Should You Buy a Vacation Home in Scottsdale?

If you’re like many people, you visit this beautiful city regularly – and you’re thinking about buying a vacation home in Scottsdale. But is it the right choice for you? This guide to buying a vacation home in Scottsdale can help you decide.

Buying a vacation home in Scottsdale – particularly in or near one of the city’s fabulous golf course communities – is a big decision. However, it may be the best choice you ever make, because:

A vacation home can result in cost savings each time you visit
You may be able to generate income by renting your home when you’re not in residence
You have a ready-made retirement home if you choose to retire here

Here’s a closer look at each.

Reason #1 to Buy a Vacation Home in Scottsdale: Savings

If you spend more than a few weeks in Scottsdale each year – or if you hope to – you know that rental home costs can be exorbitant. When you purchase a vacation home here, you may be able to save a significant amount of your hard-earned money; some rental home costs are higher than a full year of monthly mortgage payments would be.

Reason #2 to Buy a Vacation Home in Scottsdale: Income Generation

It’s completely possible (and in many cases, desirable) to rent out your vacation home when you’re not in residence. Doing so could generate enough income to cover your mortgage payments each year, which results in even more savings for you when you come to visit.
Related: 3 things you should never do when you buy a home in Scottsdale

Reason #3 to Buy a Vacation Home in Scottsdale: A Ready-Made Retirement Home

If you choose to retire in Scottsdale, your home will be here waiting for you when you’re ready. That way, you can simply pack up and make your next vacation a permanent one.

Buying a Vacation Home in Scottsdale

If you’re thinking about buying a vacation home in Scottsdale, you likely already know that the area is the perfect place to escape from the everyday. From local golf courses to amazing restaurants, shopping experiences and entertainment options, there’s always something happening in this thriving city. With Scottsdale’s close proximity to Phoenix (and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport), as well as easy access to Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Cave Creek and Glendale, this may be the perfect place for you to invest in a getaway.

This stunning, newly completed Ranch Hacienda estate nestled on a premium hillside lot in Privada offers sweeping panoramic views including Pinnacle Peak, Troon Mountain, city lights, and fairway views of the Estancia golf course. Constructed by Argue Custom Homes with exquisite interior design by Est Est, this residence offers 10,170 sq ft under roof, and an open floor plan that lives mostly on the ground floor. The impressive great room is anchored by a dramatic fireplace while glass sliding doors encapsulate the gorgeous views and invite you out to the pool area. The sleek kitchen offers a stunning contemporary drop ceiling, Neolith stone countertops, textured walnut cabinetry and Miele appliances, a dining area with wine wall, as well as a separate prep kitchen/butler's pantry, which is equipped with additional ovens and refrigerator, and Fisher Paykel dishwasher drawers. The primary suite and 3 additional ensuite bedrooms each have their own wet bars, and are found on the main floor. The upper level is dedicated to a bonus room/office with half bath and spacious balcony to enjoy the gorgeous south and west views. In addition, there is a detached casita offering a family room with fireplace, kitchen, bedroom suite and laundry area. Sandblasted marble tile and wide plank oak flooring extend throughout the home, and all bedrooms and ensuite baths have heated floors. The backyard offers a generous covered patio with stone fireplace, outdoor kitchen and built-in heaters, and a large pool with Baja shelf, swim up bar, spa, and additional poolside BBQ area.

$7,995,000 Active

10585 E CRESCENT MOON Drive 44 Scottsdale, Arizona

5 Beds 7 Baths 7,748 SqFt 0.670 Acres

Situated on nearly an acre lot within the DC Ranch Country Club neighborhood and backing to the 6th hole, this Organic Pueblo-style custom home sits in harmony with its natural surroundings. The earth-colored palette and flowing lines of the curved parapet walls blend seamlessly with the desert landscape and backdrop of the McDowell Mountains. Warm and welcoming, the interior of the home is a treasure trove of natural materials. Hand hewn vigas, natural boulders, stone, clay and wood floors, knotty alder cabinetry and doors, carved wood and copper accents all lend to the rustic sophistication of this residence while Mexican tile accents and hand painted kiva fireplaces lend to the southwest charm.

