Looking for the perfect golf course home in Arizona? Here's what you need to know:
- Arizona is #2 in the US for golf with 300+ courses and 100 golf communities
- Year-round golfing thanks to 300+ days of sunshine annually
- Stunning desert and mountain views come standard
- Luxury amenities like private clubs, fitness centers, and pools
Key features of Arizona golf course homes:
- Indoor-outdoor living with large windows and patios
- High-end materials like natural stone and hardwoods
- Golf-specific perks like putting greens and simulators
Top communities to consider:
- Desert Mountain (Scottsdale): 6 Jack Nicklaus courses
- Estancia (Scottsdale): Tom Fazio course ranked in top 100
- Silverleaf (Scottsdale): Home to Arizona's priciest properties
Before you buy:
- Check HOA rules on landscaping and modifications
- Consider privacy vs. views when choosing a lot
- Plan for ongoing maintenance of luxury features
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful views | HOA rules and fees |
| Easy course access | Less privacy |
| Prestigious living | Potential golf ball damage |
| Low crime rates | Noise from golfers/maintenance |
With careful planning, you can find the perfect balance of luxury living and world-class golf in Arizona's top communities.
Why Choose Arizona Golf Course Homes
Arizona's golf course homes are a hit. Here's why:
Year-Round Golfing
Arizona's weather is a golfer's dream:
- Sunshine for 300+ days yearly
- Mild winters (70s highs, 40s lows)
- Prime golf: January to April
You can golf while others shovel snow. As Superstition Mountain Golf & Lifestyle Blog says:
"During the late fall and winter months, much of the country – and our Canadian cousins up north – experience freezing weather, rainy conditions and snow. In Arizona, we call this PRIME golf season."
Stunning Scenery
Golf communities here offer:
- Sonoran Desert views
- Mountain backdrops
- Green courses (thanks to winter ryegrass)
Take Talking Rock in Prescott. It pairs "stunning chaparral views and crisp, cool temperatures" with its Jay Morrish Championship Golf Course.
Luxury Living
These aren't just homes. They're lifestyles:
| Community | Perks |
|---|---|
| Desert Mountain | 6 Nicklaus courses, clubhouses, pools, tennis |
| Mirabel | Fazio course, desert lodge clubhouse |
| Estancia | Private championship course, fitness center, pools |
You'll often find:
- Gated entrances
- High-end amenities
- Community events
It's more than a house. It's golf, luxury, and community rolled into one.
Getting the Best Golf Course Views
Home Design for Views
Golf course homes in Arizona don't just put you close to the greens. They give you front-row seats to nature's show. Here's how to make those views pop:
Big Windows: Think floor-to-ceiling glass. Homes in Desert Mountain, Scottsdale do this right. They frame those Jack Nicklaus courses like works of art.
Go Up: Some clever architects lift the main living areas. It's like giving your house a boost to see over the crowd. Ken Pursley and Craig Dixon nailed this idea:
"We thought about that route like a good hike through the woods. You enter, you wind down a path, but you end up with this incredible view."
Step Outside: Patios and balconies are your front-row tickets. In Encanterra, San Tan Valley, homes often come with covered outdoor spaces. They're perfect for soaking in Tom Lehman's desert masterpiece.
Privacy and Views
Want views AND privacy? You can have both:
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Holly hedges | Natural screen that doesn't block the view |
| Low limestone walls | Mark your territory without being obvious |
| Smart landscaping | Creates your own private oasis |
Take the home at 33806 N 69th Street, Scottsdale. It's using fancy Low-E Glass windows with Argon gas. You get the view, plus privacy and lower energy bills. Win-win-win.
In Estancia, homes play hide-and-seek with the landscape. You get privacy, but Pinnacle Peak still puts on a show.
Just remember: HOAs have rules about views and privacy. Check before you start any projects.
Landscaping for Golf Course Homes
Matching the Golf Course Look
Want your Arizona golf course home to blend seamlessly with the green? Here's how:
- Pick plants similar to those on the course
- Mirror the course's landscaping style
- Add paths and low walls that fit right in
Take Desert Mountain in Scottsdale. Homeowners there use native cacti and desert plants to match Jack Nicklaus's course designs.
