If you picture mornings on a shaded path, afternoons by the water, and easy access to Scottsdale’s best amenities, you are already imagining life in McCormick Ranch. This master-planned community is known for its greenbelt lifestyle, lakes, and low-key convenience. In this guide, you will get oriented fast: where the neighborhood sits, how the trails and parks connect, what to know about lakes and HOA rules, and a quick look at daily life and market basics. Let’s dive in.
Where McCormick Ranch sits
McCormick Ranch spans central Scottsdale, generally between Indian Bend Road to the south, Shea Boulevard to the north, Scottsdale Road to the west, and the Loop 101 corridor to the east. Development began in the 1970s and includes single-family homes, townhomes, and condos in many small subdivisions. The setting is distinct in the desert with mature trees, irrigated lawns, man-made lakes, and two public golf courses. You can read a concise overview of the community’s origins and layout on the McCormick Ranch entry on Wikipedia.
The greenbelt and trail network
The greenbelt is the heart of daily life here. You will find an interconnected system of multi-use paths that link parks, lakes, and local centers, and tie into Scottsdale’s larger Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt. Many residents choose homes within a short walk of a path.
- Most sources describe 25-plus miles of walking and biking paths in and around McCormick Ranch. Exact mileage varies by what is counted, so treat 25-plus as a practical rule of thumb.
- For park access, hours, and reservable ramadas, use the City of Scottsdale’s Find a Park tool.
Parks you will use
Several neighborhood parks anchor the greenbelt experience. Mountain View Park, Comanche Park, Shoshone Park, and Zuni Park offer playgrounds, athletic fields or courts, picnic spaces, and direct trail connections. You can confirm amenities and locations through the city’s parks directory.
A favorite nearby landmark
Just south of the neighborhood, the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a 30-acre city park with miniature train rides, a vintage carousel, model railroad exhibits, and multiple playgrounds. It is a popular weekend outing for many residents. Learn more on the park’s Wikipedia page.
Lakes, fishing, and how water works here
McCormick Ranch features a series of man-made lakes that add scenery and support recreation. Published sources differ on the count, with some listing seven lakes and others mentioning ten. You will see both numbers used locally. Beyond recreation, the lakes and wash system also help manage stormwater and drainage for the area. The neighborhood’s water features are engineered as part of Scottsdale’s broader flood-control success story documented in the community’s history.
- Fishing and boating rules vary by lake. Several lakes are used for catch-and-release fishing, and a community permit may be required. Always check current policies with the McCormick Ranch Property Owners Association. The MRPOA portal is a good place to start.
How the community is governed
McCormick Ranch has a master association, often referred to as MRPOA, along with many sub-associations. The master association handles common areas and community standards. Sub-associations manage building or subdivision amenities, pools, and day-to-day rules. If you are buying, you should request the full HOA and master-association documents during due diligence to understand fees, rules, and access.
Practical tips for new residents
- Register for the MRPOA app and portal to receive notices, pay dues, and submit maintenance requests.
- Ask your sub-association which amenities it manages and how they are accessed, including pools, courts, and any village recreation facilities.
- If you are near a lake or greenbelt, review landscaping guidelines, irrigation responsibilities, and any path or easement rules.
Daily life: getting around, schools, services
You will have quick access to the 101, Scottsdale Road, Shea Boulevard, and Indian Bend Road, which makes regional trips simple. Many residents drive, while the greenbelt paths support short trips by bike or foot for errands and recreation. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is typically a 20 to 30 minute drive, depending on traffic.
McCormick Ranch is within Scottsdale Unified School District. School assignments vary by address, so confirm with the district’s boundary tools or by contacting SUSD directly. This ensures you have the most current information.
Healthcare access is strong nearby. HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center and specialists along the Shea corridor are a short drive from most parts of the neighborhood. Retail and entertainment options include local centers like Paseo Village and Seville Plaza, plus larger destinations such as Scottsdale Fashion Square, Kierland Commons, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, OdySea Aquarium, and Butterfly Wonderland.
For public safety questions, Scottsdale provides open-data tools for crime mapping and incident reports. You can learn about the city’s modern mapping resources in this overview from Police Magazine. For current, address-level information, consult the Scottsdale Police Department’s resources.
Real estate snapshot and what to watch
Recent neighborhood tools in 2024 and 2025 show a wide range of median sold prices in McCormick Ranch, roughly from the high 700s up to around 1.2 million. Variation depends on timing and whether condos, townhomes, or single-family homes are included. The takeaway is simple. This community spans everything from lock-and-leave condos to waterfront and golf-course homes. For a precise picture tied to your property type, ask for a live MLS snapshot or a comparative market analysis.
Buyer checklist for McCormick Ranch
- Review the master association and sub-association CC&Rs, fee schedules, and reserve studies.
- If considering a lakeside property, confirm lake maintenance responsibilities, any dock or boating rules, drainage easements, and pest or weed control plans.
- Ask for recent utility bills and landscape costs. Mature trees and irrigated turf add beauty and require ongoing care.
Seller playbook highlights
- Lead with lifestyle. Document distances or minutes to parks, trailheads, the Railroad Park, shopping, and medical services. Use the city’s parks directory for accurate names and locations.
- Showcase outdoor flow. Photos of patios, shaded yards, and path access resonate with buyers who value the greenbelt.
- Clarify HOA details up front. Buyers appreciate simple, well-organized information on fees, amenities, and rules.
Ready to explore listings or plan a move with discreet, concierge-level guidance? Connect with Karen Stroble for a focused strategy and an on-the-ground orientation.
FAQs
What is the greenbelt in McCormick Ranch?
- It is a network of grassy, multi-use paths and parks that links much of the neighborhood and connects to Scottsdale’s Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt.
How many miles of paths are in McCormick Ranch?
- Many sources cite 25-plus miles, but counts vary by what is included. Confirm specifics with city maps or the MRPOA when you need exact mileage.
Can you fish in McCormick Ranch lakes?
- Several lakes support catch-and-release fishing, and a community permit may be required. Check current rules through the MRPOA portal.
Which schools serve McCormick Ranch addresses?
- The neighborhood is within Scottsdale Unified School District, but assignments depend on the exact address. Verify with SUSD’s boundary tools or the district office.
How long is the drive to Phoenix Sky Harbor from McCormick Ranch?
- Typical drive times are about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic, with quick access to Loop 101 and major arterials.
What types of homes are available in McCormick Ranch?
- You will find condos, townhomes, and single-family homes, including some waterfront and golf-course properties, across many smaller subdivisions.
How do HOAs work in McCormick Ranch?
- A master association sets community standards and maintains some common areas, while sub-associations manage local amenities and rules. Request the full HOA packet during escrow.
