What draws people to a place like Silverleaf? If you value privacy, views, and a refined club lifestyle inside Scottsdale city limits, this North Scottsdale enclave rises to the top of the list. Choosing a home here is a high‑stakes decision, so you want trusted guidance and a clear picture of what life in Silverleaf really offers. In this guide, you’ll learn how the community is laid out, what types of homes you’ll find, how the private club and HOA work, and the key costs and questions to consider before you buy. Let’s dive in.
Where Silverleaf sits in Scottsdale
Silverleaf is a guard‑gated, master‑planned luxury community in the City of Scottsdale, Maricopa County. It sits in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, with preserved desert open space and long views across washes, city lights, and surrounding peaks. You’re positioned for convenient access to North Scottsdale’s major corridors, including Loop 101 and Scottsdale Road. Everyday destinations such as Scottsdale Airpark and Old Town Scottsdale are within practical reach while you remain tucked into a quiet, private setting.
Homes and architecture in Silverleaf
Expect a mix of custom estates and luxury villas designed for indoor–outdoor living. Architecture spans contemporary, southwestern, Mediterranean/Spanish, and transitional styles. Many homes emphasize large private yards, pools, guest spaces, and seamless outdoor entertaining.
Custom estates
If you want a one‑of‑a‑kind home tailored to your lifestyle, Silverleaf’s custom estates are the draw. Lots range from generous to multi‑acre parcels, giving you space for privacy, amenities, and view corridors. These homes are typically crafted by experienced luxury builders and highlight premium finishes, chef‑level kitchens, and well‑considered floor plans for entertaining and retreat.
Villas and lock‑and‑leave living
Prefer convenience without sacrificing quality? Silverleaf also offers smaller custom homes and villas in village‑style enclaves. You still get luxury finishes and outdoor living, with a lower‑maintenance profile that works for primary or second‑home lifestyles.
Lot sizes and privacy
Lots vary from intimate villa parcels to expansive estate sites. Orientation and elevation can influence privacy, sun exposure, and views, so it pays to evaluate each site carefully. Your agent should help you weigh how lot characteristics affect value and long‑term enjoyment.
Private club and amenities
Silverleaf operates with a distinct homeowners association and a separate private, membership‑based country club. Club membership is not the same as HOA membership, and it typically requires an initiation and ongoing dues that change over time. You should confirm current membership categories, fees, and availability directly with the club.
While specific offerings vary and are subject to change, a private club model like Silverleaf’s typically includes golf, dining and event venues, a fitness center and spa services, resort‑style pools, racket courts, and organized social programming. Many residents choose Silverleaf because they value this member‑driven lifestyle and the community it cultivates.
Outdoor access and daily convenience
Living along the McDowell foothills puts you near a network of desert trails and open space. The broader area includes access points to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and other regional trail systems outside the gates. Inside the community, you’ll find streetscapes designed for walking and jogging, with preserved natural areas that maintain a tranquil desert feel.
Day to day, you are within reach of high‑end shopping, dining, medical services, and private school options across North Scottsdale. Travel is straightforward, with major freeways nearby and access to both Scottsdale Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Market and ownership costs
Buying in Silverleaf means entering a premium micro‑market within North Scottsdale. Inventory, pricing, and days on market can shift seasonally and year to year. Work with your advisor to review the most recent ARMLS data for active listings, recent closed sales, price per square foot, and average days on market so you can make a confident, current offer.
Pricing bands and expectations
Because Silverleaf includes both villas and large custom estates, pricing covers a wide spectrum. Entry points often begin with villa‑style homes, mid‑range tiers center on custom residences with premium lots and finishes, and top‑end estates capture the largest parcels, most compelling views, and bespoke architecture. Your agent should provide a recent, neighborhood‑specific pricing analysis before you tour.
HOA, club, and taxes
Ownership costs in Silverleaf typically include HOA dues for private roads, common areas, and architectural oversight. The private club runs on its own fee schedule, with initiation and dues that should be verified directly with the membership office. Property taxes are paid to Maricopa County and will vary by assessed value and any applicable districts. Utilities, landscaping, and pool maintenance should be factored into your annual budget.
