Which Neighborhood Is Right For Your Scottsdale Home?

Scottsdale, Arizona, home to roughly 260,000 residents, is part of the metropolitan Phoenix area. It has been one of the fastest-growing towns in the nation in the last few years and is frequently referred to as "The West's most Western town" due in part to the numerous events that honor Scottsdale’s history.

One such event is the annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, which showcases the training and talent of about 2,000 purebred Arabian/Half-Arabian horses. This is not your regular rodeo! The city also hosts its own culinary week and international film festival. Scottsdale is host to about 125 art galleries and studios, which make it one of the nation’s largest art markets, right behind Manhattan and Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The current median price of Scottsdale homes for sale is around $954,900, which is up from its prior-year high of $855,000. The area is in a seller’s market, which means that the housing inventory cannot meet the demands of buyers eager to purchase their own slices of Scottsdale real estate. Sellers benefit from a seller's market because they could receive multiple offers, offers above their initial asking prices, and even bidding wars. If you're considering moving to Scottsdale, here are a few neighborhoods to consider.

Old Town Scottsdale is one of the most affordable neighborhoods of Scottsdale homes for sale, and it's great for "walkability" due to its proximity to restaurants, shopping, clubs, museums, and many other activities. This part of town is ideal for singles, couples, and families, but the schools aren't top-notch yet. Still, there are nearby charter and private schools for kids to thrive in, and they're easily accessible from this real estate hotspot.

The median price of homes in this neighborhood runs about $371,000, and houses are appreciating at the rate of approximately 13.8%. It is a stable, well-established neighborhood that's centrally located, has access to many goods and services, and has an environment full of excitement.

McCormick Ranch is a vast, master-planned community amongst Scottsdale homes for sale with highly rated schools and a great quality of life. Master-planned communities (MPCs) are self-contained developments where residents find many of their needs met within the community’s boundaries. Depending on which MPC you choose, available homes include townhomes, single-family homes, and age 55+ homes. Master-planned communities offer multiple recreational outlets, including golf courses, open/green spaces, athletic and activity centers, and in some cases, lakes and ponds for fishing and outdoor activities. The median price of homes in Mccormick Ranch runs about $592,000, and appreciation is about 12% annually.

The median price of Central Scottsdale real estate is about $725,000, and its homes are typically bigger than those in other neighborhoods around the city. Central Scottsdale’s homes  also sit on bigger lots than other neighborhoods, which makes them ideal for families with kids or those who are considering installing a tiny house for the in-laws or an Airbnb. Newcomers to the area will find amazing choices for retail therapy at Kierland Commons and The Scottsdale Quarter, which tempt shoppers with the best of high-end shopping and indulgent dining once the shopping is done for the day. Central Scottsdale’s growth tops 14% annually, which makes the area not only a great place to live but one that's ideal for investors, too.

 

One of the most sought-after enclaves in Scottsdale real estate is Ancala, an upscale, private community where houses bear a median sales price of nearly $1.3 million. It’s a gated community that occupies more than 850 prime desert acres in the shadows of the McDowell and Camelback Mountains. Residents can enjoy a private community park outfitted with a playground and spacious basketball court, as well as the Ancala Country Club. Its elementary, middle and high schools are among the school district's most highly rated schools, and the neighborhood is just minutes from the Mayo Clinic and the Scottsdale Airport.

Paradise Valley is situated at the base of Camelback Mountain, with a median home price of about $4 million. Its real estate—of which stars including Olympian Michael Phelps and rock star Alice Cooper have called home—is appreciating at about 14.8% annually, and the neighborhood is highly sought after. Notable homes and architectural wonders here include the Wrigley mansion—although it’s technically in Phoenix very nearby—the mansion of chewing gum giant William Wrigley Jr., built-in 1932. Also, here is the Arizona Biltmore Resort, a futuristic hotel and resort designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. There are many private, gated communities within Paradise Valley, but also many one-off, custom-built homes to choose from.

DC Ranch is an affluent, master-planned community amidst Scottsdale real estate with a median home price of $1,412,500. This former cattle ranch occupies 4,000 acres in the McDowell Mountain foothills and offers newcomers their choice of townhomes, condominiums, and luxury detached single-family homes. Most of the areas within DC Ranch are gated, and nature lovers will adore the 33 miles of walking paths that connect the neighborhoods. This MPC has two community centers, pools, splash pads, playgrounds, tennis courts, 47 parks, and a community theater, just to name a few amenities.

 

Troon North is a large master-planned golf community in the foothills of Pinnacle Peak. Its vast, 4-acre community park features a playground, trails, green spaces, and basketball courts, as well as the semi-private Troon North Golf Club that boasts two 18-hole courses. It has been ranked one of the state’s Top 25 golf courses by Golf Digest magazine. The median home price is $900,000, spread amongst townhomes, golf course-adjacent homes, and single-family homes.

Roger Banning is an area specialist and can help you determine what Scottsdale neighborhood is ideal for you and your family. Reach out today for assistance in finding your dream home.