An analysis of Arizona’s residential real estate market using Zillow Home Value Index Data reveals the state’s most expensive neighborhoods as of December 2024.
These 30 areas represent the “worst” neighborhoods to buy in Arizona – not because of any quality issues, but purely because homes in these locations come with the most expensive price tags in the state.
From Scottsdale’s exclusive golf communities to Flagstaff’s mountain retreats, these neighborhoods showcase extraordinary price appreciation over the past decade, with some areas seeing values more than double.
While these locations offer resort-style amenities, stunning desert or mountain views, and often world-class golf courses, their multi-million dollar home values make them accessible only to the most affluent buyers. Let’s explore these premium markets and their evolution over the past ten years.
Here’s the list.
1. Estancia – Scottsdale
- 2014: $2,449,601
- 2019: $2,487,992
- 2024: $4,310,992
- 10-year growth: 76.0%
- 5-year growth: 73.3%
Perched high in the Sonoran Desert, Estancia stands as Arizona’s most exclusive residential community, with its staggering average home value of over $4.3 million representing the pinnacle of Scottsdale luxury living. This private golf club community, situated on 640 acres in the high Sonoran Desert against the backdrop of Pinnacle Peak, combines world-class golf with spectacular desert vistas. The community is renowned for its Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course and its stunning custom homes that blend seamlessly with the natural desert landscape.
2. Whisper Rock – Scottsdale
- 2014: $1,875,108
- 2019: $2,014,153
- 2024: $3,328,645
- 10-year growth: 77.5%
- 5-year growth: 65.3%
Whisper Rock showcases the epitome of desert luxury, with property values soaring past $3.3 million in 2024 and demonstrating remarkable stability in Scottsdale’s high-end market. This exclusive golf community, nestled in the pristine upper Sonoran Desert, spans 800 acres of natural terrain. The neighborhood is distinguished by its two world-class golf courses and custom estates that respect the desert’s natural beauty.
3. Desert Highlands – Scottsdale
- 2014: $1,384,546
- 2019: $1,482,520
- 2024: $2,975,945
- 10-year growth: 114.9%
- 5-year growth: 100.7%
Desert Highlands demonstrates exceptional market strength with values more than doubling over the decade to nearly $3 million, marking an impressive 114.9% appreciation since 2014. Situated at the base of Pinnacle Peak, this pioneering luxury golf community set the standard for desert living in North Scottsdale. The neighborhood features dramatic elevation changes and stunning mountain views, complemented by its Jack Nicklaus signature golf course.
4. Pima Acres – Scottsdale
- 2014: No data
- 2019: No data
- 2024: $2,528,703
- 10-year growth: N/A
- 5-year growth: N/A
Emerging as one of Scottsdale’s premier luxury enclaves, Pima Acres has rapidly established itself with an impressive average home value of over $2.5 million in 2024. Located in the heart of North Scottsdale, this exclusive community features expansive lots and custom estates. The neighborhood’s appeal lies in its combination of privacy, spacious desert properties, and proximity to Scottsdale’s finest amenities.
5. Pine Canyon – Flagstaff
- 2014: $916,957
- 2019: $1,069,441
- 2024: $2,315,464
- 10-year growth: 152.5%
- 5-year growth: 116.5%
Pine Canyon represents Flagstaff’s luxury mountain living at its finest, experiencing phenomenal growth with values more than doubling over the decade to $2.3 million. This private golf club community, set against the backdrop of the San Francisco Peaks, offers a stunning contrast to Arizona’s desert developments. The neighborhood provides an exclusive mountain retreat with four-season recreation and a championship golf course.
6. DC Ranch – Scottsdale
- 2014: $1,110,130
- 2019: $1,249,671
- 2024: $2,285,034
- 10-year growth: 105.8%
- 5-year growth: 82.9%
DC Ranch has evolved into one of Scottsdale’s most prestigious master-planned communities, with home values doubling over ten years to exceed $2.2 million. Nestled against the McDowell Mountains, this sophisticated community spans 4,000 acres of pristine desert landscape. The neighborhood combines luxury homes with extensive amenities, including a country club, multiple parks, and an elaborate trail system.
