The Preserve is a luxurious subdivision found inside McDowell Mountain Ranch. It was built by Shea Homes from 1997 ~ 2000 and contains 231 improved lots of which 112 are single story and 119 are multi story and 79 (34%) have pools. The average square footage of the homes is 1,830 and the average lot size is 6,496 square feet. The Preserve is located south of the Desert Canyon Shopping Center and west of 105^th Street. The Preserve offers a number of cul-de-sacs making it an ideal spot for families.  Approximately one-third of the homes back up to open space, which allows extra privacy and breath-taking mountain views.   It is located in walking or biking distance to the McDowell Mountain Aquatic Center, Skate Park, and the McDowell Mountain Community Center. 

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 Desert Mountain High School. There are a variety of private school choices such as Notre Dame Preparatory High School and Scottsdale Christian Academy.