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McDowell Mountain Ranch

McDowell Mountain Ranch

Suburban Neighborhood in Scottsdale, Arizona

Maricopa County 85255, 85260

$1,325,135 Average Value
$492 Average Price per Sq Ft
59 Homes For Sale

A master planned community in preserved desert mountains

Just down the road from Taliesin West, a Spanish-influenced midcentury modern villa once the personal winter home of Frank Lloyd Wright, McDowell Mountain Ranch honors its prominent neighbor with similar motifs of organic grandeur and meticulous design. Sitting in the rolling foothills of McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the arid 30,000-acre landscape steadily lifts a neighborhood of many subdivisions up with it as the cacti-laden hills gradually increase into desert mountains. Buyers come here seeking many things and find them all and more in the master-planned communities surrounding a wealth of amenities. Community spaces interconnected by paved and rugged trails that lead to top-notch schools and shopping centers all come together in these scenic foothills to deliver one of Scottsdale's most enticing suburban oases.

McDowell Mountain Ranch residents enjoy scenic mountain views in their own backyard.
McDowell Mountain Ranch residents enjoy scenic mountain views in their own backyard.
Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home, is just minutes from McDowell Mountain Ranch.
Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home, is just minutes from McDowell Mountain Ranch.
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Classical and modern designs echo the desert landscape

Though townhomes and condos can be found in select subdivisions, the area primarily consists of detached single-family homes. They offer a choice between classic Spanish-style villas and sleek international-style modern homes with a hint of Spanish influence. The neighborhood's architecture blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, whether it means beige stucco exteriors leading to terracotta roofing or stacked stone foundations supporting floor-to-ceiling windows. Wooden pergola carports often sit at the end of long driveways, cutting through xeriscaped front yards filled with tall saguaro cacti and other native desert flora. Students can easily walk to school from their homes in cul-de-sacs with paved cut-throughs leading to shaded sidewalks. Paved trails meander through the desert brush, safely passing underneath major roads with illuminated tunnel underpasses. Being one of Scottsdale's most master-planned neighborhoods, these homes come with price tags to match their curb appeal, usually beginning at around $600,000 and frequently reaching as high as $4 million or more.

Native cacti thrive in the desert environment of McDowell Mountain Ranch.
Native cacti thrive in the desert environment of McDowell Mountain Ranch.
Many homes in McDowell Mountain Ranch have little architectural details to set them apart.
Many homes in McDowell Mountain Ranch have little architectural details to set them apart.
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Walkable schools with IB

Most students attend grades K-8 at Desert Canyon Elementary and Desert Canyon Middle, which both have Niche scores of A. Once they reach high school age, students can get a head start for college at the A-minus-rated Desert Mountain High, which offers an International Baccalaureate program. Desert Mountain High is also a member of Arizona's Seal of Biliteracy Program, offering proficiency courses in Spanish, French, Russian, Mandarin Chinese and Japanese languages. Students north of Bell Road attend the A-rated Copper Ridge School for grades K-8, then finish 9 miles south in Scottsdale at the B-plus-rated Chaparral High.

Desert Canyon Elementary in Scottsdale is setting high standards.
Desert Canyon Elementary in Scottsdale is setting high standards.
Encouraging creativity and curiosity at Desert Canyon Middle School in Scottsdale, AZ.
Encouraging creativity and curiosity at Desert Canyon Middle School in Scottsdale, AZ.
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Nature preserves and waterparks

McDowell Mountain Ranch rests quietly at the foothills of sprawling acres of arid mountains in a protected natural preserve. Miles of rugged trail meander upward through the neighborhood, beginning at trailhead parking lots next to local schools. These afford those brave enough to travel them with lookout points far above the neighborhood, offering some of the best views of Scottsdale around. Just look out for the occasional rattlesnake and other wildlife to be avoided. Non-outdoorsy residents have their fair share of amenities, like the aquatic center with waterslides, a lazy river, diving boards, lap lanes, a separate zero-entry pool, and a skatepark and soccer field next door. Less than a mile east, the McDowell Mountain Ranch Recreation Center offers another pool, basketball courts and two hard surface tennis courts. To the south, the McDowell Mountain Golf Club links are ideal for business meetings and casual Saturday outings.

A hike in nature is never far when you live in Scottsdale.
A hike in nature is never far when you live in Scottsdale.
McDowell Mountain Ranch offers residents many amenities including community pools.
McDowell Mountain Ranch offers residents many amenities including community pools.
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An organic sense of community

On Paradise Lane sits yet another park, this one featuring a community center that hosts frequent events. A farmers market happens there on the first Sunday of every month, where residents peruse local produce and artisan trinkets. A public library branch in the neighborhood also offers frequent events such as group book discussions or computer classes.

