One thing that is gaining popularity are equestrian-focused housing developments. These high-quality communities include common horse facilities. Turquesa Equestrian Estates in Northern Scottsdale is a perfect example of this. A gated community currently under construction, Turquesa will have only 18 home site's. It will feature 17 acres dedicated to open space and common area, as well as the Skystone Ranch equestrian center with a 40-stall barn, lighted arena, turnouts, paddocks training pens, and more. The home site's themselves will be on 1.5 to 2 acres. Community trails are designed to connect with state land, allowing for extensive rides around the countryside. Also included will be a full-time barn manager, so even if you can't check on your horse every day, you can be assured that they are well taken care of. Plus, you share the expense of all of this with your neighbors, making it easy to own, and enjoy, horses.

Turquesa is also designed for convenience, as the builders chose property close to the freeway, in an area not far from shopping and schools.

This property really is unique, and Scottsdale deserves it. Previously, Scottsdale horse lovers have been hard pressed to find a place to live and kept horses, as new developments encroach on previous horse community. Not only that, but going for a good long ride has often meant trailering the horses somewhere first. This is ironic, as Scottsdale is home to tons of equestrian types, including trainers, and frequently hosts horse shows.

But since Turquesa has room for only 18 families, you might need to look further. There are other properties with plenty of room for horses nearby Scottsdale. There's Rio Verde Foothills, which has a few empty acreage home site's left, just waiting for your vision to develop them. They have water and electricity on the lots. All they need is you to pick a builder and home style. These are licensed horse-friendly properties.

There's also Sonoran Vista Equestrian Estates, which offers 4.5 to 5 acre home site's. Every once in a while a custom home comes up for sale.