a critical focus from the outset. Developers claim Teravalis will exceed regulatory standards, targeting a 35 percent reduction in average water consumption through innovative design.
Measures include fitting every home with EPA WaterSense fixtures and ENERGY STAR appliances, using drought-tolerant plants with efficient irrigation, and constructing on-site water reclamation facilities. "The community goes beyond regulatory standards to establish a model for sustainable water management in the desert," Freericks noted.
Despite these assurances, the scale of the project has prompted some local concerns online regarding long-term water security. Both the developer and Buckeye Mayor Eric Osborn have stressed that sustainability is integral to the project's long-term vision.
Amenities and Lifestyle in the 'Land of the Valley'
Teravalis, meaning 'Land of the Valley', aims to offer a high quality of life alongside its affordable homes. The plans include:
- Over 7,000 acres of preserved natural open space.
- Miles of trails for hiking and cycling.
- The Echo Community Center, set to open in 2027, featuring resort-style pools, a spa, a fitness centre, and event spaces.
Freericks reported strong early demand, with families already moved in and many homes under contract prior to the official opening. The project represents a significant test case for balancing large-scale, affordable housing development with environmental responsibility in an arid climate. As Governor Hobbs stated, "water sustainability and growth are not trade-offs. They go hand in hand."
