Scottsdale Real Estate Communities: A Complete Guide

Scottsdale Real Estate Communities & Homes for Sale

Scottsdale, Arizona offers one of the most diverse residential real estate markets in the Phoenix metropolitan area, with housing options ranging from condominiums and established neighborhoods near Old Town Scottsdale to luxury golf communities, gated estates, new construction, and custom desert homes in North Scottsdale.

Because Scottsdale stretches more than 30 miles from north to south, there can be significant differences in home styles, lot sizes, community amenities, pricing, and lifestyle depending on where you choose to live. Buyers can generally think of the city as three distinct housing areas: South Scottsdale, Central Scottsdale, and North Scottsdale.

South Scottsdale Real Estate

South Scottsdale provides convenient access to Old Town Scottsdale, Downtown Scottsdale, Tempe, Arizona State University, Sky Harbor International Airport, and many of the restaurants, shopping and entertainment destinations along Scottsdale Road.

Housing in South Scottsdale includes established single-family neighborhoods, renovated mid-century homes, patio homes, townhomes, condominiums, and newer infill developments. Areas surrounding Old Town also offer luxury condominiums and urban-style residences for buyers who prefer a more walkable lifestyle near restaurants, nightlife, galleries, resorts and Scottsdale Fashion Square.

South Scottsdale can be particularly attractive to buyers looking for an established Scottsdale neighborhood, a second home, condominium, investment property, or convenient access to both Scottsdale and Tempe.

Central Scottsdale Real Estate

Central Scottsdale offers a combination of established residential neighborhoods, master-planned communities, luxury homes, condominiums, townhomes and golf-oriented properties.

Popular Central Scottsdale areas include McCormick Ranch, Gainey Ranch, Scottsdale Ranch, the Cactus Corridor and neighborhoods surrounding Shea Boulevard. Buyers will find everything from older homes with remodeling potential to extensively renovated luxury properties, gated communities and waterfront residences.

McCormick Ranch and Scottsdale Ranch are especially well known for mature landscaping, lakes, greenbelts and recreational paths, while Gainey Ranch provides gated residential communities surrounding the Gainey Ranch Golf Club area.

Central Scottsdale’s location also provides convenient access to Old Town Scottsdale to the south and the Scottsdale Airpark, Kierland and North Scottsdale to the north.

North Scottsdale Real Estate

North Scottsdale contains many of the city’s best-known luxury, golf, gated and master-planned communities. Housing options range from condominiums and townhomes to single-family residences, golf course properties, custom homes and multi-million-dollar luxury estates.

Major North Scottsdale communities include DC Ranch, Silverleaf, Grayhawk, Kierland, McDowell Mountain Ranch, Windgate Ranch, Troon, Troon North, Desert Highlands, Desert Mountain, Terravita, Whisper Rock and the Pinnacle Peak area.

North Scottsdale is particularly popular with buyers seeking mountain and desert views, larger homesites, gated communities, golf and country club lifestyles, newer construction and proximity to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

The northernmost portions of Scottsdale offer a noticeably different environment from South and Central Scottsdale, with lower-density development, extensive Sonoran Desert surroundings and numerous custom-home and golf communities.

Finding the Right Scottsdale Community

There is no single “best” part of Scottsdale. The right location depends on the type of home and lifestyle a buyer wants.

Someone wanting restaurants, entertainment and proximity to Old Town may favor South Scottsdale. Buyers looking for established neighborhoods, mature landscaping and a more central location frequently consider Central Scottsdale. Buyers prioritizing luxury homes, golf communities, gated neighborhoods, larger properties and Sonoran Desert surroundings often concentrate on North Scottsdale.

Andrew Holm and The Holm Group have worked with buyers and sellers throughout Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area for more than 26 years. Our experience includes Scottsdale luxury homes, golf communities, gated neighborhoods, condominiums, second homes and established master-planned communities.

Use the Scottsdale community directory and current real estate listings below to explore individual neighborhoods, compare available homes and learn more about the different housing opportunities throughout Scottsdale.

