The Best Scottsdale Neighborhoods to Watch This Fall

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Scottsdale, Arizona, is renowned for its luxury living, stunning desert landscapes, and vibrant culture. As the temperatures cool and the fall season rolls in, there’s no better time to explore the neighborhoods that make Scottsdale a prime destination for homeowners and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly area, a bustling community, or a quiet, upscale retreat, Scottsdale has something to offer everyone. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Scottsdale to watch this fall.

Old Town Scottsdale: Old Town Scottsdale is the beating heart of the city, where historic charm meets modern vibrancy. Fall is the perfect time to stroll through the area, with its cooler temperatures and a plethora of outdoor events. The neighborhood is home to some of the city’s best dining, shopping, and entertainment options. From art galleries to boutique shops and an exciting nightlife scene, Old Town offers a little bit of everything. It’s a fantastic area for those who want to be in the center of it all.

McCormick Ranch: For those seeking a picturesque, family-friendly neighborhood, McCormick Ranch is a top contender. This established community is one of Scottsdale’s largest, known for its beautiful homes, lush green spaces, and access to miles of biking and walking paths. With its proximity to golf courses, lakes, and top-rated schools, McCormick Ranch is a desirable location for families and retirees alike. Fall in McCormick Ranch is particularly lovely, with the neighborhood’s abundant trees showcasing their autumn colors.

DC Ranch: DC Ranch is a master-planned community that exudes luxury and elegance. Nestled in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, this neighborhood offers breathtaking views, high-end amenities, and a strong sense of community. DC Ranch is perfect for those who enjoy an active lifestyle, with its numerous parks, community centers, and access to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve for hiking and outdoor activities. The fall season brings a calendar full of events, from farmers’ markets to neighborhood gatherings, making it a lively place to be.

Gainey Ranch: Gainey Ranch is synonymous with luxury living in Scottsdale. This gated community is known for its upscale homes, meticulously maintained grounds, and world-class amenities, including a private golf course and tennis club. The neighborhood’s central location makes it easy to enjoy all that Scottsdale has to offer, while also providing a tranquil retreat. During the fall, Gainey Ranch becomes even more inviting, with its beautifully landscaped streets and cooler weather perfect for enjoying the outdoors.

North Scottsdale: For those who prefer a quieter, more secluded environment, North Scottsdale is the place to be. This area is known for its larger lots, custom homes, and stunning desert scenery. North Scottsdale offers a more laid-back lifestyle, with easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and golfing. The cooler fall weather makes it an ideal time to explore the many trails and natural beauty that this area has to offer. North Scottsdale is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle while still being close to city amenities.

Kierland: Kierland is a vibrant neighborhood that blends urban living with the suburban lifestyle. This area is particularly popular with young professionals and families who enjoy the convenience of being close to shopping, dining, and entertainment. The Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter are the hubs of activity, offering a variety of restaurants, boutiques, and events throughout the fall. The neighborhood’s mix of condos, townhomes, and single-family homes provides options for all types of residents.

Conclusion

Scottsdale’s diverse neighborhoods each offer unique attractions and lifestyles, making it a city that caters to a wide range of preferences. Whether you’re looking for the excitement of Old Town, the luxury of Gainey Ranch, or the natural beauty of North Scottsdale, there’s a neighborhood that will capture your heart this fall. As the season changes, take the opportunity to explore these areas and discover what makes Scottsdale one of the best places to live and visit.

Featured Home For Sale in Los Portones

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North Scottsdale home for sale

Excellent single-story home with on-trend upgrades located directly across from the sparkling community pool! The remodeled kitchen incorporates quartz counters, upgraded cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. Other features include vaulted ceilings, fresh interior and exterior paint, new wood-look ceramic tile flooring, 2 stall garage, 2 en-suite bathrooms, a powder room, 3-year-old HVAC and water heater, and a great room with an eat-in dining area, fireplace, and backyard patio door. The master suite has a backyard exit door, walk-in closet, and full bathroom with dual sinks, quartz counters, gray shaker-style cabinets, and a frameless glass shower/tub combo. The spacious backyard has an extended covered patio with ceiling fan and pavers, mature desert landscaping, and a green grass lawn!

