Cave Creek and Carefree share both a geographic border and Hohokam history. Today, Carefree and Cave Creek are known as affluent communities, but the area’s earliest inhabitants were the Hohokam, a Native American group who settled in the Black Mountain and desert foothills area around 750 A.D.

The Hohokam were an agrarian society that practiced hunting, gathering, and irrigation farming. The remains of their dwellings, known as “pit houses,” have been discovered in various locations, with the best-preserved example at the Sears-Kay ruin near Seven Springs, northeast of Black Mountain. These pit houses were built with a rock-wall base and topped with a roof made from long branches covered in thatch.

• 1880s – Miners and cattle ranchers settled in the area
• Early 1900s – Land south of Black Mountain open for homesteading
• 1946 – Electricity and telephone service came to the area
• Late 1950s – Development of Carefree began; Carefree Sundial completed
• 1984 – Carefree incorporated as a town to avoid annexation by Scottsdale

The Town of Carefree has a Mayor/City Council form of government. Elected officials, including the mayor and town council, are responsible for administration and implementation of town policies, laws, and services. The town administrator is appointed and is responsible for daily operations. Council meetings provide a forum for questions or concerns about municipal issues.

Carefree is known for its affluent population and upscale residential neighborhoods. This creates demand for high-end services, luxury goods, fine dining, and specialty retail.

The town has a vibrant arts community, with local galleries, art festivals, and cultural events such as the annual Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival. This provides opportunities for art-related businesses, including galleries, artisanal crafts, and event planning services.

The real estate market is characterized by luxury homes and estates, which drives demand for property development, construction, interior design, and home maintenance services.

Hospitality, retail, tourism, and residential services are significant in the Town of Carefree.

Major routes serve residents and visitors traveling to and from Carefree and nearby communities, recreational areas, and the larger Metro Phoenix region.

AZ State Route 74 (Carefree Highway): Major east-west route that connects Carefree to Phoenix and Interstate 17 (I-17) to the west, continuing toward Lake Pleasant and Wickenburg.

North Scottsdale Road: Becomes Tom Darlington Drive as it enters Carefree; vital north-south arterial road that connects Carefree to Scottsdale and Phoenix to the south.

Cave Creek Road: North-south route that runs through nearby Cave Creek and Phoenix to the south and various recreational areas to the north.