7. Mirabel Village – Scottsdale
- 2014: $1,269,171
- 2019: $1,340,496
- 2024: $2,230,402
- 10-year growth: 75.7%
- 5-year growth: 66.4%
Mirabel Village exemplifies exclusive desert living, with property values climbing steadily to $2.2 million and showing strong appreciation over both five and ten-year periods. This private golf community sits at an elevation of 3,000 feet, offering cooler temperatures and panoramic views. The neighborhood is anchored by its Tom Fazio-designed golf course and sophisticated desert architecture.
8. Pinnacle Peak Heights – Scottsdale
- 2014: $968,841
- 2019: $1,124,855
- 2024: $2,139,195
- 10-year growth: 120.8%
- 5-year growth: 90.2%
Pinnacle Peak Heights has seen remarkable growth, with values more than doubling to $2.1 million since 2014, reflecting the area’s increasing desirability. This exclusive enclave, positioned near its namesake peak, offers some of the most dramatic views in North Scottsdale. The neighborhood is characterized by its large custom homes on generous lots, providing privacy and pristine desert living.
9. Ancala – Scottsdale
- 2014: $1,021,187
- 2019: $1,124,780
- 2024: $1,947,711
- 10-year growth: 90.7%
- 5-year growth: 73.2%
Ancala demonstrates strong market performance with values nearly doubling over the decade to approach $2 million. This guard-gated golf community, nestled in the McDowell Mountains, offers a blend of luxury and lifestyle. The neighborhood features an award-winning Perry Dye golf course and spectacular mountain views from its elevated position.
10. Windgate Ranch – Scottsdale
- 2014: $942,387
- 2019: $1,071,141
- 2024: $1,917,410
- 10-year growth: 103.5%
- 5-year growth: 79.0%
Windgate Ranch has established itself as a premier luxury community, with values doubling since 2014 to exceed $1.9 million. This Toll Brothers master-planned community in North Scottsdale offers resort-style living with extensive amenities. The neighborhood features a wilderness park, extensive trail system, and stunning desert vistas.
11. Lockett Ranches – Flagstaff
- 2014: No data
- 2019: No data
- 2024: $1,884,910
- 10-year growth: N/A
- 5-year growth: N/A
Lockett Ranches has emerged as one of Flagstaff’s most exclusive communities, commanding nearly $1.9 million for average home values in 2024. This private enclave, situated among ponderosa pines, offers a unique combination of forest living and luxury estates. The neighborhood provides generous acreage lots that ensure privacy while maintaining proximity to Flagstaff’s amenities.
12. Forest Highlands – Flagstaff
- 2014: $832,594
- 2019: $940,539
- 2024: $1,830,493
- 10-year growth: 119.9%
- 5-year growth: 94.6%
Forest Highlands showcases impressive growth with values more than doubling over ten years to $1.83 million, highlighting the increasing appeal of Flagstaff’s luxury market. This prestigious golf community offers an escape from desert heat with its elevation of 7,000 feet. The neighborhood features two championship golf courses and luxury homes nestled among the largest ponderosa pine forest in North America.
13. Sincuidados – Scottsdale
- 2014: $1,015,098
- 2019: $1,039,610
- 2024: $1,793,203
- 10-year growth: 76.7%
- 5-year growth: 72.5%
Sincuidados has maintained its position as one of Scottsdale’s most desirable communities, with values approaching $1.8 million and showing strong recent growth. This guard-gated enclave in North Scottsdale offers privacy and exclusivity. The neighborhood is known for its custom homes on large lots and its convenient location near premier shopping and dining.
14. Weston Ranch – Gilbert
- 2014: No data
- 2019: No data
- 2024: $1,754,154
- 10-year growth: N/A
- 5-year growth: N/A
Weston Ranch represents Gilbert’s entry into the ultra-luxury market, with impressive average values of $1.75 million in 2024. This exclusive new development showcases the evolution of Gilbert’s real estate landscape. The neighborhood features expansive custom homes on large lots, setting a new standard for luxury living in the East Valley.