23944 N 74th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

2 bedrooms | 2.5 bathrooms | $625,000

Schedule your private showing! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

Beat the Heat Water Bottle Drive

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Extreme temperatures affect the most vulnerable in our communities who don’t have refuge or resources.

Help Us Help Others…

Help prevent respite from the heat for homeless veterans, seniors, men, women, youth, and children. Central Arizona Shelter Services distributes over 150,000 bottles of water from May – October.

Chris & Cheryl Park, along with the The Sibbach Team, are hosting a water bottle drive to help the Central Arizona Shelter Services provide heat relief during the summer months.

About Our Partner…

Central Arizona Shelter Services logoCentral Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is the largest emergency homeless shelter provider in the state, including a Downtown Phoenix single adult shelter and Vista Colina Emergency Family Shelter in Sunnyslope. Each year, CASS serves over 5,500 homeless individuals and families.

Why You Should Donate…

Dehydration can lead to organ failure, seizures, and death. Individuals who are experiencing homelessness are at great risk for heat-related illness. Last year, there were 172 heat-related deaths in Arizona. So join us, and help save a homeless person’s life.

How You Can Help…

Drop off cases of bottled water (preferably standard 16.9-ounce bottles) to the Sibbach Team offices at 14301 N 87th Street, Suite 215, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. We’ll be accepting water donations through the end of August, Monday-Friday from 10am to 4pm.

Don’t Forget To…

  • Check-in on neighbors that might be at risk of dehydration or heat-related health issues.
  • Get your friends, family, or neighbors involved by sharing this page with them.

Not able to make it to our offices?

You can also make a monetary donation by visiting this link. All proceeds go directly to the Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) and are tax-deductible. Monetary donations help provide bottled water, sunscreen, flip flops, hats, cool-weather clothing, air conditioning costs at the CASS shelters, financial assistance and eviction prevention for their clients, and other summer-related expenses.

Make a Monetary Donation

One water bottle makes a BIG difference.

beat the heat water drive

Tips for Choosing a New School

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Looking for a new school for your child can be as overwhelming as buying a new home. Whether looking at public or private schools, there are several ideas to consider when finding the right fit for your child and your family.

Take a Tour of the School
When looking for a new home you don’t just drive by each home, likewise don’t just just drive by potential schools. Call and arrange to tour the school and observe a classroom. You want to see students who are genuinely engaged, not wasting time or bored. Schools should be relatively noisy places, it’s okay for classrooms to have talking and movement as long it is directed toward a learning goal. Take time to observe how teachers and administrators interact with the students and vice versa. Notice if student work is on display, no matter the grade level, it means that place is about kids and their work.

Look for a Place Where You Feel Welcome
Good schools should welcome parents as volunteers and visitors. The principal should be someone you feel comfortable talking with if there’s a problem. Ask about parent volunteer opportunities available throughout the school year.

Think Long Term
Remember your first-grader will be heading to middle school before you know it. Unless you plan on moving soon, also check out the middle and high schools in the district. If the upper-level schools in your prospective district are about kids doing great work, they’ll likely be a good fit if you like the elementary school.

Visit the School Community
Go to a school board meeting for information about the district. Notice if parents there because their children are being honored or are they there because of a problem? Likewise, attend a PTA or PTO meeting and talk with the parents there. Most parents are open to share school challenges and successes. Also consider the makeup of the students. Chances are if you choose a neighborhood school, you’ll find some similarities between your kids and their classmates, because there are probably similarities between you and your neighbors. Yet a school that has a diverse student body also offers benefits. Even if the school isn’t as diverse as you would like, after-school activities like sports and music give them a chance to interact with students from different backgrounds.

No matter how wonderful the school is, it’s natural to have some butterflies on the first day in a new school. Just like it takes time for a new house to feel like home, it takes time for kids to settle into a new school.

