Boasting the title of “Most Livable City,” Scottsdale creates a unique blend of Old West rustic charm with the upscale amenities associated with “New West” resort living. Attracting more than four million visitors each year, Scottsdale is home to more than half of the Valley’s premier resorts. Playing the role of a gracious host to the world’s “rich and famous” has filled Scottsdale with fine art galleries, many cultural attractions, upscale retail centers, pulsating nightlife, and some of the most popular restaurants in the Valley. Attractive landscaping with seasonal blooms and fountains throughout the city reach a pinnacle of beauty in the Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza’s magnificent gardens and open-air performance area.
Scottsdale public schools are some of the Valley’s most highly respected, named “number one in the southwestern U.S.” by Expansion Management Magazine. The district schools consistently produce high achievement test scores and an impressive number of National Merit Scholarship finalists. Scottsdale school administrators and teachers are also frequently honored among Arizona’s finest. The campus for Scottsdale Community College serves as a focal point for the educational community, providing two-year degree and certificate programs as well as continuing education for students of all ages. Led by Scottsdale Healthcare and Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, the city has emerged as a state-of-the-art healthcare center. Quality commercial and light industrial development throughout the city has created a favorable employment outlook and underlines the diversified and healthy economy.
Scottsdale’s sprawling borders extend north to the Cave Creek/Carefree communities and east to Fountain Hills, setting the scene for the development of luxurious planned communities. The Pinnacle Peak area, once a vast expanse of open desert and dramatic rock outcroppings, is home to spectacular new residential villages such as Grayhawk, Troon, Desert Mountain, and Terravita. Exclusive properties and world-class golf courses make these communities some of the finest in the Southwest. Even in the heart of Scottsdale, lush parks and miles of greenbelt recreational area blend with lovely residential neighborhoods for a picture-perfect cityscape.
MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITIES
Throughout the Valley of the Sun, welcoming neighborhoods nestled in fine master-planned communities reflect the warm hospitality and casual elegance of the Southwest. The variety of architectural styles and community settings can accommodate every imaginable taste, lifestyle, and budget. Newcomers are able to select from a wide array of patio homes, charming villas, luxury townhouses, posh condominiums, elaborate estates, or ranch-style single-family homes. Many homes feature archways that lead into charming courtyards or privacy walls that ensure seclusion for artfully landscaped yards, covered patios and ramadas, sports courts, and pristine pools.
Some of the metropolitan region’s larger master-planned communities such as Sun City and Sun City West, Estrella Mountain Ranch, Arrowhead Ranch, Anthem, DC Ranch, and McDowell Mountain Ranch can provide all the amenities and conveniences of a small town. Schools, libraries, churches, shopping and services, recreational facilities, lush local parks, and connecting pathways create a true “community” atmosphere.
The following is just a small sample of the increasing number of residential villages, subdivisions, and planned communities that are available in the Scottsdale / Northeast Valley.
Anthem, North Anthem Heights Drive, Phoenix. http://www.onlineatanthem.com/ Just beyond the lights of Phoenix in the pristine high desert are three communities nestled in an award-winning development: Anthem Country Club, the Anthem active adult community, and comfortable family living at Anthem Parkside.
Bellasera, East Visao Drive, Scottsdale. http://www.azbellasera.org/ The prestigious community of Bellasera covers 290 acres of scenic high desert at the foot of imposing Lone Mountain.
The Boulders, N. Tom Darlington Drive, Carefree. www.theboulders.com On the edge of Carefree, the award-winning Boulders Resort and golf-course community allows residents to enjoy access to resort amenities. Nearby, El Pedregal Marketplace offers upscale shopping, fine dining, and live entertainment in the open-air courtyard.
Copperwynd, Eagle Ridge Drive, Fountain Hill. http://www.copperwynd.com/ Lavish residences are surrounded by world-class resort amenities that include tennis courts, swimming pools, a health/fitness center, and fine dining. The nearby town of Fountain Hills provides commercial conveniences, community theater, a library, and some of the Valley’s most anticipated special events.
