Looking for the ultimate golf lifestyle in Arizona? Here's a quick rundown of the best luxury golf communities for 2024:
- Desert Mountain (Scottsdale): 6 Jack Nicklaus courses, 7th in development
- Silverleaf (North Scottsdale): Exclusive Tom Weiskopf course
- Estancia (Scottsdale): Tom Fazio course, only 223 homesites
- Whisper Rock (Scottsdale): 2 courses, invitation-only
- Mirabel (Scottsdale): Tom Fazio course, 3,000 ft elevation
- The Boulders (Carefree): 2 Jay Morrish courses
- Troon North (Scottsdale): 2 Tom Weiskopf courses
- Desert Highlands (Scottsdale): Jack Nicklaus course, 560 homesites
- DC Ranch (Scottsdale): Tom Lehman & John Fought course
- Stone Canyon (Oro Valley): Jay Morrish course, unique 19th hole
Quick Comparison
Community | Location | Courses | Designer(s) | Price Range | Key Feature |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Desert Mountain | Scottsdale | 6 (7th coming) | Jack Nicklaus | Up to $10M+ | Multiple clubhouses |
Silverleaf | North Scottsdale | 1 | Tom Weiskopf | $4M+ | Luxurious spa |
Estancia | Scottsdale | 1 | Tom Fazio | $3M+ | Intimate setting |
Whisper Rock | Scottsdale | 2 | Phil Mickelson & Tom Fazio | Not specified | Invitation-only |
Mirabel | Scottsdale | 1 | Tom Fazio | $4M+ | High elevation |
The Boulders | Carefree | 2 | Jay Morrish | $925K+ | Resort amenities |
Troon North | Scottsdale | 2 | Tom Weiskopf | Not specified | Desert landscape |
Desert Highlands | Scottsdale | 1 | Jack Nicklaus | Not specified | Guard-gated |
DC Ranch | Scottsdale | 1 | Tom Lehman & John Fought | $400K+ | On-site K-8 school |
Stone Canyon | Oro Valley | 1 | Jay Morrish | $1M-$5M+ | 19th hole |
These communities offer world-class golf, luxury homes, and resort-style amenities. Prices range from high six figures to over $10 million. Most are in the Scottsdale area, known for its year-round golfing weather and upscale lifestyle.
1. Desert Mountain
Desert Mountain is a golfer's paradise in Scottsdale, Arizona. This massive 8,000-acre community boasts SIX Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses. And that's not all - there's a seventh executive course too.
But it's not just about quantity. These courses are TOP-NOTCH. The Cochise course even hosts The Charles Schwab Cup, a major PGA Senior Tour event.
Here's what you get:
- 6 Jack Nicklaus Signature Courses
- 1 par-54 championship course (No. 7 at Desert Mountain™)
- Courses ranging from 7,524 yards (Renegade) to 7,019 yards (Cochise)
But Desert Mountain isn't just about golf. It's a full-blown luxury community:
- 7 clubhouses
- 42,000 sq ft fitness center
- 9 restaurants (led by Chef Bertrand Bouquin)
- Tennis complex with 9 courts
- 6 pickleball courts
- 15 miles of private hiking trails
The Sonoran Clubhouse is where it all happens. It's got a day spa, swimming pools, and even a Youth Activities Center.
Looking to live here? You've got options:
Type | Price | Size |
---|---|---|
Condos | $1,499,000+ | 2,922+ sq ft |
Custom Estates | $11,995,000+ | 6,323+ sq ft |
Villas | $2,300,000+ | 2,290+ sq ft |
Who lives here? The community has 2,086 residents with a median age of 68. The average income? A cool $191,182.
But it's not all golf and luxury homes. Desert Mountain offers:
- Culinary clinics
- Watercolor art classes
- Luxury camping trips
- An interactive trail system (thanks to the Desperados group)
Even Jack Nicklaus himself is a fan:
"Desert Mountain has been one of the highlights of my career as a golf course designer. I believe it will always be recognized as one of the greatest golf clubs in the world."
