McCormick Ranch - Scottsdale, AZ

The Jolly family was the first to build a ranch on 160 acres of land that is the heart of McCormick Ranch in 1921. The family sold the property in 1942, and the McCormick family purchased it soon after. Anne McCormick created a facility called Paradise Park to house the Annual Arabian Horse show. The show was later moved to north Scottsdale, and the land was sold to real estate developers for the planned community.

McCormick Ranch itself does not have any museums or arts scene, but the City of Scottsdale is very active in the arts. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is located 5 miles south of McCormick Ranch, and art galleries of all kinds surround it.

Events such as the Scottsdale Street Fair, Salt River Fields Balloon Spoocktacular and the AZ BBQ Festival occur annually in the area.

While most master-planned communities focus on providing quiet residential streets without many shopping options, the same cannot be said for McCormick Ranch. The neighborhood is surrounded by shopping areas and shopping can also be found along Hayden Road which traverses through the middle of the area.

If you cannot decide between steak and sushi, make reservations at one of America’s premier Japanese steakhouses, Roka Akor. The North American counterpart to London’s Roka, the restaurant’s menu changes constantly to reflect the changing seasons. Make sure to make reservations, and try the New York strip loin with truffle aioli with a side of crispy Brussels sprouts. If you had a late dinner, finish the night off at the Roka Bar, where you can find an unparalleled Japanese beer list and assortment of sochu.

Diners looking for a more casual dining experience should stop by Grassroots Kitchen and Tap on Hayden Road. With community in mind, owner Christopher Collins sources ingredients straight from local farmers. The Southern Shrimp & Grits, a local favorite, have been called heavenly. The kitchen opens daily at 11 a.m. and while the kitchen normally closes at 9 p.m., the bar stays open late for those who want to stick around for a cocktail.

The Vig at McCormick Ranch provides a low-key vibe attached to four star meals. If you arrive for dinner, start off with the daily flatbread and then the vanilla-braised short-rib tacos. Always open until at least midnight, stop by when you want to finish the night off with a late-night cocktail.

With a slogan of “fine wines and sublime times,” Terroir Wine Pub carries a selection of fine wines and cheeses, but the menu never stays the same. The wine bar offers 30 continuously rotated wines by the glass, and for beer lovers the wide selection of microbrews or the Guinness and Smithwick on draught hit the spot.

McCormick Ranch residents enjoy wide roads with ample sidewalks, making the area safe for pedestrians and cyclists. Many neighborhoods connect using a series of pathways and greenbelts that are perfect for bicycling. All major thoroughfares feature biking lanes.

Most commuters residing in McCormick Ranch travel by car. The neighborhood has direct access to Loop 101 which leads to the other major freeways in the city. A Phoenix Valley park-and-ride at the intersection of Hayden Road and McCormick Parkway makes taking public transportation easier. Taxis, Uber and Lyft are easily available in the area.

Residential areas in McCormick Ranch have private parking and street-side parking, while commercial areas and business complexes provide ample free parking.

McCormick Ranch contains four large parks. The largest, Mountain View Park, features two lighted basketball courts, two lighted tennis courts and a sand volleyball court. Residents use its 20 acres to play soccer and hold birthday parties. Parents can let their children play as they exercise along the 12-station fitness trail. The park is dog friendly, but all dogs must remain on a leash.

On the south side of the neighborhood is a unique park full of history and nostalgia. The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park displays the heritage of the McCormick family and houses a complete railroad track that replicates the Colorado Narrow Gorge railroad. All year long families enjoy rides on the train cars. In December, the Mayor of Scottsdale lights the annual Christmas tree which kicks off the Holiday Lights Festival.

The cost of living in Scottsdale is about 29 percent higher than other Phoenix metro areas and 25 percent more than the national average. Renting in the area costs an average of $923 a month.

The one-way fare on public transportation to downtown Phoenix should cost approximately $4. Even though the cost of living is much higher, gas prices in Scottsdale are typically about 9 percent lower than the national average. Expect to pay between $5 and $7 for a pint of beer in a local bar.

Everyday shopping is made easy for McCormick Ranch residents; they can find groceries at Fry’s, Safeway or Sprouts Market. Locals have a choice of farmers markets too, one located in Old Town Scottsdale and another in North Scottsdale.

Runners all over the Phoenix valley go to Sole Sports for their running shoe needs. The team there dedicates themselves to making sure you have the best running shoes for your feet. They provide an analysis of your gait and recommend shoes that support your activities. The shop also carries a selection of premium running gear, such as clothes and watches.

Residents frequent PH Couture for its selection of boutique brands, such as MM Couture, Miss Me Jeans and Audrey Ann. The owner, Pearl, prides herself in finding the right clothes for her customers, and clients rave about her unequivocal commitment to personal attention.

Shoppers travel five miles south to Scottsdale Fashion Square to shop the most exclusive stores in Phoenix, such as Barney’s New York, Prada and Neiman Marcus.