Moving to Carefree, Arizona

Carefree is a small town in the northern Valley, known for its relaxed desert setting, boulder-strewn hills and custom homes. It sits just north of Scottsdale and next to Cave Creek, so shopping, dining and golf are all close.

Carefree Highlights

  • The Carefree sundial: a local landmark in the center of town.
  • Spanish Village: a small shopping and dining area in the heart of Carefree.
  • The Boulders: a well-known resort and golf community in the surrounding hills.
  • Desert scenery: open desert, granite boulders and mountain views throughout the town.

Living in Carefree

Carefree is a smaller, quieter community than most of the Valley, with lots of custom and semi-custom homes and generous lot sizes. Buyers who want a peaceful setting near Scottsdale often start here.

Buying a Home in Carefree

Every Carefree purchase is different, and the right price and terms depend on the home, the seller and the market. I'm a strong negotiator, and I keep negotiating until the keys are in my client's hands, through the inspection, the appraisal and the final walkthrough. On some homes you may also be able to take over the seller's existing FHA, VA or USDA loan. See my assumable mortgage guide to learn how that works and who it fits.

Nearby: Moving to Scottsdale

Homes by School in Carefree

Searching by school? See my homes by school page for high school and school district searches across the Valley.

Comparing cities? See all of my Greater Phoenix city guides. Want to see what's happening in the market? Check my market reports, read the blog, or learn more about me. Ready to talk? Call Terry Day at 602-483-4665.

Browse current homes for sale listed by DeLex Realty agents.

Newest Carefree Homes for Sale

$595,000
2 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 7084324 MLS ⋅ 1,970 SqFt.
Pristine Arizona retreat with spectacular, uninterrupted mountain views from your private roof deck and balconies. Spacious 3-bath layout includes an office/den and two primary suites--ideal for family and guests. Enjoy a luxurious clubhouse, heated pool and welcoming, like-minded community in a secure, exceptionally well-run gated resort. And when warmer weather calls, simply lock the door and leave. Fully furnished down to tableware and linens, it's a special place to own, enjoy and share.

36601 N Mule Train Road Unit C33, Carefree
$4,499,000
4 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 7084019 MLS ⋅ 4,635 SqFt.
Views. Views. Views. Some homes have a view. This one has all of them! For buyers who love Scottsdale but want more privacy, land, and views, this is the answer. Perched on the south slope of Black Mountain within gated Carefree Grand View Estates, this striking custom residence offers the tranquility and dramatic scenery of elevated desert living while remaining convenient to North Scottsdale's renowned golf, dining, shopping, and recreation. Set on a private 2.2-acre lot, the approximately 5,000-square-foot home was custom built by Argue Custom Homes and features 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a 3-car garage, elevator, glass-enclosed gym, and spectacular indoor-outdoor living. Floor-to-ceiling glass captures sweeping mountain, city-light, and sunset views, while nearly 2,900 square feet of covered outdoor living surrounds an infinity-edge pool and spa and even an enclosed dog run. Inside, sophisticated finishes, a chef's kitchen, custom wine gallery, luxurious primary suite, and thoughtfully designed spaces create a refined yet comfortable desert retreat. Privacy. Acreage. Architecture. And extraordinary views--all within easy reach of the North Scottsdale lifestyle.

35133 N 66th Place, Carefree
$1,095,000
2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 7083060 MLS ⋅ 1,696 SqFt.
A rare opportunity in SkyRanch at Carefree! Completely remodeled since the sellers purchased it, this 2-bed, 2-bath residence backs directly to the runway, offering a lifestyle unlike anything else in Carefree. Inside, the open floor plan features vaulted ceilings, exposed wood beams and a spacious great room flowing into a stunning redesigned kitchen with an oversized waterfall island, custom cabinetry, statement lighting and built-in bar. The primary suite offers a sitting area, spa-inspired bath and convenient laundry within the primary closet. Outside, enjoy private courtyards, artificial turf, built-in grill and desert landscaping. Gated SkyRanch offers a heated pool & spa, tennis court and runway access.

