Editing Cave Creek, Arizona

{{Short description|Town in Maricopa County, Arizona}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Cave Creek, Arizona
| official_name      = 
| settlement_type    = [[Town]]
| image_skyline      = Cave Creek-Welcome to Cave Creek Marker.JPG
| imagesize          = 250px
| image_caption      = Welcome marker
| image_seal         = Cavecreekaz seal.png
| seal_size          = 
| motto              = Where the Wild West Lives
| image_map          = Maricopa County Arizona Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Cave Creek Highlighted 0411300.svg
| mapsize            = 
| map_caption        = Location in Maricopa County, Arizona
| image_map1         = 
| mapsize1           = 
| map_caption1       = 
| pushpin_map        = USA Arizona#USA
| pushpin_label      = Cave Creek
| pushpin_label_position = left
| pushpin_map_caption = 
| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of counties in Arizona|County]]
| subdivision_name   = [[United States]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Arizona]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Maricopa County, Arizona|Maricopa]]
| government_type    = [[Town Manager - council government]]
| leader_title       = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name        = Robert Morris<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cavecreekaz.gov/2/Town-Council|title=Town Council &#124; Cave Creek, AZ - Official Site|website=www.cavecreekaz.gov}}</ref>
| established_date   = [[1870]]
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2021">{{cite web |title=2021 U.S. Gazetteer Files: Arizona |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2021_Gazetteer/2021_gaz_place_04.txt |publisher=United States Census Bureau |accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref>
| area_total_km2     = 97.68
| area_total_sq_mi   = 37.72
| area_land_km2      = 97.66
| area_land_sq_mi    = 37.71
| area_water_km2     = 0.02
| area_water_sq_mi   = 0.01
| elevation_ft       = 2553
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_footnotes = <ref name="Census 2020">{{Cite web| url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=&g=1600000US0411300&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P1| title=Cave Creek town, Arizona: 2020 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| access-date=May 11, 2022}}</ref>
| population_total   = 4892
| population_metro   = 
| population_density_km2 = 50.09
| population_density_sq_mi = 129.73
| population_est     = 
| pop_est_as_of      = 
| pop_est_footnotes  = 
| timezone           = [[Mountain Standard Time Zone|MST]] (no [[Daylight savings time|DST]])
| utc_offset         = −7
| coordinates        = {{Coord|33|51|05|N|111|58|48|W|region:US-AZ_thpe:city_source:GNIS|display=inline,title}}
| timezone_DST       = 
| utc_offset_DST     = 
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP Code]]s
| postal_code        = 85327, 85331
| area_code          = [[Area code 480|480]]
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| unit_pref          = Imperial
| blank_info         = 04-11300
| blank1_name        = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info        = 2413182<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2413182}}</ref>
| website            = {{URL|www.cavecreekaz.gov}}
| footnotes          = 
}}

'''Cave Creek''' is a town in [[Maricopa County, Arizona|Maricopa County]], [[Arizona]], United States. It is part of the [[Phoenix metropolitan area]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.arizona-leisure.com/gfx/maps/valley-sun-map-760.gif |title=Greater Phoenix area (map)|access-date=October 28, 2023}}</ref> As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population of the town was 4,892.<ref name="Census 2020"/>

==History==
Cave Creek was settled in 1870 by soldiers on horseback from [[Fort McDowell, Arizona|Fort McDowell]]. In 1873, prospectors from the [[Bradshaw Mountains]] found gold in the town. The town is named for the cave next to the creek the town was founded on.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cavecreekmuseum.org/museum-history/|title=History of the Cave Creek Museum|first=Cave Creek|last=Museum}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dflt.org/a-short-history-of-cave-creek|title = A Short History of Cave Creek}}</ref> The town was incorporated in 1986.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cave Creek Museum |url=https://cavecreekmuseum.org/museum-history/}}</ref>

==Geography==
Cave Creek is a town in the [[Sonoran Desert]]. It sits in northern Maricopa County on the northern edge of Scottsdale, with mountains rising to the north that eventually connect with the [[New River Mountains]] and the [[Black Hills (Yavapai County)|Black Hills]]. It is {{convert|33|mi}} north of [[downtown Phoenix]], although the Phoenix city limits extend north to Cave Creek's southern border. The town is bordered to the east by the town of [[Carefree, Arizona|Carefree]], to the west by unincorporated [[New River, Arizona|New River]] and [[Desert Hills, Maricopa County, Arizona|Desert Hills]], and to the north by [[Tonto National Forest]]. Elephant Mountain rises to an elevation of {{convert|3926|ft}} in the northernmost part of the town. Local landmark [[Black Mountain (Maricopa County, Arizona)|Black Mountain]], elevation {{convert|3398|ft}}, is in the southern part of town on the border with Carefree.