 

Living in Scottsdale

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Scottsdale house photoThe Scottsdale area north of Shea Blvd and east of Scottsdale Road is a great central location for those looking for established neighborhoods, short commutes, and easy access to everything Scottsdale has to offer.  Some of the most desirable communities are located in this part of town: Scottsdale Ranch, McDowell Ranchos, Desert Wind, Sweetwater Ranch, Desert Hills, Scottsdale Country Club Estates, Buenavante, Patterson Ranch, Ironwood Village, McDowell Mountain Ranch, and many more.  A lot of homes, especially within the Shea/Cactus corridor, have larger backyards, established landscape, and palm trees; many have been built in the 1980 and have been remodeled to meet current trends.

This area has many amenities within a short drive: Scottsdale Airpark, Ina Levina Jewish Campus, 76th Street Business Center, McDowell Mountain Ranch Recreation Center, Icen Den, Scottsdale Horseman Park are just minutes away.  Residents are surrounded by many dining choices and some of Scottsdale’s most popular shopping centers such as Kierland, The Promenade, Scottsdale Quarter, and Scottsdale Fashion Square.

Schools:  This area is served by Scottsdale Unified School District.  Private school options are also available, such as The Scottsdale School, Scottsdale Preparatory Academy, Notre Dame Preparatory High School, Lexis Preparatory School, International School of Arizona, Camelback Desert School The Goddard Pre-School, Mission Montessori Academy del Norte, and Shepherd of the Desert School.

Living in Troon

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Troon Village photoTroon real estate is just north of the DC Ranch community, wrapped around the northern foothills of Pinnacle Peak. The mountain preserve, with its massive boulders, provides breathtaking views and lends to a serene atmosphere. Because Troon North and Troon Village are located in the high Sonoran Desert, residents tend to enjoy slightly cooler temperatures.  

The Troon communities offer many subdivisions of townhouses, semi-custom homes, custom homes, and residential homesites, with both gated and non-gated options. Homes that are built along the mountainside offer spectacular views of the city, as well as the native desert scenery.  Luxury golf lot homes are available with The Troon Country Club and The Troon North Golf Club located within the area. The community tends to appeal to empty nesters and second homeowners, but there are plenty of families that live in the area as well. Children attend schools in the Cave Creek School District.  

Plenty of outdoor activities are available in the area, in addition to golfing. The Troon community offers a network of bike paths and trail easements to enjoy. There also are plenty of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding at nearby McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Pinnacle Peak, and Brown’s Ranch. The Doc Cavalliere Park offers a shaded playground, basketball courts, and an open artificial turf field. If you would prefer relaxing poolside or pampering yourself, the Four Seasons Resort and Spa is only minutes away. 

There are many restaurant and shopping options available within the area, as well as the surrounding communities of DC Ranch and Grayhawk. The popular Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarters, and Desert Ridge Marketplace are just a few of the places a short drive away that provide many stores and restaurants to choose from. The Loop 101 freeway is easily accessible and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about a 45 min drive. 

When you’re ready to sell or buy your next home in Troon, give us a call! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

View Troon North homes for sale HERE and view Troon Village homes for sale HERE.

Living in McDowell Mountain Ranch

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McDowell Mountain path photoMcDowell Mountain Ranch real estate is a great place to raise a family and to enjoy an active lifestyle.  The master-planned community, which started development in 1998, is located at the base of the McDowell Mountains, in the highly desirable North Scottsdale area.  The community consists of nearly 4,000 homes within 26 distinct neighborhoods, some that are either gated or guard gated.  Homes that sit on the higher parts of the mountain are treated to amazing views of the city lights and desert landscape below.  Builders include KB Homes, Edmunds (now Toll Brothers), Centex, Cachet, UDC, Woodside, and Ryland, just to name a few.  Housing options range from apartments, luxury condominiums, patio homes, single-family detached homes and custom homes.  Home size range between 1,093-4,970 square feet, with single-level and multi-level options available.

The community is only minutes away from the Loop 101 freeway and is only 25 minutes away from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.  The community is also a short distance away from the many shops and restaurants of the popular Kierland Common and Scottsdale Quarters.  