If you're a golf lover dreaming of luxury desert living, Desert Mountain might just be your slice of heaven.
2. Silverleaf
Silverleaf is a high-end golf community in North Scottsdale, Arizona. It's where luxury living meets top-notch golf.
The star of the show? An 18-hole championship golf course by Tom Weiskopf. It's 7,322 yards of:
- Big elevation changes
- Wide bunkers
- Mountain and city views from every hole
Want to join? You've got two options:
Membership | Initiation Fee | Monthly Dues |
---|---|---|
Golf | $400,000 | $2,500 |
Clubhouse | $100,000 | $825 |
The clubhouse is a 50,000-square-foot Mediterranean beauty. Inside, you'll find:
- A spa
- Pools
- Gym
- Fancy and casual places to eat
Hungry mid-round? Hit up The Stone House between holes 10 and 11.
Silverleaf's got eight neighborhoods. Here's a peek at three:
1. Arcadia
Half-acre lots with 130 home sites. Pick from Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean, Western Ranch, or Farmhouse styles.
2. The Casitas
36 Mediterranean homes, 3,000 to 4,700 square feet. Open layouts and private pools.
3. Upper Canyon
Big lots (1 to 10 acres) with huge houses (6,000 to 20,000 square feet). Some even have guest homes and fancy wine cellars.
Prices? From $1 million for villas to $10 million+ for big estates on high ground.
It's not all golf, though. Silverleaf's social calendar is packed:
- Dance classes
- Wine dinners
- Yoga
- Art shows
- Charity events
And the location? It's at the foot of the McDowell Mountains, next to a 30,000-acre nature preserve. Perfect for outdoor lovers.
3. Estancia
Estancia is a 600-acre gated community in Scottsdale, Arizona, right at the foot of Pinnacle Peak Mountain. It's known for luxury living and top-notch golf.
The star of the show? A Tom Fazio-designed golf course that opened in 1995. It's a par-72 course stretching 7,146 yards, with a 73.7 course rating and 137 slope rating. But it's not just about the stats.
This course weaves through desert landscapes, boulder outcrops, and saguaro cacti. Players get amazing views of Pinnacle Peak while they play. Some holes really stand out:
- Hole 1: A downhill par 4 that dares long hitters to go for the green
- Hole 2: A short par 4 with a sharp left turn, hiding bunkers from view
- Hole 11: A short uphill par 3, often called the prettiest on the course
The bent grass greens are fast, rolling at speeds of 11.5 to 12. That'll keep you on your toes!
Want to up your game? Estancia's got you covered:
Feature | What You Get |
---|---|
Practice Areas | Grass tees, short game area, grass putting green |
Golf Shop | 1,100 sq. ft. with ball flight monitor |
Instruction | 5 PGA Pro Instructors |
Lessons | Over 4,000 individual lessons each year |
Clinics | 50 specialized clinics annually |
Membership is exclusive - only 298 full golf members allowed. That means no crowded course and a top-notch experience.
The homes in Estancia? Just as impressive as the golf. As of August 2024, the average home value is $4,119,592, up 5.1% from last year. Prices range from about $2.7 million to $8.75 million.
For example:
- A 4-bed, 4.5-bath home from 2008, priced at $6,350,000 (golf membership possible)
- A new 4-bed, 5.5-bath home by award-winning architect C.P. Drewett, listed at $8,750,000
Estancia's not just bragging - it's got the awards to back it up. Travel and Leisure Golf ranked it America's 14th Top Golf Community and #1 in Arizona. The course itself won Golf Digest's "Best New Private Course of 1996."
With its mix of great golf, luxury homes, and stunning scenery, Estancia is a standout among Arizona's golf communities.
4. Whisper Rock
Whisper Rock in North Scottsdale, Arizona, is a golfer's paradise. This 800-acre gated community combines luxury homes with top-notch golf courses.
