North Scottsdale Homes For Sale

North Scottsdale Real Estate Guide

North Scottsdale sits at the northern edge of the city, where the urban landscape gives way to the high Sonoran Desert. This is where Pinnacle Peak punctuates the skyline and granite boulders scatter across the terrain like relics from another era. The area has evolved into one of Arizona's most sought-after residential destinations, attracting buyers who want proximity to nature without sacrificing access to world-class dining, golf, and shopping.

What to Love About North Scottsdale

• Access to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the largest urban preserve in the country with over 225 miles of trails
• Championship golf courses including Troon North, Grayhawk, and numerous private clubs
• High-performing public schools in both Scottsdale Unified and Paradise Valley Unified districts
• Open-air shopping at Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter
• Resorts and spas that draw visitors year-round (and make great staycation destinations for residents)
• Mountain views from Pinnacle Peak, the McDowells, and Four Peaks
• Lower crime rates compared to southern Scottsdale
• A year-round outdoor lifestyle with hiking, biking, and horseback riding at your doorstep

Real Estate and Homes

North Scottsdale covers a lot of ground, and housing options vary dramatically depending on which community you're in.

Architectural styles run the gamut. You'll find Southwestern adobe-inspired homes with stucco exteriors and kiva fireplaces, Mediterranean villas with red-tiled roofs and arched entryways, Spanish Colonial ranches, and increasingly, sleek contemporary builds with flat roofs, clean lines, and walls of glass. Newer construction tends to lean modern, while established communities often feature the Southwestern aesthetic that defined Scottsdale's luxury housing boom in the 1990s and 2000s.

Here's the thing: most master-planned communities in North Scottsdale are organized around golf courses and have strict architectural guidelines. That means cohesive streetscapes and well-maintained common areas, but also design review if you want to make exterior changes.

DC Ranch is one of the most recognized names in the area. It includes four villages (Country Club, Desert Camp, Desert Parks, and Silverleaf), each with its own character. Silverleaf sits at the top of the luxury tier with gated estates on hillside lots. The community has its own clubhouse, spa, and country club.

Troon North and Troon Village occupy the northern reaches near Pinnacle Peak. Troon North features custom homes on larger lots with direct access to some of the area's best hiking. Troon Village offers townhomes and condos for buyers who want the location without the maintenance.

Grayhawk strikes a balance between accessibility and upscale amenities. It's a bit closer to the 101 freeway and Scottsdale Road, making commutes easier. Homes range from townhouses to larger single-family residences, and the community has over 30 miles of trails plus strong schools.

McDowell Mountain Ranch puts you right at the edge of the preserve. Expect family-friendly amenities like an aquatic center, community parks, and trails that connect directly to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve's trail system.

Local Tip: Guard-gated communities are common in North Scottsdale. If security and privacy are priorities, look at Whisper Rock, Windgate Ranch, or Desert Mountain (which spans over 8,000 acres and includes 33 distinct villages).

Lot sizes vary from compact patio homes to multi-acre estates. In communities like Lone Mountain and Whisper Rock, lots over an acre are standard. In newer developments like Grayhawk or DC Ranch's lower villages, you'll find more traditional suburban lot sizes.

What does that mean for buyers? If you're looking for land, privacy, and room for a casita or horse facilities, the northern edges near Cave Creek have options. If walkability to shops and restaurants matters more, look at communities closer to Kierland or Scottsdale Quarter.

Lifestyle and Local Highlights

North Scottsdale's identity is built around outdoor living and golf, but there's more depth here than first impressions suggest.

Golf is everywhere. Troon North's Monument and Pinnacle courses consistently rank among the best public courses in the state. Grayhawk's Raptor course hosts the NCAA championships. Private clubs like Estancia, Whisper Rock, and Desert Mountain offer memberships with access to multiple courses and full country club amenities.

But wait. Not a golfer? No problem.

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the real gem. At over 30,000 acres, it's the largest urban preserve in the country. Ten trailheads provide access to trails for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and horseback riding. Popular routes include:

• Gateway Trail (moderate, great for first-timers)
• Tom's Thumb (strenuous, iconic rock formation at the summit)
• Pinnacle Peak Trail (moderate, well-maintained with valley views)

The preserve is free, open sunrise to sunset, and patrolled by volunteers from the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy who can answer questions and share trail recommendations.

Dining in North Scottsdale has matured significantly. You'll find fine dining steakhouses like Mastro's, Dominick's, and Fleming's alongside chef-driven spots like Hush Public House (seasonal American) and Belmont Kitchen (Michelin-starred Chef Alex Stratta). For something more casual:

• The Thumb: Award-winning BBQ inside a gas station (yes, it was on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives)
• Postino: Wine bar with excellent bruschetta and paninis
• Isabella's Kitchen at Grayhawk: Upscale Italian with golf course views

Latin and Southwestern cuisine is strong here too. La Hacienda at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess features Chef Richard Sandoval's elevated Mexican cooking, while The Mission offers Latin American plates made with pecan and mesquite wood-fired cooking.

Shopping centers on two main destinations. Kierland Commons is an open-air retail center with over 80 shops and restaurants, including Anthropologie, Vuori, ALO Yoga, and a Chanel fragrance boutique. Scottsdale Quarter sits across the street with retailers like Restoration Hardware, H&M, and Apple, plus restaurants and an iPic theater.

Local Tip: Kierland and Scottsdale Quarter are walkable from each other, making it easy to spend an afternoon browsing both.

Schools in North Scottsdale fall under two districts. Scottsdale Unified (SUSD) serves most of the area with schools like Copper Ridge (K-8) and Chaparral High School. Paradise Valley Unified covers some northern neighborhoods with highly-rated options like North Ranch Elementary. Both districts rank among the top in Arizona.

Private school options include Basis Scottsdale (consistently ranked among the top public charter schools nationally), Notre Dame Preparatory, Phoenix Country Day School, and Alpha School (a newer AI-powered private school in Grayhawk).

Community events bring the area together. The Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale draws the largest crowds of any golf tournament in the world. Barrett-Jackson's collector car auction takes over WestWorld each January. The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show attracts breeders and trainers from around the globe.

Commutes are manageable if you plan around the 101 freeway. Downtown Scottsdale is about 20 minutes south. Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is roughly 35-45 minutes depending on traffic. Many North Scottsdale residents work remotely or run their own businesses, which is part of what makes the area work for families and professionals alike.

The bottom line? North Scottsdale delivers on its reputation for luxury, outdoor access, and an active lifestyle. It's not cheap, and it's not for everyone. But for buyers who want desert beauty, strong schools, and a community that takes pride in its surroundings, it's hard to beat.