Scottsdale has many attractive neighborhoods, each with its charm and opportunities.
With over 200 golf courses, world-class resorts, art galleries, and a vibrant food scene, Scottsdale attracts vacationers and new residents alike.
For real estate investors, that means strong demand and solid returns.
We’ve narrowed it down to the 15 best neighborhoods for real estate investment in Scottsdale based on critical factors like home values, rental demand, new developments, and overall lifestyle appeal.
15 Best Neighborhoods in Scottsdale for Real Estate Investment
Scottsdale is experiencing rapid growth thanks to its outstanding golf courses, stunning desert scenery, employment prospects, and abundant amenities.
If you’re thinking about relocating to the area and are curious about the ideal place to live in Scottsdale, here are the 15 best neighborhoods to live in Scottsdale:
1. Old Town Scottsdale: Charming and Walkable
Old Town Scottsdale is arguably the best neighborhood for real estate investment in Scottsdale.
This neighborhood is a shopper’s and foodie’s paradise with art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife along Main Street and Marshall Way. You’ll find everything from local favorites to acclaimed chefs here.
Also, Old Town is Scottsdale’s cultural hub. You’ve got the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, and weekly ArtWalks.
In addition to its beautiful Spanish-style architecture and wooden boardwalks line the streets, Old adobe houses, and buildings have been well preserved, giving the area a charming historical vibe.
With so much to do, Old Town Scottsdale receives over 4 million visitors annually.
Properties here, whether residential or commercial, offer superb potential for both rental income and long-term property appreciation.
2. McCormick Ranch: Golf Courses and Resort Living
If resort-style living and world-class golfing are your things, McCormick Ranch should be at the top of your list.
You’ll find gated communities with Tuscan, Santa Barbara, and Spanish-style homes on large lots with perfectly manicured lawns.
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Many homes have private pools, spas, and outdoor living areas ideal for entertaining.
You’re also just minutes from WestWorld, which hosts major events like Barrett-Jackson and the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show.
With a country club vibe but all the amenities of the city, McCormick Ranch gives you the best of both worlds.
Home values here remain steady and robust, making real estate an attractive investment.
Properties range from $500K condos to $5M+ luxury estates, so options are at multiple price points.
McCormick Ranch is hard to beat if you want to experience the pampered Arizona lifestyle. Stunning homes, world-class golf, resort shopping and dining, and natural desert scenery.
3. DC Ranch: Upscale Community in North Scottsdale
This upscale neighborhood is situated at the base of McDowell Mountains in North Scottsdale, offering stunning views and a scenic desert landscape.
Homes here are typically large, custom estates and luxury villas in the Tuscan, Spanish, and Santa Barbara architectural styles.
Residents of DC Ranch enjoy access to a long list of world-class amenities.
The nearby Market Street District also provides shopping, dining, offices, and entertainment within walking distance.
Families with children will appreciate DC Ranch’s proximity to top-rated schools in the Scottsdale Unified School District.
Neighborhood schools like Desert Mountain High School, Cocopah Middle School, and Copper Ridge Elementary School are all within a few miles of DC Ranch.
The community is also just 15 minutes from private schools like Phoenix Country Day School and Orme School.
Despite its exclusive feel, DC Ranch is conveniently located within 20 minutes of downtown Scottsdale and Phoenix.
With its prime location, DC Ranch offers the perfect blend of seclusion and convenience.
This prestigious community attracts affluent buyers looking for a lifestyle of leisure and comfort.
For real estate investors, DC Ranch offers stable demand, premium property values, and significant long-term growth potential.
4. Troon North: Luxury Golf Community
If luxury living surrounded by world-class golf courses sounds appealing, Troon North is your neighborhood.
This prestigious gated community is home to two 18-hole PGA championship courses designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish.
Beyond the fairways, Troon North features some of the most extravagant homes in Scottsdale, with options ranging from custom estates to patio homes.
