What if your morning coffee came with Camelback views and dinner plans were a quick call to a five-star resort? If you are drawn to golf, spa days, and easy access to desert trails, Scottsdale’s Resort Corridor may fit your lifestyle. In this guide, you will learn where the corridor sits, what daily life looks like, what kinds of homes are nearby, and the ownership details to plan for. Let’s dive in.
What the Resort Corridor Is
The Resort Corridor refers to the cluster of high-end resorts, golf clubs, and shopping that runs through central and north Scottsdale. Many locals think of the Shea Boulevard and Scottsdale Road area and the adjacent pockets that stretch north toward Troon and the high desert. This area blends resort experiences with everyday suburban convenience.
You feel the resort energy here. Guests and seasonal visitors bring a steady calendar of events, dining, and spa programs. At the same time, you have grocery, services, and major retail within minutes, so daily life is simple and connected.
Where it sits
The core sits around central Scottsdale near Scottsdale Road and Shea, then extends north toward communities that feed into Troon North and the high-desert foothills. Depending on where you land, you are about 5 to 20 minutes from signature resorts, golf, and retail. The exact neighborhood you choose shapes your commute to the airport, golf access, and proximity to trailheads.
The daily rhythm
Winter and spring bring lively pool decks, special menus, and event weeks around golf and car culture. Summer is calmer for year-round residents, with quieter restaurants and resort day-pass deals. You can plan a spa day, host out-of-town guests at a cabana, or step out for luxury shopping without crossing town.
Resort Amenities Nearby
Flagship resorts and clubs
Anchors in and around the corridor include The Phoenician, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, and The Boulders. Locals often book dining, spa, and day-use options even if they are not hotel guests. For a feel of the programming that shapes this lifestyle, browse the spa and dining options at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. Private clubs like Desert Mountain also define the area’s top-tier golf and social life. Explore membership highlights through the Desert Mountain Club overview.
Spa, pools, and the day-pass culture
Living near these resorts means you can treat a Wednesday like a resort day. Many properties market day passes, cabanas, and spa treatments to locals. Expect a vibrant pool scene in peak months, with seasonal menus and pop-up events. In summer, residents enjoy more availability and a quieter atmosphere. You get serious relaxation without planning a full vacation.
Dining and shopping hubs
Three retail clusters anchor most errands and nights out. Scottsdale Fashion Square is the region’s luxury mall with designer brands and dining. Get a feel for the lineup on the Scottsdale Fashion Square site. North of that, Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons offer open-air shops and restaurants. Old Town Scottsdale rounds it out with art galleries, tasting rooms, and nightlife.
Golf, trails, and big events
Golf is a pillar of the corridor. Public and private options include TPC Scottsdale, Troon-area courses, The Boulders, and the private Desert Mountain and Silverleaf clubs. For context on the tournament venue, see the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course. Outdoor lovers have fast access to desert hiking and views, including Pinnacle Peak and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve trailheads. Seasonal events shape traffic and social calendars, especially the WM Phoenix Open. Get dates and details from this Phoenix Open guide.
Homes and Neighborhoods
Condo and lock-and-leave living
Close to the resorts, you will find resort-style condos, condo-hotel residences, and lock-and-leave townhomes. These appeal to second-home buyers and seasonal residents who want low maintenance and easy access to spas, restaurants, and golf. Many communities emphasize amenities like pools, fitness centers, and staffed entries for a simple, turnkey lifestyle.
Gated golf estates and hillside homes
Move north and you reach gated golf communities and custom hillside estates in areas like DC Ranch, Silverleaf, Desert Highlands, Estancia, Troon North, and Desert Mountain. These homes often sit on larger lots with privacy, views, and meaningful indoor-outdoor living. If golf matters, review membership options and waitlists before you write an offer. In the highest-end enclaves, initiation fees can be significant and dues are an important part of the total cost to own.
Mid-town and Old Town options
In and around mid-town Scottsdale and Old Town, you will see mid-century and updated urban homes alongside condos and townhomes. These areas offer proximity to shopping, dining, and entertainment. The scale and price points differ from the large-lot estates to the north, so it helps to get clear on your priorities early.
Price context to expect
Recent market snapshots for the Resort Corridor show a median sale price around the high eight hundreds, with January 2026 reported near 885,000 for all home types combined. Condos typically offer a lower entry point, with recent median asking prices in the mid 400s to 600s and a mid-market snapshot around 538,000 for many listings. North Scottsdale’s luxury enclaves often sit well above 1 million, with top estates reaching many millions. As a citywide anchor, the U.S. Census QuickFacts reports Scottsdale’s median value of owner-occupied housing in a high six-figure range. You can view the current city-level data on Census QuickFacts.
What Luxury Buyers Value
- Views and setting. Mountain and city-light views rate highly, especially on hillside and upper-canyon lots.
- Indoor-outdoor flow. Expansive sliders, covered patios, outdoor kitchens, and resort-grade pools are common wish-list items.
