Moving to Rio Verde, AZ: Rio Verde Homes for Sale and Local Guide

Rio Verde is an unincorporated area of northeast Maricopa County, east of Scottsdale near the Verde River, bordered by Tonto National Forest and McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Rio Verde AZ homes for sale fall into two groups: homes in golf communities with piped water and sewer, and custom homes on acreage in the rural Rio Verde Foothills.

I'm Terry Day with DeLex Realty. Rio Verde feels far from the city even though north Scottsdale is just to the west. It sits between a national forest, a large regional park and the Verde River, with open desert on most sides. Buying here takes a little more homework than buying in a suburb, mostly around water, roads and services, so this guide covers what I checked and what I go over with my clients.

Rio Verde at a glance

Where: unincorporated Maricopa County, east of Scottsdale and north of Fountain Hills, ZIP 85263
Population: about 2,200 in the Rio Verde census area (2020 Census), plus the larger rural Foothills area
Golf communities: Rio Verde (Rio Verde Country Club), Tonto Verde and Trilogy at Verde River
Rural area: Rio Verde Foothills, about 20 square miles of private land
Water: EPCOR water and sewer in the golf communities; wells or hauled water in the Foothills
Outdoors: McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Tonto National Forest and Verde River access at Box Bar

See Rio Verde homes for sale Call Terry: 602-483-4665

Where Rio Verde is and how you get there

Rio Verde sits in the northeast corner of the Valley. To the north and east is Tonto National Forest and the Verde River. To the south is McDowell Mountain Regional Park, with Fountain Hills and the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation beyond it. Scottsdale is to the west. The U.S. Forest Service route out to the river gives a good picture of the drive: Pima Road to Dynamite Boulevard, then east on Rio Verde Drive.

There is no freeway out here. Maricopa County's own area plan for the Foothills notes that only a few roads lead in and out, so your daily drive will mostly be on Rio Verde Drive, Dynamite, and county roads such as Forest Road, Dixileta, Lone Mountain and the numbered streets. Plan for longer drives to freeways, big-box stores and hospitals than you would have in central Scottsdale.

A short history

Ranching came first: the Box Bar Ranch along the Verde River dates to 1919. Investors began buying land for a planned community in the late 1960s, and Rio Verde was developed in the early 1970s around a golf course. Its first course, Quail Run, opened in 1973, and a second course, White Wing, followed in the early 1980s. Both were redesigned in 2007 and 2008.

Tonto Verde came next. Construction began in early 1992 and the first residents moved in in November 1994. By 2009 every lot had sold and the residents had taken over ownership of the community. Shea Homes later built Trilogy at Verde River nearby. In 2019 EPCOR bought the local utility, Rio Verde Utilities, which serves the golf communities with water and wastewater service.

The main areas

Rio Verde. The original community, built around the private Rio Verde Country Club and its two 18-hole courses, Quail Run and White Wing. The club describes it as an active adult community; ask the association about its current age and occupancy rules.

Tonto Verde. A gated community of 747 home sites with two 18-hole courses, The Peaks and The Ranch, run by the resident-owned Tonto Verde Association.

Trilogy at Verde River. A Shea Homes community that mixes age-restricted 55+ neighborhoods with all-ages neighborhoods, built around the Verde River Golf & Social Club. Its course was redesigned in 2016 with Tom Lehman.

Rio Verde Foothills. The big rural area, about 20 square miles of private land. Maricopa County's area plan describes it as running from Tonto National Forest on the north to the Jomax Road alignment and the regional park on the south, and from 136th Street on the west to the 184th Street alignment on the east. Lots are large, homes are spread out, and many are custom built. See my pages on Rio Verde acreage homes and Rio Verde condos and townhomes.

Types of homes

Inside the golf communities you will find detached homes and attached homes such as townhomes, many set on golf, mountain-view or desert lots. In the Foothills you will find custom homes on large lots, plus vacant land. Many Foothills properties use private wells, while others rely on hauled water stored in a tank on the property, so each home's water setup matters as much as its floor plan.

Water in Rio Verde Foothills

This is the topic every Foothills buyer should understand. Scottsdale stopped letting haulers fill up for the Foothills on January 1, 2023. A state law signed in June 2023 set up a temporary standpipe district, and in November 2023 the Arizona Corporation Commission approved EPCOR's long-term plan. The temporary district ended on December 31, 2025, and EPCOR's own filling station at 26788 N. 176th Street opened on January 1, 2026. Only enrolled accounts with a PIN can use it, applications closed in June 2024, and eligibility stays with the parcel when it sells. Before you buy, confirm whether the parcel is enrolled, whether it has a well and its permit records, and how large the storage tank is.