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town of Cave Creek has a total area of {{convert|37.7|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|0.008|sqmi|3}}, or 0.02%, are listed as water.<ref name="CenPopGazetteer2021"/> Cave Creek flows through the western side of the town southward into Phoenix, where it disappears into the [[Salt River (Arizona)|Salt River]] valley.

In 2000, the state of Arizona, [[Maricopa County, Arizona|Maricopa County]], and the town of Cave Creek bought Spur Cross Ranch, a {{convert|2154|acre|km2|adj=on}} tract of Sonoran desert just north of Phoenix, for $21 million. It had unusual cacti, stone formations, and hundreds of pre-historic Hohokam Indian tribal artifacts, and is now a Maricopa County park.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 27, 2008 |title=McCain pushed regulators for land swap, despite pledge |author=Greg Gordon |work=McClatchy Newspapers |url=http://www.mcclatchydc.com/254/story/54851.html |access-date=October 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030065210/http://www.mcclatchydc.com/254/story/54851.html |archive-date=October 30, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Climate===
Cave Creek is located in a [[semi-arid climate]], receiving more rainfall than a [[desert climate]]. Cave Creek is at a higher elevation, and therefore is cooler than the lower elevations of the Phoenix area. The hot season lasts for 3.5 months, from May 31 to September 19, with an average daily high temperature at or above {{convert|93|F}}. The hottest month of the year is July, with an average high of {{convert|102|F}} and low of {{convert|74|F}}.<ref name="WRCC">{{cite web |url=https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?az1361 |title=Cave Creek, Arizona (021361) |publisher=Western Regional Climate Center |access-date=December 16, 2022
}}</ref>

The cool season lasts for 3.4 months, from November 20 to March 1, with an average daily high temperature below {{convert|69|F}}. The coldest month of the year is January, with an average low of {{convert|37|F}} and high of {{convert|65|F}}.<ref name="WRCC"/>

In July–September, the [[North American monsoon]] season brings rain and thunderstorms to the Cave Creek area. The wettest month of the year is August, with an average of 6 days of rain, and averaging {{convert|1.77|in}}.<ref name="WRCC"/>

{{weather box
| single line = yes
| collapsed=yes
| precipitation colour = green
| width = auto
| location = Cave Creek, Arizona, 1907–1961
| Jan high F = 65.3
| Feb high F = 66.6
| Mar high F = 72.4
| Apr high F = 80.6
| May high F = 89.2
| Jun high F = 99.6
| Jul high F = 101.9
| Aug high F = 100.3
| Sep high F = 96.9
| Oct high F = 86.7
| Nov high F = 73.6
| Dec high F = 65.9
| year high F = 83.3
| Jan low F = 37.4
| Feb low F = 38.4
| Mar low F = 43.0
| Apr low F = 48.7
| May low F = 55.4
| Jun low F = 65.9
| Jul low F = 73.7
| Aug low F = 72.7
| Sep low F = 65.9
| Oct low F = 54.9
| Nov low F = 43.6
| Dec low F = 37.5
| year low F = 53.1
| Jan precipitation inch = 1.31
| Feb precipitation inch = 0.86
| Mar precipitation inch = 1.05
| Apr precipitation inch = 0.58
| May precipitation inch = 0.18
| Jun precipitation inch = 0.16
| Jul precipitation inch = 1.55
| Aug precipitation inch = 1.77
| Sep precipitation inch = 0.89
| Oct precipitation inch = 0.75
| Nov precipitation inch = 0.81
| Dec precipitation inch = 1.29
| year precipitation inch = 11.18
| Jan snow inch = 0.0
| Feb snow inch = 0.1
| Mar snow inch = 0.0
| Apr snow inch = 0.0
| May snow inch = 0.0
| Jun snow inch = 0.0
| Jul snow inch = 0.0
| Aug snow inch = 0.0
| Sep snow inch = 0.0
| Oct snow inch = 0.0
| Nov snow inch = 0.1
| Dec snow inch = 0.2
| year snow inch = 0.4
| unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
| Jan precipitation days = 4
| Feb precipitation days = 3
| Mar precipitation days = 3
| Apr precipitation days = 2
| May precipitation days = 1
| Jun precipitation days = 1
| Jul precipitation days = 5
| Aug precipitation days = 6
| Sep precipitation days = 2
| Oct precipitation days = 2
| Nov precipitation days = 3
| Dec precipitation days = 3
| year precipitation days = 37
| source 1 = [[WRCC|Western Regional Climate Center]]<ref name="WRCC"/>
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|align=left
|1980= 1712
|1990= 2925
|2000= 3728
|2010= 5015
|2020= 4892
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2016}}</ref>
}}


