Why Live in Desert Highlands
Desert Highlands in Scottsdale features custom homes primarily from the 1980s and '90s, with some newer builds from the early 2000s. These homes showcase Southwestern architecture with earth-toned stucco exteriors, flat or clay-tiled roofs, and expansive windows that highlight the desert scenery. Properties often include backyard pools and guest houses, with lot sizes ranging from half an acre to 3 acres and home sizes between 2,700 and 7,800 square feet. Residents enjoy access to an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, a Racquet Club with 13 tennis courts, a fitness center, and 5 miles of walking trails. Nearby attractions include the Pinnacle Peak Trail and Tom’s Thumb Trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Dining options within the community include The Ventana, Jack’s, Jack’s Backyard, and The Rocks, with additional upscale restaurants like Mastro’s Steakhouse and the Four Seasons Resort located within 2 miles. Scottsdale Quarter, 15 minutes away, offers more dining and shopping choices. Annual events include the USTA Southwest Grass Court Classic and spring training games at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 14 miles south. The neighborhood is 7 miles from Loop 101, providing access to Scottsdale and Phoenix. Schools serving the area include the highly rated Desert Sun Academy and Sonoran Trails Middle, with Cactus Shadows High offering numerous sports teams and clubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Desert Highlands a good place to live?
Desert Highlands is a good place to live. Desert Highlands is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with minimal transit options. Desert Highlands is a neighborhood with a crime score of 1, making it safer than the average neighborhood in the U.S. It has a median age of 66. The average household income is $214,850 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 72.1% of residents. A majority of residents in Desert Highlands are home owners, with 3.4% of residents renting and 96.6% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Desert Highlands can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Desert Highlands neighborhood guide.
Is Desert Highlands, AZ a safe neighborhood?
Desert Highlands, AZ is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 1 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Desert Highlands?
The median home price in Desert Highlands is $3,250,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $650,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.5%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $16,430 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $704K a year to afford the median home price in Desert Highlands. The average household income in Desert Highlands is $215K.
What are the best public schools in Desert Highlands?
The best public schools that serve Desert Highlands are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Desert Highlands, Scottsdale, AZ?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Desert Highlands, Scottsdale, AZ?
Home Trends in Desert Highlands, AZ
On average, homes in Desert Highlands, Scottsdale sell after 130 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Desert Highlands, Scottsdale over the last 12 months is $2,912,500, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$2,912,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$3,050,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$708
Number of Homes for Sale
12
Last 12 months Home Sales
26
Median List Price
$3,250,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
7%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%