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Lakes, Golf, & Trails: Lifestyle of Scottsdale’s McCormick Ranch

McCormick Ranch In Scottsdale

Earlier today, we talked about Gainey Ranch. And since we're out and about on this sunny Sunday afternoon, we had the opportunity to show a property in McCormick Ranch. We thought, "Why not take some photos and share them on our blog?" So, we took them. Nothing super special (we were late) but something to post in this blog. Most importantly, we're here to share some info about McCormick Ranch.

A Brief History

McCormick Ranch was once a working ranch owned by Anne & Fowler McCormick. Fowler McCormick served as chairman of International Harvester & was the grandson of Cyrus McCormick, whose family became closely associated with agricultural machinery. Over time, the Scottsdale ranch grew to more than 4,200 acres. In 1970, the 4,236-acre property was sold to Kaiser-Aetna for development, & the McCormick Ranch Property Owners' Association was incorporated in 1972. What followed became one of Scottsdale's early large master-planned communities.

Water-Centric!

Water is one of the features that gives McCormick Ranch its identity. The community has 11 lakes, along with more than 20 miles of paths & 15 pocket parks. Lakefront homes appear in several areas, creating a residential setting that looks different from much of Scottsdale.

Fishing is permitted on designated lakes under McCormick Ranch association rules. Boating is also allowed in certain areas with permits, while some lakefront properties have specific easement rights tied to boat docks. Buyers interested in waterfront real estate should pay attention to the exact property, lake, & recorded rights.

Feel free to browse McCormick Ranch homes for sale on our main page.

A townhome in McCormick Ranch community of Los Palomas.

A Townhome In McCormick Ranch Community Of Los Palomas

The McCormick Ranch Lifestyle

McCormick Ranch combines residential neighborhoods with golf, lakes, parks, paths, restaurants, retail, & other parts of central Scottsdale. A few features help define the community:

  • Outdoor recreation: Golf, lakes, parks, & long path networks
  • Community activity: Local organizations & neighborhood groups hold events
  • Shopping & dining: Restaurants, grocery stores, retail, & services nearby

The current McCormick Ranch association describes more than 20 miles of paths, 11 lakes, & 15 pocket parks throughout the community.

McCormick Ranch Golf Club

McCormick Ranch is a golf-course community with two 18-hole courses, the Palm Course & the Pine Course. The Palm Course was designed by Desmond Muirhead & opened in 1972. The club remains open to the public, making the golf setup different from private Scottsdale clubs where membership controls access.

Learn more about McCormick Ranch Golf Club here.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

McCormick Ranch sits near McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. The 30-acre City of Scottsdale park includes the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, a 1950-vintage carousel, playground areas, the Scottsdale Railroad Museum, & a 10,000-square-foot model railroad building.

The property's history connects directly to McCormick Ranch. In 1967, the McCormicks donated 100 acres to Scottsdale, with 30 acres eventually becoming the railroad park.

A sign for McCormick Ranch.

McCormick Ranch Is A Beautifully Landscaped Master-Planned Community

Parks & Green Spaces

McCormick Ranch includes several City of Scottsdale parks connected to the larger recreation network.

  • Comanche Park: Basketball, playground, tennis, & exercise course
  • Shoshone Park: Basketball court, playground, & ramada
  • Zuni Park: Basketball court & playground

The surrounding path network adds another layer, connecting residential areas with lakes, parks, & other sections of central Scottsdale.

Getting Around

McCormick Ranch has grown into a large central Scottsdale community with approximately 27,000 residents. Its location puts schools, medical offices, restaurants, grocery stores, financial services, & retail throughout the surrounding area. Scottsdale Road & Hayden Road provide major north-south routes, while Indian Bend Road, Via de Ventura, & Shea Boulevard connect east & west. Loop 101 is also nearby.

That central position is one of the practical reasons McCormick Ranch continues to get attention from Scottsdale buyers.

Trail System in McCormick Ranch

McCormick Ranch Features A Vast Trail System

Frequently Asked Questions

Q - What makes McCormick Ranch unique compared to other Scottsdale communities?

McCormick Ranch is known for its lakes, mature landscaping, golf-course neighborhoods, & extensive path network. The community includes 11 lakes, more than 20 miles of paths, 15 pocket parks, & two 18-hole golf courses.

Q - What types of properties are available in McCormick Ranch?

McCormick Ranch offers a full range of housing options, including single-family homes, patio homes, townhomes, and condos. Waterfront & golf-course properties can also be found in parts of the community.

Q - Are there any walking or biking trails in McCormick Ranch?

McCormick Ranch has more than 20 miles of paths connecting different parts of the community, along with nearby access to Scottsdale's larger recreation network.

What Sets McCormick Ranch Apart

What makes McCormick Ranch unusual for Scottsdale is the combination of waterfront real estate, golf, mature landscaping, & a large path network. Select lakefront properties may have recorded easement rights allowing an approved boat dock, while other homes overlook golf courses, greenbelts, or interior neighborhood streets.

Neighborhoods such as Las Palomas, Paradise Park Trails, Playa Del Sur, The Shores, Santa Fe, & Heritage Village add different housing styles throughout the community.

Should you want to learn more, don't hesitate to reach out.

Written by Aaron Auxier

Aaron Auxier has been a licensed real estate agent since 2004. Additionally, as a Topical Expert to the media, he has made 50+ appearances in the MSM including Fortune, CNBC, New York Times, Forbes, ET, Travel Channel, and Nat Geo.

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