Thinking about a Scottsdale golf community but unsure what your fees actually buy you? You’re not alone. From club memberships to HOA dues, the details can feel overwhelming when you’re comparing neighborhoods and lifestyles. In this guide, you’ll learn how amenities and fee structures work, what they mean for your day-to-day routine, and how to evaluate long-term value. You’ll also see quick snapshots of five well-known communities to help you narrow your list. Let’s dive in.
How golf community models differ
Private, semi-private, and public/resort
Scottsdale offers several models of golf living. Private clubs reserve course access for members and their guests. Semi-private clubs sell both memberships and some public tee times. Public or resort courses may sit within or near a community without requiring membership. Many master-planned neighborhoods operate the golf club as a separate entity, so you can live there without joining the club.
HOA vs. club: who does what
Your HOA typically handles community rules, common-area upkeep, exterior maintenance where applicable, and architectural guidelines. Golf clubs run course access, practice facilities, dining, fitness, and social programming. HOA dues and club dues are usually separate. Some enclaves expect or require club membership, while others offer it as optional. Special assessments can come from either the HOA or the club, so you’ll want to review both sets of documents before you buy.
Amenities that shape daily life
Scottsdale’s golf communities are built for active, social living. Common features include championship golf, practice ranges, and instruction; clubhouse dining from casual to fine; fitness centers with classes and training; tennis and pickleball; pools and trails; and, in some communities, equestrian or parks. These amenities can simplify your routine and make it easier to connect with neighbors.
How that plays out day to day:
- Convenience and connection. Group classes, leagues, and on-site dining reduce trips across town and create a built-in social network.
- Time and usage. If you plan to golf, dine, and work out on-site often, you’ll feel the value more than a low-use owner.
- Budget. You may spend more on club venues and events, but you’ll spend less time sourcing services elsewhere.
- Resale. Well-managed, well-used amenities often support demand and pricing, which can help your future marketability.
Membership types and fees explained
Common membership categories
Most clubs offer a tiered menu. You’ll often see full golf memberships with the highest level of course access and clubhouse privileges. Sports or social memberships focus on fitness, pools, courts, and dining, with limited or no golf. Clubs may also offer equity memberships, where you buy an ownership interest with potential voting rights, and non-equity memberships, which are contractual without an ownership stake. Resident, junior, seasonal, and corporate categories are also common.
What dues usually include
Expect several components: a one-time initiation fee, ongoing monthly or annual dues, and sometimes a food and beverage minimum. You may also encounter capital or special assessments to fund major projects like course renovations. Cart, green, guest, and transfer fees can apply depending on your membership type and club rules. HOA dues are separate and depend on housing type and services provided.
Assessing value for your lifestyle
The right membership is about fit. If you plan to play often, a full golf category can make sense. If you value fitness, dining, and social events, a sports or social tier may match your routine. Whatever you choose, factor both club dues and HOA dues into your total monthly cost and think about how often you’ll use the amenities.
Scottsdale community snapshots
Below are high-level overviews to help you compare. Always verify current offerings, membership structures, and rules with each club or HOA.
DC Ranch
- Highlights: A master-planned setting with neighborhood parks, trails, and community centers. Private or semi-private club options exist in or near the community.
- Lifestyle fit: You’ll find a community-oriented vibe with walkable village centers and active programming.
- Home types: Condos, townhomes, single-family homes, and higher-end custom homes in adjacent enclaves. Multiple sub-associations mean dues and guidelines vary by village.
Grayhawk
- Highlights: A large master-planned community anchored by a two-course golf complex, strong social programming, and convenient clubhouse dining.
- Lifestyle fit: Ideal if you want an active, golf-forward community with balanced access to North Scottsdale and major roadways.
- Home types: Condos, townhomes, and single-family homes within gated and non-gated enclaves. Expect a master association plus village-level HOAs.
Troon North
- Highlights: Two signature courses set in the Sonoran Desert with dramatic scenery and quality practice facilities.
- Lifestyle fit: Perfect if you prioritize a resort-like feel, desert vistas, and proximity to hiking and outdoor recreation.
- Home types: Semi-custom and custom luxury homes, golf-view estates, and nearby townhomes. Many neighborhoods preserve the desert aesthetic through architectural controls.
Desert Mountain
- Highlights: A large, private, membership-driven community known for multiple Jack Nicklaus–designed courses, clubhouses, fitness and spa options, and robust social calendars.
