DC Ranch Homes For Sale

DC Ranch Real Estate Guide

DC Ranch sits at the base of the McDowell Mountains in North Scottsdale, where a former cattle ranch has been transformed into one of the most sought-after master-planned communities in Arizona. The development covers 8,300 acres, with more than half preserved as open space. First homes were completed in 1997, and the community has since grown to include roughly 2,800 homes and 7,000 residents spread across four distinct villages.

What sets DC Ranch apart is intentional design. The streets, trails, parks, and commercial areas were planned to create connection, both to neighbors and to the surrounding desert. It feels less like a typical subdivision and more like a small town that happens to be five minutes from the Loop 101.

What to Love About DC Ranch

• Four distinct villages with different personalities and price points
• Over 33 miles of walking and biking trails connecting neighborhoods, parks, and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
• 47 community parks, each with its own design and character
• Two private country clubs with championship golf courses
• Market Street, a walkable retail and dining district with a small-town feel
• Copper Ridge School (K-8) located within the community
• Direct access to the Gateway Trailhead and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
• Police and fire stations located on-site within Market Street

Real Estate and Homes

DC Ranch is organized into four residential villages, each with its own architectural guidelines and vibe. The variety means there's something for buyers at different stages of life and different budgets.

Country Club Village

This is the original village, along with Desert Camp, dating to the late 1990s. Country Club borders Pima Road and the Reata Wash, with homes designed to reflect the natural character of the Sonoran Desert.

Architectural styles here include Western Regional Farmhouse, Ranch House, Spanish Eclectic, Pueblo, and Prairie. The village has a 24-hour guard-gated entry, and many homes back up to the Country Club at DC Ranch golf course. Custom and semi-custom homes line streets like East Desert Camp Drive and Cattle Whip Drive.

Desert Camp Village

Desert Camp sits on the south side of Thompson Peak Parkway, near Market Street. This is where you'll find the community's most accessible housing options: condos, townhomes, patio homes, and single-family residences.

The neighborhoods here connect via parks, paths, and trails. Residents can walk to the Desert Camp Community Center and Market Street for everyday errands, dining, and socializing. For buyers who want to be in the center of the action without a car, Desert Camp delivers.

Desert Parks Village

Located east of Pima Road and south of Legacy Boulevard, Desert Parks includes six gated neighborhoods, each centered on a park. Housing includes both custom and tract homes in styles ranging from Spanish Eclectic to Craftsman Bungalow.

The layout here was designed to encourage community. Shaded areas, open spaces, play structures, and low-density lighting pull residents out of their homes and into shared spaces. The Homestead Community Center sits nearby, with a splash pad, playground, basketball court, and the Homestead Playhouse (a community theater).

Silverleaf Village

Silverleaf is DC Ranch's crown jewel and one of the most prestigious residential enclaves in the Phoenix metro area. This guard-gated community climbs into the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, with custom homesites ranging from one-third acre to over 10 acres.

Here's the thing: Silverleaf operates on a different level. Homes in the lower elevations are impressive. Homes in Upper Canyon and Horseshoe Canyon, where the terrain rises and the views expand, are extraordinary. These hillside estates feature Spanish and Mediterranean Revival architecture, sweeping city light views, and some of the highest price tags in Scottsdale.

Local Tip: Silverleaf has three separate guard-gated entrances off Thompson Peak Parkway. Privacy and security are priorities here.

Lifestyle and Local Highlights

DC Ranch functions like a self-contained town. Most daily needs can be met without leaving the community.

Shopping and Dining

Market Street is the community hub, a 37-acre retail district with 15 architecturally distinct buildings arranged along a main street. The vibe is intentionally small-town, with public plazas, a park, and sidewalk-level storefronts.