8502 E Cave Creek Road Unit 22, Carefree
$1,399,000
4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 7082926 MLS ⋅ 2,711 SqFt.
A true Carefree desert retreat with unforgettable character, mountain views, and custom details at every turn. This 4-bed, 2.5-bath home offers 2,711 sq ft of warm Arizona living, blending rustic elegance with resort-style outdoor spaces. Antique doors, custom lighting, rich wood accents, exposed beams, and curated finishes give the home a distinctive personality buyers will remember. The backyard is built for everyday relaxation and effortless entertaining with a sparkling pool, spa, covered patio, outdoor TV area with TV lift, built-in BBQ, gated dog run for four-legged friends, desert landscaping, and stunning sunset views. Inside, enjoy inviting living spaces, a custom bar, charming office/library, and thoughtful features throughout. Ideal as a full-time residence, seasonal escape, ... or lock-and-leave Arizona lifestyle home, this property delivers privacy, warmth, and the kind of details rarely found in today's market. NOTE: List of Improvements under Documents tab.

9045 E Lazywood Place, Carefree
$1,200,000
4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 7080580 MLS ⋅ 3,340 SqFt.
Live in an iconic resort, every day? This classic Arizona ranch on an elevated acre delivers the storied, old-Arizona resort feel of the valley's most legendary properties. Two custom homes: 2,715 SF main residence plus 625 SF guesthouse, with 360-degree mountain and city light views. Great room with travertine, 3 covered patios, an outdoor kitchen. New roof (2024), HVAC (2022). The mosaic-tiled diving pool has a hydraulic lift cover for heat retention, lower chemicals, and shade -- shared by both homes for resort living. Rare find: a true separate guesthouse, not an attached casita -- its own 2-car garage, high ceilings, no steps, accessible, private pool patio. Plus a 2-car garage at the main house, 4 total. Set among saguaros near golf, hiking, and biking. Arizona living, done

9421 E Here To There Drive, Carefree
$1,650,000
3 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 7080435 MLS ⋅ 3,026 SqFt.
Experience This Designer's Personal Private Desert Lodge at The Boulders--an exquisitely reimagined, optional fully furnished retreat where modern luxury meets Arizona's iconic desert landscape. Turnkey and thoughtfully curated, the character exudes with a stunning chef's kitchen, spa-inspired baths, custom cabinetry, premium finishes with 3 ensuite bedrooms and extensive infrastructure upgrades. The exceptionally private backyard offers majestic boulder views, serene outdoor living and outstanding sunsets. Enjoy lock-and-leave living with a heated community pool and spa just two homes away, plus amenities like golf, tennis, pickleball, dining and hiking at your doorstep. More than a residence, this is a private desert sanctuary designed for refined, resort-inspired living. Owner/Agent. Experience a rare opportunity to own one of The Boulders' most comprehensively reimagined luxury residences, where sophisticated modern design meets the timeless beauty of Arizona's iconic desert landscape in the World-Renowned Boulders resort. Offered fully furnished on a separate bill of sale and professionally curated, this turnkey retreat is ready to enjoy from the moment you arrive. Completely transformed with exceptional attention to quality and craftsmanship, the residence showcases a stunning designer kitchen, luxurious spa-inspired baths, expansive porcelain flooring, custom cabinetry, premium fixtures, and thoughtfully selected furnishings that create a refined yet comfortable desert retreat. Beyond its striking design, this home offers something increasingly difficult to find--remarkable privacy. Although architecturally connected to neighboring residences, the outdoor living spaces were intentionally designed to provide a quiet, secluded setting with no direct sightlines into neighboring homes. Surrounded by dramatic granite boulder formations and breathtaking Sonoran Desert scenery, the backyard offers a peaceful sanctuary where morning coffee, evening sunsets, and outdoor entertaining can be enjoyed in complete tranquility. For those seeking a lock-and-leave lifestyle, this residence offers the perfect balance of luxury and convenience. Just a short stroll of two lots away, residents enjoy access to a heated community pool and spa providing all the benefits of resort-style amenities without the maintenance, expense, or space required for private ownership. Equally impressive are the extensive infrastructure improvements completed during the renovation. Significant investments in plumbing, gas, electrical systems, roofing, lighting, and finishes provide the confidence and peace of mind rarely found in homes of this vintage, allowing buyers to focus on enjoying the lifestyle rather than future renovations. The thoughtfully designed primary suite offers a spacious walk-in closet. Perfectly positioned within the world-renowned Boulders community, residents enjoy championship golf, tennis, pickleball, fine dining, hiking trails, fitness facilities, and a vibrant resort lifestyle just moments from the front door. This is more than a beautifully renovated residence--it is a private desert sanctuary that combines the feel of a custom luxury home with the ease of low-maintenance, resort-inspired living. So now you can just move in with your personal items since every room has been custom designed, remodeled and furnished for you. For discerning buyers seeking exceptional design, remarkable privacy, and true turnkey convenience, The Private Desert Lodge at The Boulders represents one of the community's most compelling opportunities. Buyer to pay Boulders HOA transfer/enhancement fee. Furniture and furnishings available under separate bill of sale. Buyer should verify all material facts and information.

