Grayhawk stands as one of North Scottsdale’s most prestigious master-planned communities, spanning over 1,600 acres in the heart of Scottsdale. As a longtime Associate Broker with West USA Realty, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless families discover the exceptional lifestyle that Grayhawk offers. This remarkable community seamlessly blends championship golf, luxury living, and stunning desert landscapes into an unparalleled residential experience.
Since its opening in 1996, Grayhawk has been recognized as one of the most popular communities in Arizona, earning the top spot on Arizona’s best master-planned communities by Arizona Business Magazine. The community’s distinctive architectural palette complements the dramatic natural beauty of the surrounding Sonoran Desert, creating a harmonious balance between modern luxury and desert preservation.
Grayhawk features nearly 3,800 housing units across two distinct neighborhoods: The Park and The Retreat, offering everything from condos and townhomes to luxury custom estates. The community showcases work from some of the region’s most respected builders, ensuring quality construction and innovative design throughout.
In The Park, covering 497 acres, prominent builders include Coventry, TW Lewis, and Crown Point. Homes in this family-friendly section range from approximately 1,800 to over 2,400 square feet, with two to four bedrooms, priced from $800,000 to over $3,500,000.
The Retreat, encompassing 539 acres, features notable builders including Edmonds, Toll Brothers, TW Lewis, Cachet Homes, Engle Homes, and Camelot Homes. This resort-style area is divided into the Talon Retreat and Raptor Retreat, both guard-gated communities offering 15 distinct subdivisions with diverse architectural styles and floor plans.
The community also features apartment-style condos and townhomes throughout, including The Edge, The Vintage, The Venue, The Villages, Cachet, Encore, Tesoro, and Avian, with one to three bedrooms and prices ranging from approximately $400,000 to over $800,000.
Grayhawk Golf Club features two of the Southwest’s most thrilling championship golf courses: the Tom Fazio-designed Raptor Course and the Talon Course, designed by former U.S. Open and PGA Champion David Graham and golf course architect Gary Panks.
The Raptor Course stretches 7,151 yards from the back tees and offers a thrilling challenge through a high-stakes game of risk and reward. The course meanders over gentle hills and across shaded natural arroyos typical of the Sonoran Desert. Raptor hosted the PGA Tour’s Frys.com Open from 2007-2009 and the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Division I Golf Championships from 2021-2023.
The Talon Course, stretching 6,973 yards, is considered one of the most exciting and dramatic tests of golf in the Southwest. The Talon layout comes into its own on the back nine, with fairways set around deep box canyons.
The award-winning 40,000 square-foot Grayhawk Golf Clubhouse includes a complete golf shop and the Fairway House, a 7,200 square-foot entertainment facility perfect for weddings, receptions, meetings, and dinner parties.
Grayhawk Community Park, a 13-acre City of Scottsdale park, features 2 lighted baseball fields, 2 lighted sand volleyball courts, 2 soccer fields, 2 lighted tennis courts, 2 lighted basketball courts, a playground, large open grassy areas, and a ramada.
Thompson Peak Park, a 29-acre City of Scottsdale park near the southwest corner of Thompson Peak and Hayden, offers 4 lighted softball fields, 2 lighted basketball courts, a playground, and restrooms.
The Grayhawk Walk trail system provides beautifully landscaped pathways perfect for jogging, biking, or leisurely strolls throughout the community. Between the two Retreats, residents enjoy access to 7 community swimming pools, 7 spas, and 6 tennis courts.
Grayhawk is served by the highly-rated Paradise Valley Unified School District, consistently ranked among Arizona’s top-performing districts. Students attend Grayhawk Elementary School (conveniently located in the heart of the community), Mountain Trail Middle School, and Pinnacle High School.
Grayhawk Elementary School offers the convenience of walking distance education with excellent academic standards. Mountain Trail Middle School, located at 2323 E. Mountain Gate Pass, provides students with a highly academic curriculum, continuing the Core Knowledge® program that establishes strong foundations of knowledge and higher literacy.
Horizon High School serves the community with an A-minus Niche grade, offering comprehensive academic programs and extracurricular activities. El Dorado, a private school for preschoolers through 8th graders, is also located within the neighborhood.