Using Local Plants
Arizona's native plants are a hole-in-one for golf course homes:
| Plant | Why It's Great |
|---|---|
| Teddybear Cholla | Golden spines, sips water |
| Prickly Pear Cactus | Thrives without extra water |
| Blue Palo Verde | Yellow blooms, wildlife magnet |
These plants are water-wise and low-maintenance. Bonus: Prickly Pear might even help with diabetes and high cholesterol.
Outdoor Living Areas
Create spaces that make the most of your golf course view:
- Build a course-facing patio
- Add a fire pit for cozy evenings
- Set up comfy seating for post-game hangouts
In Encanterra, San Tan Valley, you'll find homes with covered outdoor areas perfect for watching the action on Tom Lehman's course.
Key Features of Luxury Golf Course Homes
Connecting Indoors and Outdoors
Luxury golf course homes in Arizona don't just have views - they're designed to make you feel like you're part of the landscape. How? Think big windows and glass doors that practically erase the line between your living room and the golf course.
In Scottsdale's DC Ranch, you'll find homes with windows so tall, you might mistake the fairway for your backyard. And in a way, it is.
High-Quality Materials
These homes aren't just pretty faces. They're built to last and impress:
| Material | Where It's Used | Why It's Great |
|---|---|---|
| Natural stone | Floors, counters | Tough and classy |
| Hardwoods | Cabinets, trim | Warm and timeless |
| Smart glass | Windows | Keeps energy bills low |
Want an example? There's a $12.5 million place in Scottsdale that's decked out in marble and custom wood. It's like living in a five-star hotel.
Special Golf Features
For golf nuts, these homes are heaven:
- Backyard putting greens
- Indoor golf simulators
- Golf cart garages
In Desert Mountain, Scottsdale, you can practice your putt while watching the sunset. And if you think that's cool, there's a $27.5 million home in Houston with both a putting green AND an indoor simulator. Rain or shine, golf is always on the menu.
These golf perks aren't just fun - they're smart investments. As one Scottsdale agent put it, "Homes with golf goodies often fly off the market at higher prices."
Solving Landscaping Issues for Golf Course Homes
Living on an Arizona golf course? It's great, but it comes with challenges. Let's tackle the big three:
Saving Water
Arizona's dry. You need to save water. Here's how:
-
Xeriscaping: Cut your outdoor water use by 50%. That's 20,000 gallons saved per year for an average home.
-
Smart Irrigation: Fix leaks. A typical home wastes 10,000 gallons yearly from leaks alone.
-
Mulch: Cool soil and cut evaporation.
Dealing with Stray Golf Balls
Stray balls are a pain. Protect your property:
| Strategy | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Dense Shrubs | Natural barriers |
| Location | Fewer balls near greens or sand traps |
| Mesh Screens | Block balls, not views |
Creating Privacy
Feel like you're on display? Get some peace:
-
Living Walls: Tall shrubs and evergreens for year-round privacy.
-
Smart Design: Sunken patios or raised decks with screens.
-
Water Features: Muffle noise and add tranquility.
Just remember: Check your HOA rules before making changes. Golf communities often have strict guidelines.
Boost Your Home's Value with Views and Landscaping
Golf course homes in Arizona aren't just places to live—they're investments. Let's explore how views and landscaping can increase your property's value.
Smart Landscaping Pays Off
A well-designed yard does more than look good—it makes money. Studies show good landscaping can bump up your home's value by 10-28%. Here's the breakdown:
| Feature | Value Boost |
|---|---|
| Mature Trees | Up to 28% |
| Well-Kept Lawn | 10-15% |
| Outdoor Living Spaces | 15-20% |
"83% of realtors say mature trees strongly impact sales for homes under $150,000. For homes over $250,000, it's 98%."
Keep Those Golf Course Views Clear
Clear golf course views make your home feel bigger and fancier. How to keep them clear:
- Trim trees and shrubs often
- Use short plants near windows
- Install big windows or glass doors
Plan Your Yard for the Long Haul
Think ahead when planning your yard:
1. Pick the right plants
Choose plants that'll look good now AND in 10 years. Arizona natives often work best.
2. Plan for growth
Remember: trees and shrubs get bigger. Don't plant them too close to your house or each other.