The star of the show? Whisper Rock Golf Club. It's got two courses:
Course | Designer | What's Cool About It |
---|---|---|
Lower Course | Phil Mickelson & Gary Stephenson | Tough layout, desert vibes |
Upper Course | Tom Fazio | Bent grass greens, par 72 |
The Upper Course is open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM. It's known for its killer design and smooth playing surfaces.
Homes here? They're not messing around:
- Custom homes on big lots (1-5 acres, usually about 2)
- 17 villas for those who want something smaller
- Prices? Sky's the limit. Some homes have wine cellars, private pools, guest houses, you name it
Check this out: There's a 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom house at 7254 E Sonoran Trail. It's 6,438 sq ft on a 1.17-acre lot. That's the kind of space we're talking about.
Whisper Rock's got some sweet perks:
What You Get | The Details |
---|---|
Gym | 2,500 sq ft, locker rooms included |
Pool | Heated lap pool and spa |
Sports | Tennis, pickleball, basketball courts |
Park | 3-acre desert park |
Security | 24/7 guarded entrance |
The community's got about 576 people. Average age? 68. Average income? $81,437. It's pretty exclusive.
Here's the kicker: Living here doesn't automatically get you into the golf club. You need an invite and a sponsor. The club's all about golf - no fancy social stuff.
Bottom line: Whisper Rock is a big deal in Arizona's golf scene. It's got the views, the golf, and the luxury living all rolled into one.
5. Mirabel
Mirabel isn't your average golf community. This North Scottsdale gem is a 700-acre paradise with 345 home sites and a golf course that'll make your jaw drop.
The star of the show? A Tom Fazio-designed golf course that's pure magic. It's a 7,000-yard, par-71 beauty that AZ Foothills Magazine crowned "Best Golf Community" in Arizona. And the views? Let's just say Pinnacle Peak and the Continental Mountains make for some pretty sweet eye candy while you're teeing off.
Now, let's talk homes. These aren't your run-of-the-mill houses:
- Custom and semi-custom luxury homes
- Big lots, many with golf course views
- Prices start at $3,995,000 (yeah, you read that right)
Here's a taste of what you might find:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Size | 6,043 sq ft |
Bedrooms | 4 |
Bathrooms | 6.5 |
Cool Stuff | Courtyard with wrought iron gate, water feature |
Living Room | Sunset bronze flagstone flooring, two-way stone fireplace |
Kitchen | 48" Wolf gas cooktop, Subzero cooling drawers |
The Desert Lodge clubhouse is where the action happens. After a $6 million facelift, it's got:
- Fancy dining
- Poolside cabanas
- Top-notch fitness center
- Tennis garden with clay courts
And it's exclusive - only 275 golf members and 50 social members allowed.
Sitting pretty at 3,000 feet, Mirabel's cooler than your average Scottsdale spot. Plus, it's a stone's throw from Tonto National Forest for all you outdoor enthusiasts.
Want to stay active? Mirabel's got you covered:
- Tricked-out fitness center with tons of classes
- Yoga, spinning, Pilates, Zumba, aquatics
- Four Har-Tru clay tennis courts
- Pickleball (because why not?)
Bottom line: If you're after luxury living with a side of world-class golf, Mirabel's your spot. It's not just a community - it's a lifestyle.
6. The Boulders
The Boulders is a 1,300-acre luxury golf community in Scottsdale's Sonoran Desert foothills. Its name? Inspired by the massive granite boulder formations that create a jaw-dropping backdrop for golf and living.
Golf That Rocks (Literally)
Two Jay Morrish-designed courses await:
- North Course: Rugged desert areas and boulder outcroppings
- South Course: The crowd favorite
Both courses are top-notch, but the South Course gets extra love. And maintenance? They're ON IT. After a storm, one player said:
"An army of workers was out cleaning up debris on the course. It shows how committed they are to keeping the courses in great shape."
