Dreaming of morning tee times with mountain views, but not sure which Scottsdale golf community fits you best? You are not alone. North Scottsdale offers several distinct golf neighborhoods, each with its own membership structure, home styles, and lifestyle feel. In this guide, you will learn how the major communities compare, what memberships really mean, and the key questions to ask before you buy. Let’s dive in.
Top communities at a glance
DC Ranch
DC Ranch is a master-planned community in North Scottsdale that blends village centers, parks, and trails with foothill views. It is known for lifestyle amenities beyond golf, so you get neighborhood energy as well as access to outdoor recreation.
Memberships are typically optional, with a community country club on site. You will also see HOA dues that are separate from club costs. Always confirm the specific club’s initiation and dues schedule before you plan around access.
Homes include townhomes, patio homes, single-family residences, and luxury custom builds with Southwestern and modern desert architecture. Prices commonly range from the mid to high six figures for entry condos and townhomes, around $900,000 to $2 million plus for many single-family homes, and $2 million to $4 million or more for custom properties, depending on lot size and finishes.
DC Ranch fits buyers who want neighborhood amenities, trail access, and an active community setting without a mandatory club requirement. Inventory is often more diverse than in ultra-exclusive clubs, which makes it a practical entry to the North Scottsdale lifestyle.
Troon North
Set in the northern foothills, Troon North is known for striking desert golf and dramatic rock outcroppings. The setting has a resort feel with gated enclaves and easy access to hiking and open space.
The Troon North Golf Club operates as a private or semi-private club. Membership options and guest access can vary, and nearby subdivisions often have independent HOAs. Golf membership is commonly optional, but always verify for your specific neighborhood.
You will find condos, townhomes, custom single-family homes, and desert contemporary designs. Entry condos and townhomes often start in the high six figures up to about $1 million. Detached homes generally range from around $1 million to several million, with high-end estates in the mid seven figures.
Troon North appeals to active golfers and buyers who prioritize on-course experiences and desert scenery.
Desert Highlands
Desert Highlands is an established, private, gated club community focused on privacy and full club life. It delivers a refined experience with on-site amenities designed for daily use.
Membership typically follows a private equity-style model. Expect initiation and ongoing dues, potential transfer rules, and possible waitlists. Carefully confirm if membership is mandatory with ownership and how transfers work.
Homes are primarily high-end luxury properties and custom estates on generous lots with desert landscaping and views. Prices commonly begin in the low to mid seven figures and extend to very high-end estates, roughly $3 million to $15 million plus depending on lot, view, and finishes.
Choose Desert Highlands if you want an immersive private-club lifestyle with strong privacy and a cohesive neighborhood feel.
Estancia
Estancia is an exclusive, boutique-scale gated community set in prime North Scottsdale foothills. It emphasizes a high-service club experience and panoramic mountain views.
Membership is centered on the club, with private initiation and dues. Confirm whether home ownership carries any membership transfer or requirements so you understand obligations and privileges before you offer.
Homes are luxury custom residences and estates designed to maximize views and outdoor living. Pricing is predominantly multi-million dollars, commonly $2 million to $10 million plus depending on home size, lot, and outlook.
Estancia suits buyers who place a premium on privacy, exclusivity, and a small-scale club environment.
Pinnacle Peak area
Pinnacle Peak refers to both the mountain and a collection of nearby gated communities and clubs. The area is prized for outdoor access to Pinnacle Peak Park and a variety of neighborhood styles.
Membership models vary. Some subdivisions tie into a private club and others are simply near public or semi-private courses. Confirm the membership terms for any specific community on your shortlist.
Housing ranges from townhomes and single-family homes to larger luxury estates. Condos and townhomes often start in the high six figures. Detached homes commonly range from about $900,000 to $3 million, and larger estates can exceed $3 million.
If you want mountain and park proximity with gated neighborhood options, Pinnacle Peak offers a broad range to explore.
Note on prices: Ranges above are general and based on market conditions through mid 2024. Always verify current active listings and closed sales in the MLS before making decisions.
How golf memberships work
Public and semi-private courses
Public and semi-private courses are open to the public. They may offer season passes or player cards, and you do not need a club membership to own nearby property. The benefit is lower up-front costs and no membership transfer considerations when you sell.
Private equity memberships
With an equity membership, you typically purchase an ownership stake in the club, pay an initiation fee, and pay monthly or annual dues. Equity memberships can be transferable or resalable according to club rules. Entry costs are higher, but some buyers value the governance role and perceived stability.
Private non-equity memberships
Non-equity memberships may have a lower initiation fee and ongoing dues without ownership rights. Transferability is often limited, and the club may reserve the right to terminate per bylaws. Review the club documents carefully so you understand your rights.
Optional country club in a community
Some master-planned communities offer an on-site private club that is optional for homeowners. Your HOA dues are separate from any club costs. This structure lets you enjoy community amenities without a mandatory club expense.
Mandatory membership
Mandatory membership is less common but very important if present. If buying a home requires a club membership, your carrying costs and future buyer pool are affected. Confirm mandatory terms in the CC&Rs and club documents before you commit.
Key membership variables to verify
- Is membership mandatory or optional for the specific property?
- Membership type: equity or non-equity.
- Initiation fee range, monthly or annual dues, food and beverage minimums, capital assessments.
- Waitlist status for full golf membership and whether non-resident limits apply.
