Scottsdale Neighborhood Guide
Which Scottsdale is right for you?
One city, many lifestyles. Here’s where to live and why.
Scottsdale stretches more than 30 miles, from the walkable galleries of Old Town to the high-desert golf communities of the far north. Each area has its own pace, price point, schools, and personality. Sandra and the TLL Living Team break it down so you can find the neighborhood that fits how you want to live.
At a Glance
Scottsdale by area, south to north.
A quick comparison of each neighborhood’s vibe, typical 2026 price, and who it’s best for.
| Neighborhood | Area | Vibe | Typical Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town & Arts District | South | Walkable, lively, artsy | ~$575K – $600K | Lock-and-leave living, dining, nightlife |
| South Scottsdale | South | Mid-century, greenbelt | ~$600K – $630K | Value, renovators, central location |
| McCormick Ranch | Central | Lakes, bike paths, golf | ~$900K | Families, golfers, easy commutes |
| Scottsdale Ranch | Central | Lake and tennis living | ~$870K – $1M | Active families, water lovers |
| Gainey Ranch | Central | Guard-gated resort | ~$1.3M | Golf, privacy, central luxury |
| Scottsdale Mountain | Central | Guard-gated foothills | ~$1.3M | Views, top-rated schools |
| Princess & TPC Area | North | Resort and golf | ~$650K – $2.3M+ | Golfers, second homes |
| DC Ranch, Silverleaf, Grayhawk & McDowell Mountain Ranch | North | Master-planned luxury | ~$1.9M median list | Families, luxury buyers |
| Troon & Desert Highlands | Far North | High desert, boulders | ~$1.2M – $4.6M | Privacy, golf, hiking |
| The Boulders & Carefree | Far North | Resort, art, serenity | ~$1.35M | Quiet luxury, golf, art lovers |
Approximate figures based on 2025–2026 listing and sales data. Prices vary by home, lot, and view. Ask Sandra for a current market report on any neighborhood.
Area 1 · Old Town & South Scottsdale
The walkable, original Scottsdale.
Galleries, patios, spring training, and mid-century charm, all close to the airport, Tempe, and downtown Phoenix.
01
Old Town & the Arts District
The heart of Scottsdale, steps from everything.
Scottsdale’s historic downtown blends Western roots with galleries, chef-driven restaurants, and nightlife. Homes range from condos and lofts to historic bungalows and modern infill homes. Each pocket has its own feel:
- Arts District & Main Street — Galleries, boutiques, and patios, with condos and townhomes within walking distance.
- Scottsdale Waterfront & Fashion Square — Luxury high-rise and mid-rise condos along the canal, next to Scottsdale Fashion Square.
- Historic neighborhoods — Bungalows, mid-century homes, and newer custom builds on quiet streets near Civic Center Park.
- Why We Love It
- Park the car and walk. Morning coffee, an afternoon gallery stroll, and dinner on a patio, all within a few blocks of home.
- Median Home Price (2026)
- Around $575K to $600K across all home types. Condos start near $250K, while single-family homes and luxury Waterfront condos often run $1M and up.
- Schools
- Scottsdale Unified School District. Schools vary by address, including Arcadia and Coronado High School areas.
- Things to Do
- The Thursday evening Scottsdale ArtWalk, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, Civic Center Park, and the canal path along the Waterfront.
- Yearly Events
- San Francisco Giants spring training at Scottsdale Stadium, the Parada del Sol parade, the Scottsdale Arts Festival each spring, and Canal Convergence each November.
- Local Favorites
- Coffee: lavender lattes at Berdena’s and brunch at locally owned JOJO Coffeehouse. Sweets: The Sugar Bowl, an Old Town classic since 1958. Casual: Los Olivos, run by the Corral family since the 1940s. Night out: FnB from James Beard Award winner Charleen Badman, and family-owned Cafe Monarch.
- Shopping
- The galleries of Main Street and Marshall Way, the boutiques of Fifth Avenue, and Scottsdale Fashion Square.
02
South Scottsdale
Mid-century charm along the greenbelt.
South Scottsdale is the city’s most established single-family area, centered on the 11-mile Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt. It’s a favorite for buyers who want value, character, and a central location. Homes include:
- Mid-century ranches — Classic single-level homes on sidewalk-lined streets, many beautifully remodeled.
- New infill homes — Modern four- and five-bedroom homes replacing older ranches, often $1.5M to $2M.