Live Among the Rocks
Want to call The Boulders home? Here's what you're looking at:
Property Type | Price Range | Features |
---|---|---|
Casitas | $925,000+ | 2 bed, 2 bath |
Villas | $1,589,000+ | 3 bed, 3 bath |
Custom Homes | Up to $4,250,000 | Luxury finishes, golf course views |
Beyond the Green
Golf's not the only game in town. Residents get:
- A massive spa (24 treatment rooms!)
- 4 pools (including an adults-only option)
- Tennis courts
- Fitness center
- 7 places to eat and drink
- Hiking trails
- Rock climbing
- Horseback riding
Try Before You Buy
The Boulders Resort lets you test-drive the lifestyle:
- Roomy king casitas
- Fireplaces and mini-fridges
- Sunken tubs and walk-in closets
- Golf cart chauffeur service
One happy couple shared:
"We loved the spacious accommodations and the beautiful setting. The service was great, and we really appreciated the convenience of the golf cart pick-ups."
The Boulders isn't just a golf community. It's a slice of Arizona luxury where nature, sport, and high-end living collide. Whether you're looking to move in or just visit, this Scottsdale gem delivers a lifestyle that's tough to top.
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7. Troon North
Troon North is a standout golf community in Scottsdale, Arizona. This 1,800-acre development blends luxury living with top-notch golf.
Golf That Rocks
Troon North Golf Club has two 18-hole courses by Tom Weiskopf:
Course | Ranking | What's Cool |
---|---|---|
Pinnacle | #1 in Arizona (Golf Magazine, 2013) | High desert setting |
Monument | #4 in Arizona (Golf Magazine, 2013) | Recently upgraded |
These courses snake through the desert, giving you killer views of Pinnacle Peak.
Where to Live
Troon North's got options:
- Custom homes
- Fancy condos
- Townhouses
Most folks here are about 62 years old and make around $126,043 a year. It's a golf-loving, well-off crowd.
More Than Just Golf
You'll also find:
- A big community park
- Tennis and basketball courts
- Trails for hiking and biking
- Places for kids to play
The clubhouse is where it's at:
- Grab a bite at The Dynamite Grille
- Shop at the award-winning golf store
- Freshen up in the locker rooms
- Host events in the banquet areas
Fancy Vacation Spot
Want to test drive Troon North living? The Four Seasons Resort is right there.
Troon North's got it all: amazing golf, fancy perks, and desert beauty. It's a top pick for luxury golf living in Arizona.
8. Desert Highlands
Desert Highlands sits at Pinnacle Peak's base in North Scottsdale. It's the OG of golf communities, setting the bar for others to follow.
Golf and More
The star of the show? A Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Length | 7,108 yards |
Par | 72 |
Design | Championship layout |
Bonus | 18-hole putting course |
But it's not just about golf. Residents get:
- 13 tennis courts
- A massive 7,000 sq ft fitness center
- Swimming pool
- Clubhouse
Living the Desert Highlands Life
With 560 homesites and half the land untouched, it's a nature lover's dream. Some quick facts:
- Guard-gated (because privacy is key)
- Median age: 65 years
- Average income: $131,164
Membership Perks
Here's the kicker: buy a property, get a membership. It's that simple. No wonder the community feels tight-knit.
What's New?
As of November 1st, 2023, they upped the ante. The membership fee jumped to $150,000. How does it stack up?
Club | Membership Fee |
---|---|
Desert Highlands | $150,000 |
Troon | $150,000 |
Desert Mountain | $165,000 |
Mirabel | $200,000 |
Estancia | $225,000 |
Silverleaf | $400,000 |
This price hike? It's all about supply and demand. Luxury golf communities are hot property in Arizona.
9. DC Ranch
DC Ranch is a standout golf community in Scottsdale, Arizona. This 4,000-acre development sits at the base of the McDowell Mountains, mixing luxury with natural beauty.
