Looking for the perfect family home in an Arizona golf community? Here's what you need to know:
- Arizona has over 300 golf courses and about 100 golf communities
- Homes range from $100,000 to $10 million+
- Communities offer more than just golf - think fitness centers, pools, hiking trails, and social events
- Many are in top school districts and have gated security
- Year-round sunny weather means outdoor fun for the whole family
Top communities for families:
- DC Ranch: 4,400 acres with 47 parks and 33 miles of trails
- Desert Mountain: 6 Jack Nicklaus courses and on-site elementary school
- La Paloma: 27-hole course and family-friendly amenities
Key considerations:
- HOA fees (typically $250+ per month)
- Club memberships ($1,695 to $3,500+ per year)
- Some have equity memberships with high buy-ins ($250,000+)
Questions About Family Life
Thinking about moving to an Arizona golf community with your family? Let's tackle some common questions to help you decide.
Schools and Education Options
Arizona's golf communities often come with great schools nearby. Take North Scottsdale's golf communities - they're served by the top-notch Cave Creek Unified School District.
Want private school options? You've got those too:
- Phoenix Country Day School: Grades 5-12, 366 students
- Brophy College Preparatory: Catholic school, K-12, 1,115 students
Many Scottsdale golf communities are just a short hop from highly-rated public and private schools. No long school runs here!
Family Activities and Features
These communities aren't just for golf - they're built for family fun:
- Kid-friendly golf: Troon North in North Scottsdale starts 'em young - golf lessons from age 5. At Mountain Shadows' Short Course, kids 9 and under play for $25, and 10-15-year-olds get half off.
- Year-round outdoor fun: Arizona's weather is perfect for hiking, biking, swimming, and sports all year long.
- Community spirit: Events like Scottsdale's annual Christmas parade bring everyone together.
- Family days out: Many communities are close to attractions like the OdySea Aquarium - the Southwest's biggest, with 30,000 animals and hands-on learning.
Community Safety
Safety first, right? Arizona's golf communities take it seriously:
- Gated entrances and 24/7 security are common
- Crime rates are typically lower than in regular neighborhoods
Take Desert Mountain, for example. It's known as one of Scottsdale's most secure golf communities:
"Desert Mountain is a GUARD gated community with a guard at the front gate 24 hours/day, 7 days per week", says Carmen Brodeur, a Realtor with Trillium Properties, LLC.
They've got a double guard gate system and round-the-clock community patrols. Other communities, like DC Ranch, also prioritize safety with gated sections and regular patrols.
In these communities, you can relax and enjoy family life, knowing you're in a safe environment.
Best Golf Communities for Families
Arizona's golf communities aren't just about hitting the links. They're built with families in mind, offering a mix of luxury living, outdoor fun, and top-notch amenities. Let's check out some of the best spots for families looking to call these vibrant communities home.
DC Ranch and Silverleaf
DC Ranch in Scottsdale is a family-friendly golfer's dream. Spread over 4,400 acres, it's got homes for every family size and budget. Here's what you'll find:
- 47 parks and 50 miles of walking trails
- Two private country clubs with courses by Tom Lehman, John Fought, and Tom Weiskopf
- A community center for fun and fitness
Families can join weekly events and classes, building a tight-knit community. Plus, the nearby Copper Ridge School means quality education for the kids.
Want to level up? Silverleaf, inside DC Ranch, offers an extra touch of luxury. Both communities give you access to the DC Ranch Village Health Club & Spa, with over 170 fitness and yoga classes each week.
Desert Mountain and Terravita
Desert Mountain is a golfer's paradise that doesn't forget about the family. This high-end community boasts:
- Six Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses
- A state-of-the-art gym and tennis courts
- Fancy dining options
But here's the kicker for families: Desert Mountain Elementary School is right in the community. That means top-notch education just steps from your door.
Terravita offers a more laid-back vibe. Spread over 823 acres, it features:
- A golf course by Billy Casper and Greg Nash
- Community pools for family fun
- Art studios for the creative types
Homes in Terravita range from $300,000 to over $1 million, so there's something for most family budgets.
