First Impressions: More Resort Than Neighborhood

Terravita Golf & Country Club is a guard-gated community in North Scottsdale, situated just south of Carefree. Spanning more than 800 acres in the Sonoran Desert, it features 24-hour security and over 1,300 single-family homes. The overall atmosphere is calm, organized, and feels more like a resort than a typical city neighborhood.

The name “Terravita” combines terra (earth) and vita (life). This concept is reflected in the community’s aesthetic: low-profile homes, desert-toned exteriors, preserved natural areas, and sweeping views of the golf course and nearby mountains.

3D aerial rendering of a desert golf clubhouse with surrounding fairways and mountains in the distance
AI-generated image

Address: 34034 N 69th Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85266, USA

Location and Climate (North Scottsdale, 85266)

The community is located near the intersection of Scottsdale Road and Carefree Highway.

Grocery stores, pharmacies, cafés, and basic services are all within a short drive.

Popular destinations like Old Town Scottsdale and Kierland Commons are further south but easily accessible by car. Residents appreciate this balance: the quiet of home with city life reachable when needed.

Climate & Seasonality:

  • Winter: Mild, sunny, and dry. This is the prime season for golf, walking, and outdoor socializing. Many “snowbirds” from colder states and Canada reside here during these months.

  • Summer: Very hot. Activity shifts to early mornings (golf, walks) or indoors (fitness center). Anyone planning to live here year-round should be prepared for this seasonal rhythm.

Golf and Active Living

The central element of Terravita is its support for an active lifestyle.

Golf Course: Desert Style with Modern Renovation

The private 18-hole, par-72 golf course was originally designed by Billy Casper and Greg Nash and has recently undergone a major renovation.

Design

A classic desert layout with fairways framed by native plants, strategic bunkers, and elevation changes.

Updates

Rebuilt greens, redesigned bunkers, and an updated irrigation system provide a cleaner, modern look and smoother play.

Facilities

Includes a driving range, short-game area, putting green, as well as leagues and clinics for all skill levels.

Fitness, Pools, and Tennis

Health & Fitness Center

Features cardio and strength equipment, group classes, and personal training options.

Pool

The pool and spa area is designed for both lap swimming and relaxation.

Courts

Tennis and pickleball courts are available, often used in the evenings under lights.

Nature Trails

A network of walking paths connects neighborhoods to the clubhouse. A key feature is the dedicated nature trail, offering a genuine desert experience among saguaros and boulders—perfect for jogging, bird-watching, or enjoying the sunset.

Clubhouse and Social Life

The Clubhouse is the center of daily life in Terravita, offering a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere rather than a formal one.

Dining

Dining rooms, a bar, lounges, and outdoor terraces with mountain views.

Events

Themed dinners, holiday celebrations, and casual terrace evenings help newcomers meet neighbors easily.

Interest Groups

Beyond golf, there are book clubs, game groups, art activities, and lectures. The social calendar is full even for non-golfers.

Real Estate and Architecture

Homes in Terravita are designed to blend into the Sonoran Desert rather than stand out. Architecturally, most homes are single-story with open floor plans and attached garages.
The style features warm-toned stucco, tile roofs, and low-water landscaping, adhering to a desert aesthetic instead of traditional green lawns.
Home sizes vary, ranging from smaller “lock-and-leave” options to larger residences along the fairways. The community’s residents are a mix of full-time owners and seasonal visitors, which creates a predictable annual rhythm: a busy, social winter and a quieter, more intimate core group in the summer.
Two young men in golf clothing smiling and watching a shot on a sunny fairway
AI-generated image

Health, Safety, and Medical Care

For many residents and their families, health and safety are as important as amenities. Terravita is within driving distance of clinics, urgent care centers, and hospitals in North Scottsdale and nearby areas.

Not every health concern needs a trip to urgent care, though. For non-emergency issues, residents can arrange a house call from an independent physician, such as Dr. Rebecca Cook, who works in this part of Scottsdale. Dr. Cook is not employed by Terravita; she runs her own practice, but her services are available to residents and their visiting family members.

This option allows people with infections, a flare-up of a chronic condition, medication questions, or new symptoms to be seen at home. A visit can include an exam, a review of medications, basic diagnostics, and a clear plan for what to do next — all without leaving the community or waiting in a crowded urgent care lobby.

For older adults, seasonal visitors, and families caring for aging parents, this adds peace of mind. Life in Terravita becomes not only comfortable and active, but also more secure when health questions appear.

3D model of a golf green by a lake with modern desert homes and rocky mountains in the background
AI-generated image

Buyer Advice: What to Ask

Buying a home in a private community requires attention to detail. Be sure to ask your agent and the HOA office:

  • Fees: How do HOA fees work, and exactly what do they cover?

  • Membership: What is the current structure for social and golf memberships? Is there a waitlist for full golf membership?

  • Financials: Are there any recent or upcoming capital projects or special assessments?

  • Rules: What are the rules regarding rentals, guests, and short-term stays?

  • Location: How far is the specific home from the clubhouse, fitness center, and gate?

3D sunset view of a desert golf fairway with bunkers and trees under an orange sky
AI-generated image

Key Contacts

Terravita Golf & Country Club 34034 N 69th Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85266

It is recommended to visit the official website or contact the membership office for the most up-to-date fees and to arrange a visit.