Golf Course Homes vs Golf-Adjacent Homes in Phoenix: Which Is the Better Investment and Lifestyle?
If you’re considering buying a home near a golf course in Phoenix or Scottsdale, one of the most important decisions you’ll make isn’t just which home…
It’s where that home sits in relation to the course.
Do you buy a home on the golf course?
Or do you choose a home near the golf course?
At first, it might seem like a simple preference.
In reality, this decision impacts:
Your purchase price
Your day-to-day lifestyle
Your privacy
And your long-term resale value
Let’s break it down so you can make the right decision with confidence.
📍 Understanding the Two Types of Golf Living
In the Phoenix metro area, golf-related homes typically fall into two categories:
🏡 Golf Course Homes
These properties are located directly on the fairway, green, or tee box.
You’ll often see:
Backyard views of the course
Open space behind the home
Premium lot pricing
These are common in many Scottsdale golf communities and some areas of Phoenix.
🌵 Golf-Adjacent Homes
These are homes located near a golf course—but not directly on it.
A great example of this is the area surrounding The 500 Club in North Phoenix.
In these neighborhoods:
The golf course is nearby
Homes are part of established subdivisions (often with HOAs)
Lot sizes vary, including many around 6,000–7,000 square feet
Pricing is typically more accessible
This creates a very different ownership experience.
💰 Price Differences: What Are You Really Paying For?
One of the biggest differences between these two options is price.
Golf Course Homes
Buyers are paying a premium for:
Direct views
Lot positioning
Lifestyle appeal
That premium can be significant—even between two homes with similar square footage.
Golf-Adjacent Homes
Homes near the course—like those around The 500 Club—often offer:
Lower entry price
Comparable interior space
Access to golf and surrounding amenities
You’re still getting the lifestyle… just without paying for the lot itself.
For many buyers, that trade-off makes financial sense.
⚖️ Lifestyle Differences: Day-to-Day Living
This is where the decision becomes more personal.
Living on the Golf Course
✔️ Expansive views
✔️ Strong visual appeal
✔️ Open space behind the home
But also:
❌ Less backyard privacy in some locations
❌ Golf ball exposure (depending on lot placement)
❌ More visibility from golfers passing by
Living Near the Golf Course
✔️ More privacy
✔️ Neighborhood feel (often HOA-managed)
✔️ No golf ball concerns
✔️ Flexibility in lot size and layout
But:
❌ No direct golf course views
For many homeowners, this creates a more balanced day-to-day experience.
🏡 Real Estate Strategy: What Buyers Need to Know
If you’re buying in today’s Phoenix market, here’s how I guide clients:
✔️ Don’t Overpay for the Wrong Lot
Not all golf course lots are equal. Tee box locations, fairway angles, and elevation all matter.
✔️ Evaluate Use vs Perception
Will you actually use the view daily… or are you paying for something that becomes less important over time?
✔️ Compare True Value
Sometimes a golf-adjacent home offers better overall livability for the price.
📈 Selling Strategy: Positioning Matters
If you’re selling, understanding how your home fits into this category is critical.
Selling a Golf Course Home
Marketing should focus on:
View corridors
Outdoor living
Lifestyle imagery
Pricing must reflect exact lot positioning—not just general comps.
Selling a Golf-Adjacent Home
The strategy shifts.
You want to highlight:
Proximity to golf
Neighborhood features
Privacy and livability
Value compared to golf course homes
This is especially relevant in areas like The 500 Club, where buyers are often comparing both options.
🌵 A Real-World Example: The 500 Club Area
The neighborhoods surrounding The 500 Club in North Phoenix are a great example of golf-adjacent living done well.
You have:
A full 18-hole golf course nearby
Deem Hills Recreation Area for outdoor activity
Established subdivisions—many with HOAs
A mix of lot sizes, including smaller lots around 6,000–7,000 square feet
Buyers who initially focus only on golf course homes often expand their search once they understand what this type of area offers.
And in many cases, they find it’s a better fit.
🔎 Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to live on a golf course or near one?
It depends on your priorities. Golf course homes offer views and prestige, while golf-adjacent homes often provide better value and privacy.
Do golf course homes always appreciate more?
Not necessarily. Value depends on market conditions, location, and how well the property is positioned and maintained.
Are golf-adjacent homes a good investment?
They can be—especially in established areas with strong demand and access to amenities like golf and outdoor recreation.
Final Thoughts: Which One Is Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
But there is a right answer for you.
If your priority is:
Views
Prestige
Direct golf access
A golf course home may be the better choice.
If your priority is:
Value
Privacy
Flexibility
A neighborhood feel
Golf-adjacent living—like the area around The 500 Club—may be the smarter move.
Thinking About Buying or Selling Near a Golf Course in Phoenix or Scottsdale?
Before you decide, it’s worth looking at both options side-by-side.
The differences in pricing, lifestyle, and resale potential can be significant—and having the right strategy in place makes all the difference.
Reach out anytime, and I’ll help you evaluate what fits your goals, your lifestyle, and your long-term plans.
Because in real estate—especially golf real estate—
the details matter more than most people realize.