- Lifestyle fit: Designed for serious golfers and luxury buyers who value privacy, service, and a comprehensive club environment.
- Home types: High-end custom estates and retreats within a very large gated footprint. Membership is a significant financial and lifestyle commitment.
Gainey Ranch
- Highlights: An established, central Scottsdale community with an on-site golf club, walking paths, and village-style living close to dining and entertainment.
- Lifestyle fit: Good if you want a neighborhood feel with golf and clubhouse amenities in a convenient, central location.
- Home types: Condos, townhomes, and single-family homes across multiple villages with established CC&Rs.
Fees, assessments, and long-term value
Well-funded clubs and HOAs with strong reserves tend to support steadier resale values. Communities that frequently rely on special assessments for capital projects can create uncertainty. Exclusive private membership can reinforce scarcity and prestige, but it narrows the buyer pool to those who can comfortably carry both home and club costs. Amenities that appeal to a broader audience, like trails, fitness, pools, and quality dining, can help homes remain marketable even to non-golfers. Remember that location, views, lot quality, and construction are still the core value drivers, with club access as an added layer.
Due diligence checklist before you buy
Gather and review these documents:
- HOA and any sub-association CC&Rs, bylaws, and rules.
- The most recent HOA financials, operating budget, and reserve study.
- Meeting minutes for the last 12–24 months for both HOA and club, if available.
- Notices regarding pending or recent special assessments and capital projects.
- Club membership agreement, fee schedule, waitlist and transfer rules, and any redemption policies.
- Litigation disclosures and seller disclosures related to the HOA or club.
Key questions to ask:
- Is club membership mandatory for owners? If optional, are there resident discounts or categories?
- Are memberships equity or non-equity? Are initiation fees refundable or transferable?
- What are current initiation fees, dues, food and beverage minimums, and any junior or seasonal structures?
- How are capital projects funded, and how often are special assessments used?
- What guest policies and reciprocal privileges are included?
- What are the rental rules, including seasonal or minimum durations?
- How active is the membership, and what programs are most popular?
- Are any course or clubhouse renovations planned, and what are the expected impacts?
Tips for relocation and second-home buyers
- Clarify your “must-use” amenities. Decide which facilities you will use every week. That choice can guide you toward the right membership tier.
- Plan your total carrying cost. Combine HOA dues, club dues, typical dining spend, and potential assessments to set a realistic budget.
- Understand rental policies. If you might rent seasonally, confirm minimum lease terms, guest access rules, and any caps.
- Prioritize orientation. Schedule a club tour, sample a class or event, and walk the community at different times of day to test the lifestyle fit.
- Think resale early. Membership transferability and the breadth of amenities can influence your future buyer pool.
Your next step
If you want help comparing Scottsdale golf communities side by side, we’ll put structure around your search. Inspired Living Real Estate Collective brings a concierge approach, curated listings, and neighborhood expertise to your decision process. From private showings and off-market access to relocation support and design-forward listing prep, we make every step clear and seamless. Reach out to the Inspired Living Real Estate Collective to start your comparison and map the lifestyle that fits you best.
FAQs
What is the difference between HOA dues and club dues in Scottsdale golf communities?
- HOA dues fund community operations and common areas, while club dues fund golf, dining, fitness, and social amenities managed by the club, which is often a separate entity.
Are golf club memberships mandatory when you buy a home in a Scottsdale golf community?
- In many communities memberships are optional, though some enclaves expect or require membership, so always confirm the rules with the HOA and club before you buy.
How do amenities like fitness centers and dining impact daily life for owners?
- On-site amenities add convenience and social connection, but they can increase discretionary spending if you choose to dine or participate in programs frequently.
What should I look for in HOA and club financials before buying?
- Review budgets, reserve studies, meeting minutes, and any assessments to gauge whether the association and club are well-funded and planning responsibly for capital projects.
Can I live in a golf community if I don’t play golf?
- Yes, many buyers join social or sports tiers for fitness, pools, courts, and dining, or opt out of club membership where it’s not mandatory and still enjoy community amenities.
What costs often surprise first-time golf community buyers?
- Food and beverage minimums, special assessments for capital projects, and the combined total of HOA dues plus club dues can catch buyers off guard if not planned for.
How do amenities and membership structures affect resale value?
- Well-managed, well-used amenities and clear membership policies can support demand and pricing, while underfunded associations or frequent assessments may create resale friction.
