The Phoenix Metropolitan Area Real Estate Guide

Top-Tier Luxury & Exclusivity (North Scottsdale):

1. Desert Mountain:

   • Why it's often considered the "best": Unparalleled in its scope, Desert Mountain boasts seven Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses, offering incredible variety and challenges. It's a massive, master-planned community with numerous distinct villages. The amenities are truly resort-style, including multiple clubhouses, world-class dining, a state-of-the-art golf performance center, extensive hiking trails, a tennis complex (known as the "Wimbledon of the West"), pools, fitness centers, and a very active social calendar.

      

   • Homes: Range from custom estates to luxury villas and townhomes, often with breathtaking panoramic views of the courses, city lights, and surrounding mountains.

      

   • Vibe: Extremely private, exclusive, and geared towards those who value an active, luxurious, and social lifestyle with golf at its core. Membership is required for property owners and can be substantial.

      

2. Silverleaf (within DC Ranch):

   • Why it's highly regarded: Silverleaf is synonymous with ultra-luxury. It features a private, Tom Weiskopf-designed championship golf course set against the McDowell Mountains. The community is known for its opulent custom homes, exquisite architecture, and a world-class clubhouse with a spa, fine dining, and concierge services.

      

      

      

   • Homes: Among the most expensive in Arizona, offering custom-built estates on large lots, many with stunning views and ultimate privacy.

      

   • Vibe: The epitome of exclusive, high-end living. Membership is often invitation-only, attracting a discerning clientele.

3. Estancia:

   • Why it's a top choice: A boutique, highly exclusive gated community nestled near Pinnacle Peak. Its private, Tom Fazio-designed course is consistently ranked among the best. The community is intentionally kept smaller to foster a strong, intimate sense of community.

      

   • Homes: Features custom homes on often larger lots, designed to blend seamlessly with the natural desert surroundings, many with spectacular views of Pinnacle Peak and the golf course.

      

   • Vibe: Serene, refined, and very private. Attracts those seeking a luxurious but more intimate community experience.

4. Troon North:

   • Why it's excellent: Home to two highly acclaimed public golf courses (Pinnacle and Monument) designed by Tom Weiskopf, Troon North is famous for its stunning desert scenery and challenging layouts. While the courses are public, the surrounding residential communities are private and exclusive.

      

   • Homes: A wide range of luxury townhomes, semi-custom homes, and expansive custom estates, many with golf course and mountain views.

   • Vibe: Premier golf experience with convenient access, while maintaining a private and serene atmosphere for residents. Offers a balance of upscale living with the ability for guests to experience the golf.

5. Whisper Rock:

   • Why it's a contender: Features two private, highly-regarded courses (one designed by Phil Mickelson/Gary Stephenson, the other by Tom Fazio). Known for its large custom homes on expansive lots, offering a sense of seclusion and exclusivity. Membership is by invitation only.

      

   • Vibe: Very private, understated luxury, focused heavily on the golf experience.

Other Excellent Golf Course Communities with Strong Offerings:

• Desert Highlands: One of Scottsdale's original and most prestigious gated golf communities at the base of Pinnacle Peak. It was one of the first to implement the "equity membership" model. Features a Jack Nicklaus-designed course and excellent amenities including a world-class clubhouse, tennis program (often called the "Wimbledon of the West"), and fitness center.

   

• Grayhawk: Offers two public courses (Talon and Raptor) but is surrounded by a vibrant, active community. It has a laid-back yet luxurious lifestyle with diverse housing options from townhomes to single-family homes. Excellent for those who want a strong community feel with great golf access.

   

• Gainey Ranch: A well-established, guard-gated community known for its resort-style living. It features a 27-hole golf club and a mix of luxury condos, townhouses, and single-family homes with abundant amenities like a health club, spa, and pools.

   

• McCormick Ranch: A classic, well-located master-planned community with two championship courses. Offers a wide array of housing options, many with desirable golf course and lake views. Known for its central location and mature landscaping.

   

• TPC Scottsdale: While known globally for hosting the Waste Management Phoenix Open, the surrounding residential areas offer luxury living with proximity to both the Stadium Course and the Champions Course. Ideal for those who want to be at the heart of the action and have direct access to a PGA TOUR course.

   

Factors to Consider When Choosing:

• Private vs. Public/Semi-Private Course: Do you want an exclusive, member-only golf experience, or are you comfortable with a public course that may have more play?

• Membership Costs & Dues: Private clubs often have significant initiation fees and monthly dues. These can vary wildly.

• Amenities Beyond Golf: Are you looking for a vibrant social scene, extensive fitness facilities, spas, dining options, hiking trails, or other recreational activities?

• Home Style & Size: From luxurious condos to sprawling custom estates, each community has a different mix.

• Location within Scottsdale: North Scottsdale typically offers newer, more expensive, and more secluded communities, while central Scottsdale offers more established communities with easier access to city amenities.

• Budget: This is a primary driver, as homes on these courses range from high hundreds of thousands to tens of millions.

To truly find the "best" for you, it's highly recommended to work with a local real estate agent who specializes in Scottsdale golf communities. They can provide detailed insights into club memberships, HOA fees, the specific lifestyle of each community, and show you properties that align with your unique preferences.