In a beautiful, boulder-studded desert landscape, you’ll find North Scottsdale, a large part of the Scottsdale metropolitan area. While sharing the overall sunny climate and vibrant city life of Scottsdale, North Scottsdale has a distinct character that emphasizes luxury and outdoor recreation.
North Scottsdale covers a huge portion of the city. Located north of the Old Town area, it’s known for its master-planned golf communities, which have helped solidify the area as a premier golf destination and a desirable place to live in. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or not, living in one of North Scottsdale’s exclusive golf communities offers a quality of life unlike anywhere else in the city.
Here, we’ll take a look at the benefits of living in luxury gated golf communities in North Scottsdale and discover why they draw such strong interest from a variety of home buyers and investors.
As the term “Golfing community” implies, there is a focus on building a home around other golf enthusiasts and being able to play golf most anytime you desire. Imagine not needing to extensively plan for that weekend away, travel with all your equipment, and possibly book accommodations near a course. The course is conveniently nearby, often a stone’s throw away from your front door.
This lifestyle can include early morning walks around the community golf course as the sun rises or for the more relaxed, morning coffee on your private patio while enjoying views of the course and the surrounding natural environment. Then making your way to the practice area for perfecting your sand game or proceeding to the tee to play a round. Following your morning or afternoon golf, gathering with fellow members and invited guests to enjoy drinks and food at the clubhouse.
While you improve your game, other members of the family, (some of whom may not be as keen on the game) can enjoy the other amenities commonly found in a golfing community such as the pool, fitness area and spas.
Evenings may be filled with member club events, private dinner parties at the clubhouse or even hosting catered private gatherings at home with a professional chef from the club preparing your meal to perfection.
A golfing community provides a private, picturesque location for a luxurious home but it offers much more than just that. It offers an active lifestyle of golf, luxurious amenities, events and the opportunity to develop enriching friendships with like-minded individuals.
Amenities
Aside from golf, another reason why people seek out luxury gated golf communities in North Scottsdale is access to exclusive amenities. Golf communities provide various amenities to help residents maintain a healthy, relaxing, and luxurious lifestyle.
Fitness-Inspired Amenities
You can find an array of fitness-inspired exclusive amenities catering to every resident’s needs. Many of the premier clubs are located near mountains, which gives members quick access to biking, hiking, and equestrian trails.
On top of that, clubhouses often provide other great amenities, such as lap pools for low-impact exercise, courts for tennis and pickleball, and state-of-the-art fitness centers.
Resort-Style Amenities
Residents who prefer quiet, relaxing activities can find tranquility in resort-style amenities. After enjoying fitness-inspired sports and activities, residents can indulge in resort-style luxuries like spas and saunas, perfect for decompressing after a rigorous workout. Of course, feel free to skip the exercise and just make it a day of pampering yourself with the different treatments!
Strong Sense of Community
In gated communities, there is often a strong sense of community. Residents naturally interact during leisure activities, communal facility usage, and neighborhood events, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
Homeowners recognize that maintaining the exclusivity and desirability of the neighborhood directly contributes to preserving property values. This fosters a collective commitment to upholding community standards, ensuring a desirable living environment for all residents.
Residents take pride in their community, knowing that their active involvement and mutual support contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.
The community and the course are also a great way to meet new friends and widen professional networks. While you’re likely to meet interesting and different people from different walks of life, there will be a shared desire for the best for the community.
Convenient Location
This expansive urban preserve is where you go if you want to truly see the desert’s true beauty. Covering over 30,500 acres, it’s one of the largest preserves in the country. It offers over 233 miles of well-maintained hiking and biking trails. ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun for everyone.
Offering stunning views of the Sonoran Desert and the surrounding mountains, Pinnacle Peak Park is a popular spot for hiking and rock climbing. The main trail leads to the summit of Pinnacle Peak, where hikers are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the desert landscape. This hike is one of my personal favorites!
As one of the premier event venues in the region, WestWorld hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including equestrian shows, car auctions, and cultural festivals. It’s also home to the annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, a renowned event that draws car enthusiasts from around the world.
Designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin West served as Wright’s winter home and architectural school. Today, it offers guided tours that provide insight into Wright’s innovative design principles and his connection to the Arizona desert.
While not in North Scottsdale, Old Town Scottsdale is just a short drive away and is worth a visit for its charming historic district, art galleries, boutiques, and vibrant nightlife scene.
Premium Properties
Luxury gated golf communities in North Scottsdale feature some of the most exclusive and sought-after real estate options in the region. Although they come with steeper price tags, their value also tends to appreciate faster, thanks in part to the growing market of homebuyers looking to become part of a golf community and enjoy all the benefits they provide.
While many looking to move into a golfing community will do so for better homes, great amenities, and community spirit, they can also expect that if or when they sell, they can expect great returns on their investment.
