Whisper Rock Homes for Sale in Scottsdale, AZ 85266

Whisper Rock is a guard-gated community in North Scottsdale, ZIP 85266, on the north side of Lone Mountain Road near Hayden Road, just south of Carefree. It is known for custom estate homes on large desert lots, villas, and the private Whisper Rock Golf Club, home to Phil Mickelson's first course design.

Whisper Rock is small and private. Homes sit on big lots with views of the Tortuga and Sombrero mountains, and the community has its own park, pool and trails for homeowners. The golf club next door is one of the most talked-about private clubs in the Valley. If you are looking at Whisper Rock, here is what I want you to know before you tour.

Whisper Rock at a glance
  • City and ZIP: Scottsdale, AZ 85266
  • Location: north side of Lone Mountain Road near Hayden Road, just south of Carefree
  • Homes: custom estate homes on lots of one acre and up, plus villas and homesites
  • Gated: guard-gated around the clock
  • Golf: private Whisper Rock Golf Club, Lower course (2001, Phil Mickelson) and Upper course (2005, Tom Fazio)
  • Schools: Cave Creek Unified School District

See all Whisper Rock homes for saleCall Terry: 602-483-4665

Where Whisper Rock is

Whisper Rock is in the northern part of Scottsdale, around Lone Mountain Road and Hayden Road. The homes are on the north side of Lone Mountain Road, and the town of Carefree is just to the north. The golf club's address is on North Old Bridge Road in ZIP 85266.

That puts you close to the shops and restaurants of Carefree and Cave Creek, and a longer drive south to the main Scottsdale business areas. Nearby neighborhoods include Terravita, The Boulders, Desert Foothills and Desert View. Many buyers choose this area for open desert, mountain views and dark night skies.

The homes

The main residential community is Whisper Rock Estates. Realtor sources describe close to 200 custom homesites, most of them one acre or larger, plus a small group of villas. Home styles lean Southwestern, Spanish hacienda and Italian villa, with plenty of glass to frame the views. You will also see an occasional vacant lot for a buyer who wants to build.

Because these are custom homes, each one is different in size, layout, age and finishes. I look closely at how the home sits on the lot, the view corridors, privacy from neighbors, and the condition of big items like roofs, pools and HVAC systems.

Things to do

  • Whisper Rock Golf Club: two private courses. The Lower course opened in 2001 and was Phil Mickelson's first design, done with architect Gary Stephenson. The Upper course, by Tom Fazio, was added in 2005.
  • Owner amenities: a park area for homeowners with a fitness center, heated pool and spa, tennis and basketball courts, and walking trails.
  • Carefree and Cave Creek: close by for dining, coffee, galleries and events.
  • Desert hiking: trails and preserve land are spread across the North Scottsdale and Carefree area.

Schools

Whisper Rock is in the Cave Creek Unified School District. Listings I see for Whisper Rock name Cactus Shadows High School. The district's current schools include Black Mountain Elementary, Desert Willow Elementary, Horseshoe Trails Elementary and Sonoran Trails Middle School. Some older websites still list schools that have closed, so please confirm the assigned schools for a specific address with the district before you buy.

HOA basics

Homes are part of the Whisper Rock Estates Community Association, a nonprofit association formed in 2000. The community is guard-gated, and residents get services like patrols and home checks. The golf club is completely separate from the HOA. When you are under contract, ask for the CC&Rs, design guidelines and rules, especially if you plan to remodel or build.

Buying in Whisper Rock

The first thing to know is that buying a home in Whisper Rock does not come with a golf membership. Club membership is private and by invitation or sponsorship. If golf is the reason you are buying, have that conversation early. After that, compare lots, views and the age of each home. With custom homes, a full inspection is a must. Start with my first steps for buying a home in Arizona, and if a seller has a low-rate loan, see my guide to buying with an assumable mortgage in Arizona.

Selling your Whisper Rock home

There are only a couple hundred homes here, so true comparable sales are rare. I start with recent Whisper Rock sales and then look at nearby gated custom-home communities, adjusting for lot size, view and updates. See how to price your Arizona home to sell and my North Scottsdale home values guide, then call me for a free price review.

Questions buyers ask

Does a home in Whisper Rock include a golf membership?
No, Whisper Rock Golf Club membership is separate from owning a home and is by invitation or sponsorship. You can own a home there without being a member.

Is Whisper Rock gated?
Yes, Whisper Rock Estates is guard-gated around the clock.

Who designed the Whisper Rock courses?
Phil Mickelson designed the Lower course with Gary Stephenson, which opened in 2001, and Tom Fazio designed the Upper course, added in 2005.

What school district serves Whisper Rock?
Whisper Rock is in the Cave Creek Unified School District, and listings commonly show Cactus Shadows High School. Confirm the elementary and middle schools for the address with the district.

Nearby communities to compare

More: Moving to Scottsdale | Moving to Carefree | DeLex Realty listings in Scottsdale | All Scottsdale homes for sale

Thinking about Whisper Rock?
I can compare homes and lots, check the HOA documents and help you write a strong offer. Call or text Terry Day, REALTOR®, DeLex Realty: 602-483-4665.

Community details come from public sources and can change. Confirm HOA, club and school information for a specific home before you buy.

Newest Homes in Whisper Rock

33243 N Northstar Circle Unit 173, Scottsdale
$950,000
7054144 MLS
Discover one of North Scottsdale's best-kept secrets within the exclusive guard-gated golf community of Whisper Rock Estates. A rare opportunity to design and build your dream desert retreat, this generous 1.1 acre north/south oriented lot with building envelope of over 23,000 square feet, is surrounded by spectacular multi-million-dollar estates, a tranquil natural wash, lush Sonoran Desert vegetation and stunning mountain views. Residents enjoy a coveted lifestyle enhanced by an extensively renovated Whisper Rock Community Center, featuring a state-of-the-art Wellness Pavilion, dedicated yoga studio, fully equipped fitness studio, recovery lounge and wellness concierge. Additional amenities include a heated lap pool and spa, resurfaced pickleball and tennis courts, basketball court, bocce ball courts, barbeque ramada, expansive three-acre park and miles of private hiking and biking trails woven throughout the community. Experience everyday living at a new level with Whisper Rock Estates' dynamic resident experience program, convenient "Just Ask" concierge services for home and lifestyle management, and convenient on-site HOA services. Comprised of 214 custom homesites spanning 1 to 5 acres each, this premier guard-gated enclave offers unparalleled privacy and natural beauty. This is an exceptional property offering the perfect balance of privacy, serenity and architectural possibility. Buyer to verify all material facts. All material information must be verified during the inspection period.

33243 N Northstar Circle Unit 173, Scottsdale

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