Terravita

Developed by the world-renowned Del Webb Corporation, guard-gated Terravita is one of the company's first developments that is not active-adult or age-restricted. Consisting of 823 acres near the Carefree Highway and Scottsdale Road in North Scottsdale, Arizona, Terravita features 23 distinctive neighborhoods, each of which enjoys luxurious homes, many with guest casitas for those inevitable visitors who just can't stay away – especially once they've visited this stunning piece of Arizona real estate. Flattered by magnificent views of The Boulders to the east and Black Mountain to the north, the community's name is intended to showcase the harmonious convergence of life with the land. Hence, Terravita, is taken from Latin: "terra" meaning land or earth and "vita" meaning life.

Flaunting top-notch amenities, highlighted by a private 18-hole championship golf course, Terravita is perfect for those who desire an active lifestyle. For example, along with access to the Billy Casper/Greg Nash-designed golf course, residents of Terravita experience social membership in the community's Country Club, including use of the state-of-the-art fitness center, sparkling pool and pristine tennis courts.

Many homeowners come here for the award-winning golf course, which has been listed as one of the area's top-ten private golf courses thanks to its celebratory surroundings and immaculately maintained bent-grass greens. Sporting a par of 72, the course challenges golfers of all levels with its five sets of tee-boxes that keep the play in range from 6,114 yards to 7,115 yards. Supporting this sensational course is a full-service golf shop, two complete chipping, sand and putting practice areas, a spacious two-way driving range and a 34,000-square-foot clubhouse with men's and women's locker rooms, a fine-dining room and a casual grill. Golfers can choose to walk the course or use an owned or rented golf cart.

Expert's advice on number three, a double dogleg: The good news, is if you aim over the tree, you'll end up with a second shot to the lay-up area of only about 175 yards. The bad news is, to give yourself a good chance at a birdie, your ball must be on the same level of the green as the pin, so there's a lot of skill and a smidgeon of luck involved. Expert's advice on number 18, a hole that boasts one of the biggest greens at Terravita: The bad news is that your second shot must be hit all the way to the well-bunkered green in order to have a chance at a birdie. However, the good news is that this hole, with its sweeping views of the rugged terrain of Black Mountain, is a truly gorgeous way to end a round of gung-ho golf.