Looking for the ultimate golf lifestyle in Arizona? Here's a quick rundown of the top 10 luxury golf communities for 2024:
These communities offer:
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World-class golf courses designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio
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Luxury homes ranging from $500K to $10M+
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Resort-style amenities including pools, spas, fitness centers, and tennis courts
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Stunning desert and mountain views
Quick Comparison:
| Community | Golf Course Designer | Home Price Range | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desert Mountain | Jack Nicklaus | $1M - $10M | 7 golf courses |
| Estancia | Tom Fazio | $1M - $5M | Award-winning course |
| Silverleaf | Tom Weiskopf | $1M - $5M | Private spa |
| Whisper Rock | Phil Mickelson | $1M - $3M | Large home lots |
| Mirabel | Tom Fazio | $1M - $3M | Resort-style pool |
| Desert Highlands | Jack Nicklaus | $500K - $2M | 13 tennis courts |
| DC Ranch | Tom Lehman | $500K - $2M | 47 parks |
| The Boulders | Jay Morrish | $500K - $2M | Two courses |
| Troon North | Tom Weiskopf | $500K - $2M | Public courses |
| Stone Canyon | Jay Morrish | $500K - $2M | Mountain views |
Each community has its own vibe, from bustling social scenes to quiet retreats. Visit a few to find your perfect golf haven in Arizona.
Key Features of Golf Communities
When looking at golf communities in Arizona, keep these main points in mind:
Location and Weather
Pick a place that's:
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Close to the city
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Quiet and private
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Sunny and warm (typical for Arizona)
Golf Course Quality
Look for courses that:
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Are well-designed
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Offer nice views
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Suit different skill levels
Housing Options
Consider:
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Types of homes (big houses, small villas)
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Size of the property
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Ability to customize your home
Community Features and Feel
Check for:
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Clubhouse
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Swimming pools
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Gym
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Social events
Costs and Membership
Think about:
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If membership is required
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What the fees cover
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How it fits your budget
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Location | City access, privacy |
| Weather | Warm, sunny climate |
| Golf Course | Good design, views, multiple tee boxes |
| Housing | Various sizes, customization options |
| Amenities | Clubhouse, pools, gym, events |
| Membership | Required or optional, fee structure |
1. Desert Mountain
Desert Mountain is a top golf community in Scottsdale, Arizona. It covers 8,000 acres and has seven golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Location and Overview
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In North Scottsdale
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Near Carefree and Tonto National Forest
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Great views
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Easy to get to the city
Golf Course Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Courses | 7 (6 Jack Nicklaus Signature) |
| Skill Levels | Suitable for all |
| Extra Facilities | Golf performance center, par-54 executive course |
Real Estate Options
Desert Mountain offers many types of homes:
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Custom homesites
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Estates
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Courtyard homes
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Villas
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Townhomes
Each area in the community has its own look and style.
Community Amenities
| Amenity | Details |
|---|---|
| Clubhouses | 6 |
| Fitness | Center available |
| Swimming | Multiple pools |
| Sports | Tennis courts |
| Outdoor | Hiking trails |
| Social | Regular events and activities |
Desert Mountain is a good choice for people who want high-end golf living in Arizona. It has great golf courses, nice homes, and lots of things to do.
2. Estancia
Estancia is a high-end golf community in Scottsdale, Arizona. It has an 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Fazio, nice homes, and many extras.
Location and Overview
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North Scottsdale
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Next to Pinnacle Peak
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Great views of the desert
Golf Course Details
The golf course at Estancia is one of the best private clubs in Arizona. It has won many awards:
| Award | Description |
|---|---|
| Best New Private Golf Course | In America |
| Top 100 Golf Courses | In America |
| Top 500 Holes | In the world |
Real Estate Options
Estancia has different types of fancy homes:
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Custom home lots
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Villas
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Lots from under 1 acre to 3 acres
Community Extras
People living in Estancia can use:
| Amenity | Details |
|---|---|
| Tennis | Courts available |
| Fitness | Center for exercise |
| Swimming | Regular and lap pools |
| Food | Places to eat |
| Outdoor space | Patio with views of Pinnacle Peak |
Estancia is a top golf community in Arizona. It offers a fancy way of life for the people who live there.
3. Silverleaf
Location and Overview
Silverleaf is part of DC Ranch in North Scottsdale, Arizona. It has big lots from 1-35 acres. Most lots have nice views of the valley or golf course.