McDowell Mountain Ranch offers many amenities for residents to enjoy:  The nearby McDowell Mountain Regional Park provides 40 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers 120 miles of non-motorized, multi-use trails. When completed, the preserve will be the nation’s largest urban land preserve. Also nearby is the McDowell Mountain Park and Aquatic Center that contains soccer/baseball fields, a 16,000 square foot skate park, a 600-foot lazy river, an eight-lane lap pool, four diving boards, a large tube water slide, and a fitness center.  If you enjoy golfing, the McDowell Mountain Golf Club is a premier public golf course originally designed by Randy Heckenkemper and Phil Mickelson. There also are numerous other golf courses in close proximity.  

Schools: Children within the area attend Desert Canyon Elementary, Desert Canyon Middle School, and Desert Mountain High School, all part of the Scottsdale Unified School District. Notre Dame Preparatory High School is a private school option nearby.

When you’re ready to sell or buy your next home in McDowell Mountain Ranch, give us a call! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

CLICK HERE to view McDowell Mountain Ranch homes for sale.

Living in DC Ranch

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DC Ranch Tennis Club entrance photoReal estate in the master-planned community of DC Ranch is highly sought after by families, as well as retirees and seasonal visitors.  The 4,000-acre community in North Scottsdale sits at the base of McDowell Mountains, just north of Bell Road and east of Pima Road.  The community was developed by DMB Associates to complement the surrounding desert and consists of 25 neighborhoods within four residential villages that are connected by 33 miles of walking trails:

Country Club Village: Five guard-gated neighborhoods of custom home sites, custom homes, semi-custom single-family homes, attached patio homes, and townhouses.  Custom homes range in size from 3,000-12,500 square feet and the other housing options range in size between 1,800-5,700 square feet.  

Desert Parks Village: Six gated neighborhoods of single-family homes, ranging in style from bungalows, ranch-hacienda style, or southwestern style.  Homes range in size between 1,740-5,170 square feet and have one and two-story options.  Each neighborhood has its own park to enjoy.

Desert Camp Village: Eight neighborhoods of single-family homes and townhouses that range in size between 1,650-5,000 square feet.  Both one and two-story options are available. 

Silverleaf Village: Eight neighborhoods with three 24 hour guarded gates.  The most expensive homes in DC Ranch are located here and housing options include luxury villas, to custom estates on a third to over ten acres. 

DC Ranch real estate is popular due to the beautiful setting of the community and all the great amenities offered.  There are two community centers (Desert Camp and Homestead) with tennis courts, basketball courts, pools, fitness areas, playgrounds, and even a community-run theater playhouse.  The upscale DC Ranch Village Health Club & Spa offers a great spa center, fitness facility, a tennis club, and summer camp for kids.  From the Village Health Club, you can access trails to hike or mountain bike the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which when completed will be the nation’s largest urban land preserve.  There are two private country clubs, DC Ranch Country Club and Silverleaf Club, which offers top rated golf courses, tennis, swimming, fitness facility, and banquet rooms.  

Within the community, there are three shopping complexes with upscale retail stores and restaurants: Market Street, Canyon Village, and DC Ranch Crossing.  There is even a fire station located in the Market Street complex! The community is within Scottsdale Unified School District, with children attending Copper Ridge for Kindergarten through 8th grade and Chaparral for high school.  Notre Dame Preparatory High School is a private school option that is only 10 minutes away. 

Living in Desert Ridge

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Desert Ridge Fireside photoDesert Ridge real estate is generally considered the area just north of the Loop 101 freeway, east of Cave Creek Rd, south of Pinnacle Peak Rd, and west of Scottsdale Rd.  Commuting to the surrounding areas in Phoenix and Scottsdale is a breeze since both the Loop 101 freeway and HWY 51 are just minutes away.

Development of the 5,700-acre community began in the late 90s and new construction continues today.  When the community is finally completed, it is estimated to house approximately a little over 50,000 residents.  The northern part of Desert Ridge real estate still has undeveloped land, but the developed areas offer a wide variety of housing options, ranging from apartments, condominiums, single-family homes, semi-custom and custom homes.  There are approximately eight different communities, with over 20 subdivisions.  Gated and golf lots are available, with many of the communities offering community centers with pools, fitness centers, tennis courts, basketball courts, and parks.  Some of the many builders include Toll Brothers, DR Horton, Del Webb, and Pulte Homes.  

