The #1 Question I Get About Desert Mountain (And 3 Others Worth Knowing)

If there's one Scottsdale community that generates more questions than almost any other, it's Desert Mountain. Between the club membership structure, the HOA setup, and a market that's shifted meaningfully over the past year, it's no surprise buyers show up with a long list before they even start touring homes.

Here are the four questions I get asked most — answered straight, no fluff.

Do you have to join the club to buy a home there?

No. You can purchase a home in Desert Mountain without golf membership. That said, most buyers who choose this community are doing it specifically for club access — the membership is what makes Desert Mountain, Desert Mountain. It's worth deciding early in your search whether the club is the draw or simply an option you want available to you.

How much does membership actually cost?

Full Golf membership currently runs $250,000 to join, with monthly dues around $2,350. That gets you access to six Jack Nicklaus Signature courses plus a short course, along with the fitness, spa, dining, tennis, and pickleball amenities. For buyers who want the lifestyle without full golf privileges, a lower-cost Lifestyle membership is also available.

Is that on top of HOA fees?

Yes — and it's a two-part structure. Every homeowner pays into the Desert Mountain Master Association, which covers guard gates, patrol, and common-area maintenance, plus a separate village HOA, which handles architectural control and upkeep within your specific village. Combined, village dues typically run $300 to $800-plus a month depending on where you are in the community.

Is now a good time to buy?

Here's the shift worth paying attention to: prices have softened somewhat from last year's highs, and homes are sitting on the market longer than they were during the peak years. For buyers who can move decisively — especially with cash or a strong pre-approval — that's translating into real negotiating room that simply wasn't there two years ago.

Thinking seriously about Desert Mountain? I'm happy to walk you through it village by village — membership costs, HOA structure, and what your search should actually be budgeted for. Reach out anytime.

Tina Hannaford Luxury Collection Specialist, CLHMS Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona 480-707-2540