Boulders is a collection of subdivisions set between golf courses and rock formations in the high desert of north Scottsdale. “It’s a lovely area, and it has actual boulders all throughout the entire community,” says Laura Pentecost, broker and team lead at 5 Star Property Brokers at Homesmart who’s sold homes here for 27 years. “It’s the only area I’ve seen in Arizona that has giant boulders within the actual residential area. Many of the houses are built around the boulders and sometimes they incorporate the boulder into the architecture of the home.” Many of the communities here are gated and sit among private and semi-private golf courses. There are several retail and restaurant options within the neighborhood, and nearby houses of worship include Desert Hills Presbyterian Church and Congregation Kehillah. “It’s a very popular community,” Pentecost says. “A lot of residents bought here when the homes were originally built and have never left because they love it here.” The overall CAP Index crime score is 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Terravita Golf and Country Club features well manicured fairways and greens in Boulders.
Some areas of the Boulders neighborhood have larger plots of land and feature Pueblo style homes.
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Southwestern-style custom homes and horse properties
There are a variety of homes here, from 21st-century custom estates in gated golf course communities in the north to multi-acre horse properties with late 20th-century homes in the south. All embrace Southwestern style, with earth-toned stucco exteriors and clay-tiled or flat roofs. Many of the 21st-century homes also have modern design elements, like stone exterior features and floor-to-ceiling windows. Most have backyard pools to cool off from the Arizona heat, and front yards include desert-friendly landscaping with cacti and other low-water plantings.
Layouts range from 1,400 to 7,500 square feet, with lot sizes from under an eighth of an acre to 9 acres. Prices vary widely, depending on size, acreage and amenities like mountain views. Homes under 3,600 square feet can cost between $600,000 and $1.8 million, while larger homes can cost between $1 million and $8.1 million. Not all residents here are in subdivisions with homeowners association fees, but those that are can expect to pay between $25 and $600 a month for ground and street maintenance. Townhouses are also available, mostly near Scottsdale Road. Layouts for these can range from 1,200 to 2,600 square feet, with prices between $425,000 and $1.1 million.
Some say tile roofs on Mediterranean style homes in Boulders can last up to 50 years.
Many southwestern style homes in Boulders feature desert landscaping.
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Membership at the Terravita Golf and Country Club
Golf is a big part of life in north Scottsdale, and there are three golf clubs within the neighborhood. The semi-private Boulders Golf Club, which is part of the Boulders Resort and Spa, has two 18-hole courses designed by Jay Morrish. The south course is open to the public, and the north course is members-only; members here also have access to the resort’s spa and tennis facilities. The private Terravita Golf and Country Club has an 18-hole course that’s part of the Troon Privé network of courses, and a golf membership here grants access to other Troon courses in the area. Residents living in the Terravita community can purchase a discounted golf membership or a social membership that gives access to the club’s pool, fitness center and pickleball courts. Whisper Rock Golf Club is the area’s most exclusive club, with two 18-hole courses designed by Tom Fazio and Phil Mickelson; membership here is invitation-only. The over 30,000-acre McDowell Sonoran Preserve is to the east, where residents can hike popular trails like the 3-mile Pima Dynamite Trail and the 4-mile Brown’s Ranch Trail. For indoor activities, locals can head to the Desert Foothills Family YMCA, a gym with fitness classes.
Terravita Golf and Country Club is a members-only course in the heart of the Boulders neighborhood.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve has hundreds of miles of trails to explore near Boulders.
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Art and wine festivals in Carefree
The area’s clubs often have members-only social gatherings, including art classes, bridge nights and themed parties. The town of Carefree, located 4 miles north, hosts regular art and wine festivals; held in fall, winter and spring, each three-day festival is juried art show featuring over 150 artists and artisans.
Meet the artists and learn about their art at the Winter Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival.
Find the most unique artwork at the Winter Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival.
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Comfort food at Liberty Station
Local restaurants can be found along and near Scottsdale Road. At the locally owned Liberty Station, diners can enjoy American comfort food and cocktails in a casual atmosphere, and Uncle Louie the Restaurant is a laid-back Italian option. Members of the area’s private clubs have access to private restaurants, and all residents can enjoy the restaurants at The Boulders Resort & Spa, including the Spotted Donkey Cantina, serving southwestern dishes. National retailers like Target and Walmart can be found throughout the neighborhood, and grocery stores include AJ’s Fine Foods and Safeway. More dining and shopping options are available in Carefree, 4 miles north.
Get together with your neighbors for a tasty beverage at Liberty Station in Boulders.
Fashion, art, and Native American jewelry can all be found in Carefree, just north of Boulders.
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Spanish Club at Cactus Shadows High
Local kids are part of the Cave Creek Unified School District, which earns an A-minus from Niche. They might start at Lone Mountain Elementary and then continue to Sonoran Trails Middle; both earn an A-minus from Niche. At the B-rated Cactus Shadows High, students can join 30 clubs, including the Spanish Club and Star Wars Club. Nearby private schools include the A-plus-rated Bella Vista College Preparatory for Grades 9 through 12.
Lone Mountain Elementary School in Cave Creek gets an overall grade of A- from Niche.com.
Sonoran Trails Middle School get a 6/10 from GreatSchools.com.
