Today I'm starting a series of neighborhood profiles ... what better place to start than in my own backyard.

Daybreak (actually four separate subdivisions - Daybreak Units 2 through 5) is located on the southeast corner of Greenway Avenue and 67th Avenue in Glendale. The homes are slightly older - built in the mid- to late 1980s for the most part - but as a tradeoff sit on lots considerably larger than what you will find in many newer subdivisions. Also, the majority of the homes are block construction - another feature of the late 80s that can't be found in newer homes.

There is no HOA and many of the homes feature RV gates that are more than decorative. Mine's not among the ones used as I'm currently toy-less but I digress. Despite the lack of HOA, pride of ownership shows throughout the neighborhood and home values have appreciated nicely over the years, just as they have in much of the Valley. It's the type of neighborhood in which a beagle (who shall remain nameless) can run free and know he'll make it back home safely.

Daybreak is conveniently located - we are three blocks from Pioneer Elementary School, six blocks from Cactus High School and just over two miles from Rock Bottom (and the rest of the Arrowhead Towne Center.) The Peoria Sports Complex is five minutes away as is Pullano's, home to the best wings in the West Valley.

There are three supermarkets within a mile of the subdivision as well as numerous restaurants. Also, the Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management is only a half-mile away.

Daybreak features just over 250 homes, the majority of which are owner-occupied. I'll add some additional sales data later, but the turnover rate for the neighborhood is somewhat lower than what you'll find in other parts of Glendale. People who move to Daybreak tend to stay there for a while. Even with a Realtor (and a beagle) as a neighbor.

For more information on Daybreak or other neighborhoods in Glendale, please visit my primary website at http://www.daltonsazhomes.com.

(c) Jonathan Dalton, 2006 / Jonathan Dalton's Arizona Homes