Things to do

McDowell Mountain Regional Park, just south, covers more than 21,000 acres with about 50 miles of shared trails, a campground and a competitive mountain bike track with three loops. To the north, the Box Bar area in Tonto National Forest gives access to the Verde River for fishing and non-motorized boating; it needs a Tonto pass and closes seasonally from December through June to protect nesting bald eagles.

Schools

Census school district maps show that part of the Rio Verde area is in Cave Creek Unified School District. Because district lines out here are not simple, confirm the district for any address before you buy.

Getting around, services and daily errands

Rio Verde is residential, so expect to drive for most shopping, medical care and errands. Fire and emergency service depends on where you live: the Tonto Verde association notes a Rio Verde Fire District station about a mile from its entrance, while Rural Metro Fire serves the Foothills from two stations on a subscription or pay-per-call basis. Ask about trash, internet and electric providers for the specific address, because they can vary across the area.

Buying and selling tips

In the Foothills, look at water first: well records, standpipe enrollment, tank size and hauling costs.
Check road access. Ask who maintains the road to the home, since that affects daily driving and resale.
Inside the golf communities, read the HOA documents, club membership terms and any age rules.
Some homes may have an assumable FHA or VA loan; see my assumable mortgage page and first steps to buying in Arizona.
Sellers: buyers out here ask detailed questions about water, utilities and roads. Have records ready, and read my guide on how to price your Arizona home to sell.

Questions buyers ask

Where does water come from in Rio Verde?
The golf communities get piped water and sewer service from EPCOR, while Rio Verde Foothills homes use private wells or water hauled from EPCOR's filling station, which opened on January 1, 2026 for enrolled parcels.

Are Rio Verde's golf communities age-restricted?
Some are, in part. Trilogy at Verde River mixes 55+ and all-ages neighborhoods, and Rio Verde's club describes it as an active adult community, so read each community's current age and occupancy rules before you buy.

How far is Rio Verde from Scottsdale?
It borders Scottsdale's northeast side, but the drive to central Scottsdale is long because there is no freeway; most people come in on Rio Verde Drive and Dynamite Boulevard.

Are the golf courses open to the public?
Rio Verde Country Club is a private club; ask Tonto Verde and the Verde River Golf & Social Club about their current membership and guest-play rules.

Homes by School in Rio Verde

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

Rio Verde: questions people ask

Is Rio Verde part of Scottsdale?
No, Rio Verde and Rio Verde Foothills are unincorporated areas of Maricopa County, not part of any city, and homes there use the ZIP code 85263. Maricopa County handles zoning, and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement.

What is the difference between Rio Verde and Rio Verde Foothills?
Rio Verde is a planned golf community built around Rio Verde Country Club and its two courses, Quail Run and White Wing, with piped water and sewer from EPCOR. Rio Verde Foothills is a much larger rural area of about 20 square miles where most lots are zoned for at least one acre or about 4.36 acres per home, and homes rely on private wells or hauled water. See my Arizona horse property guide if you want room for animals.

How do Rio Verde Foothills homes get water now?
Homes in Rio Verde Foothills without a well can haul water from EPCOR's Rio Verde Foothills Standpipe, which opened January 1, 2026 on 176th Street south of Rio Verde Drive. Users need an EPCOR account and access code and must be inside the standpipe service area, and EPCOR's rates are regulated by the Arizona Corporation Commission. This replaced the hauled-water supply that the City of Scottsdale stopped selling on January 1, 2023.

Who provides fire protection in Rio Verde?
The Rio Verde Fire District has two stations in Rio Verde, and Rural Metro Fire serves parts of the unincorporated area through an annual membership, with non-members billed for service. Coverage depends on the address, so confirm the fire provider for any home before you buy.

Which school district serves Rio Verde?
Much of the Rio Verde area is in Cave Creek Unified School District. Confirm boundaries with the district for any address. Nearby: Moving to Fountain Hills.

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.

Thinking about a move to Rio Verde?
Call Terry Day at DeLex Realty to tour golf-community homes or Foothills acreage and talk through water and roads at 602-483-4665.

Area details come from Maricopa County, EPCOR, the U.S. Forest Service, community associations, clubs and published reports and can change. Confirm water service, school district, HOA rules and age rules for a specific property before you buy.

