McDowell Mountain Ranch was founded in 1995. It was once a 3200-acre ranch that belonged to the Herberger Family. However, the family sold the ranch in 1992 to Newhall Land & Ranch Company, which had plans to turn the property into an exclusive residential community.

As an upscale residential neighborhood, McDowell Mountain Ranch, or MMR as it is called, now offers a healthy combination of amenities and recreational facilities designed to keep residents happy. The amenities available just for community residents include the Arabian Library, Horizon Park, Sanctuary Golf Club, the MMR Aquatic Center, and Sonoran Preserve.

Residents of MMR also have access to shopping and fine dining. They are welcome to visit Centennial Marketplace, Desert Canyon Shopping Center, McDowell Mountain Marketplace, McDowell Mountain Village, and Windgate Crossing. Other locations include Scottsdale Horizon Shopping Plaza and Family Fun Zone.

Home prices in MMR start at $287,000 and can go as high as $354,000. The local market is a mixture of single family homes, condos, and townhouses.

MMR is part of the Scottsdale Unified School District. Public schools available to residents include Desert Canyon Elementary School, Desert Canyon Middle School, and Saguaro High School. Private schools include Notre Dame Preparatory School and Scottsdale Christian Academy.

Residents of MMR have access to three nearby hospitals. These medical facilities include HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center, and Kindred Hospital A-Z Scottsdale.