Dreaming of a home where morning tee times meet sunset mountain views? In North Scottsdale, three names top most shortlists: Desert Mountain, Troon North, and Grayhawk. Each delivers a distinctive blend of golf, desert scenery, and lifestyle, so choosing the right fit can feel overwhelming. This guide gives you a clear comparison, a simple decision framework, and a due diligence checklist so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Quick snapshot: the top three
- Desert Mountain: Ultra-private, multi-course club environment with extensive on-site amenities. Best if you want a high-service, golf-centric lifestyle and are comfortable with premium club commitments.
- Troon North: Iconic desert golf with two renowned courses and a community feel. Best if you prioritize top-tier desert golf and immediate access without the scale of a destination resort club.
- Grayhawk: Master-planned community with two on-site courses and suburban convenience near the 101. Best if you want variety in housing, easier everyday access, and options beyond a fully private club model.
Desert Mountain: private club living
Golf experience
Desert Mountain is known for multiple signature courses inside a private, members-only club. If guaranteed access to several championship layouts is a priority, this depth of golf is a standout. Membership is typically required for play on private courses, so plan to review categories, waitlists, and fees with the club.
Homes and setting
You will find custom estates and luxury homes sited for views and privacy, with fewer villas and townhomes than some master-planned communities. Many homes frame dramatic Sonoran Desert scenery. The setting appeals if you want space, architectural variety, and premium finishes.
Amenities and lifestyle
Beyond golf, Desert Mountain usually offers dining, fitness and spa options, social programming, pools, and trail access. The on-site lifestyle is designed for those who prefer to stay active without leaving the gates. If you want a one-stop living experience, this ecosystem delivers.
Buyer fit
Choose Desert Mountain if you want a highly private, resort-like club lifestyle with multiple courses and comprehensive amenities, and you are comfortable with associated club dues and membership structures.
Troon North: the desert classic
Golf experience
Troon North centers on two renowned desert courses with striking rock formations and a true Sonoran feel. Many golfers choose it for the course aesthetics and playability across skill levels. Practice facilities and a welcoming clubhouse round out the experience.
Homes and setting
Expect a mix of custom homes, patio homes, and some gated enclaves. Many properties sit along fairways or offer mountain views. If you want a golf-focused neighborhood without the scale of a large private destination club, Troon North hits the mark.
Amenities and lifestyle
You get clubhouse dining and practice facilities, with easy access to hiking and nearby North Scottsdale dining and retail. The community typically focuses its on-site amenities around golf, with a lighter footprint of non-golf offerings compared with resort clubs.
Buyer fit
Choose Troon North if you value iconic desert golf, proximity to the courses, and a community-oriented club feel, with a balance of on-course living and access to nearby city amenities.
Grayhawk: golf plus convenience
Golf experience
Grayhawk offers two 18-hole courses with a blend of club offerings and public access. If you value flexibility and want golf close to home without a fully private model, this can be a great fit. Check current access modes, club options, and tee-time availability.
Homes and setting
Grayhawk is a master-planned community with a wide range of properties, from condos and townhomes to single-family and luxury custom homes. The broader price spectrum and neighborhood amenities appeal to buyers who want variety.
Amenities and lifestyle
You will find parks, walking trails, and convenient access to services and restaurants. Proximity to the 101 makes everyday life simpler if you divide time between work, travel, and recreation.
Buyer fit
Choose Grayhawk if you want golf nearby, strong neighborhood convenience, and diverse housing options that can suit primary residences, second homes, and longer stays with potential rental flexibility.
How to choose: a simple framework
The right pick often comes down to two factors: how important immediate, guaranteed golf access is for you, and how much on-site resort lifestyle you want versus neighborhood convenience. Use these lenses to build your shortlist.
Golf access and play priorities
- How many courses do you want access to, and how often will you play.
- Are the courses private, public, or mixed access.
- Confirm membership types, availability of tee times, and practice facilities.
Membership structure and costs
- Understand initiation fees, monthly dues, food and beverage minimums, and guest policies.
- Ask about equity vs non-equity, transferability, legacy options, and waitlists.
- Clarify what dues include, such as cart fees, lockers, and reciprocal club access.
HOA culture and rules
- Review what HOA fees cover and whether reserve studies support upcoming projects.
- Check rental rules, minimum stay requirements, and any registration needs.
- Note architectural guidelines, landscaping standards, and pet policies.
Property type and resale
- Compare attached vs detached homes and custom estates for liquidity and days on market.
- Review recent neighborhood sales volume and pricing trends for your property type.
- If you plan to rent, look for communities with clear rental policies and a track record of rentals.
Location and convenience
- Weigh drive times to Phoenix Sky Harbor, medical centers, and grocery and dining.
- Consider elevation and micro-climate differences that affect temperature and views.
- Test peak-season traffic patterns along main corridors.
