McCormick Ranch

McCormick Ranch and Scottsdale Ranch sit in the middle of the city on man-made lakes, with a greenbelt system that connects most of the community by path. The housing is largely 1970s through 1990s, which means envelopes and mechanicals need real scrutiny, but it also means square footage costs meaningfully less here than in Old Town or Arcadia. This is where I send buyers who want space and a central location and are willing to update.

• —Lakes and connected greenbelts
• —Best value per square foot in Scottsdale
• —1970s to 90s stock, inspect carefully