McDowell Mountain Ranch: Active Desert Living in North Scottsdale
Located at the base of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, McDowell Mountain Ranch is one of North Scottsdale’s most desirable master-planned communities. Known for its breathtaking desert setting, family-friendly atmosphere, and strong sense of connection, it offers an unmatched blend of lifestyle, location, and long-term value.
Spanning over 3,200 acres, the community features a wide variety of homes—from entry-level properties to luxury custom estates in gated enclaves like Cimarron Hills, 100 Hills, and Sonoran Estates. Every neighborhood is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the natural desert landscape while offering panoramic views, open space, and community amenities that elevate daily living.
Lifestyle, Amenities & Outdoor Recreation
McDowell Mountain Ranch is built for active living. Residents enjoy two private community centers with heated pools, spas, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts, and a full calendar of events and activities. More than 40 miles of paved and unpaved trails weave throughout the neighborhood and connect directly to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve—offering world-class hiking, biking, and nature access right from your front door.
Golfers love the nearby McDowell Mountain Golf Club, a public course redesigned by Phil Mickelson that combines challenge and scenery with a laid-back, welcoming vibe.
Schools, Access & Daily Convenience
Families benefit from access to top-ranked Scottsdale Unified schools, including Desert Canyon Elementary, Desert Canyon Middle School, and Desert Mountain High School. Charter and private school options like BASIS Scottsdale and Notre Dame Prep are also close by.
The community is minutes from shopping and dining at DC Ranch Marketplace, Scottsdale Quarter, and Kierland Commons. With quick access to the Loop 101, residents can easily reach Sky Harbor Airport, downtown Scottsdale, and major employment centers in North Phoenix.
Real Estate in McDowell Mountain Ranch: Views, Versatility & Value
McDowell Mountain Ranch offers something for every type of buyer. Homes here are known for their quality construction, smart layouts, and scenic backdrops—many featuring pools, outdoor entertaining areas, and mountain or city light views. Whether you're looking for a lock-and-leave lifestyle or a spacious family home, the options are diverse and consistently in demand.
Real estate in McDowell Mountain Ranch has a strong track record of appreciation, thanks to low inventory, gated security, and enduring curb appeal.
Who Lives in McDowell Mountain Ranch?
The neighborhood attracts a diverse mix of residents, including families, professionals, retirees, and part-time homeowners. It’s especially popular with those who prioritize outdoor living, school access, and a safe, community-oriented environment.
Why Buyers and Sellers Choose McDowell Mountain Ranch
Buyers are drawn to:
Sellers benefit from:
Work With the Local Experts in McDowell Mountain Ranch
Navigating the McDowell Mountain Ranch real estate market requires local knowledge, negotiation skill, and marketing expertise. At Gregory Hidder + TEAM, we bring decades of Scottsdale real estate experience and a deep understanding of what makes McDowell Mountain Ranch such a special place to live.
Whether you’re buying your dream home or preparing to sell for maximum value, we’re here to guide you through every step with professionalism, insight, and results.
Thinking about your next move in McDowell Mountain Ranch? Let’s talk.
13,120 people live in McDowell Mountain Ranch, where the median age is 48 and the average individual income is $93,591. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around McDowell Mountain Ranch, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including D’amico Pizza, La Plume, and DukOut Adventure Brokers.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 3.46 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.67 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.65 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.7 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.45 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.14 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.88 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.72 miles | 33 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.8 miles | 20 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
McDowell Mountain Ranch has 5,233 households, with an average household size of 3. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in McDowell Mountain Ranch do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 13,120 people call McDowell Mountain Ranch home. The population density is 3,187.346 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
We pride ourselves in providing personalized solutions that bring our clients closer to their dream properties and enhance their long-term wealth. Contact us today to find out how we can be of assistance to you!