Anchor tenants include Safeway (with a pharmacy and Starbucks inside). Dining options run the gamut:

• Fleming's Prime Steakhouse for special occasions
• Grimaldi's for coal-fired pizza
• Jalapeno Inferno for Sonoran Mexican
• The Living Room Wine Café for happy hour
• Eggstacy for breakfast

Beyond Market Street, DC Ranch Crossing and Canyon Village provide additional retail, including fitness centers, daycare, dry cleaning, and professional offices.

Golf and Country Clubs

DC Ranch is home to two private clubs. Membership is by application and not restricted to residents.

The Country Club at DC Ranch opened in 2002 with an 18-hole, par-71 course designed by Tom Lehman and John Fought. The hacienda-style clubhouse spans 35,000 square feet and includes dining, a fitness room, pool, and tennis courts. The club emphasizes a family-friendly atmosphere with social events for all ages.

The Silverleaf Club sits within Silverleaf Village and caters to a more exclusive membership. Tom Weiskopf designed the 7,322-yard championship course, which winds through the canyons at the base of the McDowell Mountains. The 50,000 square-foot clubhouse features a world-class spa, resort and lap pools, fine and casual dining, and fully appointed locker rooms. Golf memberships currently carry a multi-year waitlist.

Local Tip: Silverleaf Club golf memberships require a $400,000 initiation fee plus $2,750 monthly dues. Clubhouse-only memberships are $100,000 initiation with $875 monthly dues.

Community Centers

DC Ranch operates two community centers available to all residents.

Desert Camp Community Center occupies 9 acres at Thompson Peak Parkway and Desert Camp Drive. Amenities include a heated lap pool, toddler wading pool, fitness center, locker rooms, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball and volleyball courts, and a playground. Open daily from early morning to evening.

The Homestead Community Center focuses on families and includes a splash pad, adventure playground, basketball court, and The Homestead Playhouse. The playhouse produces musicals each spring with workshops for kids year-round.

Both centers host regular programming: yoga classes, aqua fit, pickleball club, dive-in movies in summer, Yappy Hour for dog owners, cooking classes for kids, and summer camps.

Trails and Outdoor Access

More than 33 miles of paved paths and trails wind through DC Ranch, connecting neighborhoods to parks, community centers, schools, and retail areas. The system was designed so residents can reach most destinations without crossing a street busier than the one in front of their home.

But wait. The real draw is what's next door. The Gateway Trailhead, located just south of the DC Ranch Village Health Club, provides direct access to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and over 100 miles of hiking trails. Popular routes include the Gateway Trail, Tom's Thumb, and the Bajada Nature Trail (a family-friendly option with games and activities along the path).

Schools

DC Ranch students attend schools in the Scottsdale Unified School District.

• Copper Ridge School (K-8): Located within the community, this is the primary public school for DC Ranch families. It consistently ranks among Arizona's top-performing schools.
• Chaparral High School: The designated high school offers International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs.

Private options nearby include Notre Dame Preparatory High School (3 miles away), El Dorado Private School, and Basis Scottsdale.

Healthcare

HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center is 3 miles away. Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix is a 10-minute drive. Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center is within 20 minutes.

Community Events

DC Ranch takes community programming seriously. The Community Council publishes a newspaper (DC Ranch News), maintains the website, and organizes events at least weekly. Regular activities include food truck nights, wine club gatherings, book clubs, art club, bridge club, and seasonal celebrations.

Market Street hosts a farmer's market and an annual "Snow Day" benefiting local charities. The Homestead Playhouse produces full musicals and offers theater workshops.

Commute and Location

DC Ranch sits 5 minutes from the Loop 101 freeway, making commutes to downtown Scottsdale, Phoenix, or the airport manageable. Scottsdale Airport is 10 minutes away. Phoenix Sky Harbor is roughly 25 minutes.

The bottom line? DC Ranch delivers on its promise of connected living. The trails, parks, community centers, and walkable retail create a lifestyle that's hard to replicate in typical subdivisions. For buyers who want to be part of a community (not just live in a house), DC Ranch is one of the strongest options in the Valley.