Golf Course Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Course Designer | Tom Wieskopf |
| Length | 7,322 yards |
| Views | Mountains and city |
| Difficulty | Challenging but fun |
Real Estate Options
| Home Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Styles | Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean, Western Ranch, Farmhouse |
| Sizes | 4,000 to over 20,000 square feet |
| Prices | Start in the low millions |
Community Amenities
Silverleaf has many nice things for people who live there:
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Private spa
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Gym
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Lap pool
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Tennis courts
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Good places to eat
It's also close to:
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Scottsdale police and fire stations
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HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center
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Loop 101 Freeway
4. Whisper Rock
Location and Overview
Whisper Rock is a high-end golf community in North Scottsdale, Arizona. It covers 850 acres and has:
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Guard-gated entry
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Large home lots (1-5 acres)
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Privacy for residents
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Clear views of the desert
Golf Course Details
The Whisper Rock Golf Club is private and invite-only. It has two courses:
| Course | Designers |
|---|---|
| Lower Course | Phil Mickelson and Gary Stephenson |
| Upper Course | Tom Fazio |
Real Estate Options
Whisper Rock offers:
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Custom homes
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Villas
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Large lots (1-5 acres)
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Freedom to design your own home
Community Amenities
Whisper Rock has many features for its residents:
| Amenity | Description |
|---|---|
| Exercise trails | Many miles available |
| Tennis | Full complex |
| Basketball | Half-court |
| Fitness center | Fully equipped |
| Park | Community space |
| Golf club | Two private courses |
Residents can enjoy an active lifestyle in this private community.
5. Mirabel
Location and Overview
Mirabel is a private golf community in Scottsdale, Arizona. It covers 713 acres and sits at 3,000 feet above sea level. This height means it's cooler than other desert areas. The community is known for being friendly and caring.
Golf Course Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Designer | Tom Fazio |
| Length | 7,147 yards |
| Par | 71 |
| Ranking | Top 100 private golf communities in the US |
| Views | Mountains and desert |
Real Estate Options
Mirabel offers three types of homes:
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El Corazon homes
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Custom homes
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Homesites (2/3 to 2 acres)
There are 339 homesites in total. Most have big custom or semi-custom homes.
Community Amenities
The main clubhouse, called Desert Lodge, is 37,000 square feet. It has:
| Amenity | Details |
|---|---|
| Pool | Resort-style |
| Hot tubs | Multiple |
| Fitness center | Modern equipment |
| Recreation areas | Various |
| Tennis courts | Available |
| Dining | Casual and formal options |
| Health spa | On-site |
| Salon | On-site |
| Member services | Concierge available |
Mirabel also hosts many social events and activities for its residents.
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6. Desert Highlands
Location and Overview
Desert Highlands is a gated community in North Scottsdale, Arizona. It's near Pinnacle Peak and covers 850 acres with 560 home spots.
Golf Course Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Designer | Jack Nicklaus |
| Length | 7,108 yards |
| Par | 72 |
| Ranking | Top desert courses in the U.S. |
| Views | Pinnacle Peak and desert |
Community Amenities
Desert Highlands offers:
| Amenity | Details |
|---|---|
| Golf | 18-hole course by Jack Nicklaus, 18-hole putting course |
| Tennis | 13 courts with all Grand Slam surfaces |
| Fitness | 7,700 sq ft center |
| Other | Swimming pool, Racquet Club, Dog park |
| Social | Year-round events |
| Services | Dedicated team for residents |
Real Estate Options
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Home Types | Custom homes |
| Bedrooms | 3 to 7 |
| Bathrooms | 3 to 9 |
| Styles | Southwestern to modern |
| Price Range | $1.99M to $8M |
Desert Highlands offers a mix of golf, nice homes, and many things to do for its residents.
7. DC Ranch
Location and Overview
DC Ranch is a golf community in North Scottsdale, Arizona. It sits at the bottom of the McDowell Mountains. The community is friendly and offers many things to do.
Golf Course Details
DC Ranch has two private golf clubs:
| Club | Course Designer | Details |
|---|---|---|
| The Country Club at DC Ranch | Tom Lehman | 18-hole championship course |
| Silverleaf | Tom Weiskopf | Par-71, 7,322-yard course |
Community Amenities
DC Ranch offers:
| Amenity | Details |
|---|---|
| Parks | 47 parks |
| Trails | 33 miles of paths |
| Nature | Easy access to McDowell Sonoran Preserve |
| Clubs | Golf, health, and country clubs |
| Community Centers | The Homestead and Desert Camp |
| School | K-8 school within the community |
Real Estate Options
DC Ranch has different types of homes:
| Home Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Apartments | Multi-unit buildings |
| Townhomes | Attached homes |
| Custom estates | Large, personalized homes |
| Patio homes | Smaller homes with outdoor space |
| Single-family homes | Standalone houses |
These homes are spread across four areas: Country Club, Desert Camp, Desert Parks, and Silverleaf.
8. The Boulders
Location and Overview
The Boulders is a golf community in Carefree, Arizona, next to North Scottsdale. It fits well with the desert around it.
Golf Course Details
| Feature | North Course | South Course |
|---|---|---|
| Designer | Jay Morrish | Jay Morrish |
| Par | 72 | 71 |
| Length | 6,950 yards | 7,007 yards |
| Access | Alternates between resort guests and members daily |
Real Estate Options
The Boulders has many types of homes:
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Villas
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Patio homes
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Luxury estates
There are 12 neighborhoods in the community. Homes are built around the golf courses for easy access. Buyers can pick from different home styles and layouts.
