About Jen & The Nelson Group
Born in Los Angeles and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Jen brought her entrepreneurial spirit to Arizona in 2003 alongside her Arizona-native husband. Their real estate journey began in 2001, investing in and renovating homes throughout the Seattle area before expanding into a series of successful ventures including the founding of commercial design, construction, moving, and development companies.
Today, Jen serves on the Phoenix Association of REALTORS® Leadership Council and on the board of a real estate investment firm. With a background that spans building, development, and commercial real estate, she has discovered her true passion in residential and investment real estate a focus she’s embraced since 2018 with both expertise and enthusiasm.
Dedicated to her clients and her community, Jen also teaches financial literacy, volunteers through her church, and is deeply committed to helping people find home.
When she’s not guiding clients or leading industry initi running races with fellow moms or cheering from the s sporting events.
Direct:
Office:
Email: Jen@NelsonGroupSW.com
OFFICE ADDRESS
4222 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Carefree & Cave Creek Arizona Livingin
Nestled in the high Sonoran Desert just north of Scottsdale, Carefree, Arizona lives up to its name a quiet, upscale town known for its artistic character, desert beauty, and relaxed luxury lifestyle. With roughly 3,700 residents, Carefree offers a tranquil small-town setting surrounded by mountain views, cactus gardens, and wide desert skies.
Real Estate & Home Styles
Homes in Carefree tend to be spacious, custom-built properties on larger lots, many with mountain or sunset views. You’ll find:
Luxury estates with modern architecture and resort-style amenities
Southwestern and Santa Fe-style homes with desert landscaping and natural materials
Golf-course and gated communities (such as The Boulders or Carefree Sentinel Rock Estates)
A few lock-and-leave villas or patio homes for seasonal residents
Lot sizes are generally larger than in neighboring Scottsdale, giving Carefree a distinctly open and private feel.
Carefree & Cave Creek Arizona Livingin
REASONS PEOPLE MOVE TO CAREFREE AND CAVE CREEK
Peace Privacy and Natural Beauty
Wellness, Arts and Community Events
Immersed in the Sonoran Desert
An abundance of outdoor activities
Incredible weather almost all year
Darling boutiques, local restaurants & coffee shops
Small town feel with wild west roots
Elegant homes with large lots
Close proximity to Cave Creek & Scottsdale
Lifestyle community with hiking, biking, golf, country clubs and lakes
7211 E Ho Rd 22 & 23, Carefree Coffee/ Sandwiches/Salads
In Carefree
Tonto Bar & Grill
Raven’s View
Harold’s Cave Creek Corral
El Encanto
Brugos Pizza Co. & Italian Bistro
Cryin’ Coyote BBQ CaveCreek
Carefree
Giordano’s Trattoria Romana
Pizzafaro’s
Confluence Restaurant
Pizzicata
Giordanno’s Trattoria Romana
UpscaleFare
Le Sans Souci - French Fare
Talavera in the Four Seasons
Palo Verde
Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse
The Grill Kitchen & Bar - Boulders
The Belmont Kitchen and Cocktails
Mastro’s Steakhouse
The Living Room Wine Cafe & Lounge
Isabella’s Kitchen
*My favorite tacos - Sol Cocina @ the Quarter
IN CAVE CREEK & CAREFREE
01
CaveCreekRodeo
A western-heritage celebration featuring: a parade, Mutton Bustin’ for kids, a Cornhole Tournament, and three major days of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)-sanctioned rodeo performances.
SpurCrossrecreation
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area is a protected 2,154-acre natural area located about five miles north of Cave Creek, Arizona in the Sonoran Desert. It offers rugged desert terrain, historic sites, desert washes, and some perennial creek stretches.
Taste of Cave Creek
More than a food festival, the Taste of Cave Creek captures the area’s desert charm, western spirit, and strong sense of community. It’s a perfect opportunity to sample local flavors, discover new favorites, and enjoy a lively evening with friends or family all in the relaxed, open-air setting of Stagecoach Village.
Bartlett Lake
Bartlett Lake, just a short drive from Carefree, offers a serene desert escape framed by the stunning Sonoran Desert and surrounding mountains. It’s perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, or a lakeside picnic an ideal retreat from the hustle while staying close to Carefree’s luxury and charm.
