The Boulders

The Boulders, Scottsdale & Carefree AZ: An Honest Community Overview

The Boulders is a guard-gated golf and resort community at Scottsdale Road and Carefree Highway, straddling the line between north Scottsdale (85266) and Carefree (85377). It covers about 1,300 acres, and more than half of it is preserved as open space. The community is built around the giant granite boulder formations it’s named for, some of them about 12 million years old, along with two Jay Morrish golf courses and The Boulders Resort & Spa. The setting is seriously one of the most striking in the Valley. Some things to consider are that you share the resort and golf with hotel guests and the public, a lot of the housing dates to the 1980s, and you’re a pretty decent drive from central Scottsdale.

The Homes

The Boulders is made up of about a dozen separate neighborhoods, with everything from lock-and-leave patio homes and villas to large custom estates on golf course and boulder lots. Construction spans from about 1980 to the early 2020s. Recent listings range from around $1 million for updated golf course homes to well over $2 million for larger estates.

Many homes are from the original 1980s build-out. Expect adobe-style Southwestern architecture, and in unremodeled homes, original systems and finishes. Remodeled homes command a big premium here and investors may take note. Some owners also use their homes as furnished seasonal or luxury rentals, so just a head up you may have short-term neighbors in parts of the community.

HOA Dues

HOA dues are moderate for the price point and are roughly $106 to $219 a month, depending on the neighborhood. That covers the guard gates and common areas. Club membership is separate. There is currently no capital improvement fee, but be sure to get all of the other HOA fees prior to writing an offer.

The Club: Optional

You don’t have to join The Boulders Club to live here. Membership is optional, and there are three tiers:

• Premier Golf Membership: full golf access plus all club amenities
• Premier Social Membership: requires owning a home in The Boulders
• Premier Clubhouse Membership: spa, tennis and pickleball access, and discounts; also requires home ownership

All membership levels carry a $1,500 annual food and beverage minimum. Get current initiation fees and dues directly from the club or your agent.

Golf: Shared With the Public

The Boulders has two 18-hole, par-72 Jay Morrish courses, North and South. The South Course is the more famous of the two, winding up into the boulder formations, and ranks among Arizona’s best. In our opinion this offers some of the best views of any course in the Phoenix Metro area.

Here’s the catch: The Boulders is a semi-private club tied to a resort. Since 2023, the North Course has been reserved for members and their guests, while the South Course is open to the public and resort guests. Older descriptions say the courses alternate daily between members and the public, so confirm the current arrangement with the club. Either way, if you’re joining for golf, just be aware that you’re sharing a resort environment, not a fully private club.

The Resort

The Boulders Resort & Spa, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, sits inside the community and is one of the biggest perks of living in The Boulders. Residents frequently take advantage of the resort's 33,000-square-foot spa, which features a labyrinth, a Native American-inspired teepee, organic garden treatments, and a movement studio. Homeowners also have easy access to the resort's multiple dining venues, ranging from casual cafes to upscale Southwest cuisine.

Wildfire Risk

The Boulders sits in the same high-desert interface as the rest of north Scottsdale and Carefree, where native desert and granite outcrops meet homes. North Scottsdale has had several major brush fires in recent years, and Scottsdale’s fire marshal has warned that the area’s desert and dry climate make it especially vulnerable. Ask about defensible space around the home and check homeowners insurance cost and availability in your inspection period and ask your agent for insurance recommendations.

Location

Carefree and Cave Creek are minutes away, with shops, galleries, and restaurants. But central Scottsdale, Old Town, and Sky Harbor are a long drive (nearly 1 hour to the airport).

Who It’s Best For

The Boulders is ideal for buyers who want a dramatic desert setting, resort amenities nearby, and the flexibility to join a club or skip it. It works well for second-home owners and retirees. It’s not the greatest fit for buyers who want a fully private golf club, newer construction throughout, or a short commute.