in Arizona: Luxury Living for Golf Enthusiasts
Arizona offers some of the best golf course communities in the US, combining luxury homes with world-class golf facilities. Here's what you need to know:
- Arizona has over 300 golf courses and about 100 golf communities
- Top communities: DC Ranch, Desert Highlands, Estancia, Desert Mountain
- Key features: Luxury homes, private golf clubs, resort-style amenities
- Price range: $250,000 to $10+ million
- Target market: Wealthy individuals, executives, retirees over 40
Quick Comparison:
| Community | Location | Golf Course | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC Ranch | North Scottsdale | Two private clubs | 4,400 acres, 33 miles of trails |
| Desert Highlands | Scottsdale | Jack Nicklaus design | 850 acres, 560 homesites |
| Estancia | Scottsdale | Tom Fazio design | Ranked #1 private course in AZ |
| Desert Mountain | Scottsdale | Seven Jack Nicklaus courses | Homes up to $10 million |
These communities offer year-round golf, stunning desert views, and high-end amenities. Buyers should consider location, golf facilities, community features, and costs when choosing their ideal golf course home.
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1. Predator Ridge
Predator Ridge is a top golf course community in Canada. It's in Vernon, British Columbia, in the Okanagan Valley. The area gets over 2000 hours of sunshine each year, making it great for golf and outdoor activities.
Location and Getting There
Predator Ridge is easy to reach:
- 15-minute drive from Vernon
- Close to airports for air travel
Golf Courses
Predator Ridge has two main golf courses:
1. The Ridge Course
- Opened in 2009
- Designed by Doug Carrick
- Ranked 28th in Canada by ScoreGolf
- Features big changes in height and large rock formations
- New first hole: 421 yards, slightly uphill
2. The Predator Course
- Set up more for competition play
The resort is known for having Canada's best golf weather, letting people play for more of the year.
Things to Do
Predator Ridge offers many activities:
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Trails | Over 35km for biking, hiking, and walking |
| Sports | Indoor tennis and pickleball courts |
| Fitness | Gym with a 25m lap pool |
| Yoga | Outdoor platforms |
| Dining | Several restaurant options |
| Shopping | Bike shop, coffee shop, wine and grocery store |
Homes and Prices
Predator Ridge has different types of homes:
- Luxury houses with views of the lake and valley
- Award-winning designs
- Prices vary from moderate to high-end
For example, in August 2024, a luxury home in Falcon Point Estates was listed for $3,850,000. This house had:
- 1.02-acre lot
- Granite walls and hardwood floors
- Main floor bedroom with a spa-like bathroom
- Big kitchen with high-end appliances
- Wine room that holds 2000 bottles
Community Trends
More people are making Predator Ridge their main home while buying second homes in warmer U.S. states like Arizona. Claire Radford, a real estate expert, said, "We are seeing many folks from western Canada who have made Predator Ridge their primary residence buying secondary homes in the Sunbelt states."
Things to Consider
- Check out the community carefully before buying
- Some guests have said the service could be better
- The focus on selling homes might affect how guests are treated
Predator Ridge aims to be a place where people can "Play for a weekend, stay for a lifetime." It offers a mix of golf, outdoor activities, and community living that appeals to many Canadian homebuyers.
2. Desert Highlands
Desert Highlands is a high-end golf community in Scottsdale, Arizona. It offers luxury homes and top-notch amenities in a beautiful desert setting.
Location
Desert Highlands is at the base of Pinnacle Peak in North Scottsdale. It covers 850 acres, with half kept as natural desert. The area has:
- Easy access to main roads
- Many grocery stores, cafes, and restaurants nearby
- A short drive to Scottsdale attractions
Golf Course
The main feature is a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus:
- 18 holes, par 72, 7,108 yards long
- Uses less grass to save water and fit the desert landscape
- Hosted the first skins game with famous golfers Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Gary Player
Community Features
| Amenity | Description |
|---|---|
| Clubhouse | Main meeting place |
| Fitness Center | Modern exercise equipment |
| Tennis Courts | For sports fans |
| Swimming Pool | For exercise and relaxation |
| Hiking Trails | To enjoy the desert |
| Social Events | To meet neighbors |
The community also has:
- A guarded entrance for safety
- 4 good public schools nearby
Homes and Prices
As of June 2024:
- Average listing price: $3,000,000
- Price range: $1,700,000 to $7,000,000
- Price per square foot: $626
- 16 homes for sale
Recent market trends:
- Prices down 16.7% from last year
- Average sale price in July 2024: $2,762,500 (up 0.5% from 2023)
- Homes take about 25 days to sell (15.9% longer than 2023)
Community Details
- 560 home sites
- Views of desert, mountains, and golf course
- 699 residents
- Average age: 65
- Average income: $131,164
- All homeowners are golf club members
Desert Highlands is good for buyers looking for luxury homes in a desert golf community. It offers a mix of natural beauty and high-end living.
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3. DC Ranch
DC Ranch is a high-end golf community in North Scottsdale, Arizona. It sits at the base of the McDowell Mountains, offering great views of the desert landscape.
Location and Access
DC Ranch is well-connected:
- Near the AZ-101 Loop freeway
- Close to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
- Easy access to Scottsdale and Phoenix
Golf Course
The main golf course at DC Ranch has these features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Designer | Scott Miller |
| Holes | 18 |
| Par | 71 |
| Length | 6,872 yards |
| Rating | 72.4 |
| Slope | 130 |
The course uses the desert landscape and gives players nice views of the mountains.
