by Paul Slaybaugh | May 10, 2010 | Scottsdale Neighborhoods
McDowell Mountain Ranch is a North Scottsdale master planned community nestled in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains (inconceivable, I know). Originally developed in the mid ‘90s (with fill-in development continuing for the next decade) with subdivisions from well-known builders including Camelot, Shea, Woodside, Ryland, Del Webb, Edmunds, TW Lewis, etc, the once Northern outpost to Scottsdale has become much more centralized with the subsequent completion of the Loop 101 freeway and ensuing development. Home to some 4000 residences and 26 subdivisions, this model of low impact development has become one of the most sought-after communities in all of Scottsdale and features property styles for virtually every budget. From modest townhouses to gated enclaves of $1,000,000+ single-family homes, the community appeals to full-time and seasonal residents from all walks of life.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve Access Points (click Image to expand)
In addition to the ample choices of housing (comparatively newer by Scottsdale standards, I might add), McDowell Mountain Ranch has gained its name brand appeal through its amazing confluence of amenities. From the newly completed aquatic center (city park) to the various community pools, parks and centers sprinkled along the community-wide walking path system, there is little that is not offered here. Nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts will lose themselves in the raw beauty of the desert preserves which can be accessed through several trail heads. Boasting city and mountain views, the serendipitous challenge of the Sanctuary Golf Course is enjoyable to serious players and weekend duffers alike. Throw in the Alltel Ice Den (Phoenix Coyotes affiliate ice hockey center), Westworld (equestrian center), restaurants, shopping and conveniences, and McDowell Mountain Ranch is essentially a city unto itself.
As development continues in adjoining communities like Trails North at Horseman’s Park, Windgate Ranch and DC Ranch, this general area is where most Scottsdale home shoppers migrate for newer construction. Developed Northward from her shared border with Tempe, and essentially built-out save for a few isolated pockets, you either have to head North towards Pinnacle Peak (and beyond) or East towards Fountain Hills to find newer homes. Where many home buyers were once forced into the trade-off of an older property for a close-in location, the expansion of the Valley’s infrastructure has made that dilemma a thing of the past. With exit points at both Bell Road and Thompson Peak, McDowell Mountain Ranch enjoys the advantage of having two viable options for freeway access. Once on the 101, you can reach virtually any part of the Valley within 20-30 minutes.
For school information, community attractions and builder floor plans, please see below. Note that the floor plan library, while extensive, is by no means complete. We will be revisiting this post as we add additional builders/models to the list, so feel free to check back on occasion to keep tabs on our progress. Curious what the houses in this community are currently going for? Click on the map at the bottom of the page to view current active listings in McDowell Mountain Ranch.
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Schools:
Formerly bussed all the way down to Saguaro High School, McDowell Mountain Ranch high schoolers now attend Desert Mountain High on Via Linda just East of 124th St.
Younger kids don’t have far to travel as both Desert Canyon Elementary and Desert Canyon Middle School are located right in McDowell Mountain Ranch (SE corner of McDowell Mountain Ranch Parkway and Thompson Peak).
In addition to the public schools, the Notre Dame Preparatory High School campus lies just outside of the McDowell Mountain Ranch borders off of Bell Road.
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Community Amenities:
Alltel Coyotes Ice Den
McDowell Mountain Ranch Park and Aquatic Center
Westworld of Scottsdale Equestrian Center
McDowell Mountain Ranch Skate Park
McDowell Sonoran Mountain Preserves
Arabian Public Library
Sanctuary Golf Course
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Builders | Floor Plans:
Camelot Homes | Vista | Castle Dome | Plan 932| Plan 932-5 | Pinnacle | Mingus | Crest| Summit | Ridge
Cachet Homes |
Centex Homes | Plan 732 | 733 | 734 (1st level) | 734 (2nd Level) | 736 (1st Level) | 736 (2nd Level) |Ladera | Montana | Tierra
Del Webb (Coventry) | Dante | Lido | Medici
Edmunds |
Engle Homes |
Greystone Homes |
KB Homes |
Maracay Homes | Plan 700 | McDowell| Mesquite | Santa Rita | Sierra | Talima
Presley Homes | Aruba | Key Largo | Molokai | Samoa | Victoria
Ryland Homes | Plan 610 | Plan 616 | Plan 622 | Plan 624 | Plan 1744
Shea Homes |
TW Lewis |
UDC Homes |
Woodside Homes | Plan 2 | Plan 2X | Plan 3 | Plan 4 | Plan 4X | Plan 5 | Plan 5X
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Latest Homes for Sale in McDowell Mountain Ranch
by Paul Slaybaugh | Mar 11, 2010 | Scottsdale, Scottsdale Neighborhoods, Scottsdale Real Estate
Just North of the Shea corridor, the guard-gated community of Scottsdale Mountain is one of the city’s Easternmost sentinels. Nestled in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, this planned community was originally developed in the 1990s. With close proximity to the renowned Mayo Clinic and bordering Fountain Hills, Scottsdale Mountain manages to balance a more secluded locale with convenient access to all of North Scottsdale’s abundant amenities.