The Boys and Girls Club of Grayhawk is located at Thompson Peak Parkway and Hayden, featuring a gymnasium, learning center, computer room, arts & crafts room, multi-purpose areas, and before and after school programs for elementary school children.
Residents enjoy quick and easy access to Hayden Peak Crossing and Grayhawk Plaza, two well-appointed shopping areas featuring grocery stores, restaurants, and convenience retailers. These convenient retail destinations ensure daily needs are met within minutes of home.
The Grayhawk Golf Club offers multiple dining experiences, including Quill Creek Café, which features a traditional American menu with Southwestern flair and an impressive wine list, with both indoor and patio seating overlooking the Raptor course and nearby McDowell Mountains. Phil’s Grill, named after Grayhawk’s tour ambassador Phil Mickelson, provides a relaxed eating and drinking establishment with a warm sports pub ambiance.
Isabella’s Kitchen, a casual Italian restaurant located across from the Golf Club, offers stunning golf course views and has become a community favorite.
HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center is conveniently adjacent to Grayhawk, providing residents with immediate access to comprehensive healthcare services. The community’s proximity to major healthcare facilities ensures peace of mind for residents of all ages.
Vi at Grayhawk, a continuing care retirement community, is located on Thompson Peak Parkway, offering specialized senior living options within the community.
Grayhawk is strategically located just north of the Loop 101 Freeway in North Scottsdale, between Scottsdale Road and Pima Road. The community sits at a slightly higher altitude than the Phoenix metropolitan area, providing stunning city views day and night.
A short 20-minute drive leads to the heart of Downtown Scottsdale, a premier destination for high-end shopping, world-class resorts, and championship golf. The community provides about a 15-minute drive to Arizona State Route 101, which circles the Phoenix Valley and offers direct routes to other central suburbs.
The proximity to major transportation arteries makes Grayhawk an ideal choice for professionals working throughout the Valley while seeking the tranquility of a master-planned community lifestyle.
As one real estate professional noted, “Even if people don’t know Scottsdale, they know about Grayhawk. The community has a great reputation and it’s been around for a while. People love the amenities and the community feel”. This sentiment perfectly captures what makes Grayhawk special – it’s not just a place to live, but a lifestyle destination that residents are proud to call home.
Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly environment in The Park, the resort-style luxury of The Retreat, or the convenience of low-maintenance condo living, Grayhawk offers unmatched diversity in housing options, all set against the backdrop of championship golf and stunning desert landscapes.
As your trusted real estate advisor with West USA Realty, I invite you to discover the exceptional lifestyle that awaits in Grayhawk. From the championship golf courses designed by legends like Tom Fazio and David Graham to the top-rated schools of Paradise Valley Unified School District, every aspect of this community has been thoughtfully planned to enhance your quality of life.
Ready to explore the possibilities in Grayhawk? Contact Carl Chapman at 602-617-4440 to schedule your private tour and discover why Grayhawk continues to be North Scottsdale’s most sought-after address.
Premium builders like Toll Brothers and David Weekley Homes have contributed significantly to Grayhawk's reputation for exceptional quality. Home prices in Grayhawk currently range from the mid $700,000s for townhomes to over $3 million for luxury estates. The community has demonstrated strong appreciation, with property values increasing an average of 6% annually over the past decade. Single-family homes dominate the real estate landscape, though luxury townhomes and condominiums offer diverse living options for residents. Current market trends show consistent demand, with homes typically spending an average of 45 days on the market. The price per square foot ranges from $300 to $500, reflecting the premium quality and desirable location.
Grayhawk Elementary School serves as the cornerstone of education within the community, consistently earning high performance ratings. The Paradise Valley Unified School District provides excellent educational opportunities through nearby Copper Canyon Middle School and Pinnacle High School. Several prestigious private schools, including El Dorado Private School and Notre Dame Preparatory High School, offer additional options. The community benefits from proximity to enrichment programs, including the Desert Springs Learning Center and Scottsdale Music Academy. Educational resources extend beyond traditional schooling, with numerous tutoring centers and specialized learning programs readily available.
The Grayhawk Golf Club features two nationally recognized courses: the Talon and the Raptor, both offering challenging play. Community parks include the expansive Grayhawk Park and multiple pocket parks scattered throughout the neighborhoods for resident enjoyment. The community maintains several resort-style swimming pools, tennis courts, and state-of-the-art fitness facilities for active lifestyles. The Grayhawk Club provides an exclusive social hub with dining options, special events, and recreational programming for members. Walking and biking trails weave throughout the community, connecting various neighborhoods and natural desert preserves.