La Paloma Family Services
La Paloma Country Club in Tucson mixes great golf with family-friendly perks. As Tucson's top private club, it offers:
- 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature golf
- A five-pool water playground
- 10 tennis courts and 4 pickleball courts
What sets La Paloma apart is its focus on families. Golf for Women magazine even named it one of the country's most women-friendly courses.
"One of the things I like most about La Paloma is the practice area. The chipping green looks out over a shaded, fully-grassed driving range." - Dan Bubany, Author
La Paloma goes all-in on family fun with:
- A junior Olympic-sized pool
- A bigger clubhouse for family gatherings
- An event lawn for community get-togethers
These features, plus its "Distinguished Club" status from BoardRoom magazine, show La Paloma's commitment to families.
When picking a golf community, families should think about housing options, schools, and community perks. Each of these spots offers its own mix of golf, luxury living, and family-friendly features. There's something for everyone in Arizona's top golf communities.
Daily Life and Events
Golf communities in Arizona offer more than just golf. They're packed with activities and events for the whole family, all year round.
Activities All Year
Thanks to Arizona's sunny weather, outdoor fun never stops. These communities make the most of it with a ton of family-friendly stuff to do.
Take DC Ranch, for example. Their calendar is jam-packed. In summer, they throw "Summer Sizzle" pool parties at the Desert Camp Community Center. From July to August, families can cool off with free drinks, DJ tunes, and poolside fun.
"Creativity and a sense of community make it easy to enjoy the summer in Arizona golf communities", says Don Matheson, Realtor and Founder of The Matheson Team.
Got a budding actor in the family? DC Ranch's got you covered. They run Summer Theatre Camps in June and July at The Homestead Community Center. Kids six and up can try out, join workshops, and perform. Even better, DC Ranch residents get a sweet 50% off on sign-up fees.
For golf lovers, there's plenty to do. Troon North Golf Club runs "Summer Sizzlers" from May 25th to September 10th. You get cheaper golf rounds, pro shop gear, and food deals at the Dynamite Grille.
Young golfers have options too:
- US Kids developmental tour for 5-14 year olds
- X3 events for newbie competitors aged 5-18
- PGA Junior League in May and June for team-based golf
John Jacobs' Golf Schools & Academies offers programs for 6 to 16-year-olds. Their Junior Golf Clinics run from October to May, twice a week at $30 a pop or $200 for eight. They also have a 5-day Junior Golf Camp for $199, covering everything from skills to rules.
Want affordable golf for kids? Check out Youth on Course. Kids 6-18 can play for $5 or less at over 2,000 courses nationwide, including more than 30 in Arizona.
"Youth on Course has been steadily growing since it began and really picked up momentum", says Scott McNevin, Executive Director of the JGAA.
These communities also host events that bring families together. The Kids' Chance of Arizona 19th Annual 5K is set for May 18, 2024, at SRP Arizona Falls in Phoenix. It's open to runners, joggers, walkers, and even pets. For $35, you get to join in and snag a T-shirt. The best part? It helps fund college scholarships for kids whose parents got badly hurt or died on the job.
Many of these golf communities are close to family-friendly spots too. You can easily plan trips to places like SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium or Phoenix Art Museum, which often have cool events for all ages.
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Homes and Costs
Living in an Arizona golf community is a dream for many. But what does it really cost? Let's break it down.
Types of Family Homes
Arizona's golf communities offer homes for every family size and budget. In Scottsdale, you'll find:
- Single-family homes (from cozy 3-bedrooms to massive estates)
- Townhomes and condos (perfect for low-maintenance living)
- Custom-built homes (for those who want it all)
Prices? They're all over the map. In Scottsdale, you can snag a place for $250,000 or splurge on a $10 million mansion. There's something for everyone.
Take Desert Mountain in Carefree, Arizona. It's the cream of the crop:
"Desert Mountain boasts a world class country club with 6 golf courses, tennis, dining, multiple pool and recreation areas." - Anonymous Community Member
Here, homes start at $500,000 and can top $8 million. Many sit on 1+ acre lots, giving families plenty of breathing room.
