Rio Verde has desert scenery, mountains and an active adult lifestyle
There’s a saying in Rio Verde: If you’re bored in Rio Verde, it’s your own darn fault. “It’s really a lifestyle community. There are so many activities that are offered,” says Realtor and local resident Cindi Pendergraft. “And you meet people very quickly. When you move into the area, it’s just one of those places where people just take you in.” On top of that, she says, “We have beautiful views, custom homes and fabulous golf courses. It’s just a heavenly place to live.” Beautiful views may be an understatement. The area, located about 30 miles from Scottsdale, is surrounded by Tonto National Forest and McDowell Mountain Regional Park, which means great views and recreation opportunities — including a grand total of five scenic golf courses — are par for the course.
There’s always great mountain views when walking around Rio Verde.
Spend the day practicing your swing at Rio Verde Country Club.
1/2
Golfing in Rio Verde, plus hiking in the McDowell Mountains
Golf is pivotal to the community; the Rio Verde community has two courses of its own, Trilogy at Verde River has one course, and Tonte Verde has two courses. In fact, “A lot of people choose which community to move to based on the golf courses,” Pendergraft says. “They’ll go play all the golf courses and then make the decision. Although, golf became so very popular during COVID-19 that we have a waitlist.” Of course, if golf isn’t your game, there are plenty of other ways to take in the beauty of the area. McDowell Mountain Regional Park is just south of the neighborhood, and Tonto National Forest wraps around the north and east boundaries. Between both parks, residents can access millions of acres of land to explore; they often meet up in groups to traverse the hiking and biking trails. And, of course, each community has its own clubhouse with pools and other amenities and activities.
While many homes in Rio Verde have golf course views, many others are just steps away.
Live a life of leisure in Rio Verde.
1/2
Contemporary homes, townhouses and more in Rio Verde's 55-plus areas
The majority of homes in the neighborhood are in three age-restricted (55-plus) communities, including Tonto Verde, Trilogy at Verde River and Rio Verde (not to be confused with the name of the neighborhood); a few custom homes outside of these subdivisions also call Rio Verde home. There’s even a ranch equestrian community, Granite Mountain Ranch, with horse trails, two round pens and two arenas. Prices can vary wildly depending on what type of home you’re looking at. A new construction two-bedroom detached home in one of the age-restricted communities starts around $500,000, while a mansion on several acres with sweeping mountain views can sell for $3 million. Townhouses start at $400,000 for a two-bedroom unit and can go as high as $900,000; the higher-end prices are typically built on the most in-demand homesites with the best views and upgraded finishes inside. According to Pendergraft, “We have people who start in a townhouse and move up to a single-family house. We have people who are moving around within the community because they don’t want to leave.”
Rio Verde has many luxury homes so you can live your best life.
Live a life of luxury and enjoy incredible views in Rio Verde.
1/2
Schools, including Desert Sun Academy and Sonoran Trails Middle
Schools in Rio Verde — for those who aren’t in one of the age-restricted communities, of course — are in the Cave Creek Unified School District and attend schools like Desert Sun Academy, graded A-minus by Niche, Sonoran Trails Middle School, also graded A-minus by Niche, and Cactus Shadows High School, graded B-plus by Niche. Dessert Sun Academy is a World Language School, and students begin participating in the school’s French Program in second grade.
Cactus Shadows High School is located in Pinnacle Peak.
Desert Sun Academy is available for many Rio Verde residents.
Sonoran Trails Middle School is graded an A-minus by Niche and is offered to most Rio Verde students.
1/3
Shopping at the nearby Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter malls
Since Rio Verde is light on commerce, most residents head about half an hour to Scottsdale for retail and restaurants. Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter are two popular shopping malls located next to each other, about 25 miles from home; here, you can shop stores like Apple, Crate and Barrel and Talbots. While it’s always an option to grab a bite at one of the nearby golf course’s restaurants, the Scottsdale area will have the most options to satisfy whatever you’re craving, whether it’s a Southern brunch at Sugar Jam or Culinary Dropout’s famous fried chicken. The closest spot for groceries is about 10 miles from home, at the Safeway in neighboring Fountain Hills.