- Low-maintenance desert landscaping. Native plants and xeriscape design keep the focus on views and simplify upkeep.
- Guest privacy. Casitas, carriage suites, and split plans help when you host friends or family.
- Club clarity. If a private club is central to your plan, confirm whether membership can transfer, what the initiation fees are, and current dues. For a sense of club amenities in this area, review the Desert Mountain Club overview.
Ownership Essentials
Short-term rental rules
If you plan to rent your property for less than 30 days, Scottsdale requires a vacation rental license under Ordinance 4566. Owners must meet insurance minimums, notify neighbors, list a local emergency contact, and follow maximum adult occupancy rules. You also need a state Transaction Privilege Tax license and must register with Maricopa County. Always check your HOA documents. Associations can restrict short-term rentals even when the city allows them. Review the city’s requirements on the Scottsdale vacation and short-term rentals page.
HOAs and private clubs
HOA costs vary widely. Smaller condo associations may run a few hundred dollars per month, while gated luxury neighborhoods often carry higher assessments. Private club initiation fees at the top end can reach six figures, with monthly dues in the thousands. If club access influences your purchase, confirm in writing what membership, if any, transfers with the property, plus the current fee schedule and any waitlist details.
Property taxes and utilities
Arizona and Maricopa County property tax rates are relatively low compared with many U.S. metros. Effective rates in Scottsdale often sit in the low to mid decimal percentage range. To estimate your bill, review the county assessor’s data and run your purchase price through a local calculator. For a market-level overview, explore Scottsdale property tax trends. Also budget for insurance, irrigation, cooling in summer, and HOA or club dues where applicable.
How to Choose Your Fit
Use this quick checklist when you tour homes in the Resort Corridor:
- Resort access. Ask about day-use options, spa programs, and resident discounts that matter to you.
- Club specifics. Verify initiation fees, dues, transfer policies, and waitlist timing. Get documentation.
- HOA rules. Review short-term rental policies, exterior guidelines, and any rental caps.
- Commute reality. Time your routes to work, the airport, and schools at the hours you care about.
- Outdoor priorities. Confirm proximity to trailheads, golf practice, and your preferred courses.
- Risk and resilience. If you are near foothills, ask about wildfire planning and evacuation routes.
- Costs over time. Model property taxes, utilities, HOA fees, and club dues so there are no surprises.
A Day in the Corridor
Start with a sunrise walk at a nearby trailhead, then grab coffee with Camelback or Pinnacle Peak in view. Mid-morning, head to a spa treatment or a workout before lunch. Shop the designer wing at Scottsdale Fashion Square, then meet friends at a resort restaurant. If golf is your language, a twilight nine at a nearby course keeps the day relaxed. During tournament week at TPC Scottsdale, plan around event traffic and lean into the buzz. Cap the evening on your covered patio, with desert air and city lights as your backdrop.
Start Your Search
If the Resort Corridor sounds like your next chapter, you deserve clear guidance, discreet representation, and data you can trust. From lock-and-leave condos to gated estates near top courses, we will refine your search to match your lifestyle and timing. Connect with Racquel Miller to discuss neighborhoods, on- and off-market options, and a step-by-step plan for your purchase.
FAQs
What is Scottsdale’s Resort Corridor and where is it?
- It is the cluster of high-end resorts, golf, and retail centered around Scottsdale Road and Shea Boulevard, extending north toward Troon and the high desert, with quick access to trails, shopping, and dining.
What types of homes are near Scottsdale’s resorts?
- You will find resort-style condos and townhomes, custom homes in gated golf communities, hillside estates with views, and mid-town or Old Town options close to dining and retail.
How much do Resort Corridor homes cost?
- Recent snapshots show a median sale price around the high eight hundreds for the corridor overall, with condos in the mid 400s to 600s and luxury estates well above 1 million depending on community and views.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Scottsdale near the resorts?
- Scottsdale permits short-term rentals with a city license and other requirements, but HOAs can restrict them. Review the city’s rules on the official vacation rental page and check the HOA documents.
What should I know about HOA and club fees in these neighborhoods?
- HOA dues vary by community and amenities. Private club initiation fees can be substantial and monthly dues can reach the thousands, so verify transfer rules, fee schedules, and any waitlist in writing before you buy.
How close is golf and shopping in the Resort Corridor?
- Most homes in the corridor are 5 to 20 minutes from signature golf courses and retail hubs like Scottsdale Fashion Square, Scottsdale Quarter, and Old Town Scottsdale, depending on your specific neighborhood.
How do seasonal events affect daily life in the corridor?
- Events like the WM Phoenix Open create a fun, high-energy season with increased traffic around venues like TPC Scottsdale. Locals plan routes and reservations in advance during these weeks.
What are property taxes like for Scottsdale homes?
- Effective property tax rates are relatively low by national standards and often fall in the low to mid decimal percentage range. For a general overview, see Scottsdale tax trends and use the county assessor for a home-specific estimate.
