The Desert Hills area is an upscale rural community that also includes north Scottsdale, Carefree, Cave Creek and New River.
Some areas have local water company service and some properties have wells.
The terrain is rolling desert hills and high mesas, with abundent wildlife. Because the area is about 1,000 ft higher than Phoenix, it is cooler, especially at night. Cave Creek is a perennial stream with numerous prehistoric ruins along its banks. The New River and Skunk Creek are usually dry, except during periods of extended rain. Most of the development in this area is governed by stricter zoning and association rules than the Desert Hills area above.