One Of Phoenix's Most Underrated Neighborhoods Has Upscale Living And Close Access To Arizona's Great Outdoors

Move over, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. While there's no denying these posh neighborhoods rank among Arizona's most desirable enclaves, there's a fancy new kid on Phoenix's proverbial block. The upscale and tight-knit community of Desert Ridge is an underrated gem boasting , , and an impressive from some of . Add to that a pair of plush 18-hole golf courses, an amazing waterpark, and a world-class spa, all ensconced inside the five-star . With all of these lively and luxurious offerings, Desert Ridge, like similarly overlooked Phoenix neighborhoods, is finally having its moment.

A , , Desert Ridge comprises that are speckled with condos, spacious homes, and tailor-made estates, all painted to match the Valley of the Sun's rocky, desert landscape. The community comes alive at the bustling and on buzzy , which are both packed with vibrant shopping, gastronomy, and endless entertainment. Desert Ridge also enjoys an excellent location in a privileged pocket of northeast Phoenix, . This makes for a zippy  to ritzy Scottsdale, and a short trip to the outdoorsy best of Phoenix. is the Cave Buttes Recreation Area, which beguiles visitors with its hulking . lies the stunning Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve, which is dotted with towering .

Ringed by breathtaking mountain views, the  is one of the best hotels in Phoenix for luxury-seeking tourists. A at this AAA 4-Diamond resort in 2023 saw the addition of  the Asian-inspired Kembara and the Mexican-infused Tía Carmen, both run by celebrity "Top Chef" contestant Angelo Sosa. The renovation also covered significant upgrades to the hotel's luxury water complex, Aquaridge Waterpark. This is by far the best place in Desert Ridge for waterslide-loving kiddos to beat the desert heat, and for parents to get a little poolside respite sipping cocktails at Sky Island, the .

The best pampering in Desert Ridge goes down at the resort's Revive Spa. Guests can indulge in like the Milk and Honey Firming Ritual or have unique healing experiences like a floating sound bath under the desert sky. The is the resort's crowning glory, giving golfers two phenomenal 18-hole courses designed by golf luminaries Arnold Palmer and Nick Faldo. Keep in mind that . However, the club utilizes dynamic pricing — to score the best prices.

Beyond the resort, the open-air heart of Desert Ridge is Desert Ridge Marketplace, a sprawling outdoor mall that enlivens Desert Ridge with a mix of chain stores, great dining, , and a state-of-the-art AMC cinema that . Boasting a and a policy that lets responsible adults wander while enjoying booze from surrounding restaurants, the marketplace is perfect for family outings and date nights alike. Also check out High Street, a jaunty strip of eclectic boutiques, lively bars, inviting patios, tasty eateries, buzzy nightlife, and live entertainment beneath twinkling streetlights.

is a terrific, affordable 18-hole alternative to the Wildfire Golf Club that's only . "The best course I've golfed on," rhapsodizes a user on Tripadvisor, "This is a public course with the feel of a private club."

While you're in Arizona, you would be remiss not to enjoy the great outdoors with some hiking or biking. The to experience the vast and unmatched beauty of the Arizona desert, as well as to take in panoramic, valley views, is the Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve. This offers three trailheads where visitors can run, hike, or bike over 36 miles of spectacular trails. Prepare for plenty of photo ops with the iconic Saguaro cacti, the looming, spiky plant best viewed at Arizona's scenic Saguaro National Park and which is emblematic of Arizona's desert scenery. The preserve is especially pretty to behold from February to May, when . Expect to glimpse out here, too, from Gila monsters to red-tailed hawks and desert tortoises.

If you're in the mood to catch a sports game, you can always snag tickets to see the , which is just a from Desert Ridge. Since the neighborhood is at the edge of Phoenix, getting there is super easy. From the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, it's a speedy  to reach this up-and-coming desert oasis.