The 101 Freeway is only a few miles away, connecting residents to greater Phoenix and beyond.
With its premier golf courses, lavish homes, and prime location, Troon North is one of the most prestigious communities in The Valley.
Home values here are among the highest in Scottsdale, ranging from $750,000 to $5 million or more for custom estates.
For investors seeking luxury properties with strong potential for appreciation, Troon North is an ideal neighborhood to consider.
5. South Scottsdale
South Scottsdale ranks high in various aspects, including schools, low crime, and fun activities.
Moreover, it boasts outstanding walkability (3rd) and holds the top spot for appreciation and market heat (1st).
South Scottsdale’s remarkable appreciation rate of approximately 15% annually in 2020 is a crucial factor behind its appeal, driven by extensive redevelopment and the transformation of older properties into more valuable alternatives.
While walkability varies depending on the subdivision, it generally offers moderate walkability.
While shopping and dining options may not be plentiful at present, the proximity to Old Town and ongoing area redevelopment promises future improvements in amenities.
6. Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley is a place of big houses with high prices. If you want large estates, stunning views, and lots of privacy, Paradise Valley is the right choice.
It will cost a staggering $1,890,000 to own a piece of property in Paradise Valley.
The area has always been expensive and saw a massive 14.6% increase in property value in 2020.
However, things have cooled down since then, and it now ranks last in the market heat index, making some hesitant about investing just to catch the appreciation trend.
Paradise Valley is located near Camelback Mountain and is famous for the Praying Monk hike.
The houses here are huge and situated on private lots. While great restaurants are nearby, they are not within walking distance as they are on the outskirts of the zip code, away from the central homes.
This area is known for its safety and excellent schools, attracting many celebrity residents like Alice Cooper and Michael Phelps.
7. Arcadia
Despite its low school ranking, Arcadia is popular with well-to-do young families.
The neighborhood has large grassy front yards, tree-lined streets, and many fun activities within walking distance.
Arcadia is in a Phoenix zip code but is part of the Scottsdale school district. It is favored by wealthier young families, with a median purchase price of $760,000.
Property appreciation has been moderate (compared to other parts of town) at 11.7% in 2020, but the market has been heating up due to increased flipping activity and excitement over new development.
8. Central Scottsdale
Central Scottsdale, located in Scottsdale, offers large lots and expensive houses. Despite ranking sixth on the affordability scale, it is one of the cheapest neighborhoods, with an average sales price per square foot of $322. The neighborhood is close to high-end shopping and dining at Kierland Commons and
The Scottsdale Quarter. Central Scottsdale is expected to appreciate 14.1% in 2020 and ranks third on the market heat index, making it an excellent long-term investment.
9. Shea Corridor
The Shea Corridor, named after its main thoroughfare, was established in the 1970s and has seen a 40% increase in property values since 2000.
Shea is a family-friendly community with 67 subdivisions, shopping centers, and breathtaking desert views, making it desirable in the rapidly expanding home-buying market.
10. Desert Mountain
Desert Mountain is a dream destination for those looking for year-round sunshine and top-notch home features like floor heating and fireplaces.
This community in Scottsdale offers a beautiful lifestyle centered around a private golf club exclusively for its residents, encouraging them to embrace outdoor and active living in the beautiful Sonoran Desert.
The Desert Mountain Golf Club also provides excellent rounds of golf throughout the year, surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Sonoran Desert.
11. Grayhawk
Grayhawk is a lively community in North Scottsdale, just north of the Loop 101 Freeway. It covers a large area of 1,615 acres.
The heart of this community is the Grayhawk Golf Club, which has two neighborhoods called The Retreat and The Park.
Various types of homes are available in Grayhawk, including single-family custom homes, detached homes, condos, townhomes, and villas, catering to different preferences.
Some popular local attractions include the Grayhawk Golf Club, Thompson Peak Park, and Taliesin West, a historic landmark open for tours, known for its connection to Frank Lloyd Wright.