1018 N Boulder Drive, Carefree
$849,500
3 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 7079647 MLS ⋅ 2,283 SqFt.
The View Carefree community offers resort-style amenities including a pool, spa, bocce ball court, and putting greens. HOA maintains all common areas, front landscaping, and exterior of each unit for a beautifully kept environment. This 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home features 2,283 sq ft of refined design with main floor and upper-level owner's suites on a premium corner lot. Soaring 10-foot ceilings with coffered beams, Lutron automation with audio, and a chef's kitchen with Bosch appliances and Quartz counters enhance everyday living. Upstairs, 14-foot vaulted ceilings add grandeur. The backyard boasts $35,000 in premium landscaping, perfect for entertaining. Additional upgrades include epoxy garage flooring and custom lighting. Carefree is walkable to bars, restaurants and galleries.

1 Easy Street Unit 21, Carefree
$449,500
2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 7079489 MLS ⋅ 1,107 SqFt.
This intimate two-bedroom townhome in Carefree is a true masterclass in design, where every detail reflects refined taste and an intentional aesthetic. Warm, Sonoran-inspired wall colors create the perfect backdrop for carefully collected artwork, vintage finds, and contemporary furnishings. At the heart of the living space, a striking fireplace is clad entirely in hand-made zellige tile, adding an earthy, Moroccan-inspired artisan detail and a sense of warmth. The kitchen continues the thoughtfully curated aesthetic, pairing soft cabinetry with rich wood elements, vintage-inspired accents, and beautiful tilework. The primary suite offers a tranquil retreat, while the clever second bedroom features a Murphy bed, making it equally suited for guests or as a flexible library or studio. The location is truly unbeatable--walkable to downtown Carefree's shops and restaurants, just steps from desert preserve hiking trails, and surrounded by mountain views throughout. A private patio overlooking the community pool and a two-car garage complete the home, offering a refined take on elevated Carefree living.

7432 E Carefree Drive Unit 12, Carefree
$1,800,000
3 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 7077736 MLS ⋅ 3,695 SqFt.
Tucked away at the end of a quiet interior street, this charming hacienda-style home offers the perfect blend of timeless character, charm, & resort-style living. Surrounded by sweeping golf course views & dramatic desert landscapes, this property is awash w/warm stucco architecture, rustic wood accents, arched doorways, & inviting courtyards that capture the essence of classic SW elegance. French doors flank much of the interior living spaces, providing a flow designed for both relaxation & entertaining. The spacious kitchen opens to comfortable gathering areas, beautiful, covered porches provide opportunities for year-round entertaining. Welcoming swimming pool and spa. Split floorplan, primary suite is generous. Additional guest rooms with en-suite bath and ample closet space.

