Scottsdale, AZ’s wondrous natural beauty makes it an ideal venue for hiking trails, bike paths, baseball training camps, and other outdoor pursuits. It’s also the reason you can find numerous first-class golf communities here. This city in the middle of the desert has a reputation for some of the best-putting greens in the country. If you long to kick your feet up and savor life in a golf community, here is a list of the top golf communities in Scottsdale, AZ for your perusal.
Top 8 Golf Communities in Scottsdale, AZ
1. Estancia
As one of the most prestigious golf communities in Scottsdale, AZ, Estancia features a track designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio, who consciously built the playing field to blend seamlessly with the natural features of the land. The 18-hole course offers 7,314 yards of challenging greens, exciting enough to be counted as one of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses in 2015 and 2016. The clubhouse’s exquisite facilities – including three tennis courts, a fitness center, swimming and lap pool, and separate dining rooms for formal and casual affairs – further add to Estancia’s allure for golfers and homebuyers alike.
Located on the northern side of Pinnacle Peak, Scottsdale’s most popular landmark, the private, gated community of Estancia is a great choice for those who want to build or live in a custom home. Like the golf course itself, the homes in Estancia are designed to complement the natural surroundings, making it one of the more interesting golf communities in Scottsdale, AZ to live in. It also doesn’t hurt that the community offers breathtaking views of the Peak.
Parents can have their children attend schools that are part of the Cave Creek Unified School District, including Cactus Shadows High School, Desert Sun Academy, and Sonoran Trails Middle School.
2. Silverleaf
Burrowed cozily in the McDowell Mountains within DC Ranch, Silverleaf boasts a par-72, 18-hole championship course that stretches 7,322 yards, accompanied by panoramic views of both the city and desert. Tom Weiskopf designed the course, presenting players with a high degree of challenge that even the most seasoned golfers will applaud. Silverleaf’s other crowning glory, the 50,000-square-foot Silverleaf Clubhouse, offers a resort, spa, lap pool, fitness center, and dining room, to name a few exclusive amenities.
Homes for sale in Silverleaf are known for being the most expensive not only among the golf communities in Scottsdale, AZ, but in the entire state. The priciest home sale in the state’s history occurred in June 2022, when a 21,150-square-foot Silverleaf mansion sold for $26.1 million. The sky-high price tags of the homes here can be attributed to the community’s prime location between the McDowell Mountains’ breathtaking slopes and central Scottsdale, as well as the elite status of the community itself.
Silverleaf’s much sought-after home sites offer homebuyers the opportunity to partner with their home builder of choice to build the home of their dreams. Public areas, such as the professionally landscaped parks, gardens, and fountains, are scattered throughout for residents to enjoy.
Schools of note include the Chaparral High School, the Copper Ridge Elementary and Middle School inside the DC Ranch community. The Notre Dame Academy is located just three miles away.
3. Desert Mountain
Putters who want plenty of variety will be hard pressed to find a better golf community in Scottsdale, AZ to settle down in than Desert Mountain. Featuring a unique collection of six courses designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, plus a seventh par-54 championship course, Desert Mountain offers a golf experience like no other. Five separate clubhouses serve these courses, offering a barrage of amenities including tennis, swimming facilities, fitness gyms, and even a golf performance center for those who want to work on their game.
The community itself encompasses 8,000 acres of a private, gated residential area located at an altitude of 3,000 feet in the magnificent High Sonoran Desert terrain north of Scottsdale. This exclusive members-only community comprises a whopping 35 villages in all, each containing an array of custom homes designed by celebrity architects. The options for Desert Mountain homes from sale include villas, townhomes, luxury estates, and more. Apart from that, each village is given its own unique quality to suit homebuyers from different walks of life.
The Cave Creek Unified School District that serves Desert Mountain has the following schools in the area: Black Mountain Elementary, Sonoran Trails Middle School, and Cactus Shadows High.
4. DC Ranch
Established in the 1980s, DC Ranch – which gets its name from the “Desert Camp” cattle brand – is easily one of the oldest golf communities in Scottsdale, AZ. It is home to The Country Club at DC Ranch, a Club of Excellence-awarded golf course that boasts an 18-hole, par-71 track designed by professional golfers John Fought and Tom Lehman. Aside from golf, Country Club members also get to enjoy the many amenities of the 45,000-square-foot Hacienda Clubhouse, including six tennis courts, a fitness facility, swimming pool, and multiple sites for parties, events, and other gatherings.
Although it was a cattle ranch at one time, DC Ranch has evolved into one of the most prominent golf communities in Scottsdale, AZ. Sprawled across 4,000 acres, this master-planned community boasts properties to suit every lifestyle and age group. Residents get to enjoy just the right balance of nature and urban life, with over 33 miles of interconnected biking and walking trails lying in close proximity to three shopping districts.
Apart from luxury apartments, townhomes, and condominiums, DC Ranch homes for sale also include unique ranch-style single-family homes. The township also has the Copper Ridge Elementary and Middle School within the community proper, while high school students have a choice of one public (Chaparral High) and three private schools (Notre Dame Academy, Brophy College Prep, and Savier College Prep) nearby.
5. Mirabel
Mirabel is considerably smaller compared to the other Scottsdale golf communities listed here, but that doesn’t mean that it offers less than its bigger counterpart communities. With its Tom Fazio-designed 7,000-yard, par-71 course, Mirabel consistently ranks in the Top 100 private golf communities in the country. However, the trickiness of the greens isn’t the only reason Mirabel offers a distinctive golf experience all its own.
With only 345 property sites spread across 700 acres, Mirabel is one of the lowest density golf communities in Scottsdale. The 3,000-foot elevation helps keep daytime temperatures a few degrees cooler than communities located further south. The Mirabel neighborhood offers beautiful views of Pinnacle Peak and Continental Mountains.
