Arizona real estate is hotter than it has ever been. From 2021 to 2022 alone, Arizona's median home sale prices rose over 24%. Homes that once went for $325,000 saw the sale price hit $404,300.
Increasing demand, decreasing housing supply, and an uptick in real estate investments have driven prices up. Yet, many analysts believe the current market is a bubble that's bound to pop soon.
That's good news for you if you're in the market for expensive homes in Scottsdale.
Arizona is home to some of the most beautiful and luxurious real estate markets in the country. And you may be able to scoop one up at a discount in the near future.
That's why we're bringing you this guide to the best neighborhoods for luxury homes in the Scottsdale area. Keep reading to find the home of your dreams.
Luxury Neighborhoods in Scottsdale, Arizona
If you know anything about real estate, you know location is everything. Scottsdale, AZ, is no different. The location where you buy your home will determine its price.
Depending on where you choose to live, you can find expensive homes with incredible views, the Grand Canyon State's best golfing, and proximity to private parks and hiking trails.
Sound good? Then check out the most expensive zip codes where you'll find the dream home you and all your friends won't stop talking about.
Ancala (85259)
Ancala is an 850-acre gated community in northern Scottsdale. In 2020, the median home sale value for this neighborhood was $740,000. Ancala is the fourth most expensive zip code in Arizona and the third-most-expensive neighborhood in Scottsdale.
Homebuyers come to Ancala for the views. The area overlooks Camelback and the McDowell Mountains, which is perfect for outdoor lovers. But this area is also an excellent vantage point from which to see the Scottsdale city lights.
Homes in the area typically range in size from 3000 to 7000 square feet. Most homes are custom-built, and many feature on-premise casita homes for extended family or extra rental income.
Nearby, Ancala Park is the place to relax on the weekends. The park features grills for the adults and a play area, basketball court, and swing set for the kids.
If you and your family are more interested in golf, you're in luck. The Ancala Country Club is nestled in the valley of the McDowell Mountains and features a par-72 course designed by Perry Dye.
Boulders (85266)
Boulders is another coveted neighborhood in North Scottsdale. Boulders' median home sale value in 2020 was $799,000, making it the second priciest zip code in Scottsdale. The neighboring city of Carefree (85277) is also a great place to look, as this market had a median home sale value of $688k in 2020.
Homes in the gated community of Boulders are known for their southwestern-style architecture and unobstructed views of the Sonoran Desert. Some homes also feature views of the McDowell Mountains and the local golf courses.
That's right— we said golf courses. There are two highly-rated courses at the semi-private Boulders Golf Club, the North Course, and the South Course. The former features a par 72 course, while the latter features a par 71 course, but both are designed by Jay Morrish.
People who enjoy the outdoors love Boulders. That's because the city has designated more than 50% of the area for natural habitat.
DC Ranch (85255)
DC Ranch is a 4000-acre master-planned neighborhood just north of Scottsdale. The median home sale value for this area in 2020 was $720,000. This luxury zip code encompasses four different communities:
- Silverleaf Village
- Country Club Village
- Desert Park Village
- Desert Camp Village
Silverleaf is the most expensive area in DC ranch. It's a gated community with a 24-hour guard for the ultimate privacy. Home lots range from half an acre to more than 10 acres of luxury living.
Country Club Village and Desert Park Village are also gated. They feature access to pocket parks, private clubs, and the Desert Camp Community Center. If security is a non-negotiable for you, steer clear of the middle-income Desert Camp Village because this area isn't gated.
Golf enthusiasts will enjoy The Country Club at DC Ranch. This award-winning private club features an 18-hole course overlooking the McDowell Mountains. Tom Lehman and John Fought designed the course for golfers of all ages and levels.
Desert Mountain and Troon North (85262)
Desert Mountain and Troon North are both northern Scottsdale neighborhoods that take up the 85262 zip code. In 2020, this area had the second-highest median home sale price in all of Arizona and the highest median home sale price in Scottsdale at $915,000.
These communities take up over 8,300 acres of land. Views feature the Sonoran Desert and nearby mountains, with 15 miles of hiking trails that are exclusive to Desert Mountain residents.
Locals and tourists alike know this area as the state's best golf community. It features seven Jack Nicklaus Signature courses: Apache, Chiricahua, Cochise, Geronimo, Outlaw, Renegade, and No.7.
Troon North is also home to the famous Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale. This 5-star getaway offers award-winning restaurants, tranquil spas, event spaces, and much more.
Paradise Valley (85250 and 85253)
Paradise Valley is a renowned luxury community that's only a few minutes north of Scottsdale. It isn't technically part of the Scottsdale metro area, but this list just wouldn't be complete without mentioning this town.
Paradise Valley boasts some of the most expensive homes in the nation, coming in with an over $1.5 million median sale price in 2020. It's also the most expensive area in the Grand Canyon State.
This private town has everything you could want. It is home to eight award-winning resorts, a number of luxury gold courses, and the state's best shopping.
This area is also where multiple celebrities call home. This includes Michael Phelps, former Vice President Dan Quayle, and the owner of the Cardinals, Michael Bidwill.
