$1,704,606Average Value$562Average Price per Sq Ft28Homes For Sale
Spacious lots near north Scottsdale amenities
Desert Foothills is a neighborhood 21 miles north of Scottsdale with proximity to golf courses, parks and restaurants. “People are drawn here for the larger lots and mountain views,” says William Lewis, who’s sold homes here since 2001 and is the CEO of Williams Luxury Homes. “You still have all the conveniences of city life, you’re just on the outskirts.” There are plenty of ways to get outside near Desert Foothills, from manicured golf courses to the wild Sonoran Desert. The overall CAP Crime Index Score is 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4. Popular north Scottsdale restaurants are just to the south, along with shopping including Scottsdale Quarter, an outdoor shopping mall. Nearby houses of worship include Congregation Kehillah, Desert Foothills Lutheran Church and Scottsdale Bible Church North Ridge. The nearby Loop 101 provides convenient access to the rest of the Phoenix metro area.
Luxury homes in Desert Foothills blend elegance with stunning desert views.
Desert Ridge Marketplace combines shopping, dining, and entertainment near Desert Foothills.
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Custom Southwestern-style homes on large lots
The custom Southwestern-style homes here sit far apart along narrow, sidewalk-less streets and blend into the surrounding desert landscape, with xeriscaped yards filled with tall saguaros and backyard pools to cool off from the desert heat. These were built from the late 1970s through the 2020s, and some are located in gated communities. Most have earth-toned stucco exteriors and clay-tiled roofs, and some have modern elements like floor-to-ceiling windows and exterior stone accents. Layouts can range from 1,600 to 6,600 square feet, with most starting at 3,000 square feet. Lot sizes range from a quarter-acre to 5 acres, and some use the extra space for recreational vehicle garages, private sport courts and horse stables. “Some of the properties are on septic and not sewer,” Lewis says. “Usually with the larger lots here you see more septic, so you definitely want to get a septic inspection and make sure it doesn’t need to be replaced.” Prices vary widely depending on square footage and updates, starting around $825,000 and going up to $4.5 million. Not all residents are required to pay homeowners association fees, but those who do can expect monthly fees between $100 and $400, covering ground maintenance.
Large homes in Desert Foothills offer space, luxury, and breathtaking desert views.
esert Foothills is known for its private homes set against stunning desert views.
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The International Baccalaureate Diploma at Cactus Shadows High
Local kids can attend school at Desert Sun Academy and then go to Sonoran Trails Middle; both earn an A-minus from Niche. At the B-rated Cactus Shadows High, students can earn an International Baccalaureate Diploma and take career and technical education courses in six topics, including culinary arts and digital communications. Nearby private schools include the unrated Dynamite Montessori for pre-kindergarten through Grade 5.
Sonoran Trails Middle School is located in Pinnacle Peak.
Desert Sun Academy is located in Pinnacle Peak.
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Golf at Troon North and hiking at Pinnacle Peak Park
North Scottsdale is known for its golf, and Desert Foothills is surrounded by some of the area’s most popular courses. To the east, the public Troon North Golf Club has two 18-hole courses that have views of Pinnacle Peak, and the private Estancia Club was ranked by Golf Digest as the No. 1 course in Arizona in 2023. The invitation-only Whisper Rock Golf Club and the public Grayhawk Golf Club, which hosted the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships in 2023, are also nearby.
“The nice thing about Desert Foothills is that it's not just about golf,” says Brian Chisholm, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway who’s sold homes here for 7 years. “Obviously, there are lots of courses, but there are also lots of parks. If you want to go hiking, you have tons of options. It’s a really outdoorsy community.” To the east, the 150-acre Pinnacle Peak Park is home to the popular Pinnacle Peak Trail, a 4-mile out-and-back hike with panoramic city views. There’s also the over 30,000-acre McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a wildland area with trails through the desert landscape, including Tom’s Thumb Trail and Brown’s Ranch Trail. Chisholm says that both pickleball and road biking are other popular pastimes; many of the golf clubs have pickleball leagues, and there are several road bike clubs who plan rides around the area. According to Lewis, water sports are also popular, since residents have more space to store boats here and both Lake Pleasant and Bartlett Lake are within 27 miles. “Arizona actually has more boats per capita than California,” Lewis says.
Desert Foothills encourages a lifestyle full of motion, wellness, and connection.
The Estancia Club offers luxury living and world-class golf in Desert Foothills.
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House-made pasta at Spiga Cucina Italiana
Locally owned restaurants are just to the south, including Preston’s Steakhouse, serving USDA Prime Black Angus beef in an upscale atmosphere. Spiga Cucina Italiana is another fine dining option, serving Italian favorites like house-made pasta. “Soul Café is really revered,” Chisholm says; this casual spot is known for its American cuisine and hearty brunch dishes. At Scottsdale Quarter, an outdoor shopping mall about 9 miles south, residents can shop at national retailers like West Elm and Sephora. Nearby grocery stores include Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market and AJ’s Fine Foods.
Lunch at Soul Café is where comfort food meets creative flair in Desert Foothills.
Spiga is where Desert Foothills locals gather for good food and great company.