Golf
The Country Club at DC Ranch features an 18-hole, par-71 championship course:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Designers | Tom Lehman and John Fought |
Length | 6,872 yards |
Rating/Slope | 72.4/130 |
Grass | Bent grass (greens and fairways) |
Beyond Golf
DC Ranch isn't just about golf. It offers:
- 47 parks
- 50+ miles of paths and trails
- 3 shopping areas
Living Options
You'll find a range of homes here:
Type | Starting Price |
---|---|
Homes | $400,000 |
Condos | $250,000 |
Lots | $400,000 |
Most areas are gated or guard-gated for extra privacy.
Lifestyle
The community focuses on engagement with:
- Health & Country Clubs
- Arts & Education programs
- Fitness & Wellness activities
- Community centers
The Country Club's clubhouse includes dining, swimming, fitness, and tennis facilities.
Events
DC Ranch keeps things lively with events like:
- Food Truck Nights
- Starlight Concerts
- Dive-in Movies
- DC Ranch Day
- Seasonal celebrations
The Country Club adds to the fun with Burger Nights, wine tastings, and more.
In short, DC Ranch offers a mix of golf, amenities, and community spirit that makes for a rich living experience in Arizona.
10. Stone Canyon
Stone Canyon in Oro Valley, Arizona? It's not just another golf community. This place is the real deal when it comes to luxury living and top-notch golf.
Picture this: 1,400 acres of prime real estate at the foot of the Tortolita Mountains. It's where high-end homes meet world-class fairways.
The Golf
Let's talk about the main attraction - the Stone Canyon Club. This isn't your average course:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Length | 7,317 yards |
Par | 72 |
Rating/Slope | 73.8/143 |
Tee Options | 5 to 7 per hole |
Bonus | 19th hole (107-yard par 3) |
Jay Morrish designed this beast. It's got everything: elevated tees, lush fairways, and greens that'll keep you on your toes. Oh, and did I mention the stone outcrops and canyons? It's like golfing in a postcard.
The Homes
If you're looking to live here, bring your wallet:
Type | Price Range | Lot Size |
---|---|---|
Custom Homes | $1 million - $5 million+ | 1 acre minimum |
Building Lots | Available | 1 acre minimum |
But hey, you get what you pay for. These aren't just houses - they're architectural masterpieces.
The Extras
Golf's not your thing? No problem. Stone Canyon's got you covered:
- A clubhouse that'll make your jaw drop
- Fitness center to keep you in shape
- 25-yard lap pool for your morning swim
- Tennis and pickleball courts
- Trails for hiking and biking
The Costs
In 2014, Phil Mickelson and his buddy took over and pumped $4 million into the place. Here's what it'll cost you:
Service | Cost |
---|---|
Initial Membership Fee (2014) | $125,000 |
Personal Training | $35 - $65 |
Group Exercise Classes | $0 - $20 |
Massage (50 minutes) | $95 |
The Community
It's not all golf and glamour. Stone Canyon's got a real community vibe:
- Bridge and Mahjong clubs for the card sharks
- Friday Night Dinners to mingle with the neighbors
- Book Clubs for the literary types
- Guided hikes for the nature lovers
Bottom line? Stone Canyon isn't just a place to live. It's a lifestyle. High-end homes, top-tier golf, and amenities that'll make your head spin. If you're looking for luxury in the Arizona desert, this is it.