A paver stone driveway extends past the wooden garage doors with copper inserts to the front entry courtyard where a double wooden gate welcomes visitors. Enclosed by low walls and sheltered by a clay tile roof, the courtyard offers a beautiful space to relax and enjoy its beautiful desert garden.

A distressed alder front door opens to the circular entry foyer with a custom radius pattern tiled floor and capped by a domed ceiling inlaid with tumbled stone.

Picture windows frame the stunning "saddle" of the McDowell Mountains and draw you into the circular great room. A hand-painted Kiva fireplace nestled against a large natural boulder anchors the corner of the room. Hickory wood floors, 24" hand-selected viga posts, and a barreled ceiling with 12" vigas that stretch like sunrays from the faux stained glass skylight are among the many thoughtfully curated details of this room. Bordered by carved columns, the built-in buffet is both a functional space and a visual delight with seeded glass and saguaro rib cabinetry inserts, a long granite countertop and a slate and mosaic tile backsplash with copper accents.

Adjacent to the great room and separated by a low wall is the kitchen, where an irregular-shaped island with a natural boulder imbedded into one corner provides a perfect spot for prepping meals. Granite counters, a gas cooktop with a slate tile backsplash, a walk in pantry with a custom arched door, double wall ovens and a warming drawer ensure that the chef is well equipped. The Subzero fridge has custom decorative panels that provide a playful pop of color. The kitchen is open to both the nook, a relaxing space to gather for an informal meal, and the hearth room, a cozy sitting area with a kiva fireplace with hand-painted detailing.

Off of the great room, a curved gallery hallway leads to the primary retreat with hickory wood flooring and an adobe fireplace flanked on either side by irregular shaped niches, carved wood bookshelves and media area. Enjoy the mountain views through the large windows that fill the room with natural light, or step outside to the private covered patio framed by heavy wood vigas. The ensuite bathroom offers a travertine snail shower, claw foot tub, granite slab vanities, and a walk-in closet.

Two additional ensuite bedrooms are available on the main floor as well as an office that overlooks the front courtyard and contains a built-in credenza and bookcase, a custom built-in workspace, and reclaimed oak floors.

This home is full of pleasant surprises, and as you continue down the hallway from the office, there is a beautiful wide staircase to be discovered - a work of art in itself with colorful Mexican tile risers, wide hickory steps and a hand-hewn railing. Halfway up the stairs is a wide landing, adorned with a viga and latilla ceiling, that overlooks the kitchen, nook and hearth room. The staircase leads to two upstairs guest bedrooms with walk in closets and a jack and jill bath. Clay tile and maple wood floors infuse the upper level with warmth. In addition, a large balcony is accessible from the second level hallway, with captivating views that overlook the city to the south, west and north to Pinnacle Peak.

At the rear of the home and extending off the main living areas, a deep covered patio offers an abundance of space for dining and lounging. A cozy outdoor sitting area with a kiva fireplace and outdoor TV is the perfect place to relax and retreat at the end of the day.

The backyard is the perfect setting for enjoying the outdoor Arizona lifestyle. A water feature - a 25 ft stream of natural boulders - flows into the giant 900 sf saltwater pool with 2 race lanes. A spacious ramada provides the perfect sheltered area for the outdoor kitchen, complete with a built in barbeque, sink, fridge and stainless steel cabinetry for grilling supplies and dining accessories. Gather around the large firepit with bench seating on winter evenings, or unwind in the heated raised spa that spills into the pool. A generous grassy play area of low maintenance artificial turf, and a pool bath with a walk-in shower, hand-painted ceramic sink and coordinating glazed Mexican tile ensure that no detail has been overlooked in this outdoor paradise.

Tucked away, but certainly not to be missed, a winding saltillo and Mexican tile staircase leads to a rooftop deck with both covered and uncovered patio areas and stunning 180 degree views overlooking the golf course and McDowell Mountains to the east, and the city to the south and west. This balcony has an additional outdoor kitchen, adobe fireplace and ample space to entertain guests while watching the glow on the mountains at sunset and twinkling city lights at night.

