Arizona Highlands was developed by Kaufman and Broad, now known as KBHomes from 1995 ~ 1999, and consists of 185 improved lots. There are 151 single story and 34 Multi story of which 108 (58%) have pools, the average square footage is 2,289 and lot size 8,599. This attractive community is surrounded, for the most part, by a natural wash area with walking paths. Bell Road and the Sonoran Preserve are to the north and Paradise Lane is to the south with the community center is just a short walk away. The east side of the community sits against a wash. There are numerous cul-de-sac streets and fantastic mountain views from most locations. 

Schools in McDowell Mountain Ranch are Desert Canyon Elementary School, Desert Canyon Middle School and Saguaro High School. Some students attend other local schools through open enrollment, they are Copper Ridge Middle School, Chaparral High School and Scottsdale Christian Academy.