Thinking about a lock-and-leave home in Desert Ridge where you can enjoy resort conveniences without yard work? You are not alone. Many first-time buyers and downsizers look to condos and townhomes here for easy living, strong amenity access, and a central North Phoenix location. In this guide, you will learn what condos typically cost, how HOA fees work, what to check if you plan to rent, and the key financing and insurance details to confirm before you buy. Let’s dive in.
Desert Ridge market snapshot
Median sale price in Desert Ridge across all home types was about $661,000 in January 2026, per Redfin. Realtor.com reported a median of roughly $642,000 and a median price per square foot near $346 in December 2025. Typical days on market in winter 2025 through January 2026 ran around 60 to 65 days at the neighborhood level. Always confirm live MLS numbers with your agent at the time you shop.
What condos and townhomes cost
In Desert Ridge, condos and townhomes commonly list from the low-to-mid $300,000s into higher price points, with select newer luxury units reaching $1 million or more. This puts many condos below the median for all home types, though finishes, size, and location inside the community drive price.
To help you budget HOA fees, here are real community examples pulled from current listings:
- Bella Monte: examples in the low $200s to about $430 per month, depending on unit specifics and association details.
- Toscana: examples at $500-plus per month where multiple associations or amenity packages apply.
Note that fees vary by building, sub-association, and included services. Ask your agent to confirm the active fee and inclusions for any unit you tour.
HOA fees and what they include
Expect monthly HOA dues to fall roughly in the $200 to $600-plus range in Desert Ridge condo and townhome communities. Amenity-rich, gated properties with multiple pools, fitness centers, and clubhouses tend to be at the higher end.
Common inclusions often cover water, sewer, trash, common-area landscaping, exterior maintenance, roof or building insurance, and access to pools and fitness areas. Exact inclusions differ by community. Review the HOA’s estoppel or resale certificate and the rules to confirm line items like utilities, gate fees, or special services.
Lifestyle: location, convenience, and amenities
Desert Ridge is known for everyday convenience and resort-adjacent living. You are close to retail and dining at Desert Ridge Marketplace and High Street, with easy loop access via the 101 and quick connections down SR-51. Many buyers also cite convenient access to major employers and healthcare, including the Mayo Clinic area.
Resort highlights nearby include the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa and Wildfire Golf Club. The resort’s wellness and pool complex add to the area’s year-round appeal. Explore amenities at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. Memberships and resort access are separate from HOA dues, so account for those costs if you plan to use them.
If you want to rent the unit
Many Desert Ridge condo communities allow rentals with restrictions. You will see rules like a 30-day minimum lease term in certain gated complexes. Before you buy, take these steps:
- Review the CC&Rs and rules for minimum lease terms, rental caps, and paperwork requirements.
- Ask the HOA about the current percentage of rented units. Some loans limit financing if the rental ratio is too high.
- Confirm City of Phoenix short-term rental permitting and operating standards, including liability insurance and neighbor notification. Start with the city’s short-term rental registry.
- Understand that violating HOA rules or city regulations can lead to fines or permit suspension, which can impact your income plans.
Financing and insurance to plan for
Condo project eligibility and your loan
Lenders evaluate condos at the project level. FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac each have project-eligibility standards. If a project is not warrantable, you may face a higher down payment or fewer loan options. Ask your lender early about project eligibility and what review applies.
- Review FHA condo guidance and forms through HUD, including project documentation like HUD-9991 and HUD-9992. See HUD’s forms page: HUD forms.
- For conventional financing, see Fannie Mae’s project standards overview: Fannie Mae condo project standards.
Insurance 101: HOA master vs your HO-6
Every condo community carries a master policy, which may be structured as bare-walls (walls-out), single-entity (original interiors), or all-in (walls-in). Your personal HO-6 policy should match the master policy and typically covers interior finishes, personal property, liability, loss of use, and loss assessment for your share of deductibles or special assessments. Ask the HOA for the master policy declarations page, then have your insurance agent quote the right HO-6 coverage. For a clear primer, read this overview of condo insurance basics: What is condo insurance?
