The best private communities in Arizona offer a rare blend of luxury, privacy, and lifestyle that’s drawing high-net-worth buyers from across the country. With over 300 days of sunshine, championship golf courses, and a tax-friendly environment, Arizona is quickly becoming the top choice for affluent individuals relocating from places like Washington, California, and New York. Whether you’re searching for a second home, a full-time residence, or a long-term investment, these exclusive communities, located in some of Arizona’s wealthiest cities, provide the perfect setting for refined desert living.
Our clients consistently rave about these private communities in Arizona, each perfectly suited for discerning buyers who prioritize exclusivity, refined elegance, and an elevated lifestyle.
1. Silverleaf – Scottsdale
Nestled in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, Silverleaf is often regarded as the crown jewel of Arizona’s private communities. This ultra-exclusive enclave within DC Ranch offers custom estates, stunning desert views, and privacy that attracts CEOs, professional athletes, and industry leaders.
Highlights:
- Guard-gated entry and private streets
- The Silverleaf Club: a Tom Weiskopf-designed championship golf course, spa, and fine dining
- Custom homes ranging from $4M to over $30M
- Access to hiking trails, nearby restaurants, and shopping at Market Street
Why Buyers Love It:
Silverleaf combines the sophistication of a luxury resort with the tranquility of desert living. Its expansive lots and timeless architecture appeal to buyers seeking prestige and permanence. The community also features a strong philanthropic network, making it a hub for both affluence and social influence in Arizona.
2. Desert Mountain – North Scottsdale
Located on over 8,000 acres in the high Sonoran Desert, Desert Mountain offers one of the most complete luxury lifestyles in the country. It boasts seven private golf courses, all designed by Jack Nicklaus, and is known for its strong sense of community and emphasis on wellness, nature, and active living.
Highlights:
- 7 golf courses + 7 clubhouses
- A newly built $12M spa and wellness center
- Tennis, pickleball, biking trails, and social programming
- Homes range from lock-and-leave villas to sprawling estates ($1.5M–$20M)
Why Buyers Love It:
Desert Mountain is a paradise for active luxury living. The community hosts culinary events, art shows, and nature walks, allowing residents to truly immerse themselves in a vibrant, year-round lifestyle. With elevations up to 4,500 feet, summer temperatures are often cooler than in other parts of Scottsdale, making it especially appealing to seasonal residents.
3. Paradise Valley Estates – Paradise Valley
For those who value discretion, elegance, and a central location, Paradise Valley is unmatched. This town is home to Arizona’s wealthiest residents and offers a limited number of gated estates nestled between Camelback Mountain and Mummy Mountain.
Highlights:
- No commercial zoning: pure residential privacy
- Close to Scottsdale and Phoenix’s best private schools, hospitals, and restaurants
- Home to several gated neighborhoods and custom estates ($3M–$30M+)
- Panoramic views and lush desert landscaping
Why Buyers Love It:
Paradise Valley feels like Beverly Hills in the desert. Estate homes sit on oversized lots with lush landscaping, many featuring private tennis courts, pools, and guesthouses. This area is especially popular with buyers seeking to build legacy estates or escape urban density while staying minutes from top-tier dining, shopping, and culture.
4. Estancia – Scottsdale
Estancia is a highly exclusive, gated golf community located at the base of Pinnacle Peak. It has earned a reputation as one of the most architecturally stunning communities in Arizona, with custom homes designed to blend into the surrounding desert landscape.
Highlights:
- Award-winning Tom Fazio golf course
- Private Estancia Club with world-class service
- Tight-knit community of less than 300 homes
- Homes from $2M to $10M+
Why Buyers Love It:
Estancia offers quiet sophistication, flawless design, and breathtaking views. The community’s high elevation and boulder-strewn setting create dramatic backdrops for homes, many of which feature indoor-outdoor designs that embrace the Sonoran Desert. With a limited number of memberships and a well-established social calendar, it’s ideal for those who value a low-key, high-luxury experience.
5. Superstition Mountain – Gold Canyon
A bit farther east of Phoenix, Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club is a hidden gem that offers incredible value without sacrificing luxury. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Superstition Mountains, this gated community combines resort-style living with a small-town charm.
Highlights:
- Two private Nicklaus-designed golf courses
- Tuscan-inspired architecture
- Gated with 24/7 security
- Homes starting around $800K to $3M+
Why Buyers Love It:
Perfect for buyers who want mountain views, value for investment, and a slightly quieter lifestyle away from the busy Scottsdale scene. Superstition Mountain offers a serene setting and community-oriented atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for retirees or families looking for a luxurious yet peaceful home base.
6. The Village at Seven Desert Mountain
If you’re seeking new construction within a fully private setting, The Village at Seven is Desert Mountain’s newest addition. It’s modern, sleek, and tailor-made for buyers who prioritize low-maintenance luxury with access to all of Desert Mountain’s world-class amenities.
Highlights:
- Contemporary homes with golf views and outdoor living spaces
- Direct access to the USGA-rated Par-54 course, Seven
- Private patios, plunge pools, and indoor-outdoor layouts
- Prices start around $2M+
Why Buyers Love It:
The Village at Seven is designed for today’s modern buyer — one who craves luxury without the upkeep. With lock-and-leave convenience, it’s ideal for frequent travelers or second-home owners. The development also fosters a more casual, family-friendly atmosphere than some of its sister communities, without sacrificing any of the prestige.
7. Pine Canyon – Flagstaff
For those who want cooler weather, tall pines, and high elevation, Pine Canyon in Flagstaff is a premier mountain retreat community offering golf, wellness, and serenity just two hours from Phoenix.
Highlights:
- Championship golf by Jay Morrish
- Luxury cabins, condos, and estates with forest and mountain views
- Gated with full concierge and wellness programming
- Popular for second homes or summer escapes ($1M–$5M)
Why Buyers Love It:
Pine Canyon is a refreshing contrast to desert communities — offering fresh air, nature, and a true four-season escape while maintaining high-end service and amenities. Residents enjoy trout-stocked ponds, a private kids’ camp, and nearby skiing in the winter. It’s a popular choice for affluent Arizona residents looking for a summer getaway or dual-season living.
Make the Move: Arizona’s Exclusive Lifestyle Awaits
Arizona’s private communities deliver an elevated lifestyle that blends luxury, leisure, and legacy. Whether you’re seeking desert vistas, mountain retreats, or golf course living, these gated neighborhoods offer unmatched privacy, security, and community. With no state income tax and a rising luxury real estate market, relocating or investing in Arizona is a smart move — both emotionally and financially.
If you’re considering relocating to Arizona, our team of luxury real estate agents offers white-glove relocation services tailored to your lifestyle. From private showings to tax-smart strategies, we’ll help you transition to your dream home in Arizona.