North Scottsdale.
The most concentrated stretch of private clubs, ultra-luxury enclaves, and protected desert in Arizona — a complete guide to the area's eight signature communities.
8
Signature Communities
6
Private Clubs
3
Zip Codes
30K
Acres of Preserve
Inside North Scottsdale.
Selected scenes from around North Scottsdale — the homes, the amenities, and the everyday details that define the neighborhood.
What Is North Scottsdale?
Eight communities. One iconic region.
North Scottsdale is the portion of Scottsdale, Arizona north of the Loop 101 freeway — a roughly 40-square-mile region spanning zip codes 85255, 85262, and 85266. It's geographically bounded by Pima Road to the west, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to the east, and the towns of Carefree and Cave Creek to the north.
What makes the region distinctive is the concentration of master-planned luxury communities and private clubs in such a small geographic footprint. Within a 15-mile radius, you'll find six private clubs (Silverleaf, Desert Mountain, Estancia, Whisper Rock, Mirabel, DC Ranch), the world's largest concentration of Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf signature golf, four of Arizona's top-five rated public school zones, and direct access to the largest urban desert preserve in North America.
If you're new to the area, the eight communities below cover the spectrum — from $700K family townhomes in Kierland to $30M custom estates in Silverleaf. This page is your starting point. Each linked community page has full pricing, schools, HOA, and lifestyle detail.
The Eight Communities
Pick your North Scottsdale.
The Three Zip Codes
85255 · 85262 · 85266
North Scottsdale spans three zip codes, each with a different price point, elevation, school district, and personality.
85255
Median
$1.6M
The Core Luxury Belt
Includes Silverleaf, DC Ranch, Grayhawk, McDowell Mountain Ranch, parts of Pinnacle Peak and Troon. The most concentrated luxury inventory in North Scottsdale.
85262
Median
$2.2M
The High-Elevation Luxury Belt
Includes Desert Mountain, Troon Village, Estancia, parts of Pinnacle Peak. Higher elevation (2,800–3,800 ft) means cooler summers and bigger views.
85266
Median
$1.4M
The Carefree Borderlands
Northernmost Scottsdale on the Carefree/Cave Creek border. Boulders Resort, gallery district, and lower-density custom-home neighborhoods.
Why North Scottsdale
Six things you'll find here that you won't elsewhere.
Private Clubs
Six member-owned private clubs — Silverleaf Club, Desert Mountain, Estancia, Whisper Rock, Mirabel, and the Country Club at DC Ranch — concentrated in a 15-mile radius.
Premium Retail
Scottsdale Quarter, Kierland Commons, DC Ranch Marketplace, and El Pedregal Festival Marketplace — flagship Apple, Restoration Hardware, Tesla, Tiffany & Co., Hermès, and Michelin-recognized dining.
Top Schools
Scottsdale Unified (Chaparral, Desert Mountain) and Cave Creek Unified (Cactus Shadows) plus charter options BASIS Scottsdale and Scottsdale Preparatory Academy — among Arizona's highest-rated.
Preserve Access
Direct access from most North Scottsdale neighborhoods to the 30,000-acre McDowell Sonoran Preserve — the largest urban preserve in North America, with 225+ miles of trails.
Resorts & Spas
Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North, Boulders Resort & Spa, Westin Kierland Resort, and The Phoenician — five Forbes-rated resorts within a 25-minute radius.
Airport Access
30–40 minutes to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX); 15 minutes to Scottsdale Airport (SDL) for private aviation. Major cross-country and international connectivity.
The Investment Case
Why North Scottsdale outperforms.
We came to North Scottsdale planning to buy in Silverleaf. After two days of touring with Pamela, we realized Desert Mountain's elevation and golf were a better match for how we live. Her cross-community fluency saved us from a $4M decision we'd have regretted.
— J. Calloway, Desert Mountain homeowner
Frequently Asked
North Scottsdale — Buyer FAQs
Free Guide
Get the Free North Scottsdale Area Guide
A full PDF guide to all 8 communities with current pricing, school details, HOA fees, and a personalized shortlist for your priorities.
Find Your North Scottsdale Home.
Cross-community tours, off-market access, and a Realtor who knows every neighborhood inside-out. Schedule a confidential consultation.