Desert Highlands: Exclusive Living in North Scottsdale
Located in North Scottsdale, Desert Highlands provides an exclusive lifestyle of privacy and luxury. This gated community features stunning views of Pinnacle Peak, a popular hiking destination. The centerpiece of Desert Highlands is an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. This private course serves as a sanctuary for residents and fosters community connections. Moreover, exclusivity extends beyond the golf course, offering residents various amenities, including a Racquet Club, private dining options, and a heated community pool.
Homes For Sale In Desert Highlands
Desert Highlands prioritizes privacy, reflected in its low CAP Crime Index Score of 1 out of 10. While secluded, it remains conveniently located. Notably, Loop 101 is just 7 miles south, and downtown Scottsdale is a 20-mile drive. Residents enjoy easy access to the greater Phoenix area, with upscale dining options available within a 2-mile radius. Additionally, nearby religious institutions include Pinnacle Presbyterian Church and Living Water Lutheran Church. This combination of privacy and accessibility makes Desert Highlands appealing for those seeking a luxurious lifestyle.
Dynamite Foothills: Luxury Living in North Scottsdale
Dynamite Foothills, nestled in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, combines natural beauty with luxury living. This community offers residents a tranquil escape while remaining close to vibrant Scottsdale. The focus on privacy is evident, highlighted by a CAP Crime Index Score of 1 out of 10. Additionally, residents enjoy convenient dining options within 3 miles. Nearby religious institutions, including Living Water Lutheran Church, enhance community life. Furthermore, Loop 101, located just 11 miles away, provides easy access to the Phoenix metro area.
Homes and Features
Dynamite Foothills showcases luxury Southwestern and modern architectural styles, with homes built from the 2000s to 2020s. Properties include custom and semi-custom designs, alongside single-level townhouses. These homes feature stucco exteriors and expansive windows. Lot sizes vary from a quarter acre to 20 acres, with homes spanning 2,000 to 6,700 square feet. Home prices range between $1 million and $7.2 million, while HOA fees cost from $60 to $600 monthly. Townhouses typically range from $1.5 million to $1.7 million.
Outdoor Activities
Moreover, the community’s location in the 30,000-acre McDowell Sonoran Preserve attracts outdoor enthusiasts. Popular trails like Tom’s Thumb and Fraesfield offer hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding opportunities. Golfers appreciate the proximity of renowned courses such as Troon North and Scottsdale National. Additionally, residents in the Sereno Canyon subdivision enjoy exclusive access to Mountain House Lodge, featuring guest cottages, pools, a spa, and a fitness center.
Dining and Shopping
Dynamite Foothills provides diverse dining options that cater to various tastes. Alterra at Mountain House Lodge offers upscale American cuisine, while Pinnacle Grille in Troon North delivers a casual setting with stunning views. Residents also frequent restaurants at the Four Seasons Resort and enjoy convenient access to shopping at the Center at Troon North.
Education Opportunities
Furthermore, Dynamite Foothills falls within the Cave Creek Unified School District, which boasts an A-minus rating from Niche. Students attend Desert Sun Academy and Sonoran Trails Middle School, both rated A-minus. Afterward, they progress to Cactus Shadows High School, which offers a diverse range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
Connectivity and Transportation
While the community maintains a tranquil environment, it connects conveniently to the greater Phoenix area. Loop 101 is approximately 11 miles southwest, ensuring easy access to Scottsdale. Although residents primarily rely on private vehicles for transportation, healthcare facilities like HonorHealth Scottsdale and Mayo Clinic Hospital are nearby.
Wildfire Awareness
Lastly, it is crucial to acknowledge that Dynamite Foothills lies near the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, placing it in a high wildfire risk area. Residents should stay informed about fire conditions through resources like the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management’s app. Additionally, diverse desert wildlife, including deer and rattlesnakes, adds to the community’s charm, enhancing the luxurious lifestyle amidst the serene beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
DC Ranch: Luxury Living in the Desert Foothills
Less than 20 miles north of downtown Scottsdale, DC Ranch offers private, luxurious living amid McDowell Mountain’s desert foothills. This luxury master-planned community consists of 26 subdivisions in four residential villages, most of which are gated. The neighborhood HOA oversees community events at the center and maintains recreational facilities. Consequently, residing in DC Ranch feels like being part of an exclusive club.
