The Questions Every Second Home Buyer Should Ask
July 12, 2026
Selling Your Condo
July 12, 2026The Rise of Low-Rise Luxury in Scottsdale
Not long ago, ultra-luxury living in Scottsdale meant one of two things: a sprawling 3,000+ square foot home with a large yard, or a residence in a highrise building. Both have their appeal — and their tradeoffs. Large homes come with large maintenance responsibilities. Highrises, for all their amenities, don’t offer the lower-density living and private garage access that many luxury buyers prefer.
That began to change around 2017, when the Villas at Mountain Shadows demonstrated there was strong demand for something in between. Condos in two-story buildings — single level, with garages, in a low-density setting — were selling comfortably in the $2 million+ range. The location didn’t hurt: nestled between Mummy Mountain and Camelback Mountain, steps from the Mountain Shadows Resort with its golf course and restaurant. Developers took notice, and a new category of Scottsdale luxury was born.
Hotel Names Add Cachet
Following the Mountain Shadows blueprint, several developers have since tied their residences to world-class hotel brands — lending instant credibility and a built-in service culture.
The Residences at the Ritz Carlton offer three-story buildings with single-level condos and covered parking options. Concierge, housekeeping, and out-of-town property checks are among the white-glove services available. The community is part of the Ritz Carlton resort and sits adjacent to the Palmeraie development — a 122-acre luxury enclave with upscale shopping and dining that continues to take shape around it.
Adjacent to the iconic Phoenician Resort at the base of Camelback Mountain, Ascent at the Phoenician offers both single-level villas with private garages and low-rise condo buildings — all with top-of-the-line interiors and easy access to the Phoenician’s restaurants and amenities. Hiking trails up Camelback are right outside the community.
Looking for Something More Removed?
For buyers who prefer a quieter, more secluded setting, North Scottsdale delivers. Icon Silverleaf, part of the DC Ranch master-planned community, offers single-level condos within four-story midrise buildings — with the first floor dedicated to parking and a secured lobby. Units are generously sized, with some residences offering expansive square footage, and many have sweeping views of the McDowell Mountains. Residents can walk to the Village Health Club next door, with optional memberships to the luxurious Club at Silverleaf — an 18-hole golf course with spa, pool, and dining.
Which Is Right for You?
Each of these communities offers a distinct lifestyle. The right choice comes down to how you want to live — how close to the action, how much space, how much service, and what view you want to wake up to. Our luxury condo specialists can help you compare resale and new construction options, weigh the tradeoffs, and guide you through the process. Contact us when you’re ready to explore.
Information in this article has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed.