FAQs About Scottsdale Real Estate

1. What types of homes are available in Scottsdale, Arizona?

Scottsdale offers an unusually broad range of real estate, including single-family homes, condominiums, townhomes, patio homes, luxury estates, golf course properties, gated-community homes, custom desert residences and new construction. Housing options vary considerably between South, Central and North Scottsdale, making location one of the most important parts of a Scottsdale home search.

2. What is the difference between South, Central and North Scottsdale real estate??

South Scottsdale generally offers more established neighborhoods, renovated older homes, condominiums and properties close to Old Town Scottsdale and Tempe. Central Scottsdale includes communities such as McCormick Ranch, Gainey Ranch and Scottsdale Ranch and combines established neighborhoods with luxury and golf-oriented housing. North Scottsdale contains a larger concentration of luxury, gated, golf and desert communities such as DC Ranch, Silverleaf, Grayhawk, Troon North and Desert Mountain.

3. What are some of the most popular Scottsdale communities?

Popular Scottsdale communities include DC Ranch, Silverleaf, Grayhawk, McCormick Ranch, Gainey Ranch, Scottsdale Ranch, Kierland, McDowell Mountain Ranch, Windgate Ranch, Troon North, Desert Highlands, Desert Mountain and Terravita. Each offers a different combination of housing, amenities, location and lifestyle.

4. Where can I find more affordable housing options in Scottsdale?

Buyers searching at lower Scottsdale price points will generally find more options among condominiums, townhomes, patio homes and older single-family homes in South and Central Scottsdale. North Scottsdale also has condominiums and townhomes that can provide a lower-cost alternative to the area’s luxury single-family homes. Availability and pricing change constantly, so buyers should compare current listings rather than relying on a single citywide average.

5. Where are the luxury homes in Scottsdale??

Luxury real estate can be found throughout Scottsdale, but North Scottsdale has the greatest concentration of high-end gated, golf and custom-home communities. Silverleaf, DC Ranch, Desert Mountain, Desert Highlands, Estancia, Whisper Rock, Troon and Troon North are among the areas commonly considered by luxury buyers. Luxury condominiums and residences can also be found around Old Town Scottsdale, Scottsdale Waterfront and Kierland.

6. What are the best Scottsdale communities for golf course homes?

Scottsdale offers numerous golf-oriented communities, including Desert Mountain, Troon North, Grayhawk, DC Ranch, Desert Highlands, Gainey Ranch, Ancala, Terravita and Scottsdale Country Club. Buyers should investigate golf membership separately from purchasing a home because club membership, initiation fees, waitlists and transfer policies vary by community.

7. Are there gated communities in Scottsdale??

Yes. Scottsdale has numerous gated and guard-gated communities, particularly throughout Central and North Scottsdale. Options range from smaller gated condominium and townhome developments to private luxury golf communities with custom estates. Buyers should compare HOA fees, community amenities and gate arrangements when evaluating these neighborhoods.

8. Is Scottsdale a good location for a second or vacation home?

Scottsdale attracts second-home buyers because of its winter climate, golf, resorts, restaurants, outdoor recreation and wide selection of low-maintenance condominiums, townhomes and lock-and-leave residences. Buyers considering a seasonal property should evaluate HOA rules, maintenance requirements and any restrictions affecting how they intend to use the property.

9. What should I consider before buying a home in Scottsdale?

Beyond price and square footage, Scottsdale buyers should consider location, HOA fees and restrictions, property condition, lot orientation, school district, proximity to employment and amenities, golf membership requirements, community facilities and future resale appeal. These factors can vary considerably even between neighborhoods located only a few miles apart.

10. How can The Holm Group help me find a home in Scottsdale?

Andrew Holm and The Holm Group help buyers compare Scottsdale communities based on budget, property type, lifestyle, location, golf and club preferences, community amenities and long-term goals. With more than 26 years of Scottsdale and Phoenix-area real estate experience, the team can help buyers narrow a large Scottsdale home search into the neighborhoods and properties that best match what they actually want.