Resale and liquidity
Custom estates can be highly distinctive, which is part of the appeal. That uniqueness can influence time on market, buyer pool, and pricing power when you eventually sell. Villas may attract buyers seeking lock‑and‑leave convenience. Membership models and transfer policies can also impact resale, so ask your advisor to review HOA and club rules before you write an offer.
Compare to nearby enclaves
Affluent buyers often compare Silverleaf with a handful of North Scottsdale communities to clarify fit.
- DC Ranch: Offers a planned village feel with broader public amenities in some areas, while Silverleaf emphasizes a private club experience and larger custom homes in many sections.
- Troon North: Known for a desert setting and golf access, with architecture that often leans desert‑modern. Compare topography, trail proximity, and neighborhood feel.
- Desert Mountain: Generally larger and more remote, with multiple golf courses and a membership‑focused model outside Scottsdale city limits. Consider how distance and services align with your routine.
Your decision usually comes down to the lifestyle you prefer, how important private club membership is to you, and whether you want lock‑and‑leave convenience or a larger custom estate.
What to verify before you buy
Before you commit, request documents and data so there are no surprises.
- HOA: Current dues, what they cover, design guidelines, landscaping standards, and policies on rentals and exterior changes.
- Club: Initiation, monthly or annual dues, category details, waitlists or caps, and whether any memberships transfer on sale.
- Market: Past 12 months of closed sales, price per square foot by product type, and days on market compared to North Scottsdale as a whole.
- Lot specifics: Orientation, elevation, view corridors, and how adjacent parcels are developed or entitled.
- Property taxes and utilities: Current assessed values, any special districts, water and sewer details, and estimated monthly utilities.
Is Silverleaf the right fit for you?
Choose Silverleaf if you want a private, guard‑gated setting with custom architecture and a member‑driven club lifestyle inside Scottsdale. The neighborhood works well for buyers who appreciate large lots, curated streetscapes, and access to outdoor recreation. If you prefer a denser village feel or public amenities over club membership, you may lean to other North Scottsdale enclaves. If you value privacy and the ability to tailor a home to your exact style, Silverleaf belongs on your short list.
How St John International helps in Silverleaf
When you shop for a home in a community like Silverleaf, you want an advisor who blends local precision with global reach. St John International, powered by Engel & Völkers, offers boutique, white‑glove representation with Private Office access for discreet opportunities, including off‑market options. The team’s track record, including premium closings in the high seven and eight figures, reflects disciplined negotiation and polished execution.
Here’s how we support your decision:
- Neighborhood expertise: We help you weigh lot orientation, floor plan, and view premiums, then position your offer with current ARMLS comps.
- Private Office reach: We source cross‑border and off‑market buyers and sellers through Engel & Völkers’ international network.
- Advisory process: From document review to inspections and post‑close concierge, you get hands‑on guidance at each step.
If Silverleaf aligns with your goals, let’s talk about timing, search strategy, and what inventory fits best right now. To start a confidential conversation, contact St John International to Schedule a Private Office consultation.
FAQs
What and where is Silverleaf?
- Silverleaf is a guard‑gated, master‑planned luxury community in the City of Scottsdale, Maricopa County, set in the McDowell Mountains foothills in North Scottsdale.
Is club membership required to live in Silverleaf?
- No; the private club operates separately from the HOA, and membership typically requires initiation and dues that should be confirmed directly with the club.
What types of homes are in Silverleaf?
- You’ll find large custom estates on generous lots along with smaller custom homes and luxury villas designed for indoor–outdoor living.
How close is Silverleaf to airports and shopping?
- You have convenient access to Scottsdale Airpark, major freeways like Loop 101, and North Scottsdale shopping and dining, with Old Town Scottsdale within practical reach.
What annual costs should I expect in Silverleaf?
- Budget for HOA dues, property taxes, utilities, landscaping and pool service, and optional private club initiation and dues; verify current figures with the HOA and club.
Can I rent out a Silverleaf home short term?
- Rental policies are governed by the HOA and local rules, so review community documents for permitted uses and any restrictions before you purchase.
