The upscale community of DC Ranch is a large, affluent neighborhood located in North Scottsdale, AZ. Known for its unique Valley lifestyle, DC Ranch is a desert oasis home to high-end homes, classy restaurants, and easy access to many other local amenities.
Is DC Ranch a good place to live? As long as you can afford the cost of living, DC Ranch is easily one of the top neighborhoods in Scottsdale. One look around town will have you in awe of the community’s beauty and breathtaking surroundings.
Before moving to DC Ranch, take a look at this ultimate guide to learn exactly what you should know about living there and what you can expect as a local resident.
Table of Contents
History of DC Ranch
With a name like DC Ranch, you can probably guess that the history of this community began with cattle, cowboys, and western-style living. The land was purchased by a man named E.O. Brown back in 1901 along with the DC brand from Doctor Crosby. Partnering with his friend Kemper Marly, Brown turned the area into a thriving ranch that remained for nearly a century and two family generations.
As the 1990s rolled around, a large portion of the DC Ranch community was bought and planned out as a new housing development. Including what is known as the heart of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, developers and representatives of the area are consistently doing their part to protect the surrounding Sonoran Desert landscape.
Today, residents living in DC Ranch frequently see flowering desert plants, native stone structures, and more.
DC Ranch Location & Transportation
People moving to DC Ranch will find themselves about 30 miles northeast of downtown Phoenix. The fastest way to get there from the big city is by traveling north up the AZ-51 and then east on the AZ-101 Loop.
Among the most beautiful neighborhoods in Scottsdale, it is bordered by mostly desert views to the north, east, and southeast. It goes as far west as Pima Road and the southwestern portion of the community nearly touches Loop 101.
Taking up most of the 85255 zip code, DC Ranch is located between the nearby cities of Carefree and Fountain Hills within North Scottsdale.
As a wealthy neighborhood in Scottsdale, more than 90% of people residing in DC Ranch tend to have their own transportation. This is generally a good idea since it’s about an 18-mile drive to Old Town Scottsdale. Many residents will also need to travel at least a couple of miles to reach their nearest amenities.
And while there is no public transportation like bus stops to or from DC Ranch, you’ll often find plenty of Uber and Lyft rideshare drivers around.
People & Culture of DC Ranch
Living in DC Ranch is seen as a luxury in every aspect of the word. The neighborhood is home to about 41,625 people of various backgrounds. The gender ratio is nearly a perfect split with about 50.61% of the area being female and the other 49.39% male.
Wondering if this is a family-oriented neighborhood in Scottsdale? While there are some kids in DC Ranch, only one in every five households are families with children living at home. The suburb has an average of two people per household.
The culture of DC Ranch is mainly comfortable for affluent people who are looking for high-end amenities and places to live.
With a median household income of $126,991, a large portion of newcomers relocating to DC Ranch are white-collar workers in executive C-Suite positions as well as doctors, business owners, and more. These individuals make this neighborhood their home for its extravagant homes and easy access to top-rated activities.
And although it was once considered a high-crime area back in the early 1980s, the Scottsdale Police Department has made huge improvements, now placing the community as the 11th safest city in Arizona. The safe DC Ranch neighborhood sees even less crime due to its high-security housing developments and gated communities.
Places to Eat, Things to Do, & Shopping in DC Ranch
With a wide variety of delicious restaurants, fun attractions, and convenient places to shop, people living in DC Ranch experience a high level of convenience.
Great DC Ranch Restaurants
Want to know about a couple of the best places to eat in DC Ranch? Koi Poke is the top-rated restaurant in DC Ranch serving up poke bowls with your choice of protein and added toppings. They also have delicious grilled chicken bowls you can customize to your liking.
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Then, there is Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, a high-quality DC Ranch restaurant offering everything from filet mignon and sea bass to lobster tails and juicy ribeye steaks as part of their classy dining experience.
Fun Local Activities in DC Ranch
If you’re on the search for exciting things to do in DC Ranch, don’t miss out on the incredible McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This large desert area offers visitors scenic views, walking trails, and places to have a picnic.
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And if you need somewhere to go on a warm, summer day, the Celebration of Fine Art gallery is a great DC Ranch attraction worth a look. It frequently updates its artwork and sculptures from local artists and other world-renowned creators.
Convenient DC Ranch Shopping Destinations
Whether you need to pick up some groceries or stop at the bank, your closest DC Ranch shopping options are conveniently located at the nearby Market Street Shopping Center. Pick up your food and other necessities for the week at Safeway or stop by one of the local boutiques found in this great area. It is also home to a handful of the best community restaurants.
Located a couple miles south of this shopping center, you’ll also find AJ’s Fine Foods. As one of the top places to shop in DC Ranch, this deluxe grocery store provides locals with access to organic food, catering services, gourmet meals, and other items.
List of Amenities on the Map
- Koi Poke, 18221 N Pima Rd #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
- Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 20753 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve, 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
- Celebration of Fine Art, 18400 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
- Market Street Shopping Center, 20645 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
- AJ’s Fine Foods, 18271 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
DC Ranch Real Estate
Nearly 80% of residents living in DC Ranch are homeowners, making it much more common for people to buy their house or apartment than rent.
According to Redfin, homes for sale in DC Ranch have a median listing price of $1.62 million but some properties can reach numbers as high as $10 million or more. Most properties average about $378 per square foot and require a down payment of about 19.6% of the purchase price. With these higher costs, the majority of homes spend about 109 days on the market.
Regardless of the high-end prices, once you buy a home in DC Ranch, you’ll get to enjoy gorgeous views of desert landscapes offering spectacular glimpses of world-famous Arizona sunsets.
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A few of the most popular communities within DC Ranch include:
- Upper Canyon (New development)
- Trails End Drive
- Tapadero
- Silverleaf Clubhouse
- Courtyards at Market Street (Condominiums)
While rental properties and apartments in DC Ranch start as low as $1,900 per month, they can reach upwards of $10,000 per month in some parts of the community. Much of the price will depend on the size, layout, and location you choose.
If you’re relocating to DC Ranch with children, they’ll be joining one of the best school systems in the state of Arizona. Kids in the area are part of the Scottsdale Unified District, which is ranked 4th best in the state with top-rated campuses like Anasazi Elementary, Cheyenne Traditional Elementary, Chaparral High, and Desert Mountain High.
Living in DC Ranch is Worth Every Penny
Does relocating to DC Ranch sound like the perfect fit for you? Our top-rated Scottsdale movers are the best team around to assist with your relocation to this beautiful neighborhood. Get in touch with Mentors Moving & Storage today by calling (480) 376-1009 or fill out the Request a Quote form on this page to get a free Scottsdale moving estimate!
