McDowell Mountain Ranch

 

 

McDowell Mountain Ranch, or The Ranch, as it is affectionately known by local residents and business owners. The Ranch is actually an award-winning 3,200-acre master-planned community nestled in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains in northeast Scottsdale, Arizona. The natural beauty and serenity of the mountains, along with the unique ecosystem of the Sonoran Desert, make an ideal backdrop for homes.

 

The community, which was opened to the public in 1995, consists of 26 distinct neighborhoods built by 14 different builders and comprising almost 4,000 homes. Over $130 million was spent to build infrastructure and site improvements. They included miles of paved and natural trails, a narrow-cast cable TV station for residents, a Community Center, and the wonderful McDowell Center, which houses the offices of the Homeowners’ Association. The latter facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art kitchen for meetings and is available for private gatherings and events. There are also two heated swimming pools and spas, children’s playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts, picnic areas, and plenty of walking, hiking, and biking trails.

 

The Recreation Center

The community also boasts a wide variety of social and physical activities for residents, including an impressive calendar of events that includes clubs reflecting a wide variety of interests, activities for both children and adults, special communitywide events, and fitness, sports, and educational classes.

 

The community’s close proximity to the Scottsdale Airpark and the 101 freeway offers convenient commuting possibilities and puts us close to the exciting cultural, social, and sports events the Valley offers.

 

Landscape – Schools

The Ranch sits adjacent to the McDowell Sonoran Desert Preserve and is home to such publicly funded assets as the Desert Canyon Elementary and Middle School Campus, the Scottsdale Arabian Library, and the McDowell Mountain Ranch Park and Aquatic Center. The latter facility includes a lazy river, a waterslide, a skate park, and a fitness center sponsored by Scottsdale HealthCare in addition to its pools and other water features.

 

In addition, just outside the borders of the community is the Gateway to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This exciting trailhead facility may eventually be augmented by the addition of a Desert Discovery Center. If approved, this center could include a museum, interactive exhibits, interpretive trails, a gift shop, and even a café! West World, the exciting equestrian and special events venue, and the Sanctuary Golf Course complete our list of major amenities.

 

Shopping

There are also three shopping centers within or adjacent to the borders of McDowell Mountain Ranch. They offer a variety of dining experiences, a large supermarket, and many unique and wonderful shopping and service opportunities.