As of the [[census]] of 2000, there were 3,728 people, 1,571 households, and 1,101 families residing in the town.  The population density was {{convert|132.0|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}.  There were 1,753 housing units at an average density of {{convert|62.1|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}.  The racial makeup of the town was 95.0% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], <0.1% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.2% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.4% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.1% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 2.6% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.5% from two or more races. [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race were 7.0% of the population.

Out of the 1,571 households some 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.0% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.9% were non-families. 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.  The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.80.

[[File:SpurCross.jpg|thumb|Trail markers at Spur Cross Park, north of Cave Creek]]

In the town, the population was spread out, with 20.9% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 36.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older.  The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.1 males.  For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $59,938, and the median income for a family was $76,549. Males had a median income of $50,399 versus $31,607 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $38,070.  About 6.0% of families and 7.7% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 12.9% of those under age 18 and 7.3% of those age 65 or over.

==Arts and culture==
[[File:Bull at Cave Creek Rodeo.jpg|alt=Photo of rodeo participant riding a horse.|thumb|Cave Creek Rodeo Days]]
[[File:Motorcycles during Bike Week.jpg|thumb|Bike Week each spring attracts hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts to Cave Creek]]
Historic properties located at the [[Cave Creek Museum]] include the Tubercular Cabin (listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Maricopa County, Arizona|National Register of Historic Places]] (NRHP)), the First Church of Cave Creek, and Golden Reef Stamp Mill.  Two historic properties have been converted into restaurants: the Cave Creek Inn, and the Cave Creek Service Station (listed on NRHP).  Another location, Frontier Town, has some of Cave Creek's original structures.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cavecreekmuseum.org/outdoor-exhibits/|title=Outdoor Exhibits|first=Cave Creek|last=Museum}}</ref><ref>{{NRHP url|id=00001126|title=National Register of Historic Places}}</ref>

Every year the Sonoran Arts League holds an open studio event that offers an opportunity for the public to learn about artists’ techniques from 150+ artists at over 40 Host Studio venues in the area of Cave Creek, "Hidden in the Hills".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sonoranartsleague.org/hidden-in-the-hills/|title=Hidden in the Hills}}</ref>

The signature events of Cave Creek are Cave Creek Rodeo Days,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cave Creek Rodeo Days |url=https://cavecreekrodeo.com/cave-creek-rodeo-days/}}</ref> a PRCA Professional Rodeo,<ref>{{Cite web |title=PRCA |url=https://www.prorodeo.com/}}</ref> and Bike Week<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bike Week |url=https://www.hideaway-usa.com/}}</ref> 

==Government==
[[File:Cave Creek-Cave Creek Town Hall-2.JPG|thumb|Cave Creek Town Hall]]
In June 2009, Cave Creek attracted media attention when a [[game of chance]] was used to break a tie in a vote for Town Council. The drawing of playing cards led to the victory of 25-year-old law student Adam Trenk<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.roselawgroup.com/trenk-adam-m/|title=Adam M. Trenk|date=July 27, 2017}}</ref> over incumbent Town Council member Thomas McGuire. The [[Arizona State Constitution]] allows a game of chance to be used to break ties.<ref>Archibold, Randal C. [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/17/us/17cavecreek.html Election at a Draw, Arizona Town Cuts a Deck], ''[[The New York Times]]'', June 16, 2009.  Accessed August 25, 2009.</ref>

