Goodbye Gate, Hello Mid Rise

For years, gated neighborhoods had serious pull in The Valley. They stood for status, exclusivity, and a sense of safety. But times are shifting. Buyers today want something different. Millennials and Gen Z are looking for flexibility. Empty nesters are tired of big estates. Across Greater Phoenix, from North Scottsdale to North Phoenix, the trend is smaller lock-and-leave homes inside urban suburban communities that mix living, working, and playing in one spot.

Quick Points

• Gates fading, pools rising

• Mid-rise condos over sprawling estates

• Empty nesters choosing culture over upkeep

• Millennials chasing freedom, not rules

• Lifestyle communities replacing exclusivity

The Rise Of Urban Suburban Living

Downsizing is in motion. Instead of golf course mansions, buyers are leaning toward Arizona luxury condos, high-density townhomes, and sleek projects with built-in convenience. The focus is lifestyle over square footage. People want to stay connected to city life, not stuck miles away.

• Rooftop lounges with city views

• Smart-tech townhomes that are easy to manage

• Retail and dining built into the neighborhood

• Pools and gyms as shared perks

• Pedestrian friendly streets designed for people

• Empty nesters trading upkeep for culture

• Young buyers choosing lock-and-leave flexibility

At Williams Luxury Homes, we’re seeing this every day. Lifestyle is the driver. People want energy, convenience, and connection.

Pools & Gathering Spots Take The Lead

One of the biggest shifts? Pools are winning out over gates. Shared pools and lounges have become neighborhood hangouts, where people connect and relax without the stress of upkeep.

• Pools are top of the amenity wish list

• Families love the built-in community vibe

• Shaded pavilions and cabanas matter as much as water

• Weekends become social without needing to leave the neighborhood

• No extra cost of maintaining a private pool

This is where people meet, where friendships start, and where neighborhoods feel alive. Gates can’t deliver that.

Why The Gate Is Losing Appeal

What once looked like a major perk now feels like a hassle. Gated living had its moment, but today’s buyers are looking past it.

• Smart cameras and tech keep homes secure

• Delivery trucks and guests face delays at gates

• HOA fees tied to gates add unnecessary expense

• Younger buyers dislike rule-heavy HOAs

Today’s buyers want freedom. They want to remodel without asking permission, host guests with ease, or run a side hustle from home. Gated rules often make that tough.

The Cost Of Living Behind The Gate

Gated communities don’t just ask for a higher price up front. They come with hidden layers of expense and inconvenience.

• HOA dues that pile up quickly

• Private road repairs billed back to residents

• Higher purchase prices for homes behind gates

• Guest check-ins that slow down social gatherings

• Communities often built farther from retail and restaurants

For some, the exclusivity still matters. But many buyers are deciding the numbers and restrictions simply do not work.

Where The Market Is Heading

Luxury real estate in The Valley is evolving fast. New condo towers in Scottsdale are attracting attention. Sleek lock-and-leave projects in North Phoenix are popular with retirees. Mixed-use developments are becoming their own mini-cities. Buyers are chasing culture, design, and simplicity instead of just space.

The shift is clear. Gated communities in Arizona are fading from the spotlight while urban suburban living is stepping in. If you want another example of how preferences are changing, check out our recent piece on why golf course homes are no longer the automatic choice. You can read that article here.

The takeaway is simple. Lifestyle-focused projects are winning. Gates are losing their grip. And in Greater Phoenix, the future belongs to communities that connect people instead of keeping them out.

Scottsdale Or Nearby Luxury Condos

Scottsdale has no shortage of high-end condo projects redefining what upscale living looks like in The Valley. From desert-framed terraces to rooftop clubs, each community brings its own mix of design, lifestyle, and location perks. Here’s a snapshot of standout developments, rearranged and trimmed down to keep things fresh.

Optima Camelview Village

Eleven terraced buildings shape shaded courtyards and rooftop gardens beside Fashion Square.

Learn More About Optima Camelview Village Here.

The Parque

CrackerJax’s former site becomes a $1B community with condos, hotel, and park-like greens.

Learn More About The Parque Here.

Ascent At The Phoenician

Golf-side villas and condos wrap around a private Mountain Club, steps from Camelback.

Learn More About Ascent At The Phoenician Here.

ICON At Silverleaf

Set inside Silverleaf, ICON pairs mountain panoramas with elevator-served buildings.

Learn More About ICON At Silverleaf Here.

Portico Luxury Condos

Nine mid-rise buildings in North Scottsdale bring terraces and mountain outlooks.

Learn More About Portico Luxury Condos Here.

Goldwater Residences

Forty homes in the Arts District with patios, views, and walk-everywhere perks.

Learn More About Goldwater Residences Here.

Fendi Private Residences

Next to Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, Fendi blends Italian fashion with Arizona flair.

Learn More About Fendi Private Residences Here.

Summit By Olson Kundig

Perched within Ascent, Summit showcases 63 glass-and-stone residences against Camelback.

Learn More About Summit By Olson Kundig Here.

The Luxe

At Desert Ridge, The Luxe builds around a large clubhouse with pools and golf views.

Learn More About The Luxe Here.

Optima Kierland

Twin towers rise with vertical gardens, sky decks, and resort-scale amenities.

Learn More About Optima Kierland Here.

Optima Biltmore Towers

Two 15-story towers at 24th Street & Camelback with skyline views.

Learn More About Optima Biltmore Towers Here.

Scottsdale Waterfront

Old Town canal living with bright interiors, rooftop views, and valet service.

Learn More About Scottsdale Waterfront Here.

The Winfield

A boutique condo-hotel mix in Old Town with EV charging and rooftop solar.

Learn More About The Winfield Here.

Residences At 2211 Camelback

High-rise living at Camelback & 22nd Street with concierge service and rooftop pool.

Learn More About Residences At 2211 Camelback Here.

Atavia Luxury Condos

Belgravia Group’s 88 homes bring elevators, tall ceilings, and modern kitchens.

Learn More About Atavia Luxury Condos Here.

Optima McDowell Mountain

Six glass-clad buildings set on 22 acres with sustainable design at the core.

Learn More About Optima McDowell Mountain Here.