Comprised of primarily single-family homes, both mass production level builders and custom home sites are evident within its gates. Boasting scenic desert arroyos and mountain views to the North, those high up the hill with Southern facing back yards are treated to city light views at night. Ideal for both primary residency and lock and leave second home ownership, this terrific community is a must see for all lovers of peaceful desert living without the all the “who do I call if my house is on fire?” and “sorry I’m late, there was a bobcat in my driveway” remote locational concerns.
While floor plans for the custom properties are not readily available for distribution, please select plans below for the subdivision/builder of your choice for perusal. I’m partial to the Montereys and Edmunds, though I do have a soft spot for the Golden Heritages that sit on the natural washes and stare up at the majestic McDowells. I’m into that sort of thing.
Ready to find a Scottsdale Mountain home of your own? Scroll to the bottom of the page to view the live stream of the latest listings to hit the market!
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Horizons at Scottsdale Mountain | Maracay Homes |Plans 901-903 | Plans 904-950
Renaissance at Scottsdale Mountain | Ryland Homes | Mozart, Bach & Beethoven Plans | Picasso, Da Vinci & Rembrandt Plans
Saddleback at Scottsdale Mountain | Saddleback | The Latilla | The Mirador | The Portales
Scottsdale Mountain Estates | Geoffrey Edmunds
Scottsdale Mountain Parcels 11A & 11B | Monterey
The Terraces at Scottsdale Mountain | Geoffrey Edmunds | Ocotillo | Saguaro | Cassia
Westwind Estates | Golden Heritage
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Latest Scottsdale Mountain Homes For Sale
Ready to start your Scottsdale Mountain home search? We’re your guys.
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by Paul Slaybaugh | Apr 30, 2009 | Home Buying, Scottsdale, Scottsdale Neighborhoods
Lake Margherite in McCormick Ranch
Water is a precious commodity in the desert. Dependent upon the CAP (Central Arizona Project) and SRP canal systems to fill our taps and water our lawns with the liquid gold of the Colorado and Salt Rivers, we do not squander our lifeblood frivolously … with the notable exception of Slip-N-Slide Saturdays, of course. Given the grand total of naturally occurring lakes in the Valley of the Sun stands at exactly zero, we denizens of the creosote jungle are drawn to a droplet of water like mercury to the top of a Sonoran thermometer. We weekend at Saguaro Lake or Lake Pleasant. We make semi-annual pilgrimages to the sandy beaches of southern California. We float the Salt River amongst a throng of Memorial Day humanity that is equal parts Coppertone and the AC/DC Back in Black album. We secretly adore the rains that the summer monsoons bring.
Given our propensity to flock to that which is scarce, waterfront communities are highly desirable locales in the greater Scottsdale area. There are few communities within the boundaries of the West’s purportedly Most Western Town that boast lakes on the list of amenities, and there is a reason for that.
When McCormick Ranch was originally developed in the 1970s, it was to be the first master planned community in Scottsdale. Believe it or not, the Hayden and Indian Bend Rd intersection (where initial development of McCormick Ranch began) was considered North Scottsdale at the time. There was really nothing else around. To lure skeptical home buyers away from the downtown Scottsdale area (what we now refer to as “Old Town”), developers threw the entire kitchen sink at them: parks, greenbelts, walking paths, golf course and lakes. Including Lake Angela, Lake Nino and the crown jewel, Lake Margherite, the community is a veritable desert oasis.
When Scottsdale Ranch was developed a decade later, planners adhered to many of the same guiding principles. East of McCormick Ranch, it was built around a lake system, walking paths and parks in much the same fashion. Once again, developers knew they needed to give people a reason to venture a little off the beaten path to buy their product. They were selling a lifestyle as much as housing. That lifestyle revolved around a meandering 42 acre waterway by the name of Lake Serena.
Flash forward a couple of decades and developers, by and large, stopped providing such extravagant amenities. The area had become well established and new residents came in droves. Land values shot through the figurative roof and builders saw no literal need to plop a man-made lake down on a parcel of land that could instead be used to build and sell another 100 or so more houses.
As such, there are relatively few waterfront options in Scottsdale outside of these two master planned communities. They just don’t build’em like they used to. While properties along the water in both developments are typically quite expensive, there are patio home and condo options that fit less extravagant budgets. To help you get started with your waterfront search, following is a compilation of lake subdivisions located within McCormick Ranch and Scottsdale Ranch.
*You may wish to bookmark this page as each subdivision name will eventually include a link to detailed descriptions and current active listings. It’s a work in progress.
