News > Living in Scottsdale Master Planned Communities: Are They Worth It?

Scottsdale is full of master planned developments, and it can be a surprise when you find out that a certain condo community has it's own HOA fees but also a master planned association fee.  Everyone has some different interests, for example, to keep monthly costs down or to have access to world class amenities.  What is most important to you may influence whether a condo development in a master planned community is worth it to you.

First, what are some advantages of living in a master planned community?

Better Outdoor Amenities

 

Most master planned developments offer landscaping and other community facilities, which really add to the enjoyment of residents.  Here are some examples:

• DC Ranch has 2 community centers with exercise facilities, tennis courts (shown above), pools and more.  In addition, there are a myriad of classes and community events offered.
• Scottsdale Ranch has Lake Serena!  This is one of the largest man made lakes in Scottsdale, and is arranged with a maximum amount of shoreline, giving many residents a water view.
• McCormick Ranch has miles of landscaped walking and biking paths, as well as being known for one of the greenest areas in Scottsdale.
• Though golf courses are not owned by most of the master planned developments, they were originally designed into the development to offer plenty of views to homeowners.  Gainey Ranch, Troon North and McCormick Ranch are 3 examples of developments that have golf courses winding around homes.

Landscaping and Architectural Controls

By buying into a master planned community, you agree with your neighbors to keep a set of community standards that include architectural and landscaping standards.  Even though it doesn't seem to make a difference when you live in a condo or townhome community, both the condo development you live in AND the area outside of your condo development is under the control of the Master Planned CC&Rs.   For example, the housing development across the street won't be able to let the weeds take over their front yard.  Your development won't be able to paint their buildings pink, even if your neighbors want it.  

Added security

 

Some master planned developments use their pooled resources to have have guarded, gated access.  For example,  Gainey Ranch is one of the most secured master planned communities, with a guarded gate to get in the majority of the development.  This keeps unwanted lookey-loos out of the neighborhood streets, and controls vendor access more than an unmanned gate can. 

Grayhawk and DC Ranch have certain areas that are under the control of guarded gates, which benefit Avian at Grayhawk and the DC Ranch Condominiums . 

 

So What's the Cost of all these Extras?

Residents living at condo developments within master planned developments will pay their condo HOA fee and additional HOA fee for the master planned developments.  How much extra the master planned HOA fee is depends in most part on how extensive the landscaping and amenity costs are, and how many homeowners it is spread across.  One of the lowest priced master HOA fees is in McCormick Ranch, which is $210 per year.  One of the highest yearly HOA fees can be found at Gainey Ranch, at (usually) $213 per month.  DC Ranch HOA fees vary from approximately $100 to over $250 per month, depending upon the condo or townhome community.

Whether the extra security, the greenery, or the fitness classes at the community center is worth it to you is a personal decision.  But master planned developments are in demand by some of our clients because of these extras.  If they don't make sense to you, contact us for some lower cost HOA fee options.

 

 

Though not guaranteed, information and statistics in this article have been acquired from sources believed to be reliable.

Related Links

• McCormick Ranch
• Gainey Ranch
• DC Ranch
• Grayhawk
• Scottsdale Ranch

 

McCormick Ranch Condos For Sale!

The master planned community of McCormick Ranch consists of 3100 acres from Indian Bend Road to Shea Boulevard, on the west side of 101. McCormick Ranch is best known for its non-desert environment of green grass, lakes, trees, and the famed walking and bike path that winds through the community.

Gainey Ranch Condos For Sale!

Gainey Ranch is a well kept example of what a little water can do to the desert. It is a mostly guard-gated development, with a wide variety of condo and townhome communities, mostly built between 1985 and 1995. A large number of condos have water or golf views.

DC Ranch Condos For Sale!

DC Ranch is a North Scottsdale planned community. At 2700 homes, the development offers a variety of residential choices, ranging from condos in the upper $200's to homes over $4 million.

Many of the condos and villas in DC Ranch are within walking distance of Market Street, a very cool shopping and dining center. The center attempts the Old World feel, with the architecture and layout. You'll find a fun assortment of shops as well as places to grab a cup of coffee, or ...

Grayhawk Condos For Sale!

Grayhawk is a North Scottsdale community built around the Grayhawk Golf courses and close enough to Scottsdale amenities and business areas, making it a desirable community for both part-time and full-time residents. Condo and townhome options range from a small 1 bedroom condo to a golf course view town home.

Scottsdale Ranch Condos For Sale!

Scottsdale Ranch is one of Scottsdale's hidden gems. Though close to the more prominent parts of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Ranch is an understated, lush, green community.

You'll never be bored of the outdoor facilities at Scottsdale Ranch. Scottsdale Ranch Park has a 42 acre park that includes the Via Linda Senior Center, the Scottsdale Ranch Park Desert Garden, Laguna Elementary School, and the Piper Branch of the Boys and Girls Club. Amenities include a tennis center with 12 ...