While several subdivisions feature new construction, most homes began around 1990 and have been renovated. Southwestern-style houses include stucco walls and clay tile roofs, with some featuring Tuscan or contemporary designs. Buyers find townhomes starting at under $500,000, while single-family detached homes start around $700,000. Additionally, sprawling custom estates can exceed $25 million.
The Great Outdoors!
Moreover, locals enjoy over 225 miles of trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, covering 30,000 acres east of the community. At Gateway Trailhead, residents access popular routes like the 4.5-mile Gateway Loop. For families, the Bajeda Nature Trail offers a flat, half-mile hike suitable for all ages. Residents benefit from numerous small pocket parks, connected by over 50 miles of paved paths. Market Street Park features a children’s play area and a community fire pit. Additionally, the two community centers provide amenities, including a splash pad and swimming pool. Many residents also enjoy golfing at the Country Club at DC Ranch and Silverleaf Country Club.
Shopping and Dining
Furthermore, residents can shop and dine at Market Street, a charming district designed like a small town. Here, they find grocery essentials at Safeway and boutiques like Betsy and Tracy for women’s fashion. Various restaurants also serve the area, such as The Living Room Wine Cafe & Lounge, with an extensive wine selection. Eggstasy attracts brunch crowds with unique pancake and French toast options. In addition, All-American Modern Sports Grill provides classic bar bites and craft brews.
Education Opportunities
In terms of education, DC Ranch lies within the Scottsdale Unified School District. Copper Ridge School, which caters to pre-K through eighth grade, has an A-rating. Chaparral High School offers diverse programs and a Seal of Biliteracy. Nearby private schools, like Notre Dame Prep, enhance educational options for families.
Community Events and Activities
Moreover, residents enjoy live performances during the spring Starlight Concert Series at Market Street Park. The two community centers host various events for all ages, including food trucks and family game nights. Homestead Community Center features the Homestead Playhouse Community Theatre, showcasing local talent. Additionally, clubs such as book, women’s, and pickleball clubs allow residents to engage with their neighbors.
Accessibility and Safety
Importantly, DC Ranch is just northeast of Loop 101, providing convenient access to downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale. For healthcare needs, the Mayo Clinic Hospital is less than 10 miles west. Additionally, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about 25 miles southwest.
DC Ranch has a low CAP Index score of 2 out of 10, indicating safety, particularly in violent crime rates, which are notably low.
Pinnacle Peak: Elevated Living in the Sonoran Desert
Transitioning to Pinnacle Peak, this area offers residents a luxurious and tranquil lifestyle amid breathtaking Sonoran Desert scenery. Known for custom-built, high-end homes, many reside in private, gated communities. Residents enjoy amenities such as championship golf courses, world-class dining, and community spaces with pools and tennis courts. Additionally, the elevated location provides cooler temperatures and stunning desert views. Pinnacle Peak combines a serene setting with convenient access to top-rated schools and recreational opportunities.
Architectural Styles
Luxury homes in Pinnacle Peak are custom-designed, showcasing various architectural styles from classic Southwestern to modern designs. Many properties, built in the 1970s and 80s, feature earth-toned exteriors and generous lot sizes. The community maintains a low crime rate, contributing to its appeal.
Educational Opportunities
Pinnacle Peak falls within the highly-rated Paradise Valley Unified School District. Local schools provide a range of academic and extracurricular activities for students of all ages.
Outdoor Recreation
Furthermore, outdoor recreation attracts many residents. Pinnacle Peak Park features over 150 acres of desert landscape and the popular Pinnacle Peak Trail. This park is also home to diverse desert wildlife. Golfers have access to several private and public courses in the area, enhancing the active lifestyle available to residents.
Shopping and Dining
Residents have convenient access to various shopping and dining options. Nearby shopping centers offer gourmet grocery stores and daily essentials. Local restaurants feature diverse cuisines, with upscale experiences available at nearby resorts.
Convenient Access to Major Roadways
Pinnacle Peak is located approximately 20 miles north of downtown Scottsdale, providing easy access via major roadways. Phoenix is also within driving distance, with Scottsdale Airport catering to private aircraft. Meanwhile, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport serves commercial flights, ensuring travel convenience
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