- Transfer fees, refund policies, or assessments that may be triggered on resale.
- Guest access and policies for residents who are not members.
Buyer checklist before you shortlist
- HOA and CC&R review. Confirm architectural standards, landscape rules, water use guidelines, and any short-term rental limits or pet rules.
- Club membership documents. Request the membership agreement, bylaws, fee schedule, and transfer rules. Validate initiation fees and whether memberships are transferable or refundable.
- HOA fees vs club dues. Clarify which payments are required and which are discretionary.
- Resale history. Check MLS sales and days on market for the specific subdivision to gauge demand and stability.
- Property taxes and assessments. Verify current tax amounts and history with the Maricopa County Assessor.
- Insurance and construction standards. Ask about wildfire or brush management requirements that could influence coverage and cost.
- Rental policy. If income matters, confirm if short-term rentals are allowed or capped. Many gated golf communities restrict them.
- Site specifics. Study lot orientation, view corridors, solar exposure, and options for additions or outdoor upgrades.
- Accessibility. Map drive times to grocery, healthcare, airport, and major roads.
- Local guidance. Work with an agent experienced in private-club transactions to navigate approvals, waitlists, and transfer mechanics.
Comparing your options
- You want lifestyle variety and walkable centers: Start with DC Ranch, where the community fabric and trails are part of daily life.
- You want dramatic desert golf and scenery: Troon North delivers signature desert routing with scenic backdrops.
- You want an immersive private-club environment: Desert Highlands emphasizes privacy and full-service club amenities.
- You want boutique-scale exclusivity: Estancia offers a smaller, high-service club setting with panoramic views.
- You want park access and a range of gated choices: Explore the broader Pinnacle Peak area and its varied neighborhoods.
Costs, resale, and marketability
Initiation fees, dues, and assessments can change, and policies may be confidential. Get the latest club documents in writing. If a community requires membership or carries a large initiation cost, note that your buyer pool on resale may be narrower. For some buyers, a strong club is a selling point. For others, higher carrying costs reduce appeal. The best way to understand the impact is to review recent comps inside the same subdivision.
Properties on a golf hole can be desirable, but they may come with unique maintenance and insurance considerations. Confirm irrigation, liability, and any rules for landscaping near the course. If a club is undergoing course work or a redesign, it can affect perception and access during construction. Ask about planned capital projects, timelines, and temporary closures.
If rental income is part of your plan, verify short-term rental rules with the HOA and the club. Many golf communities restrict short stays to protect members’ experience. Make sure the policy aligns with your goals before you buy.
How to structure your search
Step 1: Define your must-haves
Decide whether club access is essential or optional. Rank priorities like course access, privacy, views, hiking access, and proximity to services.
Step 2: Align your budget with membership
Outline your total carrying costs, not just the purchase price. Include potential initiation fees, dues, minimums, and capital assessments. If a waitlist exists, plan for an interim lifestyle and confirm guest policies.
Step 3: Narrow to two or three target areas
Use the community profiles above to build a short list that aligns with your lifestyle. For example, pair DC Ranch with Troon North for variety, or compare Desert Highlands and Estancia for private-club depth and privacy.
Step 4: Request documents early
Before touring, ask for CC&Rs, HOA budgets, club bylaws, current fee schedules, and membership transfer policies. This saves time and prevents surprises during escrow.
Step 5: Tour strategically
Walk homes at different times of day to assess light, views, and traffic. If possible, tour the club facilities with a membership representative to understand access and programming.
When to loop in a specialist
If your short list includes a private club, involve a local agent who regularly handles golf community transactions. Private clubs can have unique approval steps, varied transfer rights, and waitlist nuances that affect timing. An experienced agent will help you compare HOA and club costs, interpret membership fine print, and set expectations for resale. They can also coordinate with club membership offices and ensure your contract reflects any required approvals or fees.
Next steps
Choosing a Scottsdale golf community is about aligning lifestyle, membership structure, and long-term costs. Start with the communities that match your daily routine, then validate the details with written documents and real-time market data. If you want a tailored shortlist and help coordinating club packets, tours, and MLS comparables, reach out to the Julie Jurgenson Team. You will get two dedicated advisors, local golf community expertise, and a smooth path from first tour to closing.
FAQs
Are golf club memberships mandatory in Scottsdale communities?
- Not always. Some clubs are optional and others require membership with ownership. Confirm the requirement in the CC&Rs and the club’s membership documents for the specific property.
What is the difference between equity and non-equity memberships?
- Equity memberships include an ownership stake and typically have a higher initiation fee with transfer rights per club rules. Non-equity memberships have dues and benefits without ownership, and transferability is often limited.
How much should I budget for golf if I play often?
- Costs vary by club and membership type, including initiation fees, monthly or annual dues, and possible minimums. Request the current fee schedule directly from the club before you commit.
Will a private club membership help resale value?
- It can attract buyers who value club life, but higher carrying costs or mandatory memberships may narrow the buyer pool. Compare recent comps within the same community to quantify the impact.
Can I rent my home short term in a golf community?
- Many HOAs and clubs restrict or prohibit short-term rentals. Verify rules in the CC&Rs and club policies if rental income is part of your plan.
What should I review before making an offer in a golf community?
- Ask for HOA documents, CC&Rs, the club’s bylaws and fee schedule, transfer policies, tax records, insurance needs, and recent MLS sales for the specific subdivision to confirm fit and costs.