Community Amenities
| Amenity | Details |
|---|---|
| Wellness center | 33,000 square feet |
| Swimming pools | 4 |
| Dining | Casual and fancy options |
| Spa | Access to Boulders Resort spa |
| Hiking trails | Many miles available |
| Events | Regular activities for residents |
The community helps people stay active and healthy. It also helps neighbors get to know each other through events.
9. Troon North
Location and Overview
Troon North is a golf community in North Scottsdale. It offers:
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Quiet surroundings
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Outdoor activities
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Multi-use trails
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Community park
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Quick drive to shops and restaurants
Golf Course Details
Troon North Golf Club has two public courses:
| Course | Designers | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Monument | Tom Weiskopf, Jay Moorish | Desert-style, boulder outcroppings |
| Pinnacle | Tom Weiskopf | Desert-style, lush vegetation |
Both courses offer a desert golf experience.
Real Estate Options
Troon North covers 1,800 acres with 13 neighborhoods. Home types include:
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Production homes
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Custom estates on large lots
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Various styles and layouts
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Many homes near golf courses
Community Amenities
The 4-acre Community Park is close to most trails and includes:
| Amenity | Details |
|---|---|
| Tennis courts | Available |
| Basketball courts | Available |
| Ramadas | Covered areas |
| Tot lot | Play area for young children |
| Turfed play area | For other outdoor activities |
Residents can also enjoy:
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Hiking trails
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Biking paths
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Desert views with cacti and trees
10. Stone Canyon
Location and Overview
Stone Canyon is a golf community in Oro Valley, Arizona. It's near the Tortolita Mountains. The area is quiet and has nice views.
Golf Course Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Designer | Jay Morrish |
| Type | 18-hole championship |
| Ranking | Top 100 in the US |
| Length | 5,100 to 7,300 yards |
| Views | Rock formations, saguaro cacti, Santa Catalina Mountains |
The course works for players of all skill levels.
Real Estate Options
Stone Canyon has different types of homes:
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Custom-built big houses
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Ready-made homes
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Large lots
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Views of the Catalina Mountains
Community Amenities
| Amenity | Details |
|---|---|
| Fitness center | Modern equipment |
| Clubhouse | Available for members |
| Dining | On-site options |
| Tennis | Courts available |
| Swimming | Pool for residents |
| Hiking | 1,400 acres of desert land |
Stone Canyon mixes desert beauty with nice homes. It gives people a special place to live.
Community Comparison
Here's a look at how the top 10 luxury golf communities in Arizona stack up against each other:
| Community | Golf Course Designer | Par | Length (Yards) | Home Prices | Main Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desert Mountain | Jack Nicklaus | 72 | 7,099 | $1M - $10M | 7 courses, fitness center, pools |
| Estancia | Tom Fazio | 72 | 7,000 | $1M - $5M | Award-winning course, tennis courts |
| Silverleaf | Tom Weiskopf | 72 | 7,000 | $1M - $5M | Private spa, gym, lap pool |
| Whisper Rock | Phil Mickelson | 72 | 7,200 | $1M - $3M | Two courses, large home lots |
| Mirabel | Tom Fazio | 72 | 7,000 | $1M - $3M | Resort-style pool, spa, salon |
| Desert Highlands | Jack Nicklaus | 72 | 7,000 | $500K - $2M | 13 tennis courts, dog park |
| DC Ranch | Tom Lehman | 72 | 7,000 | $500K - $2M | 47 parks, 33 miles of trails |
| The Boulders | Jay Morrish | 72 | 7,000 | $500K - $2M | Two courses, wellness center |
| Troon North | Tom Weiskopf | 72 | 7,000 | $500K - $2M | Public courses, community park |
| Stone Canyon | Jay Morrish | 72 | 7,300 | $500K - $2M | Top-ranked course, mountain views |
This table shows key details about each community. It can help you pick the one that fits your needs and budget. All communities offer golf, fitness centers, pools, tennis courts, clubhouses, and dining options. The main differences are in course design, home prices, and extra features.
When choosing a community, think about:
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Which golf course style you like
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How much you want to spend on a home
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What other activities you enjoy
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How close you want to be to city amenities
Each community has its own feel and perks. Visit a few to see which one feels right for you.
Wrap-up
Arizona's golf communities offer a great mix of top golf and fancy living. When picking a community, think about:
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What kind of golf course you like
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How much you want to spend on a home
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What other activities you enjoy
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How close you want to be to city stuff
Here's a quick look at what these communities offer:
| Feature | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Golf | Top courses by famous designers |
| Homes | Nice houses in different styles and sizes |
| Views | Beautiful desert and mountain scenery |
| Extra stuff | Pools, gyms, tennis courts, and more |
Each community has its own feel. Some are bigger with lots to do, while others are quieter. Some have public golf courses, others are private. Home prices also vary a lot.
To find the right fit:
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Visit a few communities
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Try out the golf courses
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Check out the extra features
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Talk to people who live there