The Grayhawk Plaza and nearby Market Street at DC Ranch offer convenient access to boutique shopping and services. Local dining favorites include Isabella's Kitchen, Grimaldi's Pizzeria, and the elegant Preston's steakhouse at the golf club. The Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons, both within minutes, provide upscale shopping and entertainment options. Cultural attractions include the nearby Musical Instrument Museum and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Gateway. Evening entertainment options range from casual wine bars to upscale lounges, all within a short drive.
Major arterial roads like Scottsdale Road and Pima Road provide easy access to surrounding communities and employment centers. The Loop 101 Freeway sits just minutes away, offering convenient routes to downtown Phoenix and Sky Harbor International Airport. Typical commute times to downtown Scottsdale average 15 minutes, while Phoenix destinations usually require 30-45 minutes. The community's location provides strategic access to both the Paradise Valley and Scottsdale Airpark business districts. Several rideshare services maintain a strong presence in the area, complementing personal transportation options.
Grayhawk maintains an exceptional safety record, with crime rates significantly lower than surrounding metropolitan areas. The Scottsdale Police Department's nearby district station ensures rapid response times to any community concerns. Private security patrols regularly monitor the community, while an active neighborhood watch program enhances resident safety. The gated sections of the community provide additional security measures for peace of mind.
HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Hospital, located just minutes away, provides comprehensive medical care and emergency services. Several medical plazas within close proximity house specialists, urgent care facilities, and wellness centers. Mayo Clinic's Scottsdale campus sits within a fifteen-minute drive, offering world-class healthcare options. Emergency response times average under five minutes, thanks to strategically located fire and paramedic stations.
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers over 30,000 acres of protected desert habitat with extensive hiking and mountain biking trails. Residents enjoy access to multiple community parks featuring basketball courts, children's playgrounds, and picnic areas. The community's location provides easy access to numerous golf courses beyond Grayhawk's own celebrated facilities. Year-round sunshine enables outdoor activities, from morning jogs to evening social gatherings in community spaces.
The Grayhawk Community Association organizes regular events, from holiday celebrations to summer concert series in the park. Regular farmers' markets and food truck events bring residents together for casual social gatherings throughout the year. The active homeowners' association maintains high community standards while fostering a strong sense of neighborhood connection. Community clubs and interest groups provide numerous opportunities for residents to pursue hobbies and build relationships.
Scottsdale's desert climate delivers over 300 days of sunshine annually, with winter temperatures rarely dropping below 40 degrees. Summer temperatures typically range from 90 to 105 degrees, though low humidity makes conditions more comfortable. The area receives approximately eight inches of rainfall annually, primarily during summer monsoon season. The climate supports year-round outdoor activities and a resort-style lifestyle that residents cherish.
Grayhawk maintains strict architectural guidelines to preserve property values and community aesthetics over the long term. The community's location outside flood zones and major natural hazard areas provides additional security for homeowners. Future development plans focus on enhancing existing amenities while preserving the natural desert landscape. The homeowners' association actively monitors and updates community guidelines to maintain high standards.
Major employers within fifteen minutes include Honor Health, Vanguard, and numerous technology companies in the Scottsdale Airpark. The unemployment rate consistently remains below both state and national averages, reflecting a robust local economy. The nearby Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland business districts continue expanding, creating additional employment opportunities. Economic growth indicators suggest continued strength in both traditional and emerging industry sectors.
Property taxes in Grayhawk remain competitive for luxury communities in North Scottsdale, averaging 1.2% of assessed value. Monthly HOA fees cover extensive community maintenance, security services, and access to various amenities throughout the development. Utility costs reflect the desert climate, with summer electricity bills typically ranging from $200-$400 for single-family homes. The overall cost of living aligns with other premium North Scottsdale communities.
The City of Scottsdale provides responsive governance through its council-manager system, maintaining high standards for public services. Regular community meetings allow residents to participate in local decision-making processes affecting the Grayhawk area. Municipal services include weekly trash collection, comprehensive recycling programs, and prompt maintenance of public areas. The city consistently earns recognition for its efficient management and resident-focused approach.