Community Comparison
Let's compare these top Arizona golf communities:
Community | Location | Acreage | Golf Courses | Designer(s) | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Desert Mountain | North Scottsdale | 8,000 | 6 (7th in development) | Jack Nicklaus | Multiple clubhouses, fitness center |
Silverleaf | North Scottsdale | Part of DC Ranch | 1 | Tom Wieskopf | Exclusive, luxurious spa |
Estancia | North Scottsdale | 640 | 1 | Tom Fazio | Only 223 homesites, intimate clubhouse |
Whisper Rock | North Scottsdale | 850 | 2 | Phil Mickelson & Tom Fazio | Invitation-only, custom homesites |
Mirabel | North Scottsdale | 713 | 1 | Tom Fazio | Limited memberships, 3,000 ft elevation |
The Boulders | Carefree | Not specified | 2 | Jay Moorish | Resort and private course setup |
Troon North | North Scottsdale | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Desert Highlands | North Scottsdale | 850 | 1 | Jack Nicklaus | 560 homesites, guard-gated |
DC Ranch | North Scottsdale | 4,400 | 1 | Tom Lehman & John Fought | Diverse neighborhoods, K-8 school |
Stone Canyon | Oro Valley | 1,400 | 1 | Jay Morrish | 19th hole, 1-acre minimum lots |
Home prices? They're not cheap. Desert Mountain tops out at $10 million, while Stone Canyon ranges from $1 million to $5 million+. For comparison, Leisure World homes start in the low $100,000s.
What makes these communities stand out?
- Desert Mountain: Six Jack Nicklaus courses (soon to be seven)
- Whisper Rock: Phil Mickelson co-designed course
- DC Ranch: Diverse living options, including a K-8 school
- Mirabel: Highest elevation, cooler temps, great views
- Stone Canyon: Unique 19th hole for tie-breakers
Size-wise, Desert Mountain is the big kahuna at 8,000 acres. Estancia keeps it cozy with 640 acres and just 223 homesites.
Want exclusivity? Whisper Rock is invitation-only. Estancia and Silverleaf keep their homesite numbers low for a more intimate vibe.
Beyond golf, these communities offer top-notch amenities:
- Desert Mountain: Multiple clubhouses, extensive fitness facilities
- Silverleaf: Luxurious spa
- DC Ranch: Community centers and schools
Wrap-up
Arizona's luxury golf communities are booming. Here's what you need to know:
The market's on fire. Home prices in these communities jumped 40% from 2011 to 2015. Scottsdale's leading the charge, with five of the top 14 zip codes for sales.
Golf's popularity exploded during COVID-19. Now, there's a huge demand for golf community properties and memberships. Waitlists? They're years long in some places.
The golf crowd's changing too. It's not just retirees anymore. Families, women, and kids are getting in on the action.
Here's a quick look at some top communities:
Community | Standout Feature | Price Range |
---|---|---|
Desert Mountain | 7 Jack Nicklaus courses | Up to $10 million |
DC Ranch | K-8 school on-site | Not specified |
Whisper Rock | Invitation-only | Not specified |
Stone Canyon | Unique 19th hole | $1 million to $5 million+ |
What's next? Expect:
- High demand to continue
- Communities catering to younger folks
- More focus on non-golf perks
- Golf memberships becoming a big deal in property sales
Thinking of buying? Get a real estate agent who knows these communities inside out. As Andrew Beardsley puts it: "Everybody looking to buy a house is also looking to join a club."
The future's bright for Arizona's luxury golf communities. They're the perfect mix of sport, lifestyle, and high-end real estate that's drawing in buyers from all over.
FAQs
Where is the best place to live for golf in Arizona?
Scottsdale is the top pick for golf lovers in Arizona. Here's why:
- It's packed with over 200 golf courses
- The best time to play is October to April
- You'll find fancy golf communities like:
Community | What's Cool |
---|---|
Desert Mountain | 7 Jack Nicklaus courses |
Silverleaf | Tom Weiskopf course |
Whisper Rock | Two private courses |
Estancia | Tom Fazio 18-hole course |
But Scottsdale isn't your only option:
- Flagstaff: Cooler weather and great food
- Phoenix area: Tons of courses and luxury communities
"Arizona is the second-best state for golf in the U.S. It has over 300 courses and about 100 golf communities." - Arizona Golf Association
When picking a golf community, think about:
- Your budget (homes cost $100,000 to $10 million+)
- What extras you want (gyms, pools, social stuff)
- The course design and how tough it is