Carefree and Cave Creek offer exceptional desert golf experiences. The Boulders and Desert Forest deliver world-class play in stunning, upscale settings, while Rancho Mañana and Dove Valley Ranch offer scenic, accessible courses surrounded by Sonoran beauty.
CarefreeFarmer’sMarket
The Carefree Farmers Market is a vibrant weekend destination showcasing fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and handcrafted treasures. It’s the perfect spot to savor seasonal flavors, discover unique finds, and enjoy a lively, community-focused atmosphere in the heart of Carefree.
Choosing the Right Neighborhood in Carefree & Cave Creek
When relocating to a new area, choosing the right community is just as important as finding the perfect home. Beyond beautiful architecture and design, the ideal neighborhood reflects your lifestyle whether that means access to equestrian facilities, scenic parks and trails, or a vibrant local dining scene.
From peaceful desert enclaves with panoramic mountain views to elegant gated communities near world-class golf and amenities, Carefree and Cave Creek offer an exceptional range of options.
To help you discover the setting that feels most like home, I’ve curated a selection of some of the area’s most desirable neighborhoods and communities.
NOTABLE NEIGHBORHOODS Carefree
THE BOULDERS
A prestigious, resort-style gated community that features luxury homes, dramatic rock formations, golf courses, and high-end amenities. It’s one of the areas signature addresses, though technically in Scottsdale.
CAREFREE FOOTHILLS
Scenic estates on larger lots, often with sweeping views and privacy. It appeals to buyers wanting more land, space, and a quieter desert feel.
CAREFREE TOWN CENTER
Closer to the heart of the town, this area has more walkability, proximity to galleries, shops, restaurants, and smaller homes or casita-style residences.
GATED COMMUNITIES/LUXURY ENCLAVES
There are multiple gated and upscale enclaves tucked into Carefree that offer privacy, controlled access, and custom homes. Ocotillo Ridge, Sentinel Rock Estates and more.
COW TRACK ESTATES
This is one of the most exclusive areas in Carefree, with some of the highest sale prices in the region. Properties here feature expansive lots, panoramic mountain views and custom-designed estates ideal for a truly luxurious desert lifestyle.
NOTABLE NEIGHBORHOODS Cave Creek
RANCHO Mañana
A refined, golf-oriented neighborhood with custom homes set in the desert. Located in a serene setting, close to nature, yet within reach of Cave Creek’s many amenities.
DESERT MOUNTAIN
One of the most prestigious gated communities around Cave Creek, noted for large custom estates and top-tier amenities. Ideal for buyers seeking privacy, luxury finishes, sweeping desert vistas and resort-style living.
RED DOG RANCH
An equestrian-friendly neighborhood offering large lots, custom-built homes, and direct access to trails and nature. With its focus on space and freedom, this area is suited for those valuing lifestyle as much as luxury.
TATUM RANCH
A more master-planned, residential community known for being family-friendly, offering amenities that include parks, golf, and accessible services. While still upscale, it offers comparatively more accessible pricing than the ultra-luxury gated estates. Excellent if you’re looking for a blend of luxury living with community environment and convenience of amenities.
CONTINENTAL MOUNTAIN ESTATES
A boutique, high-end subdivision in north Cave Creek, offering very large home-sites (4–7 acres) and custom residences. Emphasizes panoramic views and privacy ideal for buyers looking for a desert “estate” feel with luxury finishes.
Next Steps
A few things we recommend if you’re exploring a move to the Valley:
Visit the area for a few days, eat locally, walk around the communities and drive through areas of interest
Schedule one of our exclusive tours through some of the most soughtafter neighborhoods. It’s a complimentary serviceConnect on a quick exploratory call and we’ll happily set up a search for you so you can see a variety of homes, neighborhoods and private exclusives not yet on the market.
Ask lots of questions - we’re here for you! We are a team of both Arizona natives and transplants to the Valley. And we all love talking about what it’s like living here.
In case it’s useful we have a few videos on our YouTube channel about moving to the Valley, too. HERE is a link to one of them.
We’re a little biased but we think living in the Valley of the Sun is a hard-tobeat quality of life - and it’s the best place to call home.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions at all. We’re always happy to help!
Jen, Cynthia, Brittany, Christina, Teresa and Katie