Best Neighborhoods in Scottsdale (2025 Guide for Homebuyers)

Updated for 2025 – written by Blair Ballin, local Scottsdale Realtor with 25+ years helping buyers find their perfect neighborhood.

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Thinking About Moving to Scottsdale?

If you’re moving to Scottsdale or just exploring where to live within the city, you’re not alone. Scottsdale continues to be one of Arizona’s most desirable places to live — for good reason. Between its weather, golf, food, schools, and mountain views, it’s the kind of city that offers something for every lifestyle.

But Scottsdale isn’t just one vibe. It stretches roughly 31 miles north to south, from Old Town’s walkable entertainment district to the peaceful, luxury enclaves near the McDowell Mountains. Each area feels like its own community — and knowing those differences matters before you buy.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best neighborhoods in Scottsdale, what makes each one unique, who they fit best, and what people are really searching when they ask, “Where should I live in Scottsdale?”

By the way, did you know Scottsdale was once voted "The Most Livable City"?

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Quick Take: What Makes a Scottsdale Neighborhood “Best”?

If you’ve been scrolling Zillow and feel lost in the options, start by thinking about these priorities.

A “best neighborhood” depends on how you live, but here’s what most buyers care about:

• Location & Lifestyle – How close do you want to be to restaurants, hiking, golf, or nightlife?

• Schools – Many families choose Scottsdale specifically for the schools.

• Safety – Scottsdale ranks among Arizona’s safest major cities.

• Home Types & Prices – Do you prefer newer luxury builds, historic homes, or something in between?

• Community Feel – Gated and quiet, or walkable and social?

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1. Old Town Scottsdale

Best for: Young professionals, couples, downsizers, and anyone who wants to walk everywhere.

Old Town is where Scottsdale’s energy lives — it’s packed with restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and nightlife. You’ll find condos, lofts, and smaller single-family homes here, often with some of the best walkability in the state.

Average Home Price: $600K–$900K
Vibe: Urban, active, lively.

Local Insider Tip: If you like living near the action but not in the center of it, look at the streets just east of Goldwater Blvd or near Chaparral and Miller — still walkable, but quieter.

What People Search:
“Is Old Town Scottsdale a good place to live?”
Yes — if you want a mix of nightlife and community. Just know parking is tight and noise can be high on weekends.

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2. McCormick Ranch

Best for: Families, retirees, and anyone who wants that classic suburban feel with great access. And if you love golf, McCormick Ranch has 2: Pine & Palm. Both outstanding layouts and courses.

McCormick Ranch is one of the most established and beloved communities in Scottsdale. Wide bike paths, lakes, mature trees, and a connected greenbelt system make it perfect for people who value outdoor living.

Average Home Price: $900K–$1.3M
Vibe: Calm, green, family-friendly.

Local Insight: Homes here are older (mostly 70s-80s), but many have been beautifully remodeled. There’s a real pride of ownership — and you’ll rarely see lawns this lush in Arizona.

Proximity: 10 minutes to Old Town, 5 minutes to Scottsdale Quarter.

Popular Searches:

• “Best family neighborhoods in Scottsdale”

• “McCormick Ranch vs Gainey Ranch”

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3. Gainey Ranch

Best for: Golf lovers, lock-and-leave buyers, second-home owners.

This gated community blends luxury, location, and security. You’ll find golf course homes, condos, and custom estates surrounding the Gainey Ranch Golf Club.

Average Home Price: $1M–$2.5M
Vibe: Upscale, secure, low-maintenance luxury.

Local Insight: Gainey Ranch has its own shops, dining, and hotel, giving it that resort-within-a-city feel.

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4. North Scottsdale (DC Ranch, Silverleaf, Troon, Estancia, Desert Mountain)

Best for: Luxury buyers, privacy seekers, and those who love golf and desert views.

This is where you find the iconic desert luxury Scottsdale is famous for. DC Ranch and Silverleaf are some of the most prestigious gated communities in Arizona, while Troon and Desert Mountain attract golf and mountain-view enthusiasts.

Average Home Price: $1.5M–$10M+
Vibe: Quiet, upscale, desert-resort lifestyle.

Local Insight:
If you want to feel away from it all — yet 20 minutes from everything — this is your zone. Many buyers here are relocating from California for space, security, and newer construction. Experience the restaurants, shopping. Take your time in your search and find the lot/view and floorplan you love the most.

What People Ask:

• “Where do celebrities live in Scottsdale?” (Answer: mostly North Scottsdale and Paradise Valley.)

• “Is North Scottsdale worth it?” Absolutely, if you value space, newer builds, and high-end amenities.