DC Ranch, Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale. http://www.dcranch.com/ Sprawling near the foot of the McDowell Mountains, this community of beautiful, family-oriented neighborhoods provides every amenity within walking distance. Designed to offer the intimacy and sense of connection of a small town, DC Ranch has developed a spectacular nine-acre indoor/outdoor recreational complex.
Desert Highlands, East Happy Valley Road, Scottsdale. http://www.deserthighlandsscottsdale.com/ Magnificent custom homes are nestled on pristine, generous high Sonoran desert lots that command breathtaking fairway, city light, and mountain views in this private golf-club community near Carefree.
Desert Mountain, Cave Creek Road, Scottsdale. http://www.desertmountain.com/ It was in 1986 that Lyle Anderson brought his vision of the world’s finest master-planned community into reality with the North Scottsdale development of Desert Mountain. Setting the benchmark for sheer opulence and grandeur, the 52,000-square-foot clubhouse stands as the cornerstone of this magnificent community. Golf courses designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus combine with the Sonoran Club Tennis, Fitness, and Swim Complex for world-class recreational opportunities. Multi-million-dollar estates and executive homes are set on lots that are masterfully carved into the pristine landscape. Every aspect of Desert Mountain development is dedicated to the preservation of the area’s expansive open space and exceptional views of landscapes and wildlife. A number of residential villages within the Desert Mountain community provide a pleasing variety of home choices in distinctive architectural styles. Apache Cottages, Cochise Ridge, Desert Fairways, and Renegade Trail are just a few of the enchanting enclaves that showcase the casual elegance of the Southwest in lavish custom homes. Pools and spas with boulder and waterfall accents, guest houses, sports courts, and elaborate patios are common.
Desert Ridge, Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix. http://www.desertridgelifestyles.com/ Planned to cover a complete 5,700 acres, this sprawling community creates a balance of residential villages with resort, shopping, and entertainment development.
Dove Valley Ranch, North Black Mountain Parkway, Cave Creek. http://www.dovevalleyranch.com/ Beautiful homes enjoy an unspoiled high-desert landscape, recreational amenities, and close proximity to the golf course of the same name designed by Robert Trent Jones II.
The Estancia Club, North 99th Place, Scottsdale. http://www.estanciaclub.com/ Nestled on the northern slope of Pinnacle Peak, this prestigious North Scottsdale community is known for its stunning homes, environmental sensitivity, and Tom Fazio-designed golf course.
Gainey Ranch, East Gainey Ranch Road, Scottsdale. http://www.gaineyranchcc.com/ Nestled in a peerless centralized Scottsdale location, Gainey Ranch provides an award-winning 27-hole golf course, lake vistas, fine shopping, and distinctive properties.
Grayhawk, E. Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale. http://www.grayhawk.com/ Nestled between two award-winning golf courses along with a wealth of amenities are upscale homes, villas, townhomes, and condominiums from renowned builders.
Kierland, Greenway & Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. http://www.kierland.com/ This elegant, mixed-use development is in a convenient location in the central corridor of North Scottsdale, which combines exclusive shopping, entertainment, and dining with residential development.
Legend Trail, East Legendary Lane, Scottsdale. http://www.legendtrailgc.com/ Spectacular recreational and residential opportunities include 640 unspoiled acres of high desert preserved as open space and the recreational jewel of the Rees Jones-designed golf course.
McCormick Ranch, Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. http://www.mccormickranchpoa.com/ Scottsdale’s ground-breaking development transformed 4,300 acres of arid land into one of the Valley’s first and finest resort and residential communities. The collection of fine homes are complemented by bike paths, fine dining, golf courses, tennis courts, and 130 acres of sparkling lakes.