Newest Rio Verde Homes for Sale

$1,150,000

2 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 7103479 MLS ⋅ 2,820 SqFt.

Perfectly situated on the 17th fairway of the Peaks course in the gated community of Tonto Verde, this home blends luxury living with effortless entertaining. Freshly painted interiors highlight a grand great room with high ceilings, travertine floors, a stunning fireplace, and expansive windows framing fairway views. The light-filled kitchen features Alder cabinetry, granite counters, an island, double ovens, glass cooktop, warming drawer, appliance garage, and huge walk-in pantry. A split layout ensures privacy, with a secluded primary retreat opposite the ensuite guest bedroom, plus a massive den/3rd bedroom with its own bath. Outside, enjoy a covered patio and conversation areas. Complete with a 2.5-car garage with golf cart and gym space, plus a cart path direct to the clubhouse.

18513 E Agua Verde Drive, Rio Verde

$735,000

4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 7103390 MLS ⋅ 2,331 SqFt.

17416 E Windstone Trail, Rio Verde

$840,000

2 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 7102996 MLS ⋅ 2,446 SqFt.

TURNKEY with new furniture! Experience easy desert living in this spacious, updated, end-unit townhome with mountain views in gated Tonto Verde. The home features 20'' tile flooring, stacked-stone fireplace, skylights, view windows, and central vac. The updated kitchen boasts granite counters, SS appliances, gas cooktop, farm sink, and island. An extended dining area frames scenic views with floor to ceiling windows. Split layout offers total privacy: spacious primary suite with snail shower, soaking tub, dual vanities, and custom walk-in closet, plus a private ensuite guest room and a separate powder bath. Third room can be an office or overflow sleeping with a chest pull-out bed. Relax on the large, fully-furnished, private travertine patio. 2.5-car garage with golf cart space.

27723 N Quail Spring Road, Rio Verde

$1,050,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 7102989 MLS ⋅ 3,001 SqFt.

Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in gated Tonto Verde, this custom home offers relaxed desert living and scenic mountain views. An inviting foyer with a tranquil water feature leads to the large great room with a fireplace and dedicated wet bar with wine and beverage cooler. The kitchen features granite and quartz counters, built-in ovens, roll-out shelving, and a breakfast room, complemented by a formal dining room. The split floor plan ensures privacy, highlighted by a generous primary suite with serene mountain views and a spacious ensuite guest room. A versatile den with a 3/4 bath serves as an office or extra guest space. The restful, private patio features a fireplace, heaters, and a spool. Plentiful built-in storage throughout and a 2.5-car garage complete this exceptional residence.

19022 E Lazo Court, Rio Verde

$725,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 7101948 MLS ⋅ 2,223 SqFt.

Situated on the Quail Run golf course with BREATHTAKING VIEWS of a beautiful pond and the Mazatzal mountains greet you from the entry! An open floor plan perfect for entertaining! This impeccable end unit was renovated in 2022 offering upgraded flooring, bathrooms, kitchen, appliances with a breakfast area and a bar open to the great room/dining room and beyond. Power security shades raise to a show off three outdoor living spaces surrounded by a knee wall fence. Professionally landscaped with high end artificial turf. There is even a shop area in the garage with lots of storage, 2 car plus a golf cart garage! Pool across the street! Furnished! This one won't last! Rio Verde is a 55+ community with two golf courses, pickleball, tennis, fitness room, a non-denominational church.

18654 E Rio Lane, Rio Verde

$729,000

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 7100981 MLS ⋅ 1,542 SqFt.

