McCormick Ranch: Classic Scottsdale Living in the Heart of the City

If you’re looking for an established Scottsdale neighborhood with mature landscaping, parks, lakes, walking and biking paths, and convenient access to shopping and dining, McCormick Ranch continues to be one of Central Scottsdale’s most recognizable communities.

Located primarily in the 85258 zip code, McCormick Ranch was Scottsdale’s first large-scale master-planned community. Before development began, the area was part of the expansive ranch owned by Anne and Fowler McCormick. The property was sold for development in 1970, and the McCormick Ranch Property Owners’ Association was established in 1972. Today, the community encompasses more than 3,000 acres and includes thousands of residences along with golf courses, lakes, parks, shopping centers and businesses.

Homes in McCormick Ranch

One of the things that makes McCormick Ranch interesting from a real estate perspective is the variety of housing.

Most of the original residential development occurred during the 1970s and 1980s, with the broader community developing from approximately 1972 through the late 1980s. As a result, buyers will find everything from homes retaining their original architecture to extensively remodeled properties with contemporary finishes and redesigned floor plans.

Housing options include single-family detached homes, patio homes, townhomes, condominiums and apartments. Architectural styles vary considerably between neighborhoods, and lot locations can also be very different. Some homes back to greenbelts or golf courses, while others offer lakefront settings or quieter interior neighborhood locations.

That variety is part of the appeal. Buyers who appreciate established neighborhoods can find homes with mature trees and landscaping that are difficult to replicate in newer desert developments, while buyers wanting a more modern interior can often find beautifully renovated properties within the community.

Parks, Lakes & the Greenbelt

Outdoor recreation is one of McCormick Ranch’s defining features.

The community connects with Scottsdale’s Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, an approximately 11-mile corridor of parks, lakes, golf courses and multi-use pathways running through Central Scottsdale. Its grade-separated crossings allow walkers and cyclists to travel significant distances while avoiding many major street crossings.

Within McCormick Ranch itself, residents have convenient access to Comanche Park, Shoshone Park and Mountain View Park. Depending on the park, amenities include playgrounds, sports courts, fields, ramadas, walking paths and open grassy areas.

Just outside the community is one of Scottsdale’s best-known family attractions, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. The 30-acre park features train rides, a vintage carousel, playground areas, picnic facilities, railroad exhibits and museums. The land has a direct connection to the McCormick family, which donated acreage to the City of Scottsdale for park use in 1967.

Golf in Your Backyard

Golf is another major part of the McCormick Ranch landscape.

McCormick Ranch Golf Club opened in 1972 and offers two 18-hole courses. The golf courses, lakes and surrounding green spaces contribute significantly to the established, lush appearance that distinguishes McCormick Ranch from many newer Scottsdale communities.

Shopping, Dining & Everyday Amenities

McCormick Ranch was designed as more than simply a collection of residential subdivisions. Commercial areas were incorporated into the master plan so residents could have shopping, dining and services nearby. The McCormick Ranch Property Owners’ Association notes that the larger community includes numerous shopping centers as well as resorts, medical services and other businesses.

Neighborhood centers such as Paseo Village, Mercado Del Lago Mall and The Village at Hayden provide convenient access to restaurants, coffee shops, fitness, personal services and everyday shopping.

Residents are also close to HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, Mustang Library and the Loop 101, while Old Town Scottsdale, Scottsdale Fashion Square, Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter are all within relatively easy driving distance.

Why Buyers Continue to Consider McCormick Ranch

McCormick Ranch offers something increasingly difficult to find in Scottsdale: an established neighborhood that combines a central location with significant green space.

The community has had more than 50 years for its landscaping to mature, and its network of lakes, parks, golf courses and pathways gives many neighborhoods a distinctly different feel from newer developments farther north.

For buyers, the diversity of housing also creates opportunities at different price points and lifestyles—from a low-maintenance condominium or patio home to a remodeled single-family residence, golf-course property or lakefront home.

For sellers, McCormick Ranch's name recognition, central Scottsdale location and recreational amenities can all be important components of positioning a property for sale.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in McCormick Ranch?

Every subdivision within McCormick Ranch is a little different, and property values can vary considerably based on home condition, remodeling, lot size, subdivision, golf-course or lake frontage and proximity to the Greenbelt.

If you're considering buying a home in McCormick Ranch—or you're curious what your current McCormick Ranch property may be worth—I would be happy to provide a personalized market analysis and help you better understand the current Scottsdale real estate market.

Lisa Ramos