Social and lifestyle programming
- Ask about the event calendar, wellness and fitness offerings, and off-season activities.
- If you want a strong social network, confirm frequency and style of gatherings.
Security and privacy
- Clarify gate staffing, access protocols, and camera coverage.
- Balance privacy features with your need for visitor and service access.
Due diligence checklist
Use this list to streamline your review and avoid surprises.
Property and HOA
- CC&Rs, bylaws, rules and regulations, plus amendments.
- HOA budget, financial statements, and the most recent reserve study.
- Fee schedule for HOA dues, capital contributions, and any transfer fees.
- Board meeting minutes from the last 12 to 24 months.
- Rental policy, occupancy limits, and subletting rules.
- Architectural review process and typical approval timelines.
Golf club documents
- Membership agreement and bylaws with a full fee schedule.
- Membership cap, waitlist procedures, and any transfer or resale rules.
- Financial indicators such as high-level budgets or audited statements and planned capital projects.
Property and transaction items
- Seller disclosures and recent inspections, including roof, HVAC, termite, and pool.
- HOA disclosure packet and delivery timelines.
- Utility providers and service reliability. Confirm irrigation costs where relevant.
- Insurance options, including wildfire risk and mitigation requirements.
On-site verification
- Tour club facilities. Ask to observe tee-time availability during peak and off-peak hours.
- Speak with a mix of full-time and seasonal homeowners about rule enforcement and management responsiveness.
- Review recent MLS statistics for list-to-sale ratios, inventory, and median days on market.
Practical tips for luxury and second-home buyers
Financing and taxes
Financing terms can differ for second homes or investment properties, including down payment and rate requirements. Work with lenders experienced in Maricopa County luxury markets. For property tax planning, confirm assessed values and projected tax bills with the Maricopa County Assessor.
Rental policies and local rules
Many luxury HOAs limit short-term rentals or require minimum stays and registration. Review community rules and confirm city requirements on the City of Scottsdale website before modeling rental income expectations.
Maintenance and management
If you prefer a hands-off second home, prioritize communities and property types that include exterior maintenance and landscaping in HOA dues or that allow professional management. Compare costs, contractor availability, and service scope.
Seasonality
Peak season runs roughly October through April, which can affect tee-time demand, event calendars, and rental rates. Plan your golf, travel, and property care with both seasons in mind.
Insurance and environmental factors
Wildfire considerations and desert landscaping can influence underwriting and premiums. Review insurer options, mitigation steps, and any community requirements before binding coverage.
On your tour: smart questions
- For the HOA manager: What special assessments are planned, and can you share the most recent reserve study and two years of financials.
- For the club manager: What membership categories exist, what is the cap, are there waitlists, and what is the full fee schedule.
- For homeowners: How responsive is management, and what should a newcomer know about rules and day-to-day living.
- For your agent: What are recent days on market and list-to-sale ratios for my target property type, and how do rental dynamics shift in peak season.
Trusted sources to verify details
- Review golf access, membership options, and amenities on official sites for the Desert Mountain Club, Troon North Golf Club, and Grayhawk Golf Club.
- Confirm city rules and neighborhood services on the City of Scottsdale website.
- Check tax assessments and recorded documents with the Maricopa County Assessor and Maricopa County Recorder.
- For high-level regulatory guidance, visit the Arizona Department of Real Estate and the Arizona Department of Insurance.
Ready to compare communities?
Choosing between Desert Mountain, Troon North, and Grayhawk comes down to what you value most in golf access, membership style, and daily convenience. If you want a calm, expert walkthrough of your options, a curated tour, or a second-opinion on HOA and club documents, you are in the right place. With two decades of experience and 900-plus successful transactions in Scottsdale micro-markets, Mary Jones will help you find the fit that aligns with your lifestyle and goals.
FAQs
Does a home purchase include golf membership in Scottsdale communities
- Not always. Many clubs offer separate memberships that are not automatically tied to the property, so you should confirm membership terms and transfer options in writing.
What makes Desert Mountain different from Troon North and Grayhawk
- Desert Mountain is a private, multi-course destination club with extensive on-site amenities. Troon North centers on two iconic desert courses with a community feel. Grayhawk blends two courses with a master-planned neighborhood and suburban convenience.
How do HOA rules affect rentals in golf communities
- Rental rules vary by HOA and property type, and some limit short-term stays or require registration. Always review the HOA’s written rental policy and check city regulations before planning rentals.
What ongoing costs should I budget for beyond the mortgage
- Plan for HOA dues, potential club initiation and monthly dues if you join, property management and landscaping, insurance, utilities, and possible special assessments.
How can I assess resale potential for a luxury golf home in North Scottsdale
- Compare similar sales, inventory levels, and median days on market for your property type, and consider how property size, lot position, and community rules influence buyer demand.