With its prime location within the DC Ranch neighborhood, this classic residence offers a lifestyle of upscale amenities and convenience. The community offers 33 miles of manicured paths and trails, 47 community pocket parks, 2 community centers, and is located adjacent to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and just 5 minutes north of the 101 Freeway in North Scottsdale. The property is also conveniently located within walking distance of Market Street's retail shops and restaurants. Membership to the Country Club at DC Ranch is available by separate application, approval, and membership fee.

$4,700,000 Active

9290 E THOMPSON PEAK Parkway 402 Scottsdale, Arizona

5 Beds 6 Baths 5,380 SqFt 0.940 Acres

Situated within the Tapadero neighborhood of the guard-gated community of DC Ranch Country Club, this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, single level townhome offers an airy and bright interior with exquisite finishes and mountain views from just about every room of the home. The spacious entry courtyard is perfect for entertaining, and features a built-in BBQ area, a cozy firepit, custom tile and travertine stone accents. A glass and iron front door leads you into the living room/dining room where a floor-to-ceiling field stone fireplace creates a cozy ambiance for gatherings with friends and family. The well designed kitchen is equipped with double Dacor ovens, gas cooktop, SubZero fridge, a warming drawer, stone countertops, subway tile backsplash, and an extra-large island with bar seating and glass pendant lighting.
The primary bedroom is a luxurious retreat with large windows, designer chandelier, a sitting area, and access to the backyard, while the primary ensuite bath evokes a tranquil spa atmosphere with dual vanities, a free standing tub and walk in shower. Two secondary bedrooms each offer access to the courtyard through sliding glass doors and share a Jack and Jill bath. In addition to the 3 bedrooms, there is an office alcove located just off of the kitchen/family room. Wood look tile throughout the entire home, designer light fixtures, custom window coverings, updated interior door hardware, and a barn door at the laundry room are some of the many additional well-executed updates to this home. Step outside to the south-facing backyard, complete with artificial turf and a large covered patio for dining and relaxation. Enjoy easy access to the Desert Camp Community Center, offering a wealth of recreational and social opportunities within easy walking distance. The Country Club at DC Ranch clubhouse is also a 5 minute walk away (membership optional and by application and approval).

$2,350,000 Active

9280 E THOMPSON PEAK Parkway 29 Scottsdale, Arizona

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,786 SqFt

Light and bright and lightly lived in, this one-year-old home in Storyrock offers outstanding views of Four Peaks and the McDowell Mountains. Built by David Weekley Homes, this popular Fraesfield model has an open great room, split master floor plan, and views can be enjoyed from all of the main living areas. Over $300k spent on backyard landscaping and pool/spa. Seamless indoor/outdoor living is achieved by the 90-degree multi-slide doors at the family room and casual dining areas of the great room. The modern, sleek kitchen includes a large waterfall island with Calacatta Quartz countertops and backsplash, upgraded cabinetry that extends to the ceiling, luxury stainless steel appliances including a Sub-Zero refrigerator and 6-burner Thermador cooktop, Butler's pantry with sink and built in cabinetry, and a separate walk-in pantry. The cozy TV area has a modern linear fireplace with floor to ceiling tile and floating shelves. The primary bedroom offers a luxurious ensuite bath with dual vanities, luxe shower with seating and closet with custom built-ins, while the secondary bedrooms each have walk-in closets and private baths. Wood plank ceilings in the great room and primary bedroom, motorized window shades throughout, wet bar at the casual dining area, a drop zone at the garage entry, an epoxied 4-car garage, tankless water heater and whole house water treatment system are some of the many additional thoughtful upgrades. Step outside and discover the resort backyard, complete with a large pool, raised spa with negative edge spillover, built in BBQ, firepit, putting green, artificial turf areas, expansive use of travertine tile, extended covered patios and stunning views of the McDowell's and Four Peaks. Furnishings available by separate bill of sale.

$2,299,000 Active Under Contract

13299 E RANCH GATE Road Scottsdale, Arizona

3 Beds 4 Baths 3,545 SqFt 0.370 Acres

Are You Buying a Golf Course Home for Sale in Scottsdale?

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Don Matheson
REALTOR® | Founder
The Matheson Team – RE/MAX Fine Pro

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Should You Buy a Vacation Home in Scottsdale?