Trying to decide between Desert Mountain, Troon North, and DC Ranch? You are not alone. Each North Scottsdale area community offers a distinct lifestyle, from private-club golf to village-style living. In this guide, you will learn how they differ on golf access, fees, gates and privacy, trail systems, and day-to-day vibe so you can narrow your short list with confidence. Let’s dive in.
How these communities differ
At a high level, Desert Mountain centers around a private country club lifestyle with multiple championship courses and resort-style amenities. Troon North is known for celebrated desert golf that is public or semi-private, with surrounding neighborhoods that range from gated to open. DC Ranch focuses on village living, community programming, and direct access to trails, with less emphasis on a private golf club inside the master plan.
Desert Mountain overview
Desert Mountain is a high-end, private, gated master-planned community organized into multiple villages around a private club. The culture is membership-centric, with on-site dining, fitness and wellness, and club-driven social events. Many homes are custom luxury estates with desert and mountain views. Buyers who want privacy, on-site services, and a strong club scene often prioritize Desert Mountain.
Troon North overview
Troon North sits near Pinnacle Peak and is anchored by Troon North Golf Club’s two highly regarded courses. The club operates as a public or semi-private venue, so you can access tee times without living behind a private-club gate. Surrounding neighborhoods vary, from gated enclaves to non-gated streets, with custom homes and view-oriented properties. Buyers who want top-tier desert golf and quick access to North Scottsdale dining and retail often look here.
DC Ranch overview
DC Ranch is a master-planned community with a neighborhood-first feel. You will find walkable village centers, parks, community events, and an established trail network that ties into the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. While golf is nearby, the master plan is not built around a multi-course private club. Buyers who value community programming, family-friendly amenities, and easy access to shops and trails tend to favor DC Ranch.
Membership and golf access
Understanding golf access is key, especially if tee times are central to your lifestyle.
Desert Mountain golf access
- Private country club model with multiple championship courses.
- Membership is separate from purchasing a home and is typically required for full access to golf and club amenities.
- Tiers often include full golf and social or limited options. Availability, waitlists, and transfer rules can change, so verify with the club.
Troon North golf access
- Public or semi-private championship golf with memberships or passes that offer preferred access rather than exclusive control.
- You can play as a non-resident, which keeps long-term commitments more flexible for many golfers.
- Popular with players who want top desert golf without a large private-club initiation.
DC Ranch golf access
- The community itself is not centered on a private golf club.
- Residents typically join nearby public or private clubs or play local public courses.
- Serious golfers should evaluate nearby club options and member policies before deciding.
HOA and club fees explained
Before you compare numbers, know the structure. Exact fees change frequently, so request current schedules from the HOA or club.
Fee categories to expect
- Master HOA assessments that cover common areas, landscaping, private roads, parks, and some amenities.
- Sub-association or village fees for gated enclaves with extra services or amenities.
- Club initiation fees, which are one-time and can be substantial, for private club membership.
- Ongoing club dues, often monthly or annually, that fund course and amenity operations.
- Capital or special assessments in some years for large projects or reserves.
Desert Mountain fee model
- Expect two parallel costs: HOA assessments plus separate private club initiation and dues if you want full club access.
- Membership availability and transfer rules can apply, so request the current membership packet.
Troon North fee model
- Neighborhood HOA fees vary by subdivision.
- Golf is a separate public or semi-private expense, with green fees or optional memberships typically less capital-intensive than ultra-private clubs.
DC Ranch fee model
- HOA-driven costs that usually include community centers, parks, trails, and event programming.
- Since there is no embedded multi-course private club for most residents, monthly costs often align more with community services than golf dues.
Gates, guards, and privacy
Gating affects daily life, guest access, and deliveries. It also influences the overall sense of privacy.
Desert Mountain security
- Multiple staffed guard gates serve the different villages, with robust visitor protocols and community patrols.
- Expect strong privacy and procedures for guests and service providers.
Troon North security
- Mixed environment. The golf club and its parking are public, while residential areas include both gated and non-gated enclaves.
- If a fully gated experience is important, confirm the gate and staffing details for the specific subdivision you are touring.
DC Ranch security
- A combination of gated villages and open-access neighborhoods under an active community association.
- Emphasis on neighborhood patrols and HOA standards rather than universal 24-hour guarded entry for the entire master plan.
Trails and outdoor access
If you spend as much time on the trail as on the tee box, weigh each community’s access to open space.
Desert Mountain trails
- Extensive internal trail systems with scenic desert views.
- Strong appeal for residents who want private-feeling paths and nearby natural areas.
Troon North trails
- Excellent access to regional hiking, including Pinnacle Peak and McDowell Sonoran Preserve trailheads.
- Many neighborhood paths connect to larger desert trail networks.
DC Ranch trails
- Organized community trail network that links villages, parks, and retail centers.
- Direct connections to McDowell Sonoran Preserve make daily hikes and rides simple.
Lifestyle vibe and homes
Consider who you will spend time with, the feel of daily life, and the types of homes you will find.
Desert Mountain lifestyle
- Exclusive, resort-like, and club-centric with multiple dining venues, fitness and wellness, and social programming.
- Many luxury custom estates and view homes. A solid mix of full-time and seasonal residents.
Troon North lifestyle
Desert-forward and golf-oriented with rugged scenery and a sporty tone.
Mix of custom homes and more modest single-family options. Residents often rely on North Scottsdale for dining and retail.
DC Ranch lifestyle
- Village living with community events, walkability, and neighborhood parks.
- A broad resident mix that includes families, professionals, and retirees, with shops and restaurants inside the community.
Quick decision guide
Use these snapshots to line up your priorities.
Primary lifestyle anchor
- Desert Mountain: Private club golf with resort amenities.
- Troon North: High-quality desert golf and outdoor recreation.
- DC Ranch: Village-style neighborhood living and community events.
Golf access
- Desert Mountain: On-site private courses, membership required for full access.
- Troon North: Public or semi-private courses with optional memberships.
- DC Ranch: Join nearby clubs or play public courses.
Privacy and security
- Desert Mountain: Strong privacy with multiple staffed gates.
- Troon North: Mixed gating, golf club access remains public.
- DC Ranch: Combination of gated and open neighborhoods with HOA patrols.
HOA and club costs
- Desert Mountain: HOA plus separate club initiation and dues.
- Troon North: Neighborhood HOAs; golf costs are green fees or optional passes.
- DC Ranch: HOA covers community amenities, not private-club golf for most residents.
Trails and open space
- Desert Mountain: Extensive internal trails and desert vistas.
- Troon North: Close to Pinnacle Peak and McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
- DC Ranch: Community trail network with direct preserve connections.
Typical buyer fit
- Desert Mountain: Privacy-minded buyers seeking a full private-club lifestyle.
- Troon North: Golfers wanting elite desert golf without mandatory club ownership.
- DC Ranch: Buyers prioritizing community, walkability, and family-friendly amenities.
Next steps to choose your fit
Do a little homework before you tour so you can compare apples to apples.
- Clarify your top three priorities, such as golf access, privacy, trail proximity, on-site services, and budget for housing plus recurring HOA and club costs.
- Request HOA budgets, CC&Rs, and community rules from the listing agent. Ask whether any special assessments have occurred in the past five to ten years.
- For clubs, request the current membership packet. Confirm initiation options, dues, waitlists, transfer rules, guest policies, and any differences for residents and non-residents.
- Ask if a specific home includes a transferable membership and what the transfer fees and recertification steps are.
- Tour at different times and days to gauge gate traffic, noise, and the community rhythm. If possible, sample a clubhouse restaurant or attend a public event to feel the social scene.
- For golfers, arrange a tee time or course tour to see practice facilities, locker rooms, and member areas, and to ask about booking policies and reciprocity.
- After touring, make a pros and cons list for each community that covers golf, privacy, fees, amenities, and commute. Request written confirmation of any fee or membership claims before you write an offer.
Ready to explore your shortlist?
Whether you are leaning club-first or community-first, local guidance makes a big difference. As Arizona natives with deep North Scottsdale experience, we tailor tours to your lifestyle and line up the right HOA and club information so you can decide with clarity. When you are ready, reach out to Chad & Cara Dankberg to plan a private tour and compare Desert Mountain, Troon North, and DC Ranch side by side.
FAQs
Do I automatically get club access if I buy in Desert Mountain?
- No. Club membership is separate from the home purchase. Request the current membership packet for tiers, initiation, dues, and any waitlist or transfer rules.
How do HOA fees differ among Desert Mountain, Troon North, and DC Ranch?
- Desert Mountain typically has HOA assessments plus separate private-club costs. Troon North has neighborhood HOAs and public or semi-private golf fees. DC Ranch is HOA-driven for community amenities, with golf handled through nearby courses.
What should golfers know about tee-time access in each area?
- Desert Mountain tee times are generally reserved for members and guests. Troon North offers public or semi-private access with optional memberships for preferred times. DC Ranch residents join nearby clubs or play public courses.
How do gates and security vary across the three communities?
- Desert Mountain features multiple staffed gates and tight visitor protocols. Troon North combines gated and open neighborhoods around a public golf club. DC Ranch mixes gated villages with open areas and community patrols.
Which community offers the best trail access for daily use?
- All three provide strong trail options. Desert Mountain has extensive internal trails, Troon North is close to Pinnacle Peak and regional preserves, and DC Ranch has an integrated community trail network that connects into the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
What documents should I request before making an offer?
- Ask for HOA budgets, CC&Rs, and rules, plus any recent assessment history. For clubs, request membership packets, fee schedules, waitlist status, and transfer policies, and confirm whether the home includes a transferable membership.