3103 Arroyo Hondo --, Carefree
$2,350,000
5 Beds ⋅ 6 Baths ⋅ 7077551 MLS ⋅ 5,445 SqFt.
Spacious turnkey living in a premier location within the desirable Boulders community awaits. This distinctive updated 5-bedroom residence is set on a golf course lot with south-facing rear exposure, capturing exceptional desert views, abundant natural light and beautiful year-round sun. Rich with charm and character, the single-level home celebrates authentic style with exposed wood-beam ceilings, natural stone, warm wood cabinetry and custom built-ins, while expansive glass creates a seamless connection to the surrounding Sonoran landscape. Multiple living and gathering spaces offer a flexible floorplan for entertaining, work or simply unwinding, including an inviting library with floor-to-ceiling custom display for showcasing books and art. Outdoors, a private pool and integrated spa, generous patios and mature desert landscaping embrace the home's exceptional setting, with golf course, mountain and sunset views creating an ever-changing backdrop. The Boulders lifestyle offers something for everyone, with three distinct membership levels available for separate purchase, providing opportunities to enjoy the resort's exceptional golf, fitness and recreational amenities. Residents without membership may also enjoy resort dining and purchase spa services. Turnkey, distinctive and full of personality, this is a true Carefree desert retreat with a true sense of place in an iconic resort and golf community. Buyer to verify all material facts. All material information must be verified during the inspection period.

1042 N Boulder Drive, Carefree
$1,374,000
4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 7077250 MLS ⋅ 2,814 SqFt.
Stunning custom Sonoran estate on 1.08 acres in coveted Carefree -- fully remodeled in 2024 with fresh 2026 updates and sweeping Desert Mountain views. Soaring 20-foot vaulted ceilings, skylights, and brand-new Sunstone flooring flow through open living areas with two wood-burning fireplaces. The showpiece kitchen dazzles: quartz waterfall counters, custom two-tone cabinets with rose gold hardware, Café Line appliances, floor-to-ceiling quartz backsplash, and dedicated skylight. Primary suite features a walk-in closet, private exit, and spa ensuite with marble floors, vessel sinks, and soaking tub. Out back: wraparound patio with built-in BBQ, refinished pool, synthetic putting green with hole lights, outdoor sound system, and solar landscape lighting -- set against Arizona sunsets. Inside, every detail has been thoughtfully considered: wood-casing windows, real wood doors, plantation shutters, and neutral-toned walls that let the architecture breathe. The chef's kitchen also features an under-mount sink beneath a rose gold gooseneck faucet, peninsula seating for many, a stainless hood, and a brand-new built-in pantry. A separate dining room framed by backyard views is anchored by an elegant chandelier; pure entertaining energy with an elegant touch of an artistic stained glass upper window providing a colorful glow at certain times of the day. The primary suite includes its own wood-burning fireplace; the guest bath serves three additional bedrooms with quartz counters, marble flooring, subway tile, round black mirrors, and a custom tiled shower with glass doors and bench seating. Just past the entry, a vanishing screen door and brand-new courtyard -- paver flooring, small fountain, ambient lighting, reading bench, and custom artisan iron entry door -- set a tranquil tone perfect for that morning coffee. Curated landscape sculpture, fresh turf, and mature palms complete the backyard. The extended-length 3-car garage is newly epoxied. Behind the scenes: whole-home water softener and HVAC air purification. Single-level living with North and south exposure keeps every room comfortable year-round. Tucked into the private Velvet Shadows enclave on one of Carefree's most sought-after custom-home streets, minutes to the shops, restaurants, and trails of Carefree and Cave Creek. This estate is truly one of a kind.

8956 E Venus Drive, Carefree
$3,400,000
5 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 7076165 MLS ⋅ 4,807 SqFt.
Nestled into the natural desert landscaping this 5 bed, 4.5 bath territorial home located in coveted Carefree, AZ is an entertainer's dream. Situated on over 1.8 acres offering privacy & spectacular mountain views. The Backyard oasis features a pebble tec pool with water fall, cabana, kiva fireplace with sitting area, professionally landscaped grounds showcase mature saguaros, cacti, native trees and natural boulders. This thoughtfully designed home, features ensuite bathrooms for every bedroom. Additional features include an office full of natural light, game room with direct access to the covered patio, and a large open concept kitchen complete with Viking appliances, and oversized island perfect for entertaining. Conveniently located near Carefree shopping, dining and amenities.

6832 E Stagecoach Pass, Carefree
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