Weighing condos and townhomes vs single-family
Pros you might value:
- Lower maintenance and no yard work in many communities.
- Gated entries and amenities like pools and fitness centers included.
- Often a lower entry price than nearby single-family homes, depending on the building and finishes.
Trade-offs to consider:
- Monthly HOA fees add to your carrying costs and can offset a lower purchase price.
- HOA rules may limit pets, rentals, or exterior changes.
- Financing can be more complex if the project is non-warrantable, which may affect your loan options and future resale. See Fannie Mae condo project standards for context.
Resale and special-assessment risk
An HOA’s financial health matters to both your monthly budget and future resale. Review the latest budget, financials, and reserve study to gauge reserves and planned capital projects. Ask for 12 to 36 months of board meeting minutes to spot talk of deferred maintenance, litigation, or special assessments. For a helpful overview of what to request, see this resource on HOA document analysis: HOA Analyst.
Your due-diligence checklist
Use these items in your offer contingencies and confirm them during inspections:
HOA resale or estoppel packet showing current dues, transfer fees, and any outstanding assessments. Helpful guide: HOA Analyst.
CC&Rs, bylaws, and rules and regulations, with a close read on rental policies, minimum lease terms, pet rules, and architectural guidelines.
Most recent budget, financials for 2 to 3 years, and the latest reserve study. Note the funded ratio and upcoming capital projects. Overview: HOA Analyst.
HOA insurance declarations to confirm the master policy type and deductible. Then obtain HO-6 quotes tailored to your obligations. Primer: What is condo insurance?
Board meeting minutes for the past 12 to 36 months to identify litigation, major repairs, or planned special assessments.
A written list of what the HOA fee covers, such as water, sewer, trash, exterior, roof, gates, landscaping, and amenity access.
Written confirmation from the listing agent or manager on FHA, VA, and conventional warrantability, along with any recent single-unit approvals. See Fannie Mae project standards and HUD forms for context.
If you plan to operate a short-term rental, obtain written HOA confirmation that STRs are allowed and verify City of Phoenix permit, insurance, and neighbor-notification rules. Start here: City of Phoenix STR registry.
Ready to explore Desert Ridge condos and townhomes with a clear plan? Our team will help you compare buildings, decode HOA documents, and align your financing early so your move is smooth and predictable. Start the conversation today with Shelby DiBiase - Main Site.
FAQs
What is the typical HOA fee for Desert Ridge condos?
- Many communities fall in the $200 to $600-plus per month range, with amenity-rich and gated properties often on the higher end. Always confirm inclusions and current dues for each unit.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Desert Ridge condos and townhomes?
- Policies vary by community. Some HOAs require a 30-day minimum lease. You must also comply with the City of Phoenix short-term rental permit and operating rules found on the city’s STR registry.
Can I use an FHA or VA loan to buy a Desert Ridge condo?
- It depends on the project’s eligibility. Ask your lender early to review the condo’s status under FHA, VA, and conventional standards. See HUD forms and Fannie Mae’s condo project standards for details.
What does my condo insurance cover vs the HOA’s master policy?
- The HOA’s master policy may be bare-walls, single-entity, or all-in. Your HO-6 policy usually covers interior finishes, personal property, liability, loss of use, and loss assessment. Confirm coverage using the HOA’s insurance declarations.
How competitive is the Desert Ridge market right now?
- Neighborhood data showed a median sale price near $661,000 in January 2026 (Redfin) and around $642,000 in December 2025 (Realtor.com), with typical days on market about 60 to 65 days. Check live MLS metrics with your agent.
What amenities are near Desert Ridge condos?
- You are close to Desert Ridge Marketplace and High Street dining and retail, with quick freeway access. Resort and golf options at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa and Wildfire Golf Club are nearby, but memberships are separate from HOA dues.