Situated in the prestigious Trilogy at Verde River community and ideally positioned for privacy and distinctive Resort Living, this beautiful home includes your own Private Pool and luxurious upgrades throughout. Stunning upon entry, this popular floor plan offers a neutral color palette combining sophisticated style and current design trends. The extended driveway leads to the inviting front entry and from the moment you enter the foyer of this meticulously maintained home you are drawn to the amazing Chef's kitchen with Stainless steel Appliance Package and upgraded arctic white cabinetry. Offering an abundance of natural light, the home boasts an open floor plan with beautiful materials of travertine style tile floors, Quartz kitchen island and decorative tile backsplash. Designed to embrace the Arizona lifestyle to its fullest, this home offers seamless transition to maximize outdoor living and enjoy the remarkable exterior space including custom Pool and an oversized covered patio for lounging. Primary suite is generously sized and offers a walk-in closet, double sinks and a walk-in shower. This home is filled with unique characteristics and details and a perfect place to experience the extraordinary Trilogy lifestyle. Additional notable upgrades include 4 1/2" baseboards Under counter lighting in the kitchen and master bath Quartz countertops throughout White cabinets with venetian bronze hardware, soft close doors, utensil drawer, tray divider & dual trash bin Sink in the laundry room Barn door in the Primary Bathroom Custom window treatments Wine fridge R/O and soft water system Upgraded Smart space/desk area in the kitchen Outside: Fence Pool and Heat pump Lush landscaping Garage side door Upgraded Propane tank This home is filled with unique characteristics and details and a perfect place to experience the extraordinary Trilogy lifestyle. Trilogy at Verde River offers upscale Resort living at its finest and the very best of all possible worlds, close to the conveniences of affluent North Scottsdale, yet secreted within the pristine privacy of the Sonoran Desert. The amenities are World Class with Tom Lehman inspired eighteen-hole Golf course, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, and bocce ball, heated lap pool and Resort style swimming pool, hot tub, Afterburn fitness center, Helen's demonstration Kitchen for cooking classes and a 7.5 acre dog park. The community center has casual poolside dining at Eddy's Diner and gourmet dining at award-winning Needle Rock Kitchen and Tap, Alvea Spa with full-service Salon and Spa amenities, Art Loft and events center. Trilogy at Verde River is adjacent to the Tonto National Forest and is situated in the middle of miles and miles of hiking and biking trails. Whether you're seeking a second, winter home, or will live here year-round, Trilogy at Verde River is an ideal distance from the hustle and bustle of North Scottsdale. You'll love the Resort living! What memories will you make?

29324 N Clear Ridge Road, Rio Verde

$875,000

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 7100926 MLS ⋅ 2,080 SqFt.

Experience Luxury Living in this beautiful Ironwood Residence located in the coveted Trilogy at Verde River. Welcoming front porch leads you into an open floor plan with an alluring great room, striking kitchen, and light and open dining room. Gourmet GE Monogram Appliances, large granite center island, custom lighting and stunning cabinetry in the kitchen offers a rich and upgraded look. Exuding warmth and sophistication this home is designed to feature distinctive elements such as large Den, upgraded wood flooring throughout, custom window treatments, stunning upgraded primary bath, both Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis and so much more. The expansive primary bedroom and bathroom offer a luxurious retreat, complete with a custom tiled shower, and dual vanity. The second guest room come comes with its own en suite bath, ensuring comfort and privacy. The entire Great Room area of the home features sliding Wall of Glass and opens for an optimal indoor/outdoor experience. Spacious outdoor living has an extended covered patio, custom landscaping, low-maintenance turf, and a fully fenced yard--creating a private, lock-and-leave environment Resort Lifestyle and a home to be treasured and appreciated! Trilogy at Verde River offers upscale Resort living at its finest and the very best of all possible worlds, close to the conveniences of affluent North Scottsdale yet secreted within the pristine privacy of the Sonoran Desert. The amenities are World Class with Tom Lehman inspired eighteen-hole Golf course, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, and bocce ball, heated lap pool and Resort style swimming pool, hot tub, Afterburn fitness center, Helen's demonstration Kitchen for cooking classes and a 7.5 acre dog park. The community center has casual poolside dining at Eddy's Diner and gourmet dining at award-winning Needle Rock Kitchen and Tap, Alvea Spa with full-service Salon and Spa amenities, Art Loft and events center. Trilogy at Verde River is adjacent to the Tonto National Forest and is situated in the middle of miles and miles of hiking and biking trails. Whether you're seeking a second, winter home, or will live here year-round, Trilogy at Verde River is an ideal distance from the hustle and bustle of North Scottsdale. Attitudes here are different; there's a sense of community. You'll love the Resort living! What memories will you make?

18125 E Parker Creek Road, Rio Verde

$799,900

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 7100774 MLS ⋅ 1,945 SqFt.