3. Go for quality
Better landscaping materials cost more now but last longer and look better over time.
"Homes next to golf courses sold for 25.8% more and were valued 19.2% higher." - Nicholls and Crompton, 2007
Smart landscaping and clear views can seriously boost your golf course home's value. Plan well, and watch your investment grow!
sbb-itb-8228eff
Top Arizona Golf Communities
Arizona's golf communities mix luxury living with top-notch golf. Here's a look at some standouts:
Community Highlights
1. Estancia, Scottsdale
Estancia boasts a Tom Fazio course ranked in America's top 100. Custom homes sit on 1-3 acre lots with Pinnacle Peak views. You'll find tennis courts, a fitness center, and a pool.
2. Desert Mountain, Scottsdale
Desert Mountain offers six Jack Nicklaus courses plus a par-54 championship course. It's a private, gated area spanning 8,000 acres at 3,000 feet in the High Sonoran Desert.
3. Silverleaf, Scottsdale
Silverleaf features a Tom Weiskopf par-72 championship course. It's home to Arizona's priciest properties, nestled between the McDowell Mountains and central Scottsdale.
Views and Landscaping
| Community | Views | Landscaping |
|---|---|---|
| Estancia | Pinnacle Peak, golf course | Natural desert |
| Desert Mountain | High Sonoran Desert, multiple courses | Varied terrain |
| Silverleaf | McDowell Mountains, Scottsdale | Upscale desert |
| DC Ranch | McDowell Mountains, golf course | Parks and trails |
| Mirabel | Golf course, desert | Low-density layout |
"A Silverleaf mansion sold for $26.1 million in June 2022, setting an Arizona real estate record." - Arizona Real Estate Record
These communities showcase Arizona's best golf living. From Desert Mountain's expansive vistas to Silverleaf's exclusivity, there's a perfect spot for every golf enthusiast.
Green Living in Golf Course Homes
Golf course homes in Arizona are going green. Here's how they're mixing luxury with eco-friendly practices:
Earth-Friendly Yard Care
Golf course homeowners are getting smart about their yards:
- They're planting native species that need less water and help local wildlife
- They're using xeriscaping to cut down on maintenance and water use
- They're mulching to keep soil moist and weeds at bay
"People want eco-friendly features in their homes now. They're looking for energy-efficient designs, water-saving practices, sustainable materials, smart tech, and community-wide green initiatives." - Don Matheson, REALTOR® | Founder
Energy-Saving Home Designs
New golf course homes are all about saving energy:
- They're designed to make the most of natural light and airflow
- They use materials like bamboo flooring and recycled metal
- They come with ENERGY STAR® appliances to cut down on power use
Companies like Fulton Homes and Maracay Homes are leading the charge in Arizona, building luxury homes that don't waste energy.
Smart Water Use
In Arizona's desert, saving water is crucial. Here's what's happening:
| Water-Saving Method | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Low-flow faucets | Less waste |
| Smart irrigation | Targeted use |
| Drought-tough plants | Less watering |
The Sanctuary Golf Course at WestWorld in Scottsdale is setting the bar high. It's Arizona's first course to get Audubon Signature Status for its focus on water quality and conservation.
Golf communities are changing too:
- Since 1985, Arizona golf courses have shrunk their watered turf from 105 to 84 acres on average
- This change saves about 3.18 billion gallons of water each year in the Phoenix area
Rules and HOA Guidelines
Owning an Arizona luxury golf course home? Great views, but you'll need to follow some rules. Let's break down the key HOA guidelines:
View Rights
Golf course homes offer amazing views. But keeping them can be tricky:
- Sun City has a 25-foot setback rule from the course boundary
- HOAs might limit tall plants or structures blocking neighbors' views
- You'll need to balance privacy with view preservation
HOA Landscaping Rules
Golf communities often have strict landscaping guidelines:
| Rule | Why? |
|---|---|
| Approved plant list | Keeps the community looking good |
| Lawn care standards | Ensures neat yards |
| Water-saving measures | Cuts down on water use |
Rio Verde Country Club's CC&Rs spell out specific rules to maintain the community's appearance.