- Condos & townhomes — Easy-living options near the Scottsdale Road corridor.
- Why We Love It
- Real neighborhoods with room to grow. Bike the greenbelt, walk to the park, and be in Old Town in five minutes.
- Median Home Price (2026)
- Around $600K to $630K, with condos from about $150K and new builds reaching $2M.
- Schools
- Scottsdale Unified School District, including Coronado High School areas. Schools vary by address.
- Things to Do
- The Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt’s parks, lakes, and paths, Chaparral Park, Eldorado Park, and nearby Papago Park and the Phoenix Zoo.
- Yearly Events
- Spring training at Scottsdale Stadium and Canal Convergence in nearby Old Town.
- Local Favorites
- Coffee: Echo Coffee on 68th Street and Sip Coffee & Beer House. Casual: Temptations Café on McDowell, locally owned by longtime Scottsdale residents. Old Town’s restaurants are just minutes away.
- Shopping
- Neighborhood centers along McDowell and Scottsdale Road, with Scottsdale Fashion Square close by.
Area 2 · Central Scottsdale
Lakes, golf, and everything in between.
Central Scottsdale’s master-planned communities offer lakes, greenbelts, and guard-gated enclaves, minutes from Old Town and North Scottsdale.
03
McCormick Ranch
Lakes, greenbelts, and two classic golf courses.
One of the Valley’s first master-planned communities, McCormick Ranch covers about seven square miles with 10 lakes, parks, and 25 miles of bike paths. Homes include:
- Lakefront & golf course homes — Single-family homes and custom estates on the water or the fairways.
- Townhomes, condos & patio homes — Easy-living options across more than 60 neighborhoods.
- Why We Love It
- Central and easy. Bike to coffee by the lake, play nine after work, and reach Old Town, Kierland, or the 101 in minutes.
- Median Home Price (2026)
- Around $900K, with condos from about $260K, typical single-family homes around $1.2M, and estates over $5M.
- Schools
- Scottsdale Unified School District. Schools vary by address within the community.
- Things to Do
- McCormick Ranch Golf Club’s public Palm and Pine courses, the lakes and greenbelt paths, and McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
- Yearly Events
- Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, plus spring training at nearby Salt River Fields.
- Local Favorites
- Coffee: lake views at Press Coffee McCormick, or Village Coffee Roastery. Sweets: Scoop & Joy on Via Linda. Casual: Andreoli Italian Grocer. Patio time: PHX Beer Co. on Marguerite Lake.
- Shopping
- Paseo Village and the neighborhood centers along Via Linda and Shea.
04
Scottsdale Ranch
Lake living with a tennis-club lifestyle.
A 1,119-acre community built around Lake Serena, with boating, fishing, and one of the city’s best tennis centers. Homes include:
- Lakefront estates — Homes in enclaves like Lakeview Estates and Lake Serena Estates with water views.
- Family neighborhoods & townhomes — Including Andalusia, Catalina, and the 55+ Heritage Village townhomes.
- Why We Love It
- A lake in your backyard. Paddleboard on Lake Serena in the morning, tennis in the evening, and everything you need on Via Linda.
- Median Home Price (2026)
- Around $870K, with an average value near $1M. Townhomes start under $300K, and lakefront homes reach $2.5M and up.
- Schools
- Scottsdale Unified School District, including Desert Mountain High School areas. Schools vary by address.
- Things to Do
- Lake Serena for pontoon rides, kayaking, and fishing, the 64-acre Scottsdale Ranch Park with 18 tennis courts, and the Scottsdale Ranch Community Center.
- Yearly Events
- Community events at the Scottsdale Ranch Community Center, plus Diamondbacks and Rockies spring training at nearby Salt River Fields.
- Local Favorites
- Sweets: frozen treats and pastries at Scoop & Joy on Via Linda. Casual: Andreoli Italian Grocer. Coffee: Press Coffee McCormick, minutes away.
- Shopping
- The Mercado shopping center on Via Linda, close to HonorHealth Shea Medical Center.
05
Gainey Ranch
Guard-gated resort living on a historic horse ranch.
Once Daniel C. Gainey’s Arabian horse ranch, Gainey Ranch is a guard-gated community of more than a dozen neighborhoods wrapped around a 27-hole private club and the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale. Homes include:
- Golf course estates — Single-family homes in enclaves like Vaquero Drive, North Meadow, and The Legend.
