Wittman is a small community where some of my county's 4H kids lived. It's very desert, I would be very concerned about the water--shared well issues etc. My understanding was that the school is not the strongest if you have children. If you want the Northwest valley, I would also look at Waddell, which has city water and flood irrigation so your horses could have pasture, which makes the feed bill lower and the hooves better, and less chance of sand colic. Clearwater farms is really pretty. Laveen is in the southwest valley and has 1 acre and larger homes but some are limited by cc&r's to 3 horses. Watch your HOA fees, some are zero, some are very high. If you want to board horses, it takes special zoning so make sure. Phoenix has an old zoning in spots with 10,000 sq feet allowing horses if you just want them in stalls. The limit is by what you can keep in a sanitary measure. I've seen irrigated property in Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, Glendale, Avondale, Tolleson, Buckeye and I'm sure there is more. You have horse options in small subdivisions like 67th Avenue and Roosevelt for small houses on a 1/4 acre which are very affordable. Dont' be afraid of septic tanks per se--we haved had ours for 22 years with no problems, but if they are a problem, it's a BIG one. Flood irrigation isn't for everyone, but I had 2.75 acres of desert and now have 1 acre of irrigaton and we love it. You have to take the water when they send it, it's not like a faucet you have on demand. It's about 15% the cost of using city water. Well water takes electricity.
You have to consider the cost to live far out versus the cost to live in a neighborhood where crime is higher (your home and auto insurance). Your age might dictate you need closer medical services, grocery stores, and other conveneinces. Call an insurance agent, tell them where you are looking and ask what the rate would be for your car and home--that will give you some idea. Wittman is pretty far out of town.
Best of luck--an Arizona native and horse owner.
