Livable, Western Theme, That’s Scottsdale

Scottsdale is unique whether you call it America’s Most Livable City or the West’s Most Western City. This major suburb of Phoenix is a city unto itself, with everything you need to live the good life. Whether it’s local or high-end shopping, creative restaurants, golf, stunning scenery, or things to do, you’ll find it in Scottsdale.

Ideal Homes for Everyone

While Scottsdale is rightly known as a luxury enclave for real estate, prospective buyers can find homes in a wide variety of price ranges. Property values have appreciated considerably over the last several years, with the median sales price in 2022 at approximately $850,000. However, prospective buyers can find cozy condominiums that make perfect retirement or winter homes in the low to mid $300,000 range, all the way up to brand-new multi-million estates worth over $9 million. You’ll also find plenty of mid-range family-friend neighborhoods.

You’ll find four major areas in Scottsdale. South Scottsdale tends to have the least inexpensive homes. Old Town (and Downtown) Scottsdale) has trendy, modern condominiums attractive to young professionals, while Central Scottsdale has many different neighborhoods appropriate for young families and those looking for executive homes. For the ultimate in luxury and expansive land, head to north Scottsdale.

Single-family homes represent the overwhelming residence type, with many located in popular planned communities like Gainey Ranch, Scottsdale Ranch, McDowell Mountain Ranch, Grayhawk and more.

Living the Scottsdale Lifestyle

Buying a home in this community places you amid everything that makes living in Arizona unlike anywhere else. What’s your pleasure? Golf, tennis, pickleball, hiking? You’ll find it within minutes of your home.

Outdoor Life

Scottsdale is a paradise for those who love to spend time outdoors. The city has an extensive public parks system, with facilities like Scottsdale Sports Complex, Sandpiper Park, Cactus Park, El Dorado Park, and Chaparral Park, featuring multiple sports courts, fields, playgrounds, pools, and running/biking paths.

The main attraction for outdoor enthusiasts is the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale’s crown jewel, with more than 30,500 acres of pristine desert, including 225 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The preserve has 11 trailheads with paths for all skill levels. Other outstanding recreational areas include the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, the Cave Buttes Recreation Area, and McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

Top Golf Courses

Scottsdale is home to dozens of resorts with world-class links, each one better than the next. According to Golfbreaks, the best courses are:

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, in the Sonoran Desert, owned by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Troon North, considered Scottsdale’s Crown Jewel
TPC Scottsdale
Talking Stick, situated on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Community

Tennis and Pickleball

Virtually all country clubs and resorts have excellent courts, although some have guest- or members-only policies. But you’ll still find dozens of places to play, including:

Indian School Park & Tennis Center
Scottsdale Ranch Park & Tennis Center
DC Ranch Village Tennis Center

Shopping, Dining, and Things to Do

What’s your fancy? Boutique shopping? Creative dining, Art galleries and walks? While strip malls that serve daily shopping needs are scattered throughout the city, residents have several main areas where they can enjoy themselves. Check out these districts:

Downtown includes the Entertainment District with diverse restaurants and nightlife and Scottsdale Waterfront with an upscale mall, restaurants, and high-end high-rise living. For luxury shopping, visit Scottsdale Fashion Square with name brands like Versace, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, and Prada.
Old Town, located just south of downtown, this unique area has historical buildings like the Blacksmith Shop and the Rusty Spur Saloon, plus many great boutiques, art galleries, and award-winning restaurants. It’s a great place to stroll or spend time after enjoying a baseball game at Scottsdale Stadium, the Spring Training home of the San Francisco Giants.
Kierland Commons and the adjacent Scottsdale Quarter feature a chic collection of shopping, dining and entertainment with a combination of local and chain restaurants, movie theaters, and special events.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Scottsdale is home to more than 750 restaurants in Scottsdale, like mom-and-pop eateries and pancake houses, ethnic restaurants, steakhouses, and five-star fine-dining establishments. Among the restaurants with outstanding reputations are:

Café Monarch
Talavera
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
The Vig (multiple locations)
Goldwater Brewing Co.
Franco’s Italian Café
Grassroots Kitchen and Tap
Los Olivos
The Mission

Festival Fun

In the cooler months, Scottsdale comes alive with frequent festivals. Choose from these and many more:

March: Scottsdale Arts Festival – A week-long event with art, music, fun, and culture.
September: Scottsdale Fall Festival – A popular three-day event with handmade crafts, local and ethnic foods, live entertainment, and a parade.
October: Salt River Fields Balloon Spectacular – This pre-Halloween event features more than 20 hot-air balloons over two days, trick-or-treat candy stations, a haunted trail, and a fireworks finale.
November: Scottsdale International Film Festival – For eight days, you can view over 50 films at the Harkins Camelview at Scottsdale Square and the Harkins Shea 14 theaters.

New Places

Although some businesses have closed their doors over the last few years, come creative ones have taken their place like:

Etta
Green Corner Restaurant
The Wine Collective of Scottsdale
Gastronome Market
Culinary Gangster
Hello India

Local Schools

Scottsdale Unified District 48 covers most of the town, with Cave Creek Unified District 93 serving the far northern portion. Five high schools are in District 48, including Arcadia, Chaparral, Coronado, Saguaro, Desert Mountain. Families can also choose Notre Dame Preparatory High School, Bella Vista College Preparatory, and several parochial and private elementary schools.