The Boulders — Carefree, AZ
The Boulders is a 1,300-acre resort and residential community that straddles the boundary between Carefree (85377) and Scottsdale (85266), nestled among the massive granite boulder formations that give the community its name. Conceived in the early 1980s, it is home to The Boulders Resort and Spa — a Condé Nast Traveler Readers Choice Award winner (2020–2023) and consistently ranked among America's top golf resorts by Travel and Leisure — as well as twelve residential sub-communities ranging from 550 sq ft resort casitas to 5,000+ sq ft custom estate homes.
The Sub-Communities
The Boulders contains twelve named residential communities, including The North Community, The Fifth Green, Palo Brea, The Reserve, Pueblo En Los Rocas, El Deseo, Acacia, Greythorn, Altura, Boulders Estates, Enchantras, and The Villas. Most homes were constructed in the early 1980s, which gives the community an architectural cohesion that newer developments lack. The North Community occupies larger lots with spectacular Continental Mountain views and city lights to the south. The Villas and casita communities in the northwest corner of the property are the smallest footprints and the entry price point.
Casitas and the Resort Rental Pool
Boulders casitas are approximately 550 square feet — southwestern-style attached units that were built in connection with The Boulders Resort. A significant number of casitas are grandfathered into The Boulders Resort rental pool, allowing owners to generate rental revenue while not in residence. This is a meaningful feature for second-home buyers and investors, but the terms of rental pool participation vary by unit. Confirm the specific unit's rental program status, current occupancy terms, and HOA rules governing owner use during the due diligence period.
Golf
The Boulders is built around two Jay Morrish 18-hole championship golf courses — Boulders North and Boulders South. The arrangement is unique: each course alternates daily between being open to resort guests and open to members, so residents always have access to play on one or the other. The club is a combination of resort and private membership. Confirm current membership availability, pricing, and assessment structure before purchasing for golf access.
Resort Amenities
The Boulders Resort and Spa (formerly Golden Door Spa) is a 33,000 sq ft wellness facility with 24 treatment rooms, a meditative labyrinth garden, organic garden, pickleball and tennis courts, hiking, and rock climbing. Residents have access or receive discounts on many resort amenities — the specific terms vary by residential community within The Boulders. Confirm with the HOA what the current resident benefit package includes.
Prices
Casitas start around $825K for smaller non-course-view units and range up to $1.2M for premium resort-adjacent locations. Mid-size single-family homes with golf course or boulder views run $1.5M–$2.5M. Larger custom estate homes with panoramic views range $2.5M–$5M+, with exceptional lots above that. The community's Scottsdale-side addresses (85266) and Carefree-side addresses (85377) both carry Cave Creek Unified School District assignment.
Schools
Cave Creek Unified School District (B+, Niche 2026). Feeder schools: Black Mountain Elementary School, Sonoran Trails Middle School, Cactus Shadows High School. Confirm enrollment eligibility with the district for any specific address before writing.
What to Check Before You Write
The Boulders has HOA layers — a master community HOA plus a sub-community HOA for each residential enclave. Read both sets of documents and the reserve study. For casita buyers, confirm the rental pool participation status, the current terms, and whether the unit can be withdrawn from the pool in the future. Wildfire insurance: 100% of Carefree properties carry some wildfire risk per First Street Foundation; verify coverage options and cost before going under contract. Water and sewer are on full city utilities throughout The Boulders.
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