Discover the community
Why Phoenix, Arizona, is the Perfect Place to Live, Work, and Play
Phoenix, Arizona, is a dynamic and rapidly growing city that has something for everyone. From modern luxury homes and a vibrant arts scene to stunning desert landscapes and an energetic lifestyle, Phoenix offers a diverse range of experiences. Whether you’re considering relocating, planning a visit, or looking for a fresh place to explore, here’s a look at the things that make Phoenix stand out.
Housing: Diverse Options for Every Lifestyle
With job opportunities, attractive weather, outdoor recreation, and plenty of fun things to add to your calendar - among many more perks - it's easy to see why Phoenix attracts many new residents each year.
Phoenix offers a wide array of housing options that cater to all tastes and budgets. The city is known for its sprawling suburban neighborhoods, modern downtown condos, and luxury gated communities. Phoenix's real estate market is diverse, making it easy for homebuyers to find the perfect property.
For those seeking luxury living, areas like Arcadia and Desert Ridge offer stunning homes with incredible mountain views, while North Phoenix provides expansive estates and high-end homes in master-planned communities. On the flip side, neighborhoods like Roosevelt Row in Downtown Phoenix showcase urban lofts and contemporary condos that are perfect for those who love to live near art galleries, dining, and entertainment.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seeking a family home, or looking for a luxurious retreat, Phoenix’s real estate market has something to suit your lifestyle.
Popular Types of Homes You'll Find in the Arizona Real Estate Market include: Pueblo Revival, Contemporary, Spanish Mission, Ranch-Style, Tudor Revival, Mediterranean Revival, Bungalows & condos.
Phoenix Lifestyle: A Balance of Comfort and Adventure
The lifestyle in Phoenix is all about balance—comfort meets adventure in a city that combines modern urban amenities with an ever-present connection to the natural world. Phoenix residents enjoy a warm, sunny climate that invites year-round outdoor activities, from morning hikes to late-night patio dining.
The city’s fitness and wellness scene is booming, with a variety of gyms, yoga studios, and wellness retreats available to help you stay healthy. Many of Phoenix’s resorts offer top-tier spa services and wellness programs, perfect for anyone seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
Phoenix’s diverse dining scene also reflects the city’s vibrant lifestyle, offering everything from trendy restaurants to world-class fine dining experiences. The city is particularly known for its excellent Mexican cuisine, fusion dining, and a burgeoning craft beer scene.
Get back to nature
For nature enthusiasts, Phoenix is a dream destination. The city’s location in the desert offers incredible outdoor opportunities, with stunning views of the Camelback Mountain and the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, where you can hike, bike, or horseback ride along miles of scenic trails.
South Mountain Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S., is a local favorite for hiking, mountain biking, and even horseback riding, offering sweeping views of the city and desert beyond. Papago Park, known for its distinctive red rock formations, provides great hiking and picnic areas, perfect for a day out in nature.
Phoenix is also home to beautiful lakes like Lake Pleasant and Tempe Town Lake, where residents enjoy boating, fishing, and water sports. Whether you’re looking for a challenging climb up a desert peak or a leisurely stroll through a park, Phoenix has an abundance of natural spaces to explore.
For those who enjoy a more tranquil experience, the nearby Sonoran Desert offers guided tours where you can explore the desert ecosystem in the company of local experts.
Discover next-level relaxation
The luxury resort scene in Phoenix includes a long list of historic and modern properties that go big. Families enjoy epic-sized pools with monumental play features. Wellness travelers find spa treatments and fitness programs that add euphoria to vacation days. And for those who find their bliss on a golf course, many of the area's top resorts boast some of the best year-round courses in the country.
Whet your palate …
Some of the country's most innovative restaurateurs hone their culinary creations and prowess in Phoenix. The best-known restaurants in Phoenix have racked up regular plaudits from national newspapers and magazines and nominations from the James Beard Foundation. In 2022, local chefs and restaurants were named semifinalists in eight different categories.
… Then wet your whistle
The city's cocktail and craft brew culture are as strong as some of the pours you'll find therein. While beer and cider drinkers sample flights and drafts at a local microbrewery or meadery, those in search of higher spirits can content themselves with a well-composed tipple in one of the city's many other popular gathering spots.
Embrace creative culture
The galleries and exhibits at the Musical Instrument Museum draw from a collection of more than 8,000 instruments from around the globe, including opportunities to see and hear the instruments played … and sometimes play them yourself. Those who might prefer to leave the playing to the professionals, meanwhile, can reserve tickets for a Phoenix Symphony or Arizona Opera performance at Symphony Hall, one of many performance venues that make downtown a cultural center with a vibrant arts scene all around.
