Top 5 Best Gated Communities in Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale, Arizona is growing quickly, and with it so are the gated communities. In this day and age, more and more people are opting for privacy, security, and offered amenities when it comes to choosing a home. The gated communities in Scottsdale are second to none when compared to other gated communities across the nation. Gated communities not only provided limited access to the outside population, but they also provide peace of mind and protect the sanctity of the home. Here are the 5 of the best gated communities in Scottsdale, Arizona.


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DC Ranch

Located in North Scottsdale, DC Ranch is close to all amenities, but also quiet. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve almost borders the entirety of the community. Many describe the preserve as the “backyard” of the DC Ranch. With accessible hiking, mountain biking, and many more outdoor activities, this gated community has everything an outdoor enthusiast needs. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a whopping 30,000 acres and is also the Scottsdale area’s oldest treasure. 

DC Ranch also includes THREE of the most prestigious clubs in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area. The Silverleaf Club has world-class facilities, as well as an 18 Hole championship golf course that was designed by Tom Weiskopf. In addition to the course designed by Tom Weiskopf, there are also two other golf courses within the gates of DC Ranch. 

DC Ranch Village Health Club and Spa offers over 170 group and yoga classes a week, as well as offers personal training and rehabilitation. This club has rooms with top-of-the-line weight equipment and separate rooms for cardio. They also have a lounge pool and a lap pool that are separate and of course a resort-style day spa. 

24/7 surveillance is provided throughout the entirety of DC Ranch in Scottsdale. There are over 100 live stream videos to oversee the guard gates, pedestrian underpasses, and any remote access points to ensure the safety of every resident within the gates of DC Ranch.

Whisper Rock Estates

Whisper Rock Estates not only offers breathtaking views but also offers a variety of outdoor and social activities as well as world-class dining.

Phil Mickelson developed and designed the golf course within Whisper Rock Estates in 2001, ensuring that playing on this course will make any homeowner within the community feel like a pro. 

Previously undisturbed, Whisper Rock Estates is situated within the heart of the Sonoran Desert in Northern Scottsdale. Lots vary in size that can range from 1 acre to more than 4 acres, which makes Whisper Rock Estates one of the largest North Scottsdale master-planned communities. 

Whisper Rock Estates provides 24/7 gate guards and roaming patrols to ensure everyone within the community is safe. All streets are private to prevent people from loitering and possibly harassing any of the residents. 

Whisper Rock Estates provides many amenities to its residents such as:

  • 3-Acre private park
  • Fitness Center
  • Lap pool
  • Spa
  • Perimeter and Desert Wash trails
  • Tennis & Racketball courts

Granite Mountain Ranch

Granite Mountain Ranch is located right up against Granite Mountain in Scottsdale. It is the only gated equestrian community in Scottsdale. This community is every horse lover’s dream with direct access to horseback riding trails in Tonto National Forest that lead to surrounding lakes and mountains. This community offers a 15-acre equestrian area complete with riding arenas, round pens, and wash stalls. 

Those who do not own horses are also welcome at Granite Mountain Ranch. With views of the vibrant desert colors, quiet neighborhoods, and access to biking, fishing, and hiking trails the residents love the ambiance of this gated community. 

Along with all the equestrian amenities, residents are also very close to both Troon and Tonto Verde Golf Clubs. Along with nearby golf, Granite Mountain Ranch also offers many fine dining options within close proximity to the community. 

Estancia

Estancia is a gated community located in the high Sonoran desert in Scottsdale. The property is over 640 acres with breathtaking views and amenities no other gated community offers. 

Estancia offers a world-renowned golf course designed by Tom Fazio, as well as direct access to Pinnacle Peak Park. Estancia’s golf course was awarded the #1 best private golf course by Golf Digest in 2014! 

Nearly every home in Estancia is custom-built, so prospective homeowners don’t have to worry about having a cookie-cutter home. 

A 32,000 square foot Tuscan style clubhouse provides amenities such as:

  • Private dining
  • Lap pool and regular pool
  • Tennis 
  • Bark Park closeby
  • Pickleball 
  • Fitness Center
  • Basketball
  • Many more amenities

Merit Crossing

Located at the base of Pinnacle Peak, Merit Crossing is a gated community with unparalleled privacy. With lot sizes averaging around 4 acres, each resident has unlimited privacy within their homes. 

Association fees are lower than other communities, and they also have allocated funds for any future expansion and improvements so the association fees will not increase. 

In the immediate area of Merit crossing, there are prestigious public and private schools, fine dining, and shopping. For outdoor activities, they offer hiking and biking trails for residents to enjoy the simplistic beauty of the surrounding landscapes. 

Homes within Merit Crossing range from luxury condos to boasting estate homes. The lush and thick landscaping around the community ensures that people cannot interrupt residents’ privacy by “peeking”.

If you are considering living in one of the best-gated communities that Scottsdale, Arizona, has to offer, contact one of our realtors or call us at 480-378-6700

Considering a different location? Check out the other areas we serve and explore our guides on the BEST gated communities in Gilbert, Phoenix, Mesa, and Chandler if Scottsdale isn’t your preference.

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