The Ahwatukee Foothills Village is bounded by I-10 to the east, South Mountain to the north and the Gila River Indian Community to the west and south. Although most people are only aware of Ahwatukee Foothills for its planned community development, the village has its own history. The village is named after the once existing Ahwatukee Ranch which was one of the most beautiful and lavish houses when it was built in 1922.

Eye on the Future 2020, the Maricopa County Comprehensive Plan, provides a guide for decisions concerning growth and development, and considers strategies for addressing growth-related impacts. Among the strategies is the creation of scenic corridors for unique roads in Maricopa County. The Carefree Highway area is one of these roads, and thus the Carefree Highway Scenic Corridor Guidelines are established to help enhance this area’s special characteristics.