Terravita

Terravita is a guard-gated, member-owned private golf and country club community sprawled across 823 acres in the far northern reaches of Scottsdale, Arizona, tucked between the Sonoran Desert's Black Mountain, the Boulders, and the artsy communities of Carefree and Cave Creek. Developed by Del Webb between 1993 and 1999, Terravita holds a distinctive place in Del Webb's history as the builder's first non-age-restricted community — a pivot from the classic Sun City model to an active, resort-style lifestyle open to all ages. The result: a community that, while not deed-restricted 55+, is overwhelmingly populated by active adults and retirees drawn to its upscale amenities, social calendar, and desert tranquility. The community is organized into 23 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character but all sharing a cohesive Southwestern aesthetic. Del Webb offered four home series across roughly 20 floor plans, ranging from compact 'lock-and-leave' homes around 1,385 square feet — ideal for snowbirds and second-home owners — up to large 4,095-square-foot luxury residences with casitas, great rooms, and desert-view patios. All homes are single-level, single-family, detached, and many back to the golf course, natural preserve land, or offer Black Mountain and Boulders views. Since original build, a significant portion of homes have undergone extensive custom remodels, so buyers today encounter everything from period-original interiors to fully reimagined turnkey luxury. Social life centers on the 34,000-square-foot clubhouse, which recently underwent a $5.2 million remodel and now houses five distinct dining venues — from the casual Grille to the fine-dining Sunset Dining Room — along with the fitness center, pro shop, locker rooms, and a lap pool. A separate 11,500+ square-foot Desert Pavilion serves as the community center, hosting dozens of club-style interest groups that meet regularly: Book Club, Bridge, Canasta, Bible Study, Computer Club, Aerobics, Hiking, Art Classes, Beatles Night, Comedy Night, Fashion Shows, Block Parties, and more. A full-time activities director keeps the social calendar packed year-round with themed parties, wine dinners, poolside BBQs, Sunday brunches, live entertainment, and holiday events. The 18-hole championship golf course was designed by Billy Casper and Greg Nash, plays to par 72 from five sets of tees, and has earned ranking among Arizona's top 25 courses by The Arizona Republic. Terravita Golf Club is managed by Troon Privé, and residents enjoy a rare privilege for a private club: members may use their own personal golf carts on the course for an annual trail fee. Practice facilities include a double-sided driving range, three practice greens, and two short-game areas. Golf membership is optional and separate from the mandatory social membership. Beyond golf, residents have access to a resort-style heated outdoor pool with dedicated lap lanes and a spa, five-to-six tennis courts with stadium seating, multiple pickleball courts, a professionally staffed health and fitness center with aerobics studio, steam room, massage, and personal training, and over seven miles of scenic walking and biking trails winding through mature desert landscape. Terravita's ownership structure is layered: the Terravita Community Association (TCA) is the master HOA handling guard-gated security, common-area landscaping, and street maintenance; the Terravita Country Club (TCC) is a mandatory resident club assessment covering full use of social, dining, and non-golf amenities; and the Terravita Golf Club (TGC) is the optional private golf membership. Combined TCA and TCC dues typically run around $468 per month, with buyers also paying a one-time $10,000 Capital Improvement Fee and $400 transfer fee at purchase. Because all homes were built in the 1990s, Terravita is a resale-only community — no new construction. Homes are located within the Cave Creek Unified School District, and the community sits in the 85266 ZIP code just minutes from the Terravita Marketplace, Carefree, Cave Creek, and easy access south to Scottsdale proper and Phoenix.