McCormick Ranch
Vista Del Lago
Island At McCormick Ranch
Palo Viento 1
Heritage Village
Las Palomas
Scottsdale Ranch
Landings at Scottsdale Ranch
Las Brisas
Lake Serena Estates
The Bay Club
Lakeview Estates
Bayview Estates
Waterfront
Monterey Point
Charter Front
For less costly options that are near the water, but not necessarily located right on it, there are a few older neighborhoods further South (closer to Old Town) that abut Chaparral Park. While the homes (and townhomes) in the area are far removed from the luxury market, it is a great option for those more concerned with location and amenities on a shoestring budget. For high end townhomes, there is the Scottsdale Waterfront option along the canal banks in downtown Scottsdale (Old Town). Pages dedicated to these neighborhoods will be added to the site over the coming weeks as well.
The right Scottsdale waterfront property is out there. We’ll help you find it.
Contact Ray & Paul Slaybaugh today to start the search for your Scottsdale AZ waterfront home!
(480) 220-2337 | paul@scottsdalepropertyshop.com
by Paul Slaybaugh | Mar 29, 2009 | Scottsdale Neighborhoods, Unique Architecture Series
In the land of stucco and tile, there are a few scattered pockets of homes that break the architectural norms of Scottsdale, Arizona.While many would never consider living in the Southwest in anything other than a Southwestern style home, there are those who tire of street after street of Spanish/Territorial style housing.New residents from other parts of the country may love the Arizona lifestyle, but pine for the architecture they left behind.With the buyers who yearn for something a bit different in mind, I am launching a series of posts devoted to those subdivisions which feature unique design.From mid-century modern to quaint Victorian, there are alternatives out there for those who know where to look.In this first installment, the spotlight shines on a hidden treasure known as Hayden Estates.
Hayden Estates is one of those subdivisions that people pass by every day without ever knowing it was there.Just south of McCormick Ranch and the Silverado Golf Course, this community of 128 homes is just Northeast of the Hayden/Lincoln Road intersection.The homes on the perimeter of the subdivision are noteworthy in only the fact that they resemble construction of surrounding neighborhoods.Built in the late 1970s by NuWest (a spinoff of the more famous Hallcraft brand), these homes are single-level slump block construction.What these homes hide, though, is an interior development built by Coventry Homes in the early 1980s.
A great departure from the standards of the time, these Coventry Homes remain virtually the only pocket of Victorian style architecture in central Scottsdale.For those without the means to afford the Victorian beauties that have appeared in the Arcadia area (multi-million dollar range), Hayden Estates provides a terrific alternative at a fraction of the price.Phoenix Magazine once named the subdivision amongst its “Top 10 Neighborhoods”.
If you miss the charm of the east coast, this just might be the neighborhood for you.With the dramatic rooflines and beautiful tree-lined streets, you might just forget you are in the desert.
Ready to find your own Scottsdale Victorian?
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by Paul Slaybaugh | Mar 29, 2009 | Scottsdale Neighborhoods
McCormick Ranch is Scottsdale’s first, and arguably greatest, master planned community. Incorporated in 1972, McCormick Ranch was developed in phases to become the iconic community it is today. Known for two championship 18-hole golf courses, more than 25 miles of bicycle paths, public tennis courts, 130 acres of man-made lakes, it is the greenery which makes it famous. With available land not as abundant as it once was, it is highly unlikely that the Valley will see another community as devoted to its amenities. These amenities are not just for show either as the lake system and greenbelt (Camelback Walk) was designed as a water drainage system. In conjunction with the Indian Bend Wash, it is equipped to handle a 100-year flood. For all of the terrific amenities, the annual planned development fee is a scant $210 (approximately) per household.
Homes in McCormick Ranch were primarily constructed from the early 1970s through the mid 1980s, with scattered in-fill construction. Development began along the southern boundary at Indian Bend Road and progressed northward incrementally to Shea Boulevard. It is bound on the west by Scottsdale Road and 92nd St on the east. One fill-in condominium development is currently under construction.
Home prices range from the $200,000s for a small condo to multi-million dollar properties on acre or waterfront lots. There are two high school districts within McCormick Ranch. Residents south of Via de Ventura Rd are in the Saguaro High School District, while those north of Via de Ventura are included in the Chaparral High School District.
*Read More About McCormick Ranch Schools
There are 3 resorts in McCormick Ranch: The Millenium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch, The Radison Resort and Spa, and the Scottsdale Conference Center Resort.
The Railroad Park in McCormick Ranch
Public Parks in the area include the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Rotary Park, Mountain View Park, and several smaller neighborhood parks.
While this site is loaded with McCormick Ranch information (Real Estate and otherwise) to start you on your way, a computer will never do this idyllic community justice. Read the individual subdivision spotlights, study up on the schools, uncover the unparalleled local amenities, peruse the latest homes for sale … then contact us for a tour through our favorite stomping grounds. Coffee’s on us if you don’t fall in love with the Ranch like we did years ago.
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Subdivisions
(Click Names to View Neighborhood Spotlights)
Bear with us, this is a work in progress
North McCormick Ranch Subdivisions (Chaparral High School District)
South McCormick Ranch Subdivisions (Saguaro High School District)
Find the Property that best fits your needs with our McCormick Ranch Home Floor Plans page.
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