Your Style vs. Community Rules
Want to add personal flair? Here's how:
- Always check HOA rules before starting outdoor projects
- Get HOA approval for changes, especially in visible areas
- Choose low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants that fit both your style and HOA rules
HOAs can enforce these rules. In Sun City, the Association can take action if homeowners don't follow the Declaration.
"The HOAs of golf course communities may also restrict the type of home projects you want to do in the future." - American Lifestyle Magazine
Remember: Review, seek approval, and make smart choices to enjoy your golf course home while keeping the HOA happy.
Keeping Your Property Looking Good
Owning a luxury golf course home in Arizona? You'll need to stay on top of maintenance. Here's how:
Fancy Yard Features
Luxury homes often have special landscaping that needs extra TLC:
- Clean fountains weekly, check pumps monthly
- Dust sculptures regularly, coat annually
- Test water feature pH bi-weekly, manage algae
Clear Views
Keep those golf course views pristine:
- Trim trees and shrubs every 3-4 months
- Use low plants near viewing areas
- Install retractable screens for flexibility
Seasonal Yard Care
Arizona's climate demands year-round care:
| Season | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Spring | Overseed (rye), fertilize (Bermuda) |
| Summer | Deep water (3-day intervals), mow twice weekly |
| Fall | Cut back watering, prep for winter rye |
| Winter | Maintain rye, prune dormant plants |
Lawn care is key. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension says:
"Most Arizona sod consists of Bermuda grass, which is best suited for the heat and remains green as long as it has enough water."
For a lush lawn:
- Water deeply, less often
- Fertilize 2-4 times a year
- Mow Bermuda at 1-1.5 inches
What's Next for Golf Course Homes
Golf course homes in Arizona are evolving. Here's what's coming:
New Technology
Smart home tech is taking over Scottsdale's golf communities:
- Remote-controlled thermostats
- Advanced security systems
- High-tech kitchens
- Smart lighting
- Automated lawn care
These features are HOT. Half of millennials already use smart home tech. And 81% of buyers want it pre-installed.
Changing Home Styles
Golf course homes are getting a facelift:
- Open layouts
- Outdoor living spaces
- Green features
- Natural elements
Buyers crave homes that blend with nature and save energy. This is reshaping how builders design new golf course homes.
Future of Luxury Golf Living
The luxury golf home market is shifting:
- Wellness focus
- Green tech
- Custom experiences
Golf communities are changing too. TPC Sawgrass now uses compost instead of chemicals, saving over 6 million gallons of water yearly.
| Trend | Impact |
|---|---|
| Smart tech | Higher home values, more buyer interest |
| Eco-friendly design | Lower bills, smaller environmental impact |
| Wellness features | Improved quality of life for residents |
As courses go green, homes follow suit. It's a win-win: good for the environment and the wallet. Some courses are using less grass and water, leading to lower maintenance costs and more natural landscapes for homeowners to enjoy.
Wrap-Up
Living in an Arizona luxury golf course home? It's a mix of stunning views, top-notch amenities, and year-round golfing. But it's not all sunshine and perfect putts.
Here's the deal:
You get easy access to golf courses (no commute!), well-kept landscapes, and a high-status community. But there's a trade-off:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful views | HOA rules and fees |
| Access to amenities | Less privacy |
| Prestigious living | Potential golf ball damage |
| Low crime rates | Noise from golfers and maintenance |
Choosing your spot? It's a balancing act:
- On the course: Great views, lively atmosphere, less privacy
- Deeper in the community: More peace and quiet, partial views
Don Matheson, REALTOR® and Founder of The Matheson Team – RE/MAX Fine Pro, puts it simply: "It's all about what matters most to you."
Some top communities to check out:
- Desert Mountain: Six Jack Nicklaus courses
- Trilogy at Verde River: Tonto National Forest views
- Mirabel Golf Club: Tom Fazio course at 3,000 feet
Arizona's got over 370 golf courses, with Scottsdale and Phoenix leading the pack. Plus, it's tax-friendly for retirees - a big win for golf lovers.
Before you buy, do your homework:
- Research HOA rules
- Think about your privacy needs
- Weigh the pros and cons of different locations
With some careful planning, you can find that sweet spot between luxury living and world-class golfing in Arizona. Just remember: it's not just about the golf - it's about finding a home that fits your lifestyle.