Community Features
DC Ranch offers many things for residents:
- Over 33 miles of walking and biking paths
- Two community centers with pools, fitness areas, and playgrounds
- The Country Club at DC Ranch with dining and sports facilities
- Three shopping areas: Market Street, Canyon Village, and DC Ranch Crossing
- DC Ranch Village Health Club and Spa
Homes and Prices
As of August 2024:
| Property Type | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Homes | $400,000 |
| Condos | $250,000 |
| Lots | $400,000 |
The median home price is $2,301,345.
Market Trends
Recent data shows:
- 74% of homes are owner-occupied
- 57% more homes for sale compared to last year
- 22% fewer homes sold this month compared to last year
Community Details
- Total area: 4,400 acres
- Population: 3,696
- Median age: 44
- Average income: $100,381 per person
DC Ranch keeps attracting buyers who want luxury homes, good golf, and nice amenities in a desert setting.
4. Estancia
Estancia is a private golf community in Scottsdale, Arizona. It's known for its top-notch golf course and high-end living options.
Location
Estancia sits at the base of Pinnacle Peak in North Scottsdale. It offers:
- Views of the desert landscape
- Close access to Scottsdale and Phoenix
- Easy travel to major highways and the Phoenix airport
- A private setting for residents
Golf Course
The Estancia Golf Course, designed by Tom Fazio, is the main attraction:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 7,314 yards |
| Par | 72 |
| Holes | 18 |
| Greens | Bent Grass |
| Fairways | Alaska Bluegrass |
| Slope Rating | 147 |
| USGA Rating | 74 |
The course has won many awards:
- Ranked #1 Private Golf Course in Arizona by Golf Digest in 2021
- Listed in America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses from 2005 to 2021
- Rated 2nd best residential golf course in the U.S. by Golfweek Magazine
Community Features
Estancia offers many amenities for its members:
- Clubhouse with dining options
- Gym with modern equipment
- Tennis and pickleball courts
- Basketball courts
- Swimming pool
- Steam room and spa
- Hiking trails
- Social clubs (book club, bridge)
Home Options and Prices
Estancia has different types of homes:
| Property Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Estate Lots | $1.25 million - $5 million |
| Hillside Villas | $1.25 million - $5 million |
As of August 2024, the community has:
- 384 total lots
- 211 estate lots
- 173 hillside villas
Membership Costs
| Membership Type | Initial Fee | Yearly Dues |
|---|---|---|
| Golf | $250,000 | $28,539.96 |
| Residential Social | $35,000 | $9,513.24 |
Estancia's mix of great golf, nice amenities, and high-end homes keeps attracting buyers who want a top golf community experience in Scottsdale.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Let's look at the main pros and cons of the featured golf communities:
| Community | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| DC Ranch | • Large area (4,400 acres) with two golf clubs • 24/7 security and gated areas • Friendly community feel |
• Higher HOA fees ($200-$400/month) • Possible noise from golf course upkeep |
| Desert Highlands | • Gated 850-acre community • Jack Nicklaus Golf Course • Only 560 home sites for privacy |
• Strict HOA rules • Fewer housing choices than bigger communities |
| Estancia | • Tom Fazio 18-hole course • High-end facilities (gym, tennis) • Gated luxury community |
• Pricey homes ($1.25-$5 million) • High membership fees (Golf: $250,000 start, $28,539.96 yearly) |
| Desert Mountain | • Seven golf courses (six by Jack Nicklaus) • Six clubhouses and many activities • Many property options |
• Complex membership system • Size may be too big for some buyers |
When looking at these communities, buyers should think about:
-
Location and Views: All offer nice desert and mountain views. Estancia, for example, is at the bottom of Pinnacle Peak.
-
Golf: Each has top-notch courses. Desert Mountain stands out with seven, while Estancia's course was ranked #1 Private Golf Course in Arizona by Golf Digest in 2021.
-
Facilities: These communities offer resort-like living with gyms, pools, and clubs. Estancia and Desert Mountain have more options.
-
Safety: All have gated entrances and security patrols for peace of mind.
-
Cost: These are luxury communities with high prices. Buyers need to consider home costs, membership fees, and HOA dues (from $200 to $400 monthly).
Summary
Golf communities in Arizona remain popular for luxury home buyers in 2024. Recent trends show:
| Trend | Details |
|---|---|
| Increased demand | 26% rise in golf property searches globally in 2020 |
| Higher property values | 8-12% premium for homes next to golf courses |
| More rounds played | 45% increase in March 2021 vs. March 2020 |
Key factors for buyers to consider:
- Location: Communities like Estancia offer desert and mountain views
- Golf facilities: Desert Mountain has 7 courses, Estancia's ranked #1 in Arizona (2021)
- Amenities: Fitness centers, pools, social activities
- Security: Gated entrances, 24/7 patrols
- Cost: Higher prices for homes, memberships, HOA fees
Market Insights
- Luxury homes ($750k-$1M) saw high demand since late 2020
- 80% of buyers in 2021 looked for both private clubs and homes, up from 59% in 2020
- Golf adds $84 billion to the economy yearly, with $9.8 billion from real estate
Community Highlights
| Community | Features |
|---|---|
| DC Ranch | 4,400 acres, two golf clubs, 33 miles of trails |
| Desert Highlands | 850 acres, Jack Nicklaus course, 560 home sites |
| Estancia | Tom Fazio course, high-end amenities |
| Desert Mountain | Seven Jack Nicklaus courses, six clubhouses |
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful views | HOA restrictions |
| Access to golf | Less privacy |
| Stable property values | Noise from course maintenance |
| Low crime rates | Risk of stray golf balls |
Dr. Ken Johnson of Florida Atlantic University states: "There is strong evidence to conclude that golf courses remain a positive draw to potential property owners."
Buyers should weigh these factors against their budget and long-term goals when choosing a golf community in Arizona.