There are many amenities for residents to enjoy within Desert Ridge. The JW Marriott Resort & Spa is home to the Wildfire Golf Club, which has two 18-hole championship courses that were designed by Arnold Palmer and Nick Faldo. Across from the JW Marriott is the 1.2 million square foot Desert Ridge Marketplace that contains everything you need from a gas station, grocery store, bank, movie theatre, retail stores, and restaurants. Right next to the marketplace is City North, which is a mixed-used development that contains more dining and shopping options, as well as residential condos above the streets. Children attend Wildfire Elementary School, Desert Trail Elementary School, Explorer Middle School and Pinnacle High School, all part of the Paradise Valley School District.

When you’re ready to sell or buy your next home in Desert Ridge, give us a call! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

CLICK HERE to view Desert Ridge homes for sale.

Living in Grayhawk

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Greyhawk

Grayhawk real estate is a popular master-planned community in North Scottsdale with approximately 4,000 homes.  It is located just north of the Loop 101 freeway, east of Scottsdale Road, south of Deer Valley, and west of Pima Road.  Housing options include apartments, condominiums, single-family homes, custom estates, and even an assisted living community for seniors.  Home construction began in 1995, with some of the builders including Cachet, Continental, Edmond-Toll, Monterey, and TW Lewis, just to name a few.  There are two distinct neighborhoods in Grayhawk that are interconnected:

Things To Do: “The Park” is located on the west half of Grayhawk between Scottsdale Rd and Hayden Rd.  As the name suggests, there are plenty of places for children to play, with multiple pocket parks, green belts, playground areas, and tennis/basketball courts.  There are eight subdivisions of single-family homes, with both one-story and two-story options.  “The Pinnacle at The Park” is the only subdivision out of the eight that is gated.   There are four subdivisions of gated luxury condominiums and apartments, as well as the luxury senior assisted living community of “Vi”.  The Boys and Girls Club is located in “The Park” section, providing after-school programs, sports, and summer camps. 

“The Retreat” is located on the east half of Grayhawk between Hayden Rd and Pima Rd and consists of two guard-gated communities, Raptor and Talon.  There are 15 subdivisions of single-family homes, as well as four subdivisions of luxury condominiums/apartments.  Golf lots overlooking the mountains desert landscape are available in “The Retreat” since the neighborhoods wind around the two pristine golf courses of Grayhawk Golf Club.  The subdivision of Serenity is located in the Raptor community and contains 33 custom home lots that sit at the highest elevation in Grayhawk, providing beautiful views of the surrounding cities and mountains.  There are seven individual pools and spas, six tennis courts, and several basketball courts.  An extra HOA fee is accessed to “ The Retreat” residents for the guarded gates and maintenance of the pools and spas.   

Some of the great amenities in Grayhawk include:

  • Thompson Peak Hospital is located within the community
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Fashion Square Mall, and the many shops/restaurants at Kierland Common Common/Scottsdale Quarters are less than 30 minutes away.  
  • Many top-rated gold courses are nearby, like the TPC Scottsdale, which hosts the yearly and crowd-pleasing Waste Management Phoenix Open.  
  • The 29 acre Thompson Peak Park and the 13 acre Grayhawk Park offer lighted tennis/basketball courts, softball/baseball/soccer fields, volleyball courts, and playgrounds.  
  • Westworld of Scottsdale is only 10-15 min away and hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the very popular Barret-Jackson Scottsdale Auction and the Arabian Horse Show.
  • There are plenty of opportunities to hike at nearby Pinnacle Peak and McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which offer 120 miles of non-motorized, multi-use trails.

Schools: The children at Grayhawk attend Grayhawk Elementary, Mountain Trail Middle School, and Pinnacle High School, which are all part of the Paradise Valley School District.  El Dorado Private School and Notre Dame Preparatory are nearby private school options.

Give us a call to begin your new home search! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

CLICK HERE to view Grayhawk homes for sale.