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Roughly 6 miles from Loop 101
Loop 101 is about 6 miles south, leading roughly 21 miles to Scottsdale; it also connects to state Route 51, which locals can take to get to downtown Phoenix, 30 miles away. There’s no public transportation or sidewalks here, so most residents rely on their cars to get around, though bike lanes on Scottsdale and Pima Roads provide a route for cyclists. HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center is about 6 miles south, and Mayo Clinic Hospital is roughly 9 miles away. Scottsdale Airport, a general aviation airport with no commercial flights, is 9 miles south, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a 28-mile trip.
The annual Waste Management Phoenix Open
Each February, golf pros and fans descend on TPC Scottsdale, located 8 miles south, for the Waste Management Phoenix Open, a golf tournament that’s part of the PGA Tour. The 16th hole has the reputation as the loudest hole in golf; some dedicated fans, known as The Breakfast Club, line up as early as 4:30 a.m. to snag a seat in the grandstands overlooking the famous hole.
Moderate wildfire risk
Desert Foothills has a moderate risk for wildfire since it’s close to undeveloped land. However, residents are more likely to experience smoke from nearby fires in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve than any direct effects. There are three fire stations within 3 miles of the neighborhood, and residents can download the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management’s app to stay informed.
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
Liza Deer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Transit
Airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor International
42 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Desert Foothills
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 Desert Foothills, Scottsdale sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Desert Foothills, Scottsdale over the last 12 months is $1,854,946, up 3% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fall in love with this exquisite home, beautifully situated on 2 acres of prime real estate with mountain, lush desert, and sunset views. The resort style estate features an infinity edge heated pool with waterfall-grotto, water slide, a bubbling spa, and a PEP Solar Pool Heating System keeping the pool at a comfortable 72 degrees. The expansive outdoor areas include a pickleball and sports
Escape to desert serenity in this stunning North Scottsdale haven. Nestled within the peaceful, gated Monterra community, this Southwest-style territorial residence blends airy, modern touches with natural elegance. Boasting four bedrooms and four bathrooms, the home greets you with soaring 15'+ ceilings adorned with Vega beams, capturing the essence of Southwest allure and cozy sophistication.
Make this 1 ACRE, NO HOA, among an enclave of 8 CUSTOM homes, ideally situated at the end of a private CUL-DE-SAC yours now. Imagine yourself in this Tuscan-inspired custom built home, perfectly designed for those who appreciate elegance, flexibility, and absolute PRIVACY. Envision welcoming guests as they arrive via your paver circle driveway, leading through your private courtyard, offering a
Prime 2.2-Acre Desert Retreat - Ready for Your Vision! Discover the perfect canvas for your dream home, horse ranch, car collection, or art studio! Nestled amidst stunning desert fauna with towering saguaros and breathtaking mountain views, this expansive lot offers endless possibilities. Ideal location with quick access to everything you need. Build now or invest for the future—your desert oasis
Desert Hide-A-Way on nearly an Acre and HOA Free! Truly the Swiss Army Knife of properties, a ready to go home or rental with updated features like granite counter-tops throughout, wood floors, travertine in the baths and modern appliances. Also, builders in this area are selling custom homes for $2mill plus. So, come build a spec, your dream home or just enjoy the piece and quiet that this area
Situated on over two acres in North Scottsdale, this remodeled A-frame retreat offers desert, mountain, and city light views in a quiet, private setting. Bordering a 100-acre conservation area with no HOA, the property offers open desert surroundings and extensive interior and exterior improvements. Vaulted ceilings and energy-efficient Pella windows bring natural light into the main living
David ArustamianRuss Lyon Sotheby's International Realty
Experience luxury in this expansive vacation rental boasting 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a resort-style backyard. Entertain effortlessly with a grilling area, unwind by the shaded pool, and soak in the stunning Sonoran landscape, promising an unforgettable retreat. Escape to Scottsdale, AZ, where adventure and relaxation blend seamlessly in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Indulge in world-class
See more pictures and the virtual tour at As you enter the gated courtyard of this stunning home, you'll be greeted by an inviting pool and a resort-style backyard, setting the tone for the luxurious living ahead. This home features five spacious bedrooms, a dedicated games room complete with a golf simulator, and a versatile office that can easily serve as a sixth bedroom.The gourmet
RENT INCLUDES PEST CONTROL, FULL POOL AND LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE. A STUNNING HOME SITUATED ON ONE OF THE BEST LOTS IN THE COMMUNITY BOASTS A BACKYARD THAT IS PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING. ENJOY COFFEE IN THE FRONT COURTYARD AND BBQs IN THE BACKYARD W/ SURROUND SOUND, ARTIFICIAL TURF, NEGATIVE EDGE POOL, SPA, FIRE PIT, ISLAND BAR, BBQ, SMOKER, REFRIGERATOR, BENCH SEATING & COVERED PATIO W/ MECH
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Liza Deer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,538
Median Age
53
Population under 18
18.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27.4%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$166,556
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$191,224
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.1%
College Graduates
58.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
24.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
60.3%
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®
40/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 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.
