Golf course communities aren’t what they used to be; the prestige and luxury of living on a golf course no longer cuts it. Today’s golf course communities have to appeal to a new type of buyer. According to Links Magazine, there’s “nothing ‘retiring’ about retirees, more young people are looking at second homes and golf communities, and consumers are much more savvy.” This means golf communities have to provide a wide array of amenities that appeal to a broad range of homebuyers who maintain health and wellness as a top priority in their lifestyles. 

Tucson happens to be an area rich with luxury golf course communities that provide a wide range of amenities that cater to active families, as well as golfing. From Zumba classes and fitness centers to swimming pools and bocce ball, these communities have it all. Check out which luxury golf course communities are located in northwest Tucson.

La Paloma

Photo courtesy of La Paloma Country Club

Located in the Santa Catalina Foothills of Tucson is the golf community of La Paloma, anchored by one of the most iconic luxury resorts in town, the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa. Residents can enjoy resort-style living without leaving the confines of their community through the La Paloma Country Club. Members have access to the award-winning 27-hole, Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course that’s perfect for players of all skill levels. Tennis players will appreciate the premier tennis club with nationally ranked tennis facilities including 10 tennis courts—four clay and six hard surface. A fitness center, a six lap lane pool, an outdoor resort-style pool, and on-site dining are some of the additional amenities found in La Paloma Country Club. Members looking to get pampered can treat themselves at the Red Door Salon & Spa, located inside the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa.

Homes in La Paloma range in architectural styles, from modern and contemporary to Spanish Revival and Pueblo. A majority of the homes in this luxurious golf course community are large single-family homes on quarter-acre lots with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Some homes also enjoy scenic views of the nearby mountains. Buyers can find homes priced from the high $100s to just over $1 million. 

Canyon Pass

In the foothills of the Tortolita Mountains, there’s Canyon Pass,a neighborhood within the master-planned development of Dove Mountain in Marana. This private, gated community of custom homes offers homebuyers a variety of architectural styles from contemporary designs to Pueblo and Mediterranean Revival. Properties in this neighborhood include luxury, single-family custom homes starting in the $1 millions. Homesites average around to two acres. About 75 percent of the 2,000 acre Canyon Pass expanse is protected and undisturbed land, offering homeowners privacy and natural views.

Residents can access the Gallery Golf Club, which includes two picturesque golf courses for a total of 36 holes spanning from the narrow canyons of the Tortolita Mountains to the Sonoran Desert. The Gallery Sports Club also has a luxury spa and elegant dining. Active residents will enjoy the club’s recreational facilities such as a combination lap and recreational pool, as well as tennis, basketball, pickle ball, and sand volleyball courts. In addition to these amenities, residents also have access to a private two-and-a-half-mile trail that climbs to an elevation of 4,300 feet, providing a challenging hike for outdoor enthusiasts.

Canada Hills

Photo courtesy of El Conquistador Golf & Tennis 

In the nearby town of Oro Valley, Canada Hills is a gated golf community of custom homes in the rolling hills of the high desert. All homes were built on or around the three golf courses at El Conquistador Golf & Tennis, allowing residents to enjoy not only supreme views of the golf course but also Catalina Mountain. Homeowners living in this community have access to 36 holes of golf. Also, the on-site Oro Valley Community Center has a fitness center, tennis courts, an aquatic center, and a variety of fitness classes as well as children’s activities.

Homes in this community are priced from the high $100s to just over $1 million. Throughout the community, home styles reflect European Revival with Pueblo accents as well as Sante Fe designs.

Ventana

Ventana is a luxury subdivision anchored by the Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club. Membershave access to numerous amenities like tennis, golf, pickleball, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a spa. Also, just outside of the community is the renowned Loews Ventana Canyon Golf Resort and Spa. This resort featurestwo Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole championship golf courses and fine dining.

Homebuyers will find a large selection of single-family homes that range from impressive estates and custom residences to golf villas. Prices start in the high $300s and go up to over $1 million. Most homes occupy half-acre lots, featuring views of the golf course or nearby mountains.

Stone Canyon

Sunset at a golf course in Tucson / Shutterstock

Ranked as one of the best residential golf courses in Arizona by Golfweek, Stone Canyon in Oro Valley is an exclusive gated golf community with access to the Stone Canyon Golf Course. The golf course, which is situated at the base of the Tortolita Mountains, features 18 holes with teeing options ranging from 5,100 yards to over 7,300 yards. The golf course layout includes rock formations and giant saguaros overlooking the lush fairways, tees, and putting areas. Club members also have access to the clubhouse, a fitness facility, on-site dining, spa services, and numerous recreational activities and social events.

Homes in Stone Canyon range from custom single-family homes to lock-and-leave residences for the ultimate in convenience and low-maintenance. Prices here range from the high $700s to just over $3.4 million. Some of the luxury homebuilders offering new construction homes include Fairfield Homes and Sombra Homes.