Paradise Valley is also known for its high-end real estate market. You'll have to shell out over $1 million to get a home in this small city, but real estate prices can reach up to $30 million. Home sizes range from a few thousand square feet to nearly 20,000 square feet.
Buying a home in Paradise Valley is a great idea if you're looking for the most upscale area around Scottsdale.
Paradise Valley Village (85254)
Do you love Paradise Valley but want something a tad bit more affordable and closer to the city? Paradise Valley Village may be the neighborhood you're looking for.
Paradise Valley Village is a northern suburb of Scottsdale. In 2020, the area had a median home sale value of $540,000. That makes this neighborhood the most affordable on our list, though this area is still the sixth most-expensive community in Scottsdale.
Like the original Paradise Valley, this neighborhood is home to resorts and golf clubs. Stone Creek Golf Club and the Orange Tree Resort are great places to hang out if you live in the area. Shopping enthusiasts will also love the local Paradise Valley Mall, which features multiple luxury brands.
Lovers of the great outdoors will also have something to do in this neighborhood. The Scottsdale Greenbelt trail is local to this community.
Gainey Ranch (85258)
Located in Central Scottsdale, Gainey Ranch is a luxury neighborhood with an intriguing history. It used to be a ranch famed for its Arabian horses. The owner of the ranch— Daniel Gainey— is also this community's namesake.
Despite its proximity to the city's center, Gainey Ranch is home to some seriously expensive real estate. According to Neighborhood Scout, local homes go for a median price of just over $1 million.
Homes in this neighborhood feature views of water fountains, palm trees, and lush landscaping. At the same time, you're only steps away from inner city attractions like the shops at Gainey Village and Old Town Scottsdale.
If you buy a home in this neighborhood, you'll also automatically become part of the Daniel C. Gainey Estate Club. This community center sits inside Gainey's former 1955 home. Amenities include a 25-meter lap pool, spa, tennis courts, a fitness center, and space for entertaining your guests.
McCormick Ranch (85261)
Another former home of an Arabian horse ranch, McCormick Ranch, used to be owned by Fowler and Anne McCormick. Today, the 4480-acre property has been transformed into a 67-subdivision, master-planned community.
Named one of the US's Hottest Neighborhoods in 2021, this zip code's median home sale price is $670,496. You'll find custom homes with charming southwestern-style architecture in this area.
There's also plenty to do in McCormick Ranch. This community sits sandwiched between Camelback Golf Club and the McCormick Ranch Golf Club. The latter club offers impressive views of the mountains and several tranquil lakes.
Because it's so close to the city, homeowners have access to many different shops and restaurants. The area has a village-like feel, with a bakery or cafe on almost every corner.
A Selection of Luxury Listings in Scottsdale
Now that you're familiar with the most expensive areas to buy a home in Scottsdale let's talk about some real-life home listings. Below, we've compiled a few recent luxury listings in the neighborhoods we mentioned above.
E Wingspan Way, Silverleaf Village
This home sold for a record-breaking $24.1 million in 2020. The sprawling Spanish-style estate was built in 2005 and features eight bedrooms, more than ten bathrooms, and a garage that fits at least a dozen cars.
The more than 15,000 square foot property sits on 17 acres of lush greenery. The home offers panoramic views of the nearby McDowell Mountains and a birds-eye view of the city.
N 102nd Street, Desert Mountain
A modern estate in the desert, this home is in the most expensive neighborhood in Arizona. It sold for just over $10 million in 2020 and features 7,579 square feet of luxury living.
The home sits on nearly 10 acres of land abutting the Sonoran Desert. Views overlook the desert, the mountains, and the valley— a nature lover's dream. The property itself is gated for the ultimate privacy and security.
N Yucca Road, Paradise Valley
This $20.9 million home features a whopping 28,000 square feet. The owner of the Phoenix Suns, Robert Sarver, bought the home in 2020. It has seven bedrooms, over 11 bathrooms, and a nine-car garage.
The home is nestled right beneath the mountains. Its Spanish-style stone exterior blends right in with the landscape. But the interior is anything but outdoorsy, featuring top-of-the-line finishes and custom detailing.
N 120th Street, Ancala
This Ancala showstopper sold for a modest $1.7 million earlier this year. The 3,598 square foot home offers the ultimate casual living, which is perfect for families and retirees. The home features three beds and three baths, plus space for three cars in the garage.
The main attraction of this property is that it sits on the 10th Fairway of the Ancala Country Club. Homeowners also enjoy unobstructed views of Camelback and the McDowell Mountains.
E Ironwood Road, Boulders-Carefree
The final listing we'll talk about today is in the Boulders area of North Scottsdale. It's a new construction home built by Bordeaux Homes. This modern-style house offers a reasonable 3,690 square feet of space, three bedrooms, and three bathrooms.
It has a three-car garage for all of your luxury vehicles. And the home overlooks the Black Mountain and the local gold course. You'll also have access to a luxury pool that overlooks the city and offers the most incredible sunset views around.
More Expensive Homes in Arizona
Desert Mountain, Troon North, and Ancala are just a few of the best neighborhoods to find expensive homes in Scottsdale. You can also look in nearby Paradise Valley if you don't mind a drive to the city.
Are you ready to find your Arizona dream home? Browse our luxury home listings in Scottsdale now!