McDowell Mountain Ranch, Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale. http://www.mmrtrailtalk.com/modules/wfchannel/ Nestled in the foothills of the magnificent McDowell Mountains, the fine residential community known as McDowell Mountain Ranch offers panoramic views of haunting Sonoran desert beauty. As one of the most defining landmarks within North Scottsdale, the McDowell Mountain range towers to the east of luxurious residential neighborhoods. McDowell Mountain Ranch is characterized as an active community where programs and facilities that meet children’s needs are part of the master plan. Anchoring the award-winning community is a five-acre park and a lavish community center with swimming pool, spa, basketball court, tennis courts, sand volleyball, and a splash fountain. Miles of trails link neighborhoods and create paths to the local library, the elementary school, and the recreation center. Residents enjoy the tranquility of a desert retreat with all the convenience of a city address. Shopping, entertainment venues, world-class golf, river and lake recreation, and fine dining are all available close to home. Offering the convenience of a farmer’s market, Desert Canyon Shopping Center makes it possible to meet most retail needs without traveling to Scottsdale’s bustling commercial centers.
Scottsdale Mountain, East 136th Street, Scottsdale. http://www.scottsdalemountain.net/ Set against the foothills of the McDowell Mountain Preserve, the community offers handsome homes that command spectacular landscape views.
Scottsdale Ranch, North 100th Street, Scottsdale. http://www.scottsdaleranch.org/ Waterfront estates, beautiful tennis villas, patio homes, and townhomes surround Lake Serena and recreational amenities.
Stonegate, East Mountain View Road, Scottsdale. http://www.stonegate-scottsdale.com/ This premier community provides all the seclusion of a gated resort lifestyle with tennis courts, pool/spa, community center, and hiking trails.
Tatum Highlands, Jomax Road & Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix. http://www.tatumhighlandsca.org/link/linkshow.asp?link_id=17274 This handsome residential development in a variety of architectural styles harmonizes with a 20-acre recreational park in a pristine desert environment just two miles from Tatum Ranch public golf course.
Tatum Ranch, Cave Creek Road & Dixileta, Phoenix. www.tatumranchgc.com Covering 1,500 acres in the Sonoran desert between northeastern Phoenix and Cave Creek, 30 attractive neighborhoods are filled with beautiful homes.
Terravita, North 69th Way, Scottsdale. www.terravitascottsdale.org Nearly 825 pristine acres of high Sonoran desert beauty create the scenic backdrop for lovely homes and recreational amenities that include a golf course, fine dining, and a community center with fitness area.
Tramonto, Carefree Highway at I-17, Phoenix. http://www.tramontocma.org/Community-Information~189322~15948.htm Single-family residences and prime sites for custom homes join a retail town center, fine hotel, and abundant recreational amenities for a convenient yet serene lifestyle.
Troon North, Troon Village, Jomax & Alma School Roads, Scottsdale. http://www.trooncc.com/ The two elegant 1,400-acre master-planned communities of Troon Village and Troon North that have grown up in the shadow of Troon Mountain offer all the beauty of a high-desert retreat in close proximity to Scottsdale’s wealth of amenities. An ideal location near Pima Road and the Loop 101 ensure residents quick and easy connections to major Valley destinations as well as links to other major thoroughfares. The private Troon Golf & Country Club is only one of many recreational advantages in this beautiful area. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the adjacent 185-acre mountain preserve, where multi-use trails meander around giant Saguaro cacti along boulder-strewn ridges. The Troon North community boasts a four-acre park with facilities for tennis, basketball, picnicking, outdoor activities, and child’s play. The golf courses that have been developed to complement the beautiful homes in this area are celebrated among Arizona’s finest, garnering such accolades as #1 in Arizona by Golfweek and Golf Magazine. Newcomers will find a selection of upscale neighborhoods and exceptional home sites, many that command breathtaking valley, fairway, sunset, and mountain views.
The Verdes, Rio Verde, Tonto Verde, Four Peaks Boulevard, Rio Verde. http://www.rioverdeaz.com/ These two “sister” active-adult communities surround beautiful homes with golf courses and award-winning clubhouses. The town of Fountain Hills provides nearby amenities.