Set on an oversized lot with mature desert landscaping and mountain views, this 2-bedroom, plus office/den, 2-bath Nice layout offers inviting indoor-outdoor living. A corner pocket slider opens the living area to the backyard, where an unfenced setting preserves the open feel. The kitchen features upgraded gourmet stainless steel built-in appliances, a gas cooktop, and a large island with a breakfast bar. Tile floors and shutters throughout add style, while the primary suite offers dual sinks, a large tiled shower, and a spacious walk-in closet. Additional upgrades include an epoxy-coated garage floor, water softener, rain gutters, and GE Profile washer and dryer. Come see the possibilities, this beautiful home is a blank canvas ready for you to make your own! The amenities at Verde River are World Class with Tom Lehman inspired eighteen-hole Golf course, tennis courts, 12 pickleball courts, and bocce ball, heated lap pool and Resort style swimming pool, hot tub, Afterburn fitness center, Helen's demonstration Kitchen for cooking classes and a 7.5 acre dog park. The community center has casual poolside dining at Eddy's Diner and gourmet dining at award-winning Needle Rock Kitchen and Tap, Alvea Spa with full-service Salon and Spa amenities, Art Loft and events center. Trilogy at Verde River is adjacent to the Tonto National Forest and is situated in the middle of miles and miles of hiking and biking trails.

18209 E Paria Canyon Drive, Rio Verde

$175,000

7100392 MLS

27000 N 168th Street, Rio Verde, AZ 85263 The property is in the Rio Verde Foothills area of northeastern Maricopa County, a rural-desert area northeast of Scottsdale. This 2 acre parcel is a corner lot on 168th Street and Buckhorn. There is a good mix of homes built on larger lots from the $700,000 up to several million dollar resales in the last several years.

27000 N 168th Street Unit -, Rio Verde

$1,695,000

4 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 7100361 MLS ⋅ 4,176 SqFt.

Exceptional golf course living in Tonto Verde! This impressive 4,176 SF home offers 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and 2 offices, with breathtaking mountain and golf course views. The open floorplan seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining area, and great room, creating an ideal setting for entertaining. Granite countertops, travertine and wood flooring mechanical Hunter Douglas blinds and numerous updates completed within the past 6 years add to the appeal. The primary suite enjoys beautiful views, while the expansive patio provides the perfect place to relax, entertain, or unwind in the above-ground spa. A 3-car air-conditioned garage with abundant storage completes this exceptional property. Enjoy the space, views, and lifestyle that make Tonto Verde so special!

27609 N Desierto Drive, Rio Verde

$618,451

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 7100107 MLS ⋅ 1,542 SqFt.

Brand new Evia on a prime homesite bordering desert-landscaped common area. 2 bedrooms plus a den with built-in desk and 2 baths in a great room layout with split bedrooms. The gourmet kitchen features an induction cooktop with statement hood, quartz countertops with tile backsplash, a JennAir French door refrigerator, and white shaker cabinetry. Tile flooring flows through the open concept great room, where an expansive multi slide glass door opens to a covered patio with an extended pergola covering. The primary bath offers a spa style tiled shower with bench seating and a frameless glass enclosure. The laundry room includes upper and lower cabinets and a utility sink. The amenities at Verde River are World Class with Tom Lehman inspired eighteen-hole Golf course, tennis courts, 12 pickleball courts, and bocce ball, heated lap pool and Resort style swimming pool, hot tub, Afterburn fitness center, Helen's demonstration Kitchen for cooking classes and a 7.5 acre dog park. The community center has casual poolside dining at Eddy's Diner and gourmet dining at award-winning Needle Rock Kitchen and Tap, Alvea Spa with full-service Salon and Spa amenities, Art Loft and events center. Trilogy at Verde River is adjacent to the Tonto National Forest and is situated in the middle of miles and miles of hiking and biking trails.

18143 E Spring Valley Court, Rio Verde

$579,990

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 7100092 MLS ⋅ 1,678 SqFt.

Brand new Valletta with over $120,000 in upgrades. The gourmet kitchen features an induction cooktop with statement hood, quartz countertops with tile backsplash, a JennAir French door refrigerator, and white shaker cabinetry. Tile flooring flows through the open concept great room, where an expansive multi slide glass door opens to an extended covered patio with pergola. The primary bath offers a spa style tiled shower with bench seating and a frameless glass enclosure. The laundry room includes upper and lower cabinets and a utility sink. The amenities at Verde River are World Class with Tom Lehman inspired eighteen-hole Golf course, tennis courts, 12 pickleball courts, and bocce ball, heated lap pool and Resort style swimming pool, hot tub, Afterburn fitness center, Helen's demonstration Kitchen for cooking classes and a 7.5 acre dog park. The community center has casual poolside dining at Eddy's Diner and gourmet dining at award-winning Needle Rock Kitchen and Tap, Alvea Spa with full-service Salon and Spa amenities, Art Loft and events center. Trilogy at Verde River is adjacent to the Tonto National Forest and is situated in the middle of miles and miles of hiking and biking trails.

18147 E Spring Valley Court, Rio Verde

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