Desert Highlands
Scottsdale, Arizona

North Scottsdale's original private golf estate community — 563 exclusive residences set against Pinnacle Peak, anchored by the first Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in Arizona.

563 Member Families
$3.2M Median Home Value
1984 Est. · 40+ Yrs

Community Profile

Where Golf History Began

Desert Highlands isn't simply a real estate transaction — it's a legacy acquisition in the community that put Scottsdale golf on the global map.

Established Pedigree

Development began in 1983. The inaugural PGA Skins Game featuring Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, and Watson aired on NBC — selling out the community within a year.

Automatic Membership

No waitlists. No vetting. Full club membership automatically transfers with each home at close of escrow — immediate access for every buyer.

Top-Ranked Community

Ranked among the top 3% of country clubs nationwide (Platinum Clubs of America). The first Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in all of Arizona.

Prime North Scottsdale

Nestled at the base of Pinnacle Peak on Happy Valley Road. Minutes from Pinnacle Peak corridor dining, Scottsdale Quarter, and the 101.

Combined Dues Model

$1,925/month covers both club membership and HOA. No food & beverage minimums. Full financial transparency — a compelling value vs. comparables.

Intimate Scale

Only 563 homesites — a close-knit community where neighbors become friends. An entirely different experience from larger, 2,000+ member developments.

Location & Surroundings

Pinnacle Peak, Scottsdale

Guard-gated along Happy Valley Road, nestled directly beneath the iconic Pinnacle Peak — 85255 zip code, North Scottsdale's most sought address.

Community Boundaries
Pinnacle Peak & Views
3 min Pinnacle Peak Corridor Dining
8 min Scottsdale Quarter & Kierland
12 min Scottsdale Fashion Square
15 min Downtown Scottsdale
25 min Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
5 min Pinnacle Peak Hiking Trail

Club Amenities

A Complete Resort Lifestyle

Every amenity you'd expect from a world-class resort — within your community gates, available every day.

Signature Golf

Jack Nicklaus Championship Course

18 holes of world-class target golf through pristine Sonoran desert. Top-ranked in America. Site of the first-ever PGA Skins Game (1983), broadcast on NBC.

  • 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Design
  • Top 100 Residential Golf Course (multiple publications)
  • First Nicklaus course in Arizona
  • Dedicated practice area + short game zone
18-Hole Putting Course
Golf

World-Class Putting Course

The first of its kind in the US and only the second in the world at its debut. An 18-hole putting course for friendly competition or short game refinement.

Grass · Clay · Hard Courts
Racquet Club

13 Courts + Pickleball

Scottsdale's only racquet club beneath the shadow of Pinnacle Peak — all three Grand Slam surfaces, 4 pickleball courts, and year-round organized play.

Heated Pool · Pinnacle Peak Views
Wellness

7,700 sq ft Fitness + Heated Pool

State-of-the-art MATRIX equipment, personalized training staff, massage therapy, and a heated pool — all with panoramic Pinnacle Peak views.

Social

Clubhouse & Two Dining Options

Indoor-outdoor dining, an active social calendar, bocce ball courts, a serene fishing pond, scenic walking trails, and a designated dog park.

Guard-Gated 24/7
Dog Park
Active Social Calendar
Walking & Hiking Trails
Bocce Ball Courts
Fishing Pond

Market Intelligence

Pricing & Recent Comps

12-month median home value trend and comparable property benchmarks across bedroom configurations.

Median Value $3.22M +6.3% YoY
3-Bed Avg. $2.86M +4.1%
4-Bed Avg. $3.41M +5.8%
Price Range $2M–$5M Active Community
Initiation Fee $205K Up from $190K

Median Home Value — 12 Months

Source: Trulia/ARMLS

Avg. Value by Bedroom Count

Source: ARMLS/Redfin 2026

Recent Comparable Sales

Address Beds Baths Sq Ft Sale Price $/SqFt Status
10040 E Happy Valley Rd #1009 3 3.5 3,363 $2,850,000 $847 Active
10040 E Happy Valley Rd #2001 4 4.5 4,100 $3,650,000 $890 Active
9575 E Ranch Gate Rd 5 5.5 5,200 $4,200,000 $808 Pending
Desert Highlands Drive (Off-Market) 4 4 3,800 $3,100,000 $816 Sold
E Happy Valley Rd (Golf Course Lot) 3 3 3,100 $2,750,000 $887 Sold

Data compiled from ARMLS, Redfin, Trulia. Contact Coco Dixon for current pocket listings and off-market inventory.

Club Membership

Membership Perks & Costs

Desert Highlands offers a uniquely transparent membership structure — no hidden costs, no waitlist, no minimums.

One-Time Initiation $205,000 Effective Jan 2026 · Included at purchase
Monthly Dues (All-In) $1,925 Covers club + HOA · No F&B minimum
Annual Service Charge $1,500 Billed semi-annually (June & December)
Desert Highlands

The Smart Luxury Buy

  • Membership auto-transfers — no vetting
  • No waitlist for new buyers
  • HOA + club dues combined at $1,925/mo
  • No food & beverage minimums
  • 1 Jack Nicklaus course, 18-hole putting
  • All 3 Grand Slam tennis surfaces
  • Guard-gated, 563-family intimacy
  • Platinum Clubs of America ranking
Desert Mountain (Comparable)

For Reference

  • $250,000 golf initiation
  • $2,354/mo dues + $300-800/mo HOA
  • $2,500/yr food & beverage minimum
  • 7 courses, 2,050 golf members
  • Larger, less intimate community
  • Separate membership & HOA dues
Immediate Access

Full club access from day one of ownership — no probationary period or introduction process.

Championship Golf

Unlimited play on the #1 Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in Arizona. Dedicated practice area and short game facility included.

Full Racquet Club

13 tennis courts across grass, clay, and hard surfaces. 4 pickleball courts. Year-round organized competitive and recreational play.

Wellness Center

7,700 sq ft fitness facility with MATRIX equipment, personal training staff, massage therapy, and heated pool.

Two Dining Options

Casual and fine dining within the community. No mandatory spend minimums — eat on your terms.

Active Social Scene

Curated events, bocce tournaments, poker nights, hiking groups, and community gatherings that genuinely feel like home.

Your Expert Broker

Coco Dixon

Coco Dixon Team · Taeler Bond Luxury

With 30+ years in design, sales, and luxury client success, Coco brings an unmatched combination of real estate expertise and interior design vision to every Desert Highlands transaction. Her off-market and pocket listing network means you'll see opportunities others won't.

#VisionToReality #LifestylesReimagined #RedefiningLuxury

Request a Private Consultation

Whether you're buying, selling, or simply exploring — let's talk Desert Highlands.

Your information is never shared. Private consultations by appointment only.

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