Scottsdale Retirement Communities: Homes for Sale in Scottsdale 55+ Communities Live MLS listings, updated all day:
Scottsdale · 55+ · Condos · Country ClubsScottsdale Retirement Communities: The Honest Local Guide
Planning a retirement move to Scottsdale? It’s one of the most beautiful places in Arizona to live. However, it’s also one of the most misunderstood 55+ markets in the state. Here’s the real picture, with prices.
Here’s what most websites won’t tell you: there are only a few true Scottsdale retirement communities. Scottsdale doesn’t have giant, all-in-one 55+ communities like Sun City or Sun Lakes. Instead, the age-restricted ones here are small, older, or high-end. Founder Jarl Kubat has spent 22+ years helping buyers sort through Arizona’s 55+ market. So this page lays out every real option, including the condos and golf clubs that live like a 55+ community without the age rule.
Why Scottsdale ranks so high
In 2026, Scottsdale was named one of the top places to retire in the country, ranking fourth in WalletHub’s study of 182 U.S. cities, as reported by KTAR News. It scored especially well for quality of life. Of course, rankings change from year to year, so take it as a snapshot.
Does Scottsdale have 55+ retirement communities?
Yes, but fewer than most buyers expect. In fact, Scottsdale has four true 55+ communities that we follow closely. Each one is small, so homes come up only now and then. That’s why it pays to know them all before one hits the market.
Villa Monterey
A beloved midcentury 55+ community near Old Town. It’s made up of single-level patio homes in several small associations. As a result, dues run only about $525 to $808 a year.
Scottsdale Heights
A newer, boutique 55+ community of about 75 single-level villas in North Scottsdale. Because there are so few, a home here moves fast when one comes up.
Golden Keys
A small 55+ community of midcentury townhomes built in the 1960s, many designed by Ralph Haver. Also, the 2026 HOA is only about $81 a month.
Heritage Village IV
A small 55+ community in Scottsdale Ranch, with a pool and tennis. Meanwhile, shopping, medical care, and golf are all close by.
Prices come from Arizona Regional MLS reports from the fall of 2026 (Scottsdale Heights uses six months of sales). They change often, so call or text (480) 710-6326 for today’s numbers.
Overwhelmed? Not sure where to start? Answer four quick questions, and we’ll show you the two or three communities to look at first.
Take the 1-Minute QuizScottsdale homes by lifestyle
Most retirees here aren’t shopping for a retirement community. Instead, they want a certain way of living, like a gate, a golf course or less upkeep. So pick the style of living you want, and the listings will follow.
55+ communities
First, homes in Scottsdale’s age-restricted communities, all in one search.
Gated communities
Next, homes inside gated neighborhoods. Also, many Scottsdale homes have a private gate of their own, so ask us if that matters to you.
Golf communities
In addition, single-family homes in golf communities, many with fairway or mountain views.
Twin homes, townhomes and patio homes
Also, less yard and less upkeep, often with a shared wall and a community pool.
Loft living
Finally, lofts, condos and penthouses you own in multi-story buildings. Many have fitness centers and locked entrances.
Live listings in Scottsdale 55+ communities
Scottsdale retirement communities without an age rule
This is Scottsdale’s secret. Many of its best neighborhoods aren’t age-restricted. Still, they draw a large 55+ crowd and offer the same lifestyle: golf, clubs, events, and neighbors in the same stage of life.
Golf and country club living
Terravita in North Scottsdale is a great example. It’s guard gated, with homes that recently sold from about $625,000 to $1.6 million. It’s marketed to active adults, but it’s not age-restricted. Meanwhile, the HOA runs about $483 a month, plus a one-time $12,000 capital fee. Golf memberships are separate.
Scottsdale’s private country clubs
Scottsdale is home to some of the best private golf clubs in the country. Keep in mind that a club and a neighborhood aren’t the same thing. Membership rules vary by club. Some are tied to owning a home in the club’s community, while many accept members from anywhere. Also, none of them are age-restricted. Here are the ones our buyers ask about most:
Desert Mountain Club
A private club in far north Scottsdale, inside the Desert Mountain community, with several Jack Nicklaus courses.
The Mirabel Club
In addition, it’s a private, member-owned club in north Scottsdale with a Tom Fazio course.
Terravita Golf and Country Club
Similarly, it’s a private club inside Terravita in north Scottsdale, with an 18-hole course that opened in 1994.
The Estancia Club
Meanwhile, this is a private, member-owned club at the base of Pinnacle Peak, with a Tom Fazio course.
Troon Country Club
Likewise, it’s a private club near Pinnacle Peak with a desert course and a busy social calendar.
Pinnacle Peak Country Club
Also, it’s a private club in north Scottsdale with a flat, walkable parkland-style course.
The Country Club at DC Ranch
In addition, it’s a private club in DC Ranch, with a Tom Lehman course and McDowell Mountain views.