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5. Arcadia (South Scottsdale Border)

Best for: Those who want charm, character, and proximity to both Scottsdale and Phoenix.

Arcadia sits along the Scottsdale-Phoenix border, known for its large lots, citrus trees, and classic ranch homes. Many homes have been rebuilt into modern showpieces, but the community still feels intimate. Super close to Sky Harbor. Continued increase of restaurant options. Good schools.

Average Home Price: $1.2M–$3M (can go a lot higher depending on features)
Vibe: Leafy, friendly, and highly desirable.

Local Insight:
You’re minutes from Old Town, Biltmore, and Camelback hiking. Arcadia schools (Hopkins, Arcadia High) are well regarded.

Search Trends:

• “Arcadia vs Old Town Scottsdale”

• “Most charming neighborhoods in Scottsdale”

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6. South Scottsdale

Best for: Buyers or investors looking for value and future growth.

South Scottsdale, especially around Papago Park and McDowell Road, is experiencing major redevelopment. You’ll find mid-century homes, townhomes, and some modern infill projects.

Average Home Price: $550K–$800K
Vibe: Transitional, affordable, and appreciating.

Local Insight:
This is one of the few remaining “entry-level” areas in Scottsdale, but it’s rising fast thanks to its proximity to ASU, Tempe Town Lake, and SkySong. Super overlooked. Close to The Zoo & Botanical Garden. Used to just be car dealers...now, well, you still might be finding a gem ;-)

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7. Scottsdale Ranch

Best for: Suburban families who want community amenities without the North Scottsdale price tag.

Built in the 1980s, Scottsdale Ranch offers lakefront homes, greenbelts, and strong HOA amenities. It feels established yet welcoming, and remains one of Scottsdale’s most balanced neighborhoods.

Average Home Price: $850K–$1.4M
Vibe: Quiet, family-friendly, suburban comfort.

Local Insight:
Expect solid schools, parks, and proximity to the 101. Homes tend to have bigger lots and mature landscaping. Also, closer to Fountain Hills if you want to go for a picnic, Downtown Market, shopping.

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8. Hidden Gems & Up-and-Coming Areas

Best for: Buyers who like to get ahead of trends.

A few neighborhoods fly under the radar but deserve attention — places like Shea Corridor pockets, Pinnacle Reserve, and the newer sections of 85255 north of the Loop 101.

These often don’t make “top 5” lists yet but offer value, newer builds, and appreciation potential.

Search Trends:

• “Affordable areas in Scottsdale”

• “New construction Scottsdale neighborhoods”

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Comparing Scottsdale’s Neighborhoods at a Glance

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People Also Ask (and Related Searches)

Is Scottsdale a good place to live year-round?
Yes. The weather, amenities, and safety make it one of the most livable cities in the Southwest. Summers are hot, but the rest of the year more than makes up for it.

What is the safest neighborhood in Scottsdale?
Most of Scottsdale rates high for safety, but North Scottsdale communities like DC Ranch, Silverleaf, and Gainey Ranch rank especially well. Always check for yourself, and for the latest trends.

Where do retirees live in Scottsdale?
McCormick Ranch, Scottsdale Ranch, and several golf communities (like Terravita) attract retirees looking for easy living and access to golf.

Is Scottsdale better than Phoenix?
They’re different. Phoenix is larger and more urban; Scottsdale is cleaner, safer, and more lifestyle-oriented — which is why home prices are higher.

What’s the nicest part of Scottsdale?
“Nicest” usually refers to North Scottsdale luxury enclaves like Silverleaf and Desert Mountain.

What’s the most affordable part of Scottsdale?
South Scottsdale, especially near Papago Park and McDowell Road, remains the most affordable with strong upside potential.

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Final Thoughts: Which Scottsdale Neighborhood Fits You?

If you want walkability, choose Old Town.
If you want mature trees and a family community, go with McCormick Ranch.
If you’re ready for resort-style luxury, look at North Scottsdale.
If you love charm and city proximity, Arcadia is unbeatable.
If you’re value-driven, explore South Scottsdale.
And if you want balance and community, Scottsdale Ranch hits that sweet spot.

Every Scottsdale neighborhood has its personality — your job (and mine) is matching it to your lifestyle. And when you do get your home in Scottsdale you will want to make sure you get the full benefit from your outdoor space. Read about All Pro Shades and the amazing things they can do to your backyard.

Search all Scottsdale homes for sale.
Ready to explore Scottsdale in person? Call Blair Ballin at 480-233-6433

Want to know more about Phoenix? North Phoenix? The #1 Community Resource Site for North Phoenix is Living North Phoenix.