$500,000 to $5 million

What’s the sense of living in the land of the sun if you can’t enjoy the rays? Optima Camel View Village, the steel and glass development north of Camelback and Scottsdale Roads, blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living so you can do just that. The building features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and each of the 700-plus units has its own lushly landscaped terrace (up to 1,000 square feet) brimming with native plants. Sure, it looks good; but there is also substance behind the style. Created by the environmental architect David Hovey, the 13-acre site will end up with 23 acres of landscaping thanks to the green roofs, which re-oxygenate air and absorb noise. And the glass walls aren’t just for the view; the high-performance sun-protective surface reduces the need for electrical lighting without raising the thermostat. Other environmental selling points include the mostly recycled steel frame, environmentally friendly building materials and photovoltaic panels. There’s also a dog park; on-site shopping; three pools, four spas and a 24,000–sq.-ft. fitness center—all reasons not to jump into your gas guzzler. The only things Optima doesn’t have are gates, but that’s to create an open, pedestrian-friendly urban community.

Bonus: Mini golf, racquetball and basketball in your backyard.