"Where the Wild West Lives" was adopted as the town motto by the Cave Creek Town Council during a November 2013 meeting.<ref>Carcamo, Cindy. (November 7, 2013). ''A showdown between Arizona towns over motto''. [http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-ff-western-towns-20131108,0,2705528,full.story#axzz2kA0VGFYL The Los Angeles Times.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109171652/http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-ff-western-towns-20131108,0,2705528,full.story#axzz2kA0VGFYL |date=November 9, 2013 }}</ref>

Cave Creek is a [[Council–manager government|Council-Manager]] form of government; the town manager is Grady Miller. Town council is led by mayor Robert Morris.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mayor Robert Morris |url=https://www.cavecreekaz.gov/771/Mayor-Robert-Morris}}</ref> Councilmembers include [https://cavecreekaz.gov/772/Vice-Mayor-Kathryn-Royer Vice Mayor Kathryn Royer], [https://cavecreekaz.gov/777/Council-Member-Tom-Augherton Councilmember Tom Augherton], [https://cavecreekaz.gov/784/Council-Member-Joe-Freedman Councilmember Joe Freedman], [https://cavecreekaz.gov/775/Council-Member-Cynthia-Driskell Councilmember Cynthia Driskell], [https://cavecreekaz.gov/773/Council-Member-Tom-McGuire Councilmember Thomas McGuire], and [https://cavecreekaz.gov/776/Council-Member-Dusty-Rhoades Councilmember Dusty Rhoades].

==Education==
The portion of Cave Creek west of longitude 111°59'44.21"W is served by [[Deer Valley Unified School District]], and the remainder of the town is served by [[Cave Creek Unified School District]].

==Infrastructure==
===Transportation===
Cave Creek residents use [[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport]] or [[Mesa Gateway Airport]] to fly on commercial airlines.{{citation needed|date=October 2017}} [[Deer Valley Airport]], the closest airport to Cave Creek, is a very active general aviation airport.

Cave Creek is not a member of [[Valley Metro]] and therefore, does not have local bus service.

The junction of [[Cave Creek Road]] and [[Phoenix metropolitan area arterial roads#Carefree Highway|Carefree Highway]] is located at the south edge of Cave Creek.

==Notable people==
* [[Sonny Barger]], founder of the Oakland chapter of the [[Hells Angels]]
* [[True West Magazine|Bob "Boze" Bell]], publisher of True West Magazine
* [[Brian Dales]], singer of [[The Summer Set]]
* [[Shane Doan]], NHL player for the [[Arizona Coyotes]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nhl/coyotes/2016/10/12/hockey-horses-constants-arizona-coyotes-shane-doan/91953338/|title=Hockey, horses constants for Arizona Coyotes' Shane Doan|last=McLellan|first=Sarah|date=October 12, 2016|website=azcentral|publisher=The Arizona Republic|access-date=October 13, 2016}}</ref>
* [[Kiowa Gordon]], actor
* [[David Henrie]], actor
* [[Taylor Lewan]], NFL player for the Tennessee Titans, drafted in 2014
* [[Daisy Mallory]], country music singer-songwriter
* [[DMX|Earl Simmons]], rapper and actor (DMX)
* [[Dee Dee Wood]], Emmy Award-winning choreographer

==See also==
{{portal|Arizona}}
* [[Cave Creek Complex Wildfire]]
* [[List of historic properties in Cave Creek, Arizona]]
* [[List of municipalities in Arizona]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Cave Creek, Arizona}}
{{wikivoyage|Cave Creek}}
* {{official website|www.cavecreek.org}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0QUae2_9_A "That Cave Creek Movie"] (YouTube)

{{Maricopa County, Arizona}}
{{Phoenix Metropolitan Area}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Towns in Maricopa County, Arizona]]
[[Category:Phoenix metropolitan area]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1986]]