mccormick ranch – Scottsdale, arizona
Your Guide to Living in McCormick Ranch
Lakes, two golf courses, and 25 miles of greenbelt paths in the heart of Scottsdale and someone who knows it lake by lake.
~$1.05M
Median Sale Price
~$460
Price / Sq Ft
50-60
Avg. Days on Market
67
Subdivisions
is this the place for you?
Scottsdale’s original master-planned community
McCormick Ranch is Scottsdale’s first master-planned community, and after more than 50 years it’s still one of the most loved. Picture ten lakes, two golf courses, 25-plus miles of bike paths, and mature, tree-lined streets — all across about seven square miles right in the heart of Scottsdale. Around 27,000 people call its 67 neighborhoods home.
It’s an easy place to love because it fits so many kinds of people. Families come for the parks, the lakes, and the schools. Golfers come for the Palm and the Pine. And a lot of snowbirds — including a big Canadian contingent — come for the lock-and-leave lifestyle and winters you can actually spend outside.
If lakeside walks, a round before lunch, and being ten minutes from Old Town sound like your kind of life, here’s everything worth knowing before you make a move.
PRICES BY PROPERTY TYPE
It’s not just one market
The home type matters as much as the address. Here’s the honest range so you know what your budget actually buys.
| Property Type | Typical Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Condos / townhomes / patio homes | ~$375K – $700K+ | The entry point; great for lock-and-leave & first-time buyers |
| Single-Family homes | ~$600K – $1.5M+ | The core of the community; remodeled lakeside homes command a premium< |
| Golf Course & Waterfront homes | $1M – $3M+ | Lake or fairway frontage is the premium everyone wants |
| Luxury / Custom Estates | Up to ~$5M | Larger lots and high-end custom builds at the top of the range |
Tell me what you’re after whether it is a walkable condo by the water or a single-level home with a pool and I’ll send you exactly what fits.
Cost of Ownership
The practical stuff buyers ask me about
HOA: Fees vary a lot by subdivision. There are 67 of them. Some single-family pockets have modest dues; condos and townhome communities run higher and often include landscaping, pools, and common-area upkeep. Several villages also fund the Villages Recreational Association (VRA), which maintains shared pools, greenbelts, tennis, pickleball, and paths.
Property Taxes: Arizona property taxes are relatively low compared to much of the country. A genuine plus if you’re relocating here.
Gated Communities: Some subdivisions are gated, but many are not. Easy to filter for either.
Short-term rentals: Scottsdale requires a city STR license ($250/year per property), an Arizona TPT license, and $500K liability insurance, plus neighbor notification with occupancy capped at six adults. Rentals are allowed by-right, but your specific HOA may have stricter rules. Definitely worth checking before you count on rental income.
Life Here
What people fall for
The lakes
Seven man-made lakes thread through the community, many stocked for fishing, some open for sailing and non-motorized boats. Waterfront homes are among the most sought after on the Ranch.
Golf
The McCormick Ranch Golf Club’s two 18-hole courses, the Palm and the Pine, wind right through the neighborhood with mountain and lake views.
Outdoors
More than 25 miles of bike and walking paths, greenbelts, and parks. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a longtime family favorite.
Dining & shopping
The Scottsdale Waterfront and Kierland Commons are minutes away, Old Town is right next door, and Seville Shopping Center handles everyday needs.
Schools
Served by Scottsdale Unified School District, with several well-regarded options for families to seek out.
The vibe
Laid-back and green, hidden from the city bustle but minutes from all of it. it suits professionals, families, retirees, and season residents equally well.
Commute & Travel
Getting around
A real factor if you’re relocating, traveling for work, or splitting the year between two homes.
| Destination | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport | ~20–25 min |
| Old Town Scottsdale | ~10 min |
| Downtown Phoenix | ~25–30 min |
| Scottsdale Fashion Square | ~10 min |
Times vary with traffic and time of day. Scottsdale Airport, just to the north, is also handy if you fly private or general aviation.
Ready When You Are
Buying or selling – let’s talk
For Buyers
The best McCormick Ranch homes, especially near the lakes or the golf course often go fast. I’ll set up listing alerts the moment something matching your wishlist hits the market and walk you through every step.
Get first look ->For Sellers
With 67 subdivisions and a wide spread of home types, pricing yours right against recent sales gets you the most money in the least time. I know this community lake by lake. Let me guide you every step of the way.
What’s My Home Worth ->Good to know
McCormick Ranch FAQs
Is McCormick Ranch a good place to live?
For a lot of people, yes. It’s one of Scottsdale’s most established communities, built around seven lakes, two golf courses, and 25+ miles of connected paths. It draws families, professionals, retirees, and second-home owners who want an active, outdoor, walkable lifestyle that’s still close to Old Town.
How much do homes cost in McCormick Ranch?
It depends on the home type. Condos and townhomes generally start in the high $300Ks, single-family homes run roughly $600K to $1.5M, golf course, waterfront, and custom estates climb from there past $3M. The median price for all home types sits around $1 million.
Does McCormick Ranch have HOA fees?
Yes. The whole community is governed by the McCormick Ranch Property Owners’ Association (MRPOA), and many individual subdivisions have their own secondary HOA on top of that. Fees vary by neighborhood and go toward maintaining the greenbelts, lakes, and common areas. I’ll walk you through exactly what applies to any home you’re considering.
Is McCormick Ranch gated?
Not as a whole. McCormick Ranch is made up of many individual neighborhoods and a few are gated, but most are open and connected by the greenbelt paths. That open layout is a big part of the community feel here.
Is it a good place for families, retirees, or snowbirds?
Yes to all three. Families love the lakes, parks, and schools. Retirees and snowbirds love the lock-and-go condos, golf, and the winter weather. It’s one of the most popular Scottsdale communities for seasonal residents.
Can I use a home here as a short-term rental?
Often yes, but do your due diligence. Scottsdale allows STRs by-right with a city license, a TPT license, and proper liability insurance. However, some HOAs restrict them. Always confirm the specific community’s rules before counting on rental income.
Thinking about McCormick Ranch?
Whether you’re buying here or selling a home you already own, let’s talk. I know this community street by street and I’ll give you a straight, no-pressure read on your options.