Discover more about desert life-then and now
One of Phoenix's first cultural institutions, the Heard Museum has grown into an international destination to learn about Native American art and history, while the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archeological Park is a must-see Phoenix attraction that takes visitors on a path to remnants of a ballcourt and platform created by the Hohokam people who lived in this area from A.D. 450 to 1450. And at the 140-acre Desert Botanical Garden, more than 50,000 desert plants illustrate the beauty and variety of desert plant life.
Activities & Attractions
Outdoor adventures and cosmopolitan vibes in the desert
If you climb Scottsdale's Camelback Mountain - a favorite spot for runners, hikers and bikers - you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the valley floor and the nearby mountains lining the Mogollon Rim. South Mountain Park, the largest municipal park in the USA, is another recreation mainstay that horseback riders particularly love. At Phoenix's Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park, you can learn about the environment and see such sentinels as agave, yucca, ocotillo, palo verde, mesquite and saguaro cacti.
Cosmopolitan Vibes
It's this embrace of the world that lends an air of sophistication to the Valley of the Sun. While cowboy culture is still prevalent - visit Heritage Square in Old Town Scottsdale for a taste of the Old West - it coexists with the vibrant dining and rooftop nightlife scene in downtown Phoenix's CityScape.
Phoenix is a city that never sleeps. Whether you enjoy live music, theater performances, or a lively nightlife scene, you’ll find it all here. Downtown Phoenix is home to a wide array of entertainment options, including theaters like The Orpheum Theater and the Herberger Theater Center, where you can enjoy everything from Broadway performances to intimate live music acts.
For those who prefer a more laid-back night out, the Roosevelt Row Arts District is filled with trendy bars, galleries, and local hangouts, while Old Town Scottsdale offers an upscale nightlife scene. Whether you prefer a cozy cocktail lounge, a high-energy dance club, or a casual brewery, Phoenix offers countless venues to fit any mood.
Phoenix is also home to Desert Ridge Marketplace and Phoenix Premium Outlets, where you can shop until you drop. With so many cultural and entertainment venues to explore, you’ll never run out of things to do in Phoenix.
Resort Life
Hundreds of manicured resorts and emerald golf courses snake through desert sands, and world-class spas are scattered throughout the valley, drawing thousands of visitors to this oasis in the northern Sonoran Desert.
Discover places & Events
Phoenix is a city built around celebration, with numerous annual events that bring people together. From sports to arts festivals, the city’s event calendar is packed year-round. One of the most famous events is the Waste Management Phoenix Open, held every February, drawing crowds from across the country to witness one of the world’s biggest golf tournaments.
Phoenix also hosts the Arizona State Fair, where visitors can enjoy everything from carnival rides to agricultural exhibitions, and the Phoenix Film Festival, which brings together filmmakers and movie buffs for screenings and premieres.
Other notable events include the Phoenix Pride Parade & Festival, First Friday Art Walks in Downtown Phoenix, and the Arizona Festival of the Arts, making it clear that this is a city that loves a good celebration.
Biltmore Resort
Bars
Chase Field
Heard Museum
Musical Instrument Museum
Phoenix Symphony
Restaurants
South Mountain Park
Phoenix Has It All
Phoenix, Arizona, is a place where vibrant urban living meets the tranquility of the desert. With its wide range of housing options, dynamic lifestyle, endless entertainment, and a host of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts, Phoenix truly offers something for everyone. Whether you're moving here, visiting, or simply looking to explore, this city combines all the perks of modern living with the beauty of the desert.
If you’re considering calling Phoenix home, Rebecca can help you find the perfect property to match your lifestyle. Reach out today to explore the many opportunities awaiting you in the Valley of the Sun!
Phoenix Schools
The Phoenix area has numerous high quality schools as well as in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Greater Phoenix Map
Housing
Overview
Scottsdale's real estate market is also a wise investment. Property values have consistently appreciated over the years, making it a savvy choice for those looking to grow their wealth. Scottsdale is an amazing place for anyone to own real estate as a primary residence, as a second home, or as an investment property. Scottsdale real estate has been trending up for the last several years and is likely to continue to do so as more and more people are attracted to the warm client, beautiful scenery, amazing shopping, and upbeat nightlife.
North Scottsdale and Old Town Scottsdale have different attractions that may appeal to different buyers. North Scottsdale is more known for its stunning views and world class golf courses. Old Town Scottsdale has amazing shopping, delicious restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. The growth of the Entertainment District in Old Town Scottsdale has added dramatically to the nightlife and has happened in line with the rapid growth of Old Town Scottsdale real estate.
Scottsdale real estate is made up of a great mix of single family homes, condos, townhouses, and patio homes. Many of the homes are within gated communities. This is true