Fees and Club Memberships
But wait, there's more! When you buy in a golf community, you're not just paying for the house. You've got to factor in:
- HOA Fees
These keep the neighborhood looking sharp. In Desert Mountain, expect to shell out about $250 per month.
- Club Memberships
This is where it gets interesting. Prices vary, but here's a rough idea:
- Family memberships: $1,695 to $3,500 per year
- Single memberships: Around $1,999 per year
- Couple memberships: About $3,499 per year
Some places, like Desert Mountain, have an Equity Membership model. It's not cheap:
- Buy-in: $250,000 (yes, you read that right)
- Monthly dues: About $1,600
Sounds steep? Maybe. But you're getting access to top-notch facilities. As Rick Cicci, Head Golf Professional, puts it:
"Memberships have been created to address the varied and important needs of individual, family and corporate members across several privilege levels."
Don't panic if these prices make your eyes water. Some clubs offer budget-friendly options. The Raven at Verrado has a program starting at just $100 per person per year.
Pro tip: Many clubs offer trial memberships. It's a great way to test the waters before diving in.
Bottom line? Living in an Arizona golf community can be amazing. But do your homework. Make sure the costs fit your budget and lifestyle. After all, you want to enjoy your new home, not stress about the bills.
How GolfCourseHomes.com Can Help
Looking for your dream home in Arizona's golf communities? GolfCourseHomes.com is your go-to resource. They're not just another real estate website - they're golf course property experts.
What makes them special? They know Arizona's real estate market inside out, AND they get the golf course lifestyle. Their team can walk you through buying or selling a home in these fancy neighborhoods.
If you're buying, they've got your back. Need a big family home in DC Ranch? Or maybe a low-maintenance condo in Desert Mountain? They'll help you find it. Their website is packed with luxury golf course homes across Arizona. You can check out listings, see great photos, and get all the details you need. It's like house hunting on easy mode.
Selling? They've got tricks up their sleeve for that too. They know what makes golf course homes special and how to show them off to buyers. They'll even help you price your home right for the current market.
But here's the real kicker: these folks KNOW Arizona's top golf communities. They can tell you about:
- What each community offers families
- Schools in the area
- How much golf club memberships cost
- What's coming up in the community
This stuff matters when you're making a big move. It's not just about buying a house - it's about choosing a whole new lifestyle for your family.
GolfCourseHomes.com stays on top of what's happening in luxury real estate. So they can give you the scoop on when to buy or sell.
New to golf course living? Don't sweat it. They can break down all the weird stuff like HOA fees and club memberships. It's like having a friend in the know to guide you through the process.
In short, if you're dreaming of a golf course home in Arizona, GolfCourseHomes.com is your secret weapon. They'll help you find the perfect spot for your family to call home.
Summary
Arizona's golf communities are a big deal. They mix luxury living with family-friendly features, making them super attractive for folks after a top-notch lifestyle. And get this: Arizona has over 300 golf courses and about 100 golf communities. That's why it's the second-best state for golf in the U.S.
Here's what families need to know about Arizona golf communities:
Arizona's sunny weather is perfect for golf and outdoor fun all year round. You've got tons of housing options - from $100,000 homes to $10 million mansions. There's something for every wallet.
But it's not just about golf. Take DC Ranch, for example. It's packed with parks, trails, and fun stuff for the whole family. And if you're worried about your kids' education, don't be. Many of these communities are close to top-notch schools.
Safety? Covered. Places like Desert Mountain have gated entrances and round-the-clock security. Plus, there's always something happening. Regular events and activities help build a tight-knit community.
Now, before you jump in, remember to think about HOA fees, club memberships, and community rules. It's a good idea to chat with a real estate agent who knows their stuff about golf communities.
As Brandon Olafsson, a real estate pro, puts it:
"You may love the idea of living in a golf course community regardless of whether you play golf or not."
That's the beauty of these places. They're not just for golf nuts. They offer a lifestyle that goes way beyond the greens. So if you're after luxury, community, and outdoor living in Arizona, a golf community might be your hole-in-one.