During the past few years, home prices have ranged from low single-digit millions to multi-million dollar prices. Those on the higher end of the market typically offer upwards of 20,000 square feet of living space, state-of-the-art finishes, and a great location, often closer to the mountains or the golf courses.
Available Property Types
Single Family Homes – The preferred choice for those seeking spacious living and privacy. Single-family homes in North Scottsdale come in a range of sizes and styles. At the luxury end of the market, you can expect these properties to feature private pools and patios, perfect for entertaining or simply soaking up the Southwestern sunshine.
Luxury Estates – For the ultimate in luxury, North Scottsdale offers sprawling estates and mega-mansions. These architectural marvels offer an unparalleled level of space, often featuring gourmet kitchens, home theaters, dedicated golf simulator rooms, and even multiple swimming pools.
Custom-Built Homes – If you prefer to start from scratch, custom-built estates offer a blank canvas for creating your dream home. From selecting the perfect homesite to collaborating with architects and designers, the process of building a custom estate allows for unparalleled personalization. Within any regulations imposed by an HOA, you’re free to build a home as you wish.
Condos – Condominiums offer the ultimate lock-and-leave convenience. Perfect for year-round residents or snowbirds, these property types come with shared amenities like pools, fitness centers, clubhouse access, and outstanding views.
The Top Golf Communities
While North Scottsdale is home to several golf communities, some stand out. Take a look at the most popular enclaves in the area:
Desert Highlands -This is an exceptional golfing community that has been recognized as being among the best in the country by Platinum Clubs of America. The golf course was designed by legendary golfer and designer Jack Niklaus and as you would expect, provides a considerable challenge while being a delight to play.
To be a member here you have to be an owner and ownership requires that you be a member. This ensures that members of the community are like-minded, and share an interest in maintaining a harmonious area where they can work, live, and play in the most gorgeous and luxurious surroundings.
Estancia – Estancia features a private 18-hole championship golf course designed by Tom Fazio. The course offers stunning views of Pinnacle Peak and challenges players with its desert terrain. Estancia also offers luxury homes and a clubhouse with upscale dining and recreational facilities.
Conveniently located on the northern side of Pinnacle Peak Park, Estancia residents have easy access to a popular Scottsdale landmark. A great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, the park features a 3.5-mile out-and-back trail that winds through the Sonoran Desert landscape.
Silverleaf – Perched atop the scenic McDowell Mountains, Silverleaf epitomizes opulent living within a gated community. The Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole golf course offers an unparalleled golfing experience with panoramic views of the valley below. This itself is a major draw but there’s also the 50,000 square foot Silverleaf Clubhouse which has a resort, spa, pool, and other premium features.
Located within DC Ranch, this luxury gated golf community is known for having the most coveted properties in North Scottsdale and the rest of Arizona. It’s where one of the most expensive homes in the state was sold, with a price tag coming in at $26.1 million. The steep property prices can be attributed to the community’s location, situated near the McDowell Mountains
Mirabel – North Scottsdale isn’t short on amazing views, and Mirabel has some of the most inspiring. This exclusive community, perched over 3,000 feet above sea level, offers truly breathtaking panoramas. The Club at Mirabel, designed by the legendary Tom Fazio, is the crown jewel.
Mirabel itself is a small and intimate community. With a limited membership of only 350, residents can expect a peaceful and serene environment. The housing stock primarily features sprawling single-family estates designed in a desert contemporary style.
Troon – Located just north of Estancia, Troon is another option that ranks high on many homebuyers’ lists. Offering many gated communities within it’s boundaries, Troon sits at a slightly higher elevation than surrounding areas. Residents enjoy slightly cooler temperatures and cleaner air, making outdoor activities more enjoyable year-round.
Troon Country Club, the centerpiece of the community, has a challenging and scenic 18-hole golf course designed by renowned architects Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf. The course is also a certified Audubon Sanctuary, showcasing the community’s seamless integration with the desert environment.
Find Your Dream Home in North Scottsdale’s Golf Communities with Julie Pelle
Investing in real estate within North Scottsdale’s top luxury gated golf communities offers more than just a luxurious lifestyle, it’s also a sound financial decision. With their prestigious reputation, unmatched amenities, and enduring appeal, properties here often appreciate steadily over time, providing homeowners with a valuable asset and the potential for significant returns on investment.
That said, navigating the intricacies of buying a property in the area requires an intimate understanding of North Scottsdale’s competitive real estate market. Local real estate experts like Julie Pelle aim to equip prospective buyers like you with expert guidance and all the right tools that will ensure a seamless real estate journey.
Consider scheduling a consultation with the leading real estate expert in the city. Give Julie Pelle a call at 480.323.6763 or send her a message here.