Schools serving the area are the same as those serving Desert Mountain – Black Mountain Elementary School, Sonoran Trails Middle School and Cactus Shadows High School. All belong to the Cave Creek Unified School District.
6. Terravita
The name Terravita is derived from two Latin words: terra (land) and vita (life). As the name implies, Terravita is a golf community that upholds nature to provide residents with the life they richly deserve. Boasting an 18-hole golf course with nine tee combinations of varying yardages, a two-way driving range, and a putting green, Terravita has something for golfers of any skill level.
The Terravita Clubhouse also delivers plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation with its six tennis courts, numerous dining options, outdoor terraces, a lap pool, and fitness center.
Homes for sale in Terravita are built to create synergy with the natural surroundings. Many of the homes have stunning views of either the desert, the mountains, or the golf course landscape. Residents will have easy access to seven miles of walking trails, which link directly to the community’s 23 neighborhoods, as well as the clubhouse.
Depending on their age, school children in Terravita can go to Black Mountain Elementary School, Sonoran Trails Middle School, or Cactus Shadows High School, all of which belong to the Cave Creek Unified School District.
7. The Boulders
This golf community located along the border of Scottsdale’s northern section holds two championship greens. Both courses were designed by Jay Morrish for advanced and beginner players alike. The par-72 North Course runs 6,950 yards in length, while the par 71 South Course runs longer at 7,007 yards. A sprawling 33,000-square-foot wellness center lets players relax with a wide selection of rejuvenating spa services.
There are 12 distinct neighborhoods inside The Boulders enclave, strategically built around the two golf courses to make sure residents have easy access to resort amenities. Homebuyers get to choose between resort-style homes, villas, patio homes, and luxury estates. There’s plenty of open space to enjoy, as over half of the land is designated to remain undeveloped.
Children who live in The Boulders can attend Cave Creek Unified School District schools such as Black Mountain Elementary, Sonoran Trails Middle School, and Cactus Shadows High School.
8. Desert Highlands
The residents of Desert Highlands have automatic access to the Jack Nicklaus-designed, 7,108-yard, par 72 18-hole golf course. The fairway holds the distinction as being the first one to be played by the “ultimate foursome” – that’s Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson.
Aside from golf, there are several tennis courts, a large dog park, and multiple dining options within the golf club. Residents/members can also use a 7,000-square-foot fitness and wellness center where they can book a fitness class, swim laps in the pool, and eat healthy at the onsite restaurant.
As for the selection of homes in Desert Highlands, buyers can opt for custom or semi-custom properties, the latter of which are only available in two community neighborhoods: The Heights and Hillside Villa Estates. Square footage ranges from 2,000 to 7,000, with a choice of four to seven bedrooms.
Children generally attend Desert Sun Academy, Sonoran Trails Middle School and Cactus Shadows High School – all under the Cave Creek Unified School District.
Benefits of Living in a Golf Community
For avid golfers, living in a golf community can be a dream come true. But even if you’ve never held a club before in your hands, snapping up a property in a golf community comes with a lot of perks and privileges that may catch your interest. Consider this list of potential benefits when you find your ideal golf community in Scottsdale, AZ.
A calm and peaceful living environment
Master-planned golf communities in Scottsdale, AZ ensure that each home gets to enjoy plenty of peace and quiet. Single-family properties are often built far apart from each other, thereby ensuring utmost privacy and tranquility. In addition, the public spaces are maintained regularly by professionals, so you’ll always have a clean, beautiful, and serene environment all around you.
A true sense of community
When you live in a golf community, you immediately become a part of a tight society that shares your interests. Expect plenty of get-togethers and events where you can socialize and form bonds with your neighbors. By living in a place where you are likely to get along with other residents, you’ll have a better chance of living a happier and more contented life.
A healthier lifestyle
Living in a golf community in Scottsdale, AZ gives you plenty of opportunities for exercise and other physical activities like hiking, biking, swimming, and of course, golf. And that’s not all. The requisite clubhouse usually offers lifestyle facilities such as a fitness gym, lap pool, and spa, to name a few. With so many healthy options to choose from, you’ll be living the fit and full life you’ve always longed for.
A beautiful, luxurious home
Homes in golf communities are required to meet a higher standard of quality set by the homeowner’s association. This helps guarantee that a golf community property is consistent with the other homes in the area in terms of attractiveness, quality, and value. Not only does this make your home a beautiful place to live in, it also helps protect the worth of your investment.
Amazing resale value potential
Should your priorities change in the future and decide that your golf community property home is no longer right for you, you’ll be glad to know that these properties often enjoy high resale values. The enviable combination of natural beauty, wonderful neighborhood, upscale amenities, and extraordinary livability practically guarantees that you will have plenty of interested buyers with deep pockets when you decide to put your property on the market.
Security and Safety
Golf communities typically offer enhanced security features, such as gated entrances, 24/7 security patrols, and surveillance systems. This creates a safe and secure environment for you and your family, allowing you to enjoy peace of mind and focus on the pleasures of living in such a prestigious community.
Scenic Views and Natural Beauty
One of the most appealing aspects of living in a golf community is the stunning scenery. Golf courses are often designed to take full advantage of the natural landscape, incorporating lush greenery, water features, and panoramic vistas. This ensures that every day, you wake up to beautiful, tranquil surroundings that can significantly enhance your quality of life.
Scottsdale, AZ has a large selection of luxury golf communities to choose from, much more than what’s listed here. If you are still searching for the best golf community for you, or are having trouble narrowing down your choices, reach out to an expert Scottsdale real estate agent at Matheson Real Estate.
