Desert Mountain, an exclusive gated community in the Continental Mountains of North Scottsdale, is known for its natural beauty and members-only amenities. “Desert Mountain isn’t just a golf community. It’s a lifestyle,” says Laura Pentecost, broker and team lead at 5 Star Property Brokers at Homesmart who’s sold homes here for 27 years. “You aren’t just buying a house; you're buying into all the restaurants, the tennis club, golf courses, the dog park and 45 different social clubs. It’s a very tightly knit community.” The neighborhood is divided into several “villages” that have their own security gate and character, collectively set around seven golf courses that have their own clubhouses and restaurants. The overall CAP Crime Index Score here is 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
The community was designed by Taliesin Associated Architects, which was founded by Frank Lloyd Wright and created homes that take full advantage of the surrounding landscape. “The elevation high up above the rest of Scottsdale allows for not only city views but also mountain views, and it backs up to wide open desert,” Pentecost says. “The mountain views are unbelievable, and the temperature is about 10 degrees cooler because of the altitude.” While residents have everything they need within the community, Carefree is 3 miles away, and downtown Scottsdale is a 25-mile trip.
Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired homes with mountain views
The custom homes here sit far apart along hilly terrain at the foot of the mountains, blending Southwestern style with a Frank Lloyd Wright aesthetic that emphasizes outdoor spaces. Lots range from a quarter-acre to 10 acres and home layouts range from 2,300 to 9,400 square feet. Prices range from $1.3 million to $11 million; homes set at higher elevations tend to be the most expensive.
Townhouses and condos range in price from $1.6 million to $3 million, depending on views and updates. Buyers can also find undeveloped lots that range from a half-acre to over 2 acres and cost between $450,000 to $1.3 million.
While most new residents join a waitlist to purchase a membership to Desert Mountain’s amenities, some homes come with the privilege of purchasing a golf or lifestyle membership, immediately at closing. “Homes with membership privileges sell the quickest but don’t necessarily cost more,” Pentecost says. Initiation fees of $100,000 to $200,000 aren't included in a home’s price, and members pay additional monthly dues of $1,100 to $2,300. All residents, regardless of membership, pay monthly homeowners association dues of $270 to $740 that cover the community's security and maintenance.
Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses
“Desert Mountain has the best amenities of all the North Scottsdale golf clubs,” says Connie Edelman, an associate broker with Compass who’s sold homes in the area for 30 years. The community's seven golf courses include six designed by Jack Nicklaus, and each has its own clubhouse and restaurant. Each course has a different character, from the traditional Scottish links-style play of the Outlaw course to the varying elevations and city views of the Chiricahua course. Residents can work on their skills at the Jim Flick Golf Performance Center, which has technological tools and PGA-certified teachers to help develop every element of their game.
The community also tennis and pickleball courts, and indoor fitness center and a full-service spa. Hikers can explore the community’s mountainous desert landscape on over 20 miles of private trails, or head to the nearby trails in the Tonto National Forest. Located 17 miles away, Bartlett Lake is a popular getaway for boating, camping and fishing.
Apache, Constantino’s and eight other members-only restaurants
There are 10 members-only restaurants in Desert Mountain. At Constantino’s, diners can enjoy Italian cuisine, while the Arizona Grill at Outlaw focuses on Southwestern flavors. Steaks and seafood come with nightly live music at Apache, and The Hideout at Renegade serves burgers and other comfort food. “The restaurants are top-notch,” Pentecost says. “When you go to dinner, you tend to run into people you know, and that creates a greater sense of community.”
Outside of Desert Mountain, Edelman recommends Raven’s View, a wine bar serving shareable dishes like charcuterie boards. “It’s packed all the time,” Edelman says. “It’s tiny, but it’s got great food, and you’re sitting in the middle of the mountains.” Carefree has more dining options, plus locally owned shops and a Bashas’ grocery store, 3 miles west. Other grocery stores are a roughly 6-mile drive from the neighborhood’s main gate and include options like Target and AJ’s Fine Foods.
The Young Entrepreneur’s Society at Cactus Shadows High
Local kids can attend Black Mountain Elementary, Sonoran Trails Middle and Cactus Shadows High; all three earn an A-minus from Niche, and are within 11 miles of Desert Mountain’s main gate. Students at Cactus Shadows High can choose from 30 after-school clubs, including the Young Entrepreneur’s Society and the Environmental Science Club.
About 13 miles from the 101 freeway
Interstate 17 is about 22 miles from Desert Mountain, but locals rely more on the 101 freeway, which is about 13 miles away. According to Edelman, it can take about 20 minutes for residents in Desert Mountain’s north to drive to the neighborhood’s main gate, then an additional 20 minutes to get to the 101. The 101 leads roughly 25 miles to Scottsdale, and 23 miles to State Route 51, which leads about 2 miles to downtown Phoenix; ultimately, downtown Phoenix is 38 miles away.