- Golf villas & townhomes — Lock-and-leave homes in The Golf Villas, The Courts, and The Pavilions.
- Why We Love It
- Resort life in the middle of Scottsdale. Golf out the back door, a swim at the Estate Club, and dinner at Gainey Village in minutes.
- Median Home Price (2026)
- Average value around $1.3M, from about $475K for condos and townhomes to $4.5M for estates.
- Schools
- Scottsdale Unified School District, including Chaparral High School.
- Things to Do
- Gainey Ranch Golf Club’s Lakes, Dunes, and Arroyo nines, the Gainey Ranch Estate Club, and the Hyatt Regency’s pools and spa.
- Yearly Events
- Estate Club and golf club socials, plus the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show each February, a nod to the ranch’s roots.
- Local Favorites
- Night out: French classics at Chez Vous in Gainey Village. Sweets: Italian-style gelato at Luna Gelateria. Casual: Pomo Pizzeria.
- Shopping
- The Shops at Gainey Village, right outside the gates.
06
Scottsdale Mountain
Guard-gated foothills with city-light views.
Set in the McDowell foothills near Shea Boulevard and 136th Street, Scottsdale Mountain is a 24-hour guard-gated community known for its sweeping mountain and city-light views. Homes include:
- Hillside homes — Mostly 3,000 to 4,000 square feet, many with pools and panoramic views.
- Townhomes & custom estates — From lock-and-leave townhomes to multi-million-dollar custom homes.
- Why We Love It
- Privacy and views, plus top schools. Sunsets over the Valley, quiet desert trails, and the gate behind you every night.
- Median Home Price (2026)
- Around $1.3M, from about $550K for townhomes to $2.5M+ for custom homes.
- Schools
- Scottsdale Unified School District, including Anasazi Elementary, Mountainside Middle School, and Desert Mountain High School.
- Things to Do
- Community tennis courts and spa, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, the famous fountain in nearby Fountain Hills, and easy access to Mayo Clinic.
- Yearly Events
- Community gatherings, plus festivals along Fountain Hills’ Avenue of the Fountains, minutes away.
- Local Favorites
- Close by in Fountain Hills: Blossom Kitchen and Bone Haus Brewing on Shea, and Mountainview Coffee. Night out: The Italiano from Chef Joey Maggiore at 90th Street and Shea.
- Shopping
- The Shea Boulevard corridor and the shops of Fountain Hills.
Area 3 · North Scottsdale
Golf, mountains, and high-desert luxury.
From the Fairmont Princess and TPC Scottsdale to the boulder-strewn foothills of Pinnacle Peak and Carefree, North Scottsdale is where resort living meets the Sonoran Desert.
07
Princess & TPC Area
Live next to the home of the WM Phoenix Open.
North of Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard and east of Scottsdale Road, these neighborhoods sit along TPC Scottsdale and steps from the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Communities include:
- Princess Views & Crown Point — Homes along the TPC Stadium Course, with Princess Views limited to just 74 homes.
- Alcazar & Stonebrook — Gated communities and townhomes that make great lock-and-leave or second homes.
- Why We Love It
- Resort life every day. Walk to the Princess spa, play the Stadium Course, and shop Kierland and Scottsdale Quarter minutes away.
- Median Home Price (2026)
- From about $650K for townhomes to $2.3M+ for renovated homes on the TPC Stadium Course.
- Schools
- Paradise Valley Unified School District, including Sonoran Sky Elementary and Horizon High School, plus Notre Dame Preparatory and Scottsdale Preparatory Academy nearby.
- Things to Do
- TPC Scottsdale’s public Stadium and Champions courses, the Fairmont Princess spa and restaurants, and events at WestWorld.
- Yearly Events
- The WM Phoenix Open each February, Barrett-Jackson at WestWorld each January, and Christmas at the Princess during the holidays.
- Local Favorites
- Night out: locally owned Modern Oysterbar Chophouse and Zinc Bistro at Kierland. Coffee: Press Coffee at Scottsdale Quarter. Sweets: gelato made daily at Frost.
- Shopping
- Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter, and The Promenade.
08
DC Ranch, Silverleaf, Grayhawk & McDowell Mountain Ranch
North Scottsdale’s most sought-after address.
Several of Scottsdale’s best-known master-planned and gated communities sit side by side at the base of the McDowell Mountains. Neighborhoods include:
- DC Ranch & Silverleaf — Village centers, parks, and trails, with Silverleaf’s invitation-only club and estates.