12. Gainey Ranch
Gainey Ranch, a residential neighborhood, revolves around the prestigious Gainey Ranch Golf Club, providing stunning views of the McDowell Mountains.
This upscale and affluent community boasts a variety of high-end boutiques and world-class restaurants conveniently located at the Shops of Gainey Village.
Once an Arabian horse ranch owned by Daniel C. Gainey, this resort-style community sprawls over 640 acres, adorned with palm trees and elegant fountains.
Known for its safety, with 5% fewer reported crimes compared to the general Scottsdale area, it’s no surprise that Gainey Ranch is considered one of the best places to live in Scottsdale.
13. Villa Monterey
Villa Monterey is one of the top neighborhoods in Scottsdale for seniors. For active adults, Villa Monterey stands out among the 55+ communities in Scottsdale, offering numerous amenities.
Its location is convenient, close to downtown Scottsdale, with a comfortable and low-maintenance lifestyle.
Residents can easily walk to the supermarket and the canal, and popular spots like Scottsdale Fashion Square and Old Town Scottsdale are nearby.
Although Villa Monterey has around 800 homes, it has a close-knit atmosphere due to frequent social events and activities.
The central clubhouse provides a perfect gathering spot for friends. Most homes were built in their late 60s, with prices starting in the low $200s.
14. Ancala
If you dream of living in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Scottsdale, then Ancala might be your perfect choice.
This exclusive private community is highly sought after and has an average home price of $1.29 million or $298 per square foot.
It’s a gated community that spans over 850 acres of the desert, providing breathtaking views of the McDowell and Camelback Mountains.
There’s also a private community park with a playground and a basketball court.
Along with its beautiful views and good schools, Ancala is conveniently located just minutes from the Mayo Clinic, the Loop 101 Freeway, and the Scottsdale Airport.
15. New Papago Parkway
The New Papago Parkway neighborhood is known for its midsize homes that are priced competitively.
It’s a well-established community that continues to attract buyers interested in living in the Scottsdale area.
The median real estate price in New Papago Parkway is $442,223, making it more expensive than 66.3% of neighborhoods in Arizona and 68.0% of the United States.
The average rental price in New Papago Parkway is $3,648, based on an exclusive analysis by NeighborhoodScout. This rental cost is higher than 83.7% of neighborhoods in Arizona.
FAQ
What Is the Rental Market Like in Scottsdale?
The rental market in Scottsdale is strong, with consistent demand from long-term renters and seasonal snowbirds.
Vacancy rates have remained low, around 5-6%, for the past few years. Rents have steadily climbed over 25% in the past 5 years.
Old Town, Downtown, and Arcadia are the most in-demand neighborhoods, where you can expect to charge 10-30% premiums.
Old Town and Downtown Scottsdale are popular for their walkability, nightlife, and events. Rents for one-bedroom average $1,500-$2,200 per month.
Arcadia is an affluent residential area near Camelback Mountain. Large, updated homes there rent for $3,500-$6,000 per month.
How Much Do Investment Properties Cost in Scottsdale?
Home prices in Scottsdale have appreciated significantly over the past decade, though at a slower rate recently.
You can expect to pay:
- $200,000 to $500,000 for a condo or townhome.
- $300,000 to $700,000 for a single-family home.
- $500,000 for homes in premier neighborhoods like Arcadia, Paradise Valley, and McCormick Ranch.
The price will depend on the neighborhood, home size, age, and amenities. Newer, larger homes in desirable neighborhoods will be on the higher end of the range.
Conclusion
That covers 15 of the best neighborhoods in Scottsdale for real estate investment.
Scottsdale has something for every investor, whether you prefer an urban setting, golf course community, or desert oasis.
The hardest part will be narrowing down your choice to just one neighborhood! But with options like these, you really can’t go wrong.
Happy house hunting, and good luck finding your little paradise in one of the country’s premier destinations.