With no public transportation, few bike lanes and no sidewalks, Desert Mountain residents rely on their cars to get around North Scottsdale, and many use golf carts to get around within the community. HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center is roughly 13 miles, and Mayo Clinic Hospital is around 17 miles. Sky Ranch at Carefree, a private general aviation airport, is just over a mile away, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a 34-mile trip.
The Italian Street Festival and other gatherings
Membership gives residents access to Desert Mountain’s six clubhouses and regular community events. Social mixers, concerts and golf tournaments take place regularly, and some of the larger annual events include the Italian Street Festival in June, which features live music and a large selection of Italian foods, and the Monster Mash Fall Bash in October, where residents don Halloween costumes and dance the night away at an outdoor concert.
High wildfire risk
Since Desert Mountain has so much open space and is near undeveloped areas in the Continental Mountains, homes here are at a high risk for wildfire. Fires are common to the east, but residents are more likely to experience smoke from these nearby fires than any direct effects. “There are extra alerts and caution around wildfires here,” Pentecost says, “but because it’s so high up on the mountain, I don’t think there's been a wildfire that’s threatened the community in a very long time.” There are two fire stations nearby, and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management’s app can help locals 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
Danielle Paluscio,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Transit
Airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor International
62 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Desert Mountain
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 Mountain, Scottsdale sell after 104 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Desert Mountain, Scottsdale over the last 12 months is $3,493,188, up 21% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 9351 E Andora Hills Drive, within Scottsdale's prestigious golf and recreational community of Desert Mountain, perched on an elevated lot with stunning sunset views! This 3,683-square-foot custom Lee Hutchison home has been recently renovated to blend timeless southwestern territorial design with bright spaces and abundance of natural light that are so sought-after in today's market.
Remodeled desert oasis nestled in the heart of Desert Mountain. As you step inside, you're greeted by soaring ceilings, cozy fireplace, bright open spaces, walls of glass and a seamless flow of living spaces that effortlessly connect the indoor and outdoor environments. The just completed chef's kitchen features high-end stainless steel appliances, beautiful cabinetry, a spacious island and
Joanie BarreiroRuss Lyon Sotheby's International Realty
Golf membership available! Experience timeless desert living in this stunning Lee Hutchison-designed masterpiece, perfectly positioned to capture sweeping down-valley views, glowing sunsets, and twinkling city lights. Superior craftsmanship with natural stone and wood beams, this 4-bedroom, 4 bath & 2 1/2 baths estate blends design with elegance and modern comfort. Featuring a chef's kitchen
Stacey VandivertRuss Lyon Sotheby's International Realty
Welcome to Desert Mountain, a premier golf and outdoor recreation-based community in north Scottsdale, AZ. This lot, one of very few left in all of DM and high (+- 3,350') in one of its highest villages (indeed, in all Maricopa County), offers: southern exposure; panoramic city light, McDowell Mountain, and winter sunset views; no extraordinary construction costs; and no noise from major internal
In the heart of world-renowned Desert Mountain, this exceptional residence is offered with a coveted Golf Membership transferable through the Club with a separate bill of sale. Offering an unparalleled lifestyle in one of Scottsdale's finest communities this home is thoughtfully designed with a great room floor plan and a split layout for privacy, this home features four full bedrooms and
Wonderfully situated in the heart of Desert Mountain, this Bing Hu-designed home captures stunning mountain views, sparkling city lights, and a glimpse of the Apache Golf Course. Ideally located within walking distance to both the Sonoran Club and Apache Clubhouse, the home offers unbeatable convenience paired with signature Desert Mountain serenity.The popular Larkspur floor plan features large
Charming Desert Mountain vacation home. Bright open plan with sunny southern exposure patio and beautiful desert landscape. Great covered outdoor dining and large sunning deck by spa. Arizona sunsets year round. Newly available to the rental market, freshly painted and accessorized. Great Room has additional office nook; kitchen has additional family room area and separate dining. Bedrooms are
Rare opportunity for an unfurnished Desert Mountain long-term rental. Beautiful mountain and sunset views. Quiet Sonoran Cottage Village with meandering greenbelt and walking paths. Open plan with sit up kitchen bar, great room and 2 ensuite bedrooms, both large enough for king beds. Shady patio offers a heated spa and views of the greenbelt. Motorized shades throughout.Enjoy over 25+
Scottsdale Seasonal Rental AVAILABLE all Season, Dec - April 2025. Scheduled tenants had to cancel due to a health issue. An exceptional get-a-way in the acclaimed guard gated community of Desert Mountain. This home has an incredibly private and resort style backyard with covered patio, bbq, pool. The kitchen set up offers a great place to gather around, prepare meals and socialize with a gas
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Danielle Paluscio,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
4,955
Median Age
69
Population under 18
4.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
62.9%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$230,887
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$222,182
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.4%
College Graduates
77.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
34.5%
% Population in Labor Force
41.3%
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®
2/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
6/ 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.