Find your new favorite read a the Arabian Library in McDowell Mountain Ranch.
Find your new favorite read a the Arabian Library in McDowell Mountain Ranch.
McDowell Mountain Ranch features many walking paths throughout the community.
McDowell Mountain Ranch features many walking paths throughout the community.
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All-day charcuterie boards

Two shopping centers accommodate the neighborhood with plenty of restaurants and weekly amenities, such as a Bashas' Grocery Store, medical practitioner offices and some pharmacies. Locals head north to McDowell Mountain Marketplace on weekends for brunch at The Vig, cob salads and smoothies from Freshbox, or a meat and cheese plate from the Whining Pig. Just over a mile south, Thompson 105's wood-fired rotisserie chickens offer an upscale dining experience at Desert Canyon Shopping Mall.

Grab a handmade cocktail at Thompson 105 in McDowell Mountain Ranch.
Grab a handmade cocktail at Thompson 105 in McDowell Mountain Ranch.
Thompson 105 in McDowell Mountain Ranch serves up wood fired roasted chicken daily.
Thompson 105 in McDowell Mountain Ranch serves up wood fired roasted chicken daily.
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Walking or driving

There is no public transportation servicing the area, so residents own cars. It's about a 3-mile drive to the 101 Freeway, the closest major commuter route. High walkability offers safety to students, cyclists, and pedestrians visiting neighborhood attractions.

A McDowell Mountain Ranch resident safely uses a walling path to avoid street traffic.
A McDowell Mountain Ranch resident safely uses a walling path to avoid street traffic.
McDowell Mountain Ranch Residents will use the 101 freeway to access the greater Phoenix area.
McDowell Mountain Ranch Residents will use the 101 freeway to access the greater Phoenix area.
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Tom Jakob
Written By
Tom Jakob
Ryan Nelson
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Nelson
Luke Basinger
Video By
Luke Basinger

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Will Daly, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International

33 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime McDowell Mountain Ranch US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,145,250
Median Single Family Price
$1,323,000
Median Townhouse Price
$759,995
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$537,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$492
Number of Homes for Sale
59
Last 12 months Home Sales
196
Months of Supply
3.60
Median List Price
$1,219,995
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
6%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
4,503
Median Year Built
1999
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,432
Significantly above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,096
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,147

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 13
    1 - 3pm

    10351 E Morning Star Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

    $850,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,874 Sq Ft
    • 10351 E Morning Star Dr
    • New 1 day ago

    Stop dreaming and start living! Imagine unwinding on your covered patio, gazing at stunning mountain views as the sun sets. This isn't a vacation fantasy ''it's your everyday reality in this beautifully refreshed 3-bed, 2-bath (1,874 sq ft) home, perfectly positioned in the heart of prized McDowell Mountain Ranch.Step inside and feel the difference: crisp, move-in ready perfection awaits with

    Lynne Edson Coldwell Banker Realty

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  • Saturday, Apr 12
    11am - 1pm

    16670 N 109th Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

    $2,150,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 3,290 Sq Ft
    • 16670 N 109th Way
    • New 2 days ago

    A Rare Opportunity—First Time on the Market!Some homes have a magic that can't be replicated. After years of cherishing this stunning McDowell Mountain Ranch retreat, the original owners are relocating—knowing they will never find another home quite like this. Now, for the first time ever, it can be yours.Perched on an elevated lot in Trovas, this home offers breathtaking views of the

    Stacey Mayes Citiea

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  • Saturday, Apr 12
    11:30am - 4:30pm

    15691 N 104th Place, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

    $989,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,963 Sq Ft
    • 15691 N 104th Place
    • New 2 days ago

    Stunning remodeled single level 4 bed/2 bath home located in the award-winning McDowell Mountain Ranch master planned community. Home is situated on one of the largest cul de sac lots in the community offering spacious back and side yards. This beautifully maintained home includes freshly painted exterior and block wall (2025), new HVAC (2024), H20 system (2023), water heater (2022), Kitchen

    Jeanette Wiesenhofer West USA Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Will Daly, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
12,815
Median Age
48
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.2%
On par with the national average
23.9%
Population over 65
21.3%
On par with the national average
18.9%

Finances

Median Household Income
$158,989
Significantly above the national average
$70,947
Average Household Income
$181,125

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.5%
College Graduates
71%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
36.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.2%

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®

33 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

27 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
McDowell Mountain Ranch
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