Rio Verde residents can shop at dozens of name-brand stores in nearby Scottsdale Quarter.
Rio Verde residents spend the afternoon shopping with friends at Kierland Commons.
1/2
Driving to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and health care
Other points of interest for the potential homebuyer: The nearest major airport is the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, about 35 miles away, and the nearest hospital is HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center, about 20 miles away, or the Mayo Clinic Hospital, about 25 miles away.
Written By
Katelin Hill
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Nelson
Video By
Daniel Quattro
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Todd Stengel,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Rio Verde, AZ sell after 81 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Rio Verde, AZ over the last 12 months is $813,500, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Prime Location & Magnificent Views from this Home in the Gated, Golf Course Community of Tonto Verde. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, Office and large Kitchen, Dining, & Great Room area. Granite Counters in the Kitchen with a unique Island, Dacor & Bosch Appliances. Vaulted Great Room Ceiling w/ Wood Beams & Accent Lights. Beautiful 8ft Solid Alder Wood Interior Doors throughout. Andersen Windows & Sliding
Looking for the million dollar view in Tonto Verde? This almost 4200 square foot home, located on the 4th green of the Ranch Course, features spectacular mountain and golf course views from almost every room in the house. Showcasing great curb appeal, manicured desert landscaping, climate controlled 3-car garage with storage cabinets & storage room. The welcoming front porch is protected by an
Southwest beauty in Tonto Verde. This custom home built by Phoenix Smith is absolutely charming. The long paver driveway, 3-car garage, front courtyard with beautiful floral pots, and touches of stained glass simply add to the charm. The freshly painted, large great room with windows galore bring in the natural desert landscape which simply enhances your living space. A lovely breakfast area is
Enjoy stunning Four Peaks mountain views from the private backyard of this immaculate home in Trilogy at Verde River. Built in 2019 and sold fully furnished (with limited art exclusions), this residence is ideal for seasonal ownership or full-time living. The backyard retreat features an extended covered patio with pavers, built-in BBQ, mature landscaping, and direct access to the community
Experience the epitome of modern luxury in this meticulously designed Dorado floorplan with a private casita. Perfectly positioned between holes 12 and 16 of the stunning Verde River Golf Course, this home captures unobstructed mountain and golf course views from nearly every angle. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and an expansive three-car garage with epoxy flooring and air conditioning,
Experience refined desert living in this Juniper Designer Home by Shea within the prestigious Trilogy at Verde River. Every detail impresses with the gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, Monogram appliances, and walk-in pantry. The elegant primary suite features dual sinks, a tiled shower, and a walk-in closet. Enjoy seamless indoor-outdoor living with a spacious covered patio, outdoor
HOME AWAY FROM HOME*** ALL THE COMFORTS YOU WANT IN THIS FURNISHED 2 BEDROOM & 2 BATH RENTAL. JUST IMAGINE RELAXING ON THE FRONT OR BACK PATIO WATCHING ONE OF THE AMAZING ARIZONA SUNSETS OR SUNRISES SURROUNDED BY DESERT & MOUNTAIN VIEWS. ARCADIA DOOR OPENS TO THE COVERED PATIO. ENJOY THE FIREPIT AND BUILT IN BBQ -BACKYARD GREAT FOR ENTERTAINING FAMILY AND FRIENDS. COMMUNITY AMENITIES INCLUDE
This 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom property located at 25609 N Forest Rd offers 1,359 square feet of living space. The unit comes furnished and is smoke-free, providing a comfortable environment. The living room is spacious, ideal for relaxation or entertaining guests. Each bedroom includes adequate closet space, while the bathrooms are equipped with essential fixtures. The kitchen features a dishwasher
Beautiful spacious home in the Rio Verde Active Adult Golf Course community on a private lot with golf course at both ends of the lane. In addition to a large kitchen with a breakfast room overlooking the covered patio and lovely backyard, it has a separate dining area all of which open into the large living room with fire place. The living room opens out to a large front patio through double
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
