Moving to McDowell Mountain Ranch? 5 Reasons You’ll Love it here!

As long time residents and seasoned agents, McDowell Mountain Ranch is naturally one of our specialty communities. Not only do we know the entire area back and forth, we enjoy emerging our family into the community and truly appreciate the lifestyle it offers. 

McDowell Mountain Ranch is a thriving, award-winning master planned community located in North Scottsdale, Arizona. With its picturesque desert landscape and a wide range of amenities in and around the community, living in McDowell Mountain Ranch offers a unique and enriching experience. 

Here are five reasons why we love living here and why so many residents and newcomers alike fall in love with this vibrant neighborhood.

Stunning Natural Beauty

One cannot help but be captivated by the awe-inspiring beauty of McDowell Mountain Ranch. 

Settled on over 3,200 acres in the Sonoran Preserve and  surrounded by the breathtaking McDowell Mountains, residents are treated to panoramic views of rugged peaks and colorful desert landscapes. 

Our favorite time of day is late afternoon when the sun begins to cast a shadow on the mountains. Of course, the sunsets cannot be beat! There are hiking and biking trails that run throughout the community, accessible from most streets, which makes this community unique. 

Popular nearby trails include Gateway Loop, Pinnacle Peak, Tom’s Thumb, and Lost Dog Wash Trail.

McDowell Mountain Ranch residents can truly immerse themselves in nature and embrace an active outdoor lifestyle.

Abundance of Recreational Facilities and Activities

Living in McDowell Mountain Ranch means having access to an array of recreational facilities that cater to a diverse range of interests. The McDowell Mountain Ranch community itself boasts lit tennis courts and pickleball courts, a growing and active Pickleball Club, multiple swimming pools, hot tubs, and playgrounds. There are a wide range of hobby clubs and classes that take place in the Community Center ensuring that there is always something to do for residents of all ages. 

There is an award-winning public golf course, McDowell Mountain Golf Club, within the community. Nearby are plenty more public and private courses including TPC Scottsdale, Grayhawk Golf Club, and Troon North Golf Club.  

Popular recreation facilities close to McDowell Mountain Ranch include the Alltel Ice Den, AZ on the Rocks for indoor rock climbing, and the McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Park featuring a lazy river as well as a fitness center. The Arabian Public Library is also right here.

Fitness buffs have plenty of options including Mountainside Fitness, the Village Health Club and Spa at DC Ranch, and Lifetime Fitness, plus many more specialty workout facilities very close by.

Convenient Location

McDowell Mountain Ranch offers the perfect balance between tranquility and convenience. While it provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s just a short drive away from plenty of retail shops and restaurants. The proximity to major highways also allows for easy access to Sky Harbor Airport and all other parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area, making commuting a breeze. 

Within the community and nearby are plenty of markets including Basha’s, Safeway, and Trader Joe’s, and several hot spots for drinks and eats. Thompson 105, The Vig McDowell Mountain, Wandering Donkey, Whining Pig, Sophia’s Kitchen are all local favorites and are walking distance for many residents. A 10 minute drive in any direction leads to even more options.

McDowell Mountain Ranch is located less than 15 minutes away from Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons with popular restaurants and retail shops and Fashion Square Mall is a 25 minute drive.

Community Events and Local Attractions

McDowell Mountain Ranch residents appreciate all the special events planned by our HOA throughout the year.  Our events foster a close-knit environment where neighbors can connect and build lasting relationships. Community events include the Fall Festival, Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt, frequent Farmer’s Markets, outdoor concerts with food trucks and more!

We’re also grateful that many of Scottsdale’s most popular annual events take place at WestWorld, just minutes from McDowell Mountain Ranch, including  Barrett Jackson Car Auction, Arabian Horse Show, and Junk in the Trunk and so many more events.  We must mention the Greatest Show on Grass – The Waste Management Open takes place just around the corner at TPC bringing attention from around the world to our slice of heaven. From art galleries to theater, The Museum Instrument Musical (MIM). Odysea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland, iFly, TopGolf, Phoenix Zoo, and the Desert Botanical Gardens…you name it, Phoenix has got it!  All the fun is just a hop, skip, and jump away from our community.

A Diverse Community

McDowell Mountain Ranch is home to top-rated schools like Desert Canyon Elementary School and Desert Canyon Middle School and many of the littles enjoy walking and biking to school. 

Open Enrollment offers an opportunity for students who reside outside of Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) boundaries to enroll in Scottsdale Unified schools, based on availability. Students who live within SUSD boundaries may also use open enrollment to change from their home school. 

There is a wide range of schools nearby to fit the needs of every child. Copper Ridge School, Mountainside Middle School, Basis Scottsdale, Notre Dame Preparatory, and  Archway Classical Academy Great Hearts. There are plenty of options for day care and preschools as well. Many residents attend Desert Mountain High School or Chaparral High School but with open enrollment, students can attend any of the schools around the Valley.

McDowell Mountain Ranch is renowned for its strong sense of community and family-friendly atmosphere. Although the schools are an attraction for young families, the amenities, location, and types of homes make it a popular choice for singles, retirees, and vacation homeowners alike.

Homes in McDowell Mountain Ranch

When it comes to purchasing a home in McDowell Mountain Ranch there is truly something for everyone. This award-winning master planned community offers more than 4,000 homes.

There are 26 different subdivisions featuring various builders with guard-gated, gated, and non-gated options. Prices for the condominiums at Cachet typically start around $400,000 and custom built single-family homes and remodels can run north of 6,000 square feet and $4,000,000. The majority are somewhere in the middle offering single or two-story options, with or without a private pool. Homes were built in the late 1990s and early 2000 and many have been remodeled or upgraded since. 

When searching for your McDowell Mountain Ranch home, It’s a good idea to work with local specialists (like us!) familiar with the floorplans, views, and special features of each subdivision so we can help you find the home that best suits your needs and desires.

McDowell Mountain Ranch offers a truly exceptional living experience for its residents. With its stunning natural surroundings, family-friendly community, abundant recreational facilities, convenient location, and diverse lifestyle, it’s no wonder why people fall in love with this remarkable neighborhood. Whether you’re seeking an active outdoor lifestyle, a close-knit community, or a place to raise a family, or enjoy retirement, McDowell Mountain Ranch has it all.

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About Mattisinko Group | Scottsdale, Arizona

Rob and Dani are dedicated to educating and guiding you toward wise decisions. Armed with in-depth market knowledge, pricing expertise, custom marketing strategies, and sharp negotiation skills, this team can help you reach your real estate and lifestyle goals. 480-REALTOR (732-5867)