Picture sunrise lighting up Pinnacle Peak while you sip coffee on a shaded patio. If you’re dreaming about quiet desert living with sweeping views and easy access to trails and golf, Troon North in North Scottsdale may be on your shortlist. In this guide, you’ll learn what daily life looks like, what homes cost, how HOAs work, and practical tips to help you decide if it fits your goals. Let’s dive in.
Troon North at a glance
Troon North sits in North Scottsdale at the foothills of the McDowell Mountains near Pinnacle Peak. The neighborhood blends custom estates and luxury subdivisions across saguaro-studded desert, with elevated lots that capture mountain and sunset vistas. The setting is low-density and quiet, with a resort-like feel. You’ll find a mix of year-round and seasonal residents who value privacy, views, and outdoor access.
Lifestyle: golf and the outdoors
Golf culture is a big draw. Troon North Golf Club features two highly regarded 18-hole courses, a clubhouse, and on-course dining. Many homes are golf-front or oriented to fairway and desert views, and social life often starts at the club. You don’t have to be a golfer to fit in, though. The neighborhood also appeals to hikers, trail runners, and anyone who loves desert scenery.
Beyond the fairways, you have direct access to the Sonoran Desert. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Pinnacle Peak Park offer hiking, mountain-biking on designated routes, and big-sky sunrise and sunset views. Winters are mild and ideal for outdoor activity. Summers are hot, especially June through September, so plan early or evening outings, and be aware of the mid-summer monsoon season.
Dining, shopping, and services nearby
Troon North itself has limited retail. You’ll rely on nearby North Scottsdale centers for restaurants, grocery stores, and services. Popular areas include the larger North Scottsdale corridors with both casual and upscale dining. Social time often happens at the golf club, at neighborhood gatherings, or at nearby dining hubs rather than on a walkable Main Street inside Troon North.
Homes and architecture
Expect primarily single-family homes, ranging from tract-built luxury homes to custom estates. You will also see some patio homes or villa-style properties. Architectural styles include Southwestern and Spanish influences, Mediterranean, and contemporary desert-modern. Exteriors favor stucco and stone with shaded outdoor rooms, native landscaping, and pools that make the most of the views. Lot sizes vary from modest desert parcels to large hillside estates with dramatic outlooks.
What homes cost
Troon North generally sits in the higher end of the North Scottsdale market. Recent market patterns often show:
- Entry-level villas or smaller single-family homes: lower six figures into the high 400s to 700s (limited supply).
- Typical single-family homes on modest view lots with 3 to 4 bedrooms: often high 700s to around 1.5 million.
- Larger customs, newer builds, or premium golf-front and panoramic-view properties: commonly 1.5 million and up, with true luxury estates in the multi-million range.
These are broad guides. Prices move with inventory, interest rates, and luxury demand. Expect premiums for golf-front lots, expansive views, newer construction, and high-end finishes.
HOAs and community living
Many Troon North subdivisions are governed by HOAs with CC&Rs and design standards that preserve views and the desert aesthetic. Common amenities can include gated entries, community pools, greenbelts, and shared trails. Fee levels and rules vary, so review budgets, reserves, and any special assessments. If you plan exterior changes, check design guidelines for colors, landscape palettes, additions, and guest structures.
Practical logistics
Here are key everyday considerations as you plan a move:
- Schools: Troon North falls under the broader Scottsdale system; assignments depend on your exact address. There are also charter and private options in North Scottsdale. Verify boundaries and programs for your parcel.
- Commute: You’re in North Scottsdale, with freeway and arterial connections to employment centers. Drive times vary by destination and rush hour. Trips to Phoenix Sky Harbor take longer than from central Scottsdale, so plan ahead.
- Utilities and water: Desert landscaping, efficient irrigation, and native plants are common. Many HOAs regulate plant selections and front-yard appearance.
- Climate and maintenance: Summer heat affects outdoor use, pool operating costs, and cooling budgets. Monsoon storms bring heavy rain, lightning, and wind, so check drainage, roofs, and yard debris before the season.
- Insurance and risk: Standard homeowners insurance is typical. Flood insurance is not usually required unless in a mapped floodplain. Near steep slopes or rock outcrops, ask about geotechnical disclosures.
- Taxes and fees: Maricopa County property taxes vary by parcel and include county, city, school, and special districts. HOAs can add monthly or annual fees for common-area upkeep and amenities.
- Short-term rentals: Rules vary by city and HOA. Many luxury HOAs restrict vacation rentals. Confirm local regulations and your HOA’s covenants before you buy.
Smart steps for early-stage buyers
- Tour in different seasons to experience winter sunshine, summer heat, and how each home’s shade and views feel at different times of year.
- Prioritize what matters most: views and lot position, outdoor living layout, HOA constraints, and access to the services you use most.
- If you plan a remodel or rebuild, confirm lot development limits, hillside rules, and any preserve or trail easements.
- Ask for HOA documents early, including CC&Rs, recent budgets, reserve studies, and any special assessments.
- Work with a local agent who knows Troon North builders, course-adjacent zoning, and desert-preserve access.
Is Troon North a fit for you?
Choose Troon North if you value privacy, dramatic desert scenery, and a lifestyle anchored in outdoor living and golf access. You’ll trade a walkable retail core for quiet, views, and trail proximity. If you want new construction, expect to consider custom infill, high-end spec homes, or a remodel of an existing property to capture the latest finishes and technology.
Start your search with confidence
If Troon North is on your radar, you deserve guidance that makes every step clear and stress-free. Our team of Scottdale real estate agents pairs deep North Scottsdale expertise with a concierge process to help you compare lots, review HOAs, and understand value drivers like views and outdoor living. Ready to explore homes, tour the area, or discuss strategy? Connect with Torie Ellens to Schedule Your Concierge Consultation.
FAQs
Is Troon North only for golfers?
- No. Golf is central, but many residents choose Troon North for views, privacy, and direct access to desert trails and parks.
Are there walkable shops and restaurants inside Troon North?
- Troon North is primarily residential. Most dining, shopping, and services are a short drive to nearby North Scottsdale corridors.
What are typical home prices in Troon North?
- Smaller villas or entry-level homes can range into the high 400s to 700s, many single-family homes run high 700s to about 1.5 million, and premium view or golf-front estates often exceed 1.5 million.
How do schools work for Troon North addresses?
- Properties fall under the broader Scottsdale system, with exact school assignments based on the parcel. There are also charter and private options nearby; confirm boundaries and programs.
What should I know about HOAs in Troon North?
- Many subdivisions have HOAs with design guidelines, fees, and amenities. Review CC&Rs, budgets, and reserves early, especially if you plan exterior changes.
Is new construction available in Troon North?
- Most premium lots are already developed. New builds tend to be custom infill, lot redevelopments, or small luxury communities rather than large new subdivisions.
How hot are summers and what does that mean for maintenance?
- Summers are very hot, which affects outdoor use and cooling costs. Plan for shade, efficient systems, and seasonal maintenance before monsoon storms.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Troon North?
- Rules vary. Many HOAs restrict short-term rentals, so verify city regulations and HOA covenants before purchasing for vacation rental use.