The Silverleaf Club
Similarly, it’s a private, invite-only club inside the Silverleaf enclave in DC Ranch.
Gainey Ranch Golf Club
Meanwhile, this is a private 27-hole club in central Scottsdale, inside the guard-gated Gainey Ranch community.
Ask us about membership and homes nearby.
Ancala Country Club
Likewise, it’s a private club in the McDowell Mountain foothills of east Scottsdale.
To see what’s for sale in communities like these, use our golf communities search. Then call us, and we’ll walk you through the club costs, which can be a big part of the price.
Condos and lock-and-leave living
If you want to walk to dinner and galleries, Scottsdale’s condos are hard to beat. For example, Old Town and the Waterfront have both established and newer buildings. With a condo, you can lock the door and travel for months. Just know that each building has its own rules, fees, and reserves, so we check them for you before you buy.
💡 Founder Jarl Kubat’s take on Scottsdale retirement communities
Many Scottsdale buyers start out looking for a “55+ community.” Then they see how many other good options there are, like a single-level condo near Old Town or a golf community like Terravita. So we start with how you want to live, then show you every option, age rule or not. Also, we only help you buy homes where you own the land.
Why people retire in Scottsdale
- Healthcare: Mayo Clinic’s Arizona campus and HonorHealth hospitals are close by.
- Shopping and dining: Scottsdale Fashion Square, Kierland Commons, and Old Town are all here.
- Arts: the Scottsdale Arts District, Museum of the West, and the Center for the Performing Arts.
- Outdoors: the McDowell Sonoran Preserve has miles of trails, and golf courses are everywhere.
Of course, Scottsdale is a premium market. If budget comes first, we’ll also show you nearby options that stretch your dollar further. For example, compare our guide to West Valley 55+ communities or the Rio Verde area just northeast of Scottsdale. Nearby, see our guides to Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills and retirement communities in Phoenix.
Thinking about Scottsdale?
I’m Jarl Kubat, a licensed Arizona agent with 22+ years in the state’s 55+ communities. Tell me how you want to live, and I’ll show you every Scottsdale option that fits, with an honest read on each one.
Call or Text: (480) 710-6326 Contact PageScottsdale retirement communities: FAQ
Choosing a community
What are the best retirement communities in Scottsdale, AZ?
For a true 55+ community, Villa Monterey and Scottsdale Heights are the ones we point to most, with Golden Keys and Heritage Village IV as smaller options. If you don’t need an age rule, Terravita and Scottsdale’s condos are great fits too.
Does Scottsdale have a lot of 55+ communities?
No. Scottsdale has only a few, and they’re small. By contrast, Sun City, Sun City West, and Sun Lakes each have thousands of homes. That’s why many Scottsdale buyers also look at condos and golf communities.
Is Scottsdale a good place to retire?
For many people, yes. It ranked fourth in WalletHub’s 2026 study of the best places to retire, with top marks for quality of life. The main trade-off is cost, since Scottsdale is a premium market.
Costs and buying
Are there gated 55+ communities in Scottsdale?
Not really. Scottsdale’s true 55+ communities are small and mostly not gated. However, many gated golf communities draw active adults, so see our gated communities search above.
Are there new 55+ homes in Scottsdale?
Very few. Scottsdale Heights is the newest true 55+ community we follow. Otherwise, most new homes here are in all-ages communities.
What’s the most affordable 55+ option in Scottsdale?
Villa Monterey and Golden Keys usually offer the lowest prices among Scottsdale’s 55+ communities, with low dues as well. Still, Scottsdale prices run higher than most West Valley 55+ communities.
Do I have to buy in an age-restricted community to retire in Scottsdale?
No. Many active adults choose golf communities or condos with no age rule. If an age rule matters to you, we’ll find one. If not, we’ll show you the whole city.
Do you help buyers in other parts of the Valley?
Yes. We work in 55+ communities across the West Valley and the East Valley, so we can compare Scottsdale side by side with the rest of the Phoenix area.
More guides
- Moving to a retirement community in Arizona — our 7-step plan.
- Best places to retire in Arizona — our favorite communities, with prices.
- Arizona 55+ HOA fees — dues and one-time fees, side by side.
- Every community we serve — West Valley, East Valley, and beyond.
Community information: Prices, dues, one-time fees, gates, and age rules are set by each community and change without notice. Therefore, figures here are summarized for general information as of fall 2026. Confirm current details with each association or your licensed agent before you rely on them. This page is independent, buyer-focused information and is not affiliated with any association. Jarl Kubat is a licensed Arizona real estate agent with West USA Realty.
Listing accuracy: Property listings and sales data are drawn from the Arizona Regional MLS and are believed accurate but not guaranteed. Since listings change throughout the day, confirm details with your agent before relying on them.