Best Golf Course Communities in Arizona for Buyers

Whether you’re relocating to the Southwest or looking for a second home, Arizona’s golf course communities offer a stellar combination of lifestyle, climate, and real estate options. With more than 300 courses1 spread across the state, Arizona is one of the top destinations in the country for golfers and golf-community living. In this guide, REMAX experts review some of the best golf home communities in Arizona.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona is one of the top destinations for golf community living, with more than 300 courses statewide.
  • Scottsdale offers the widest range of high-end and luxury golf communities, while Tucson and Prescott provide more affordable alternatives.
  • Golf communities vary widely in structure, with some requiring separate memberships and others bundling access with ownership.
  • Buyers can choose from ultra-luxury estates, resort-style developments, or value-oriented active adult communities like Sun City.
  • Working with a local real estate expert is essential, as inventory moves quickly and community rules, fees, and amenities can differ significantly.

Why Golfers Choose Golf Course Communities in Arizona

Whether they’re looking for a vacation destination or they’re actively searching for golf course community homes for sale, golfers of all ages and experience levels love Arizona. Here’s why:

  • Over 300 days of sunshine per year.
  • A wide variety of terrains, including deserts and dramatic mountain vistas.2
  • Active lifestyle options like hiking, dude ranches, and rafting3.
  • Low income tax rates.3
  • Properties tend to hold their values well.
  • Golf course communities in Arizona benefit from well-maintained common areas, resort-style amenities, and strong homeowners associations that protect property values.

For buyers, this is a combination of lifestyle, investment, and leisure-related factors that’s hard to find in other locales.

Golf Course Communities in Scottsdale, AZ

Known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” Scottsdale is home to some of the most prestigious courses and golf course communities in the country. According to REMAX experts, Scottsdale golf course properties range from luxury custom homes on private fairways to more accessible condos and townhomes that still put you steps from the clubhouse.

Some of the most sought-after golf course communities in Scottsdale AZ include:

Desert Mountain

Featuring seven championship courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Desert Mountain has multiple residential villages with varied home styles.

Silver Leaf (DC Ranch)

Located on a private course by Tom Weiskopf, DC Ranch features highly exclusive, ultra-luxury estates. DC Ranch is at the top end of golf course properties in Scottsdale, AZ.

Troon North

With two public golf courses (Monuments and Pinnacle), both designed by Tom Weiskopf, True North has a mix of luxury and mid-range homes. If you’re looking for golf course properties in Scottsdale, AZ, you get great options here that don’t require private membership.

Grayhawk

Grayhawk gives you access to two courses, Talon and Raptor, and a wide range of housing options from condos to single-family homes.

If you’re considering golf course properties in Scottsdale, AZ, the market is competitive, so you’ll want to move quickly. Working with a local REMAX agent who specializes in golf communities will help you identify listings that are right for your lifestyle goals and within budget.

Golf Course Communities in Tucson, AZ

Buyers interested in golf course properties at a lower price point than Scottsdale should seriously consider Tucson. With a more moderate cost of living and a more relaxed lifestyle, Tucson has a lot of appealing options:

Stone Canyon

On a private course designed by Tom Weiskopf, Stone Canyon is widely considered one of the premier private golf communities in southern Arizona. It features low population density and luxury custom homes.

Dove Mountain

Dove Mountain is home to The Ritz-Carlton Resort with a course designed by Jack Nicklaus. It has a mix of gated neighborhoods and resort-style living, appealing to both second-home owners and buyers interested in the full-time golf lifestyle.

SaddleBrooke

A popular 55+ adult community with two 18-hole courses, SaddleBrooke is well known among retirees who want to be part of a neighborhood and have access to great golfing. The area features extensive amenities and a strong sense of community.

Ventana Canyon

Ventana Canyon is in the Catalina foothills and offers access to two courses, both designed by Tom Fazio. This community offers a dramatic desert setting with resort-style living. It’s a good option for buyers looking for golf course community homes for sale that also provide access to hiking, tennis, and other outdoor activities.

Golf Course Communities in Prescott, AZ

If desert heat is a concern for you, golf course communities in Prescott, AZ, offer an alternative. Located at an elevation of about 5,400 feet, Prescott has a mild four-season climate with summer highs typically in the low-to-mid 80s. It’s a popular destination for buyers Interested in golf course communities without intense summer temperatures.

Talking Rock Ranch

Talking Rock Ranch is a gated community with a private 18-hole course designed by Jay Morrish. The community was built to blend in with the surrounding environment, which features desert landscapes and panoramic mountain views.

Prescott Lakes

Prescott Lakes is a large master-planned community with multiple neighborhoods and a private 18-hole course designed by Hale Irwin. With a choice of condos, townhomes, and single-family homes, there’s a price point for everyone.

Golf Course Properties in Sun City, AZ

Developed by Del Webb in the 1960s, Sun City was one of the first large-scale 55+ communities in the US and remains one of the most recognized active adult developments. Golf course properties in Sun City, AZ, are often very affordable compared to Scottsdale, making it a great option for buyers on a fixed income or who are looking for a vacation home.

In addition to the eight golf courses within the community, Sun City also has extensive amenities such as recreation centres, clubs, and social groups. These options make Sun City ideal for active retirees who want to maintain an enjoyable social life.

Tips for Buying in Arizona Golf Course Communities

Before you get too deep into your search for golf course community homes for sale in Arizona, keep these things in mind:

  • HOA fees vary significantly between communities and can be a major factor in your monthly budget. Review them carefully and learn what they cover and what you’ll still have to pay for out of pocket.
  • Golf membership may not be automatic. In some communities, membership is included with ownership; in others, it’s a separate cost. Clarify this before you buy, including initiation fees and annual membership.
  • Seasonal vs. full-time living affects pricing. Many communities have a mix of seasonal and full-time residents, which can affect everything from traffic to amenity availability.
  • Work with a local agent. The best golf course communities attract serious buyers, and good listings move quickly. A local agent with golf community expertise is a major advantage.

Arizona’s golf course communities offer something for nearly every buyer, whether you’re looking for a luxury custom estate in Scottsdale or a more affordable option in the resort-style community of Sun City. Contact a REMAX agent today to start exploring your options.

FAQs

What is the best city in Arizona for golf course communities?

Scottsdale is often considered the top destination due to its concentration of luxury and private golf communities. However, Tucson and Prescott offer more affordable options and a more relaxed pace of life. The best choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and whether you want resort-style living or a quieter setting.

Are golf memberships included when you buy a home in a golf community?

Not always. Some communities include golf access with homeownership, while others require a separate membership with initiation fees and annual dues. It’s important to confirm what’s included before buying, as costs and access can vary widely.

Are golf course homes in Arizona a good investment?

Golf course properties in Arizona tend to hold their value well, particularly in established communities with strong homeowners associations and desirable amenities. Factors like location, course quality, and community reputation can all influence long-term value.

Which Arizona golf communities are best for retirees?

Communities like SaddleBrooke and Sun City are especially popular with retirees due to their age-restricted environments, social programming, and extensive amenities. These communities are designed to support an active, low-maintenance lifestyle.

References: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4

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