Optima Camelview, Kierland, McDowell Mountain

If you’ve driven past the Optima Camelview Village in Downtown Scottsdale, you can’t help but notice the distinctive garden terraces that bring a welcome touch of green to desert architecture. Optima is one of the most innovative highrise developers in the Scottsdale area, and they haven’t stopped at Camelview — Optima Kierland is now complete to the north, and Optima McDowell Mountain Village is currently under construction further north still. Three compelling properties, each with a distinct personality — so how do you choose? Here are the key differences:

Price Point

Optima Camelview is the most established of the three and generally offers the most accessible price points. Optima Kierland, as a newer construction, commands higher pricing. Optima McDowell Mountain Village, currently in its presale phase with delivery estimated for Spring/Summer 2027, is priced as new construction — so buyers are paying for what the community will become, which, for many, is part of the appeal.

Amenities

Each building at Optima Kierland has its own dedicated amenities — sport courts, party rooms, rooftop pool, fitness facilities — all an elevator ride away. Optima McDowell Mountain Village follows the same model, with each building offering its own full suite of amenities including a heated Olympic-length lap pool on the Skydeck, indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, a full basketball court, golf simulator, yoga studios, and more. At Optima Camelview, amenities are shared across all buildings, which means a short walk to the gym — though with the stunning interior landscaping, that walk is far from a hardship.

Pool Experience

Optima Camelview has several pools spread throughout the property, each tucked into lush landscaping for a more intimate setting. Optima Kierland’s rooftop pool sits high above the valley with spectacular views. Optima McDowell Mountain Village will also feature a rooftop Skydeck pool — so buyers who love a view with their swim have two strong options.

Location and Lifestyle

This is where the three properties differ most significantly. Optima Camelview puts you squarely in the heart of Downtown Scottsdale — art galleries, museums, the Civic Center Plaza, spring training baseball, and some of the city’s best festivals right at your doorstep. It’s the most urban of the three.

Optima Kierland sits in what has become Scottsdale’s “second downtown” — a planned, polished environment centered around Kierland Commons and The Scottsdale Quarter, with over 30 restaurants and shops within easy walking distance. The Westin Kierland Golf Club is nearby as well.

Optima McDowell Mountain Village is the most northerly of the three, positioned at Scottsdale Road and the 101. It offers easy freeway access across Scottsdale and North Phoenix, proximity to the Gateway Trailhead at McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and a Whole Foods directly across the street. It’s the quietest of the three locations today, though 36,000 square feet of planned on-site retail could change that considerably over time.

Rentals and Investment

Both Optima Camelview and Optima Kierland permit rentals within their communities, which is worth factoring in if you’re considering the property as an investment. Optima McDowell Mountain Village will include a mix of for-sale and rental buildings on site, similar to the Kierland model.

About the Kierland Area

The Kierland neighborhood has grown into a strong collection of luxury highrise communities beyond Optima Kierland alone. The Plaza Lofts at Kierland and Scottsdale Landmark are two well-established highrises in the area, each with their own distinct character — all of which grew up around Kierland Commons and The Scottsdale Quarter.

There are plenty of other nuances between these three properties that may sway you in one direction. Contact us and we’ll help you work through the details — we know all three communities well and can help you find the right fit.

Information in this article has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed.