$2,944,565Average Value$708Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes For Sale
Private golf course community with views of Pinnacle Peak
Desert Highlands is a gated golf community with views of Pinnacle Peak, one of north Scottsdale’s most popular hiking trails. The 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course is the community’s centerpiece and open only to residents, who must pay an initiation fee when purchasing a home here. “It's not a public course, so the members all know each other,” says Laura Pentecost, broker and team lead at 5 Star Property Brokers at Homesmart who’s sold homes here for 27 years. “It’s got that tight neighborhood feel, because no one’s on the course who doesn’t live here, unless they’re an owner’s guest.” Residents also have access to amenities like the Racquet Club, private restaurants and a heated community pool.
The privacy here has resulted in an overall CAP Crime Index Score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4. “Of the north Scottsdale elite clubs, it’s the farthest south,” says Connie Edelman, an associate broker with Compass who’s sold homes in the area for 30 years. Loop 101 is 7 miles south, and downtown Scottsdale is a 20-mile trip. There are several upscale dining options within 2 miles, and nearby houses of worship include Pinnacle Presbyterian Church and Living Water Lutheran Church.
Custom Southwestern-style homes with club membership
Most of the custom homes here date to the 1980s and ‘90s, though some were built in the early 21st-century. All offer Southwestern elements like earth-toned stucco exteriors and flat or clay-tiled roofs, plus floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the surrounding desert landscape. Most have backyard pools overlooking green fairways, and some have guest houses. Lots range from a half-acre to 3 acres, layouts range from 2,700 to 7,800 square feet, and prices range from $1.5 million to $6 million, depending on a home's size, acreage and updates. Buyers here all pay an initial $150,000 membership fee to have full access to the golf club and then $1,900 monthly in membership and capital dues.
Most Desert Highlands hoe feature tile roofs and stucco covered walls.
Many homes in Desert Highlands have pools in order to beat the extreme summer heat.
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A Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and other amenities
Residents here have full access to the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course that winds around the neighborhood. Golfers here can also work on their short game at the 18-hole putting course. The community’s Racquet Club has 13 tennis courts that include clay, hard and grass surfaces. Other community amenities include a fitness center, 5 miles of walking trails and bocce courts. Nearby golf courses include the public Troon North Golf Club and The Estancia Club, a private club ranked as the No. 1 course in Arizona by Golf Digest in 2023.
Popular hiking trails are also nearby, including the 4-mile Pinnacle Peak Trail to the north. “Pinnacle Peak Trail is my favorite trail in the area,” Pentecost says. “It's an easy incline, so you don’t have to be extremely athletic, and you have panoramic views of the whole valley at the top.” Pentecost also recommends the 4-mile Tom’s Thumb Trail to the east, located in the over 30,000-acre McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Members have access to the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course.
Nearby, Pinnacle Peak Trail is a popular hiking spot with city views.
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The USTA Southwest Grass Court Classic
Within the community, the United States Tennis Association’s Southwest Grass Court Classic takes place each year on the club’s four grass tennis courts. Members can also gather at regular events in the clubhouse, including wine tastings and holiday celebrations. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, where Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies play spring training games each February and March, is about 14 miles south.
Members-only dining at The Ventana
There are four private restaurants in the community. The Ventana offers fine dining options, while Jack’s is a laid-back gastropub. Jack’s Backyard is an outdoor restaurant with fire pits, and The Rocks offers light fare on the golf course. Several upscale dining options are within 2 miles of the neighborhood, including Mastro’s Steakhouse, which has a strict dress code to help maintain its formal atmosphere. The Four Seasons Resort, which caters mainly to tourists but is popular among locals for its four restaurants, is another upscale hangout, and the Pinnacle Grille is a nearby casual option, serving American comfort food with views of Pinnacle Peak.
Pentecost says that Scottsdale Quarter, an outdoor shopping area with fashion retailers like J. Jill and Madewell, has more dining options only about 15 minutes away. “The Americano is one of the hottest new restaurants here,” she says. “They have a speakeasy in the basement and live music.” Nearby grocery store options include AJ’s Fine Foods and Safeway.
Desert Highlands locals can head to Press Coffee to meet with friends or get some work done
Enjoy a hot coffee or ice cold gelato while visiting Desert Highlands.
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Drama Club at Cactus Shadows High
Local kids can start 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, kids can join 20 sports teams, including tennis and the nationally competitive cheer team. The school also has 30 clubs, including the popular Drama Club, which has over 100 members and produces multiple shows each year.
Local kids can attend Desert Sun Academy which receives an A- from Niche.
Kids can attend Cactus Shadows High, which earns a B rating from Niche.
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Just east of Pima Road
Loop 101 is about 7 miles south of the neighborhood, leading 20 miles south to Scottsdale; Loop 101 also connects to state Route 51, which leads to downtown Phoenix, around 32 miles away. Pima Road, one of north Scottsdale’s main thoroughfares, borders the neighborhood’s west. With no public transportation, bike lanes or sidewalks, locals rely on their cars to get around. HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center is about 7 miles southwest, and Mayo Clinic Hospital is roughly 11 miles away. Scottsdale Airport, a general aviation airport with no commercial flights, is 10 miles southwest, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a 29-mile trip.
Wildfire risk in the nearby McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Desert Highlands is at risk for wildfire because it’s close to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, but residents are more likely to experience smoke from nearby fires than any direct effects. There are two fire stations about 2 miles away, and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management’s app can alert residents about nearby fires.
Desert Highlands local enjoys walking his dog at sunset along one of the many trails.
Members-only golf, private amenities & proximity to hiking draws folks to Desert Highlands.
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
Michelle O'Neill,
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 Highlands
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 Highlands, Scottsdale sell after 72 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Desert Highlands, Scottsdale over the last 12 months is $3,209,679, up 9% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Enjoy immediate Desert Highlands Golf Club membership and privileges at close of escrow. Featuring timeless design, classic charm, and privacy, this unique property, located on a large corner lot with mountain views, is the perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. Showcased in Phoenix Home & Garden magazine's ''Special Dream Homes'' issue, this exquisite residence offers exceptional
Jennifer SterlingBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties
IMMEDIATE full Club membership at Closing. Fully remodeled all systems changed. Positioned on the 4th Hole of the prestigious Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, this custom fully remodeled home combines timeless charm with modern luxury. Offering privacy and captivating appeal, the rooftop deck provides stunning 360-degree views and features a fireplace for unforgettable evenings. This
Immediate Golf Club membership at closing. This artfully designed, Santa Fe inspired home offers rich & elegant detail with generous open living spaces and numerous fireplaces for comfortable gatherings all on one level except for an upper level two room Casita with view deck. Luxurious finishes and features include Venetian plaster, wood beam ceilings, center island kitchen with Wolf & Sub-Zero
Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac with sweeping mountain views from nearly every window, this residence lies within the prestigious guard-gated community of Desert Highlands and includes immediate golf membership. With strong architectural bones, high ceilings, and expansive open spaces, it offers a rare canvas for a modern transformation with the potential to expand. Alternatively, it's an excellent
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michelle O'Neill,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
961
Median Age
66
Population under 18
9.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
53.2%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$219,919
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$214,850
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.2%
College Graduates
72.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
39.4%
% Population in Labor Force
35.1%
Significantly 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®
15/ 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.