- Grayhawk — Two public golf courses, parks, and homes for every stage of life.
- McDowell Mountain Ranch & Windgate Ranch — Family neighborhoods and guard-gated homes near the preserve.
- Why We Love It
- Everything close to home. Trails at the preserve, coffee on Market Street, and great schools in every direction.
- Median Home Price (2026)
- Across the area, median list price is around $1.9M. Grayhawk homes typically run around $880K, McDowell Mountain Ranch around $1.1M, DC Ranch around $2.4M, and Silverleaf around $4.7M, with estates over $13M.
- Schools
- Scottsdale Unified (including Copper Ridge School and Desert Mountain High School) and Paradise Valley Unified (including Grayhawk Elementary and Pinnacle High School), depending on address.
- Things to Do
- The McDowell Sonoran Preserve’s trailheads, Grayhawk Golf Club, Silverleaf and DC Ranch Country Club, and DC Ranch’s community centers.
- Yearly Events
- Summer concerts and community events, plus the WM Phoenix Open and Barrett-Jackson just minutes away.
- Local Favorites
- Coffee: Curate Café, roasting in-house at Grayhawk Plaza. Casual: Jalapeño Inferno on Market Street and The Craftsman Kitchen & Cocktails. Night out: Thompson 105 beside Thompson Peak and sunsets at Isabella’s Kitchen.
- Shopping
- Market Street at DC Ranch and Grayhawk Plaza.
09
Troon & Desert Highlands
Boulders, saguaros, and world-famous desert golf.
Around Pinnacle Peak and Troon Mountain, these gated communities offer large lots, dramatic boulder views, and some of Arizona’s best golf. Neighborhoods include:
- Troon North & Troon Village — Custom homes, villas, and townhomes around the Monument and Pinnacle courses.
- Desert Highlands & Estancia — Guard-gated private golf communities with Nicklaus and Fazio courses.
- Why We Love It
- Space to breathe. Star-filled skies, quiet streets, and the Pinnacle Peak trail right out the door.
- Median Home Price (2026)
- Troon North typically around $1.2M and Troon Village around $1.6M. Desert Highlands runs around $2.8M and Estancia around $4.6M.
- Schools
- Cave Creek Unified School District, plus private options like Notre Dame Prep and BASIS Scottsdale.
- Things to Do
- Pinnacle Peak Park’s trail, Troon North Golf Club, and the Four Seasons Resort at Troon North.
- Yearly Events
- Club tournaments and community socials, plus Barrett-Jackson and the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show at nearby WestWorld.
- Local Favorites
- Breakfast: the patio at the Pinnacle Peak General Store. Casual: family-owned Pinnacle Grille and Jalapeño Inferno at Pinnacle Peak. Night out: Bella Notte, Swan Sushi, and PNPK.
- Shopping
- Neighborhood shops near Pinnacle Peak and Pima, plus the galleries of nearby Carefree.
10
The Boulders & Carefree
Resort living among granite boulders.
Where North Scottsdale meets the town of Carefree, The Boulders is a mostly gated community built among dramatic granite formations, with homes surrounding the Boulders Club’s two Jay Morrish golf courses. Homes include:
- Golf course & custom homes — Homes built around the boulders, many with Black Mountain views.
- Casitas & patio homes — Lock-and-leave options steps from the resort, spa, and pools.
- Why We Love It
- A calm, creative pace. Morning golf among the boulders, a spa afternoon, and dinner in charming downtown Carefree.
- Median Home Price (2026)
- Around $1.35M, with homes ranging from about $1M to nearly $5M.
- Schools
- Cave Creek Unified School District, including Black Mountain Elementary and Cactus Shadows High School.
- Things to Do
- The Boulders Club and Boulders Resort & Spa, Terravita and Desert Forest golf clubs, the Carefree sundial, and trails into the Tonto National Forest.
- Yearly Events
- Art and wine festivals in downtown Carefree, plus club tournaments and holiday traditions.
- Local Favorites
- Coffee: Carefree Coffee Roastery, roasted in-house. Sweets & breakfast: Black Mountain Coffee Shop. Casual: burgers at Big Earl’s Greasy Eats. Night out: Pomodoro Italian Grill.
- Shopping
- The galleries and boutiques of Carefree’s Spanish Village and Easy Street.
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