15. Vasaro – Chandler
- 2014: No data
- 2019: No data
- 2024: $1,732,463
- 10-year growth: N/A
- 5-year growth: N/A
Vasaro emerges as Chandler’s premier luxury community with homes averaging $1.73 million in 2024. This new development exemplifies the transformation of Chandler’s high-end real estate market. The neighborhood offers resort-style amenities and custom estates that cater to the area’s growing luxury buyer pool.
16. Whitewing at Higley – Gilbert
- 2014: $779,333
- 2019: $1,007,230
- 2024: $1,686,480
- 10-year growth: 116.4%
- 5-year growth: 67.4%
Whitewing at Higley demonstrates remarkable growth with values more than doubling since 2014 to exceed $1.68 million. This exclusive Gilbert community offers an upscale suburban lifestyle with rural charm. The neighborhood features custom homes on expansive lots, many with private horse facilities and agricultural privileges.
17. Circle G Ranches – Tempe
- 2014: No data
- 2019: No data
- 2024: $1,667,438
- 10-year growth: N/A
- 5-year growth: N/A
Circle G Ranches stands out as Tempe’s most exclusive enclave, with homes averaging $1.67 million in 2024. This established community offers a unique blend of urban convenience and estate living. The neighborhood provides generous lots and custom homes while maintaining easy access to Arizona State University and downtown Tempe.
18. Happy Valley Ranch – Scottsdale
- 2014: $723,375
- 2019: $842,489
- 2024: $1,541,877
- 10-year growth: 113.2%
- 5-year growth: 83.0%
Happy Valley Ranch showcases impressive appreciation, with values more than doubling over ten years to exceed $1.54 million. This North Scottsdale community combines desert living with equestrian facilities. The neighborhood offers large lots with custom homes, many featuring horse privileges and direct access to desert trails.
19. Troon – Scottsdale
- 2014: $753,857
- 2019: $842,350
- 2024: $1,511,008
- 10-year growth: 100.4%
- 5-year growth: 79.4%
Troon exemplifies the enduring appeal of North Scottsdale’s golf communities, with values doubling over the decade to $1.51 million. This established luxury development is centered around its world-renowned golf courses. The neighborhood offers stunning views of Pinnacle Peak and the McDowell Mountains, along with extensive recreational amenities.
20. Warner Estates – Tempe
- 2014: No data
- 2019: No data
- 2024: $1,441,981
- 10-year growth: N/A
- 5-year growth: N/A
Warner Estates represents Tempe’s growing luxury market with impressive average values of $1.44 million in 2024. This established community offers large estate homes in a prime location. The neighborhood combines privacy with convenient access to major employment centers, ASU’s campus, and the vibrant downtown Tempe restaurant and entertainment scene.
21. Paradise Park – Scottsdale
- 2014: $571,459
- 2019: $723,411
- 2024: $1,398,402
- 10-year growth: 144.7%
- 5-year growth: 93.3%
Paradise Park demonstrates remarkable growth with values nearly tripling over the decade to approach $1.4 million. This established North Scottsdale community offers a perfect blend of natural desert beauty and urban convenience. The neighborhood features custom homes on generous lots, with many properties offering panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains and city lights.
22. The Monterra – Scottsdale
- 2014: $668,415
- 2019: $794,166
- 2024: $1,381,023
- 10-year growth: 106.6%
- 5-year growth: 73.9%
The Monterra has shown consistent appreciation, with values more than doubling since 2014 to exceed $1.38 million. This private North Scottsdale community is known for its elevated desert homesites and architectural diversity. The neighborhood provides residents with stunning mountain views and easy access to premium shopping and dining destinations.
23. Citrus – Mesa
- 2014: $644,349
- 2019: $795,080
- 2024: $1,351,132
- 10-year growth: 109.7%
- 5-year growth: 69.9%
Citrus represents Mesa’s luxury market evolution, with home values more than doubling over ten years to $1.35 million. This historic citrus grove area has transformed into an exclusive residential enclave. The neighborhood maintains its agricultural heritage with large lots, mature landscaping, and a rural atmosphere despite its convenient urban location.