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Along Scottsdale Road
Loop 101 is 9 miles south, leading about 24 miles south to downtown Scottsdale; it also connects to state Route 51, which locals can take to Phoenix, roughly 31 miles away. Scottsdale Road is the area’s main thoroughfare, and it leads 4 miles north to the town of Carefree. Without public transportation and sidewalks, most residents rely on their cars to get around, but bike lanes on Scottsdale Road provide a car-free alternative. Abrazo Cave Creek Hospital, a neighborhood emergency room, is about 4 miles west, and HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center is roughly 8 miles south; Mayo Clinic Hospital is about 11 miles south. Sky Ranch at Carefree, a private general aviation airport, is 5 miles northwest, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a 31-mile trip.
Sky Ranch at Carefree is the closest airport to Boulders.
Bike lanes can be found on many roads in and around Boulders.
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High desert wintry weather
Boulders’ location in the Sonoran Desert means hot temperatures are common, but its high elevation makes it susceptible to wintry weather too. “It’s considered to be the high desert, which means that it has a cooler temperature than down in central Scottsdale,” Pentecost says. “It can be between 7 and 10 degrees cooler, and at night it really cools down. You’ll even get a dusting of snow once a year; it’s just gorgeous to see the boulders and cacti covered in snow.”
Mid-April through September is Scottsdale’s wildfire season, and while Boulders is at risk, residents are more likely to experience reduced air quality from nearby fires in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve than any direct effects. There are two fire stations within the neighborhood, and residents can sign up for alerts from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
Although rare, Boulders will sometimes see winter storms.
Because of the arid climate, wildfires are somewhat common in the Boulders area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Rucker,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Transit
Airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor International
45 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Boulders
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Boulders, Scottsdale sell after 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Boulders, Scottsdale over the last 12 months is $1,404,094, down 1% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful Home in Gated Community backing up to natural desert vegetation. 200k put into amazing backyard with custom pool, sunken entertainment area with fireplace, TV and built in BBQ Area. Large Open Kitchen with Granite Bar Island with sitting area, custom cabinetry, stainless appliances and walking pantry with iron door. Open Family Room with Custom Niche and Fireplace. Master Bedroom
Discover elevated desert living in this meticulously updated luxury estate, ideally nestled within the prestigious guard-gated enclave of Bellesara. From the moment you enter the private front courtyard and step through the striking custom Art Deco-inspired wrought iron double doors, you'll be enveloped in a sense of timeless elegance & refined design. The expansive open-concept living space is
NESTLED WITHIN THE EXCLUSIVE BOULDERS RESORT COMMUNITY, THIS BEAUTIFULLY EXPANDED PASEO MODEL HOME COMBINES ELEGANCE, PRIVACY, AND LUXURY WITH STUNNING VIEWS OF WINGATE MOUNTAIN AND THE LUSH GREENS OF THE BOULDERS GOLF COARSE. THIS SOPHISTICATED PROPERTY CAN COME FULLY FURNISHED AND HAS A SPACIOUS SEPARATE GUEST HOUSE-CASITA! Perfect for hosting family and friends, this stunning retreat offers a
Situated in the gated Boulder Ridge community of North Scottsdale, this 4,422 sq. ft. home blends privacy, comfort, and stunning mountain views. With a single-level layout, it offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, an office, a custom temperature-controlled wine room, and a versatile game/video room. The primary suite is a true retreat, featuring a Cantera stone fireplace, private backyard access,
Located in the private, guard-gated community of Whisper Rock Estates, this nearly 3 acres of pristine desert vegetation has a 37,000+ square feet of building envelope. The South-facing home site has mountain views and gorgeous sunsets. It is within walking distance to Whisper Rock Estates' Private Park & Fitness Center which includes state-of-the-art fitness equipment, heated pool & spa, locker
Masterful design and modern luxury are showcased in this sophisticated, 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath abode! A private courtyard welcomes into this spectacular space. Entertain in grand style in the voluminous great room with modern 72'' fireplace and stylish beamed ceiling. The gourmet kitchen will delight the most discerning chef with stainless steel appliances including dual dishwashers, huge Quartz
Large 3BR, 2.5 bath home has central AC and Heat, large kitchen with stainless steel KitchenAid appliances, including gas range, microwave range hood, dishwasher and refrigerator. Quartz countertops, separate dining room area with views of giant Saguaro cacti and Black Mountain. Living room with gas fireplace and bay window with built-in bench seating. HDTV and movie lights on dimmer.
Dog Friendly! Fully remodeled, furnished & gorgeous! North Scottsdale gem in a quaint and quiet small community. Great mountain views from the tremendous courtyard and spectacular views from every window. Relax on the balcony with your morning brew or evening sip. Living room has a wood burning fireplace, sectional sofa and desk area. Gourmet kitchen opens to dining area & breakfast bar. Enjoy
Amazing rental opportunity for this charming Guest Home! It provides a private driveway on N 63rd St., one car attached garage, & well-sized yard complete with delightful desert landscape! A relaxing wrap around porch will welcome you at the front. Inside, discover the spacious great room, concrete flooring, and lovely wood columns. The kitchen showcases plenty of wood cabinets, granite counters,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Rucker,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
14,322
Median Age
63
Population under 18
11.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
46.4%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$146,045
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$174,327
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.8%
College Graduates
65.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
29.3%
% Population in Labor Force
44.1%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
10''
Average Winter Low Temperature
43°F
Average Summer High Temperature
104°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
41/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
35/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
