Desert Highlands

Luxury living amidst timeless natural scenery

Welcome to Desert Highlands
Desert Highlands is an exclusive, upscale gated community within the greater Scottsdale region. Located within the heart of the Sonoran Desert, this neighborhood is perfect for those who are looking to be immersed in nature. The sunny skies and scenic mountain regions surrounding Desert Highlands make it one of the most desirable places to reside in all of Arizona.

Most of the home architecture in the Scottsdale region has Spanish and Mediterranean influences. This means that most homes will have stunning elements, including stucco exteriors, red tile roofs, outdoor living spaces, swimming pools, and exquisite archways. If these designs are not your preference, the option to custom-build your home always exists. 

What to Love
Assured privacy and tranquility
Luxury amenities through the community clubhouse
Tight-knit community atmosphere
Plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities
Local Lifestyle
Locals of Desert Highlands enjoy being near major cities like Scottsdale and Phoenix for a fix of urban life; however, they absolutely adore that their homes are located in a private sanctuary away from the chaos of city life. Desert Highlands is an incredibly relaxed place to live, with many residents choosing to spend their time in nature on one of the challenging hiking trails nearby.

Desert Highlands is a highly affluent community, so many retirees choose to live here after a long and fulfilling career. At the same time, young families also choose to live in Desert Highlands for its gated community reputation and access to a thriving school system.

Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
The fine dining options that are accessible to Desert Highlands residents are endless. One favorite among locals is Darcy’s Ristorante (aka Gianfranco’s). This white-tablecloth Italian restaurant greets its guests with a beautiful glass door and wooded exterior. Once guests are inside, they can enjoy a refined and elegant environment that is accompanied by delicious plates of Italian cuisine. Some of the best features of Darcy’s Ristorante (aka Gianfranco’s) are the full-size bar and Italian oil paintings on the walls. 

In addition, Cafe Monarch is an incredibly upscale fine dining establishment that serves a prix-fixe four-course menu to all its guests. Its warm interior, decorated with a charming fireplace and wide glass windows, is also complemented by a quaint outdoor patio. 

For the best upscale fashion selections possible, check out Scottsdale Fashion Square. It hosts several designer brands, including Balenciaga, Burberry, Cartier, and Dior, just to name a few. It has every luxury designer possible and is the perfect place to spend a shopping spree. 

A great way to enjoy a source of entertainment is by visiting the renowned Virginia G. Piper Theater. This theater is home to all kinds of performances, including concerts, dances, musicals, and plays. It is an amazing way to spend a weekend night out. 

Things to Do around Desert highlands:
There are all kinds of things to do for residents of Desert Highlands. Butterfly Wonderland is an incredible place for children and adults alike. It is an indoor habitat that was created to mimic rainforest conditions for its animals to thrive. Butterfly Wonderland not only houses various species of butterflies but also other creatures like lizards and birds. There are also specific exhibits that focus on certain species, like a “spineless giants” and a “honey bee extravaganza” section. 

Another way to explore nature in the outdoors is by visiting the Desert Botanical Garden. The garden has multiple pathways to explore over 140 acres of beautiful flowers, plants, and trees. It also hosts a variety of special events for visitors, including a Sonoran Sippin’ event to enjoy drinks and live music, as well as a Flashlight Nights series to enjoy the garden after dark.

One of the many trails in Desert Highlands is located at Tom’s Thumb. This trail is relatively difficult as it includes steep elevation points and loose gravel; however, once you make it to the trailhead, you are rewarded with a beautiful view of the Sonoran Desert and a unique rock formation. 

Lastly, originally designed as part of the proposed Arizona State Capitol, the Frank Lloyd Wright Spire is a striking piece of architecture. It is 125 feet tall and weighs an impressive 75,000 pounds. Visiting this sculpture is a must-do for tourists of Scottsdale.