24. Lakeside Acres – Flagstaff
- 2014: $549,890
- 2019: $719,427
- 2024: $1,300,197
- 10-year growth: 136.4%
- 5-year growth: 80.7%
Lakeside Acres showcases Flagstaff’s premium market strength with values more than doubling to $1.3 million since 2014. This sought-after community combines mountain living with water features unique to the high country. The neighborhood offers custom homes surrounded by ponderosa pines, with many properties enjoying water or forest views.
25. Calliandra Estates – Gilbert
- 2014: No data
- 2019: No data
- 2024: $1,275,521
- 10-year growth: N/A
- 5-year growth: N/A
Calliandra Estates emerges as one of Gilbert’s premier luxury communities with impressive average values of $1.27 million in 2024. This newer development showcases the evolution of Gilbert’s upscale residential market. The neighborhood features spacious custom homes with high-end finishes and resort-style community amenities.
26. Spyglass Estates – Mesa
- 2014: $623,452
- 2019: $738,317
- 2024: $1,263,050
- 10-year growth: 102.6%
- 5-year growth: 71.1%
Spyglass Estates exemplifies Mesa’s luxury transformation with values doubling over the decade to exceed $1.26 million. This exclusive gated community offers elevated living in the East Valley. The neighborhood features custom homes on large lots, many with stunning views of the Superstition Mountains and city lights.
27. Scottsdale Mountain – Scottsdale
- 2014: $649,442
- 2019: $724,542
- 2024: $1,260,462
- 10-year growth: 94.1%
- 5-year growth: 74.0%
Scottsdale Mountain demonstrates strong appreciation with values nearly doubling to $1.26 million over ten years. This established community occupies an enviable position on the slopes of the McDowell Mountains. The neighborhood is known for its dramatic elevation changes, offering homes with spectacular valley views and direct access to mountain preserves.
28. Buenavante – Scottsdale
- 2014: $522,714
- 2019: $678,045
- 2024: $1,250,976
- 10-year growth: 139.3%
- 5-year growth: 84.5%
Buenavante shows impressive growth with values more than doubling since 2014 to $1.25 million. This intimate North Scottsdale community offers luxury living in a boutique setting. The neighborhood features custom homes designed to complement the natural desert landscape, with residents enjoying both privacy and proximity to urban amenities.
29. Flagstaff Ranch – Flagstaff
- 2014: $460,117
- 2019: $633,280
- 2024: $1,236,321
- 10-year growth: 168.7%
- 5-year growth: 95.2%
Flagstaff Ranch leads the market in appreciation with an extraordinary 168.7% growth over the decade, reaching $1.23 million in 2024. This private golf community offers four-season mountain living at its finest. The neighborhood combines luxury homes with extensive amenities, including a championship golf course and clubhouse, all surrounded by the Coconino National Forest.
30. Circle G Riggs Ranch – Chandler
- 2014: $624,607
- 2019: $742,485
- 2024: $1,221,937
- 10-year growth: 95.6%
- 5-year growth: 64.6%
Circle G Riggs Ranch rounds out Arizona’s top 30 with impressive appreciation, nearly doubling in value over the past decade to reach $1.22 million in 2024. This prestigious Chandler enclave offers large custom homes on generous lots, providing a perfect blend of luxury and suburban comfort. The neighborhood’s location near the Loop 202 provides easy access to tech corridors while maintaining its peaceful, semi-rural atmosphere.
Isn’t it wild how Arizona’s skyrocketing home prices push retirees out while also making it tough for younger families? We really need better planning that focuses on affordable living for everyone.
It’s surprising how the rising home prices in Arizona create such a squeeze on both retirees and younger families alike. The struggle for affordable housing really highlights the challenges many face in finding a place to call home. Totally feel you on that. we need more affordable options!
It’s definitely surprising to see how rising home prices affect both retirees and younger families alike. The struggle for affordable housing seems to be a growing concern for everyone, regardless of their stage in life. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
not in the west valley.