Need info on family communities in Scottsdale (Phoenix: attorney, real estate)

[LisaZ]

Hi,
My family is moving to Scottsdale next year. We have already been out there to look and like McDowell Mtn Ranch, Stonegate and Grayhawk based on houses we saw. We really want to stay in the 85255 or 85260 zip code. I understand Desert Mountain High is a higher rated school than Saguara (although they are close). Can anyone help me understand the differences between the various communities in that area? We want to be around families with young children, have a community center in the development and would like friendly neighbors since we won't know anyone when we get out there. What are the differences between McDowell, Grayhawk, DC ranch, Stonegate, and Ancala? We like that area so if anyone can tell us about those and any others around there.
We don't play golf but would rather have a house with some view. We saw great views at McDowell and like the "tropical" setting of Stonegate.
Thanks so much.

[nolagirl]

I too am interested in this information. If anyone knows, can you please help us out. Thanks!

[nevercoldcall]

With all due respect for your decision to move to Scottsdale, I wouldn't raise a child there in a million years. That's one of the principal reasons we left the area. The schools are horribly rated, neighborhoods generally aren't family-friendly (it's mostly "nouveau-riche") and Scottsdale natives tend to be self-important snobs who won't even associate with anyone who is non-Scottsdale, even if they live right across the street in Phoenix.

[LisaZ]

Originally Posted by nevercoldcall

With all due respect for your decision to move to Scottsdale, I wouldn't raise a child there in a million years. That's one of the principal reasons we left the area. The schools are horribly rated, neighborhoods generally aren't family-friendly (it's mostly "nouveau-riche") and Scottsdale natives tend to be self-important snobs who won't even associate with anyone who is non-Scottsdale, even if they live right across the street in Phoenix.

I am unsure why you are commenting on this? From the strings you have, you do nothing but bash Scottsdale, yet you lived in Phoenix - not Scottsdale and don't live there anymore -you moved to CA. Also, it sounds like you don't even have kids. No offense, but you really don't have the experience to comment. Before I had children I really didn't have the clue I thought I had about schools etc. I have looked into the schools and they are rated 9's and 10's out of a scale of 1-10 which is based on Arizona test guidelines- which you are correct most Arizona schools are rated poorly. But it is also rated on % that go to college and SAT scores and AP classes- which are national rating requirements. When I compare the ratings to where I live (which has excellent schools nationwide-many are in the top rated), we have the same 8's, 9's and 10's. I also know a few people who have moved there and love it. It seems like the comments on this website from people who hate Scottsdale are those that don't live in Scottsdale but live on bordering cities. Also, we are not "self-important" snobs and maybe you need more people like that moving in to change the mix. Scottsdale has a lot of people from other States that have moved there so the demographics are changing and it is becoming more cosmopolitan. We want that- we don't want homogenous which is usually less cultured and accepting of others.
I am not asking should I move, I am asking specifically about neighborhoods and what they have to offer.
Thanks for your 2 cents, but it seems like that is all you do is bash Scottsdale. Why? If you moved an are happy - then good for you, but then you wouldn't be on here always writing about Scottsdale unless you have a personal vendetta.

[SpeedyAZ]

Lisa- Don't pay any attention to him, he really has nothing better to do with his time than to bash a city he doesn't even live in on an internet forum.

Anyway I live in Grayhawk and love it. There are two seperate areas; The Park (very family friendly) and the Retreat (more single crowd and retirees). McDowell is probably the most affordable and you can get the most bang for your buck. I also believe it has the best views (although Grayhawk has some nice ones as well).

Don't know too much about Stonegate. DC Ranch and Ancala are both quite nice, Ancala is probably the best of the two but also the most expensive.

Honestly you can't really go wrong with any of these communities. Good luck on your move.

[Stumblina]

Originally Posted by nevercoldcall

With all due respect for your decision to move to Scottsdale, I wouldn't raise a child there in a million years. That's one of the principal reasons we left the area. The schools are horribly rated, neighborhoods generally aren't family-friendly (it's mostly "nouveau-riche") and Scottsdale natives tend to be self-important snobs who won't even associate with anyone who is non-Scottsdale, even if they live right across the street in Phoenix.

I know lots of people who live in Scottsdale and NONE of them are "nouveau riche" or self-important snobs (well, except the attorney I know who lives in DC Ranch - totally joking). I've always found Scottsdale to be a VERY friendly place! You almost sound a little jealous of the Scottsdaleonians!

[LisaZ]

Originally Posted by LisaZ

Hi,
My family is moving to Scottsdale next year. We have already been out there to look and like McDowell Mtn Ranch, Stonegate and Grayhawk based on houses we saw. We really want to stay in the 85255 or 85260 zip code. I understand Desert Mountain High is a higher rated school than Saguara (although they are close). Can anyone help me understand the differences between the various communities in that area? We want to be around families with young children, have a community center in the development and would like friendly neighbors since we won't know anyone when we get out there. What are the differences between McDowell, Grayhawk, DC ranch, Stonegate, and Ancala? We like that area so if anyone can tell us about those and any others around there.
We don't play golf but would rather have a house with some view. We saw great views at McDowell and like the "tropical" setting of Stonegate.
Thanks so much.

Restatement, 85255 or 85259 zip.

[LisaZ]

Originally Posted by SpeedyAZ

Lisa- Don't pay any attention to him, he really has nothing better to do with his time than to bash a city he doesn't even live in on an internet forum.

Anyway I live in Grayhawk and love it. There are two seperate areas; The Park (very family friendly) and the Retreat (more single crowd and retirees). McDowell is probably the most affordable and you can get the most bang for your buck. I also believe it has the best views (although Grayhawk has some nice ones as well).

Don't know too much about Stonegate. DC Ranch and Ancala are both quite nice, Ancala is probably the best of the two but also the most expensive.

Honestly you can't really go wrong with any of these communities. Good luck on your move.

Yes, the best views we saw (but that was based on what was available and had the criteria we were looking for), was in McDowell. I love seeing the mountains and my husband loved the tropical setting of Stonegate (losts of palm trees and green). The nice houses in McDowell with the views that we liked were both about $889k asking (for about 2,700 sq. feet and nicely updated -granite, nice kitchens, stainless appl, stone&wood floors, 4 BR, 3Bath, 3 car garage)-and they are already off the market. I think for that we can get comparable in Stonegate and Grayhawk. I don't know about Ancala (there wasn't much for what we were looking for in that price range) and DC Ranch doens't appeal to us. We don't get it with the prices there. It seems like there are no views, the houses are on top of each other and 2 level with is not condusive to the desert enviroment (high utilities etc). I realize DC has the marketplace etc. but is there something I am missing about that community?

[scottsdaleite]

I have no idea what happened to coldcall in Scottsdale, but I could not disagree more with him - it has good schools, low crime rates, and the friendliest people in the valley. I moved here in 1978 and would never consider leavin. With regard to the communities you mention, they are all very good areas with very nice housing. I don't think you could go wrong with any of them - although I would be relucant to pay Ancala prices if you dont golf much.

You might also look at the new development going up (Toll Brothers) just off the 101 North of Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd if you are looking for something new. That community would fit all your requirements if you can afford to live there.

Good Luck

[squires74]

the community that scottsdaleite is talking about is, Windgate ranch. I personally think Mcdowell Mtn. Ranch has better view because it is a higher elevation. Good Luck and let me know if you need any real estate stats on Scottsdale. thanks,