5,300-acre community near Vistancia is moving forward with thousands of homes, miles of trails, while hotel and commercial development remain on hold.
One of North Peoria’s largest master-planned communities is beginning to take shape, but the development’s current direction differs from the ambitious plans originally envisioned for the property.
Saddleback, a roughly 5,300-acre community near Vistancia and Lake Pleasant, is being developed by Castle Hill Partners.
Earlier plans for the property included thousands of homes, golf courses, resort accommodations, and extensive commercial development.
A November 2026 update indicates that the developer is now concentrating on residential construction and outdoor amenities.
Thousands of Homes Planned
Current plans envision as many as 6,500 single-family homes and approximately 180 multifamily units.
Several homebuilders are participating in the development, including Lennar, Taylor Morrison, David Weekley Homes, and Toll Brothers.
Residential construction is already underway in portions of the community, with additional home sales anticipated in 2027.
More Than 60 Miles of Trails
Outdoor recreation is a major component of Saddleback’s development vision.
Plans include more than 60 miles of trails, including a signature 13-mile Saddleback Trail.
These amenities are intended to connect neighborhoods with the surrounding Sonoran Desert landscape and provide opportunities for walking, hiking, and outdoor recreation.
What Happened to the Hotels and Commercial Development?
This is one of the most significant updates.
Although Saddleback retains entitlements for commercial development and up to 800 hotel rooms, Castle Hill Partners has indicated that neither commercial nor hotel construction is currently in active planning.
Golf courses are also not part of the developer’s immediate plans.
That does not necessarily eliminate the possibility of future commercial or hospitality uses, but those components should not be considered confirmed upcoming construction.
What This Means for the Northwest Valley
Saddleback represents another major expansion of North Peoria’s residential footprint.
Thousands of additional households could eventually influence demand for transportation infrastructure, schools, retail, restaurants, healthcare, and other neighborhood services.
The project’s changing development strategy also highlights how large master-planned communities evolve in response to market conditions.
NW Valley Pulse will continue tracking Saddleback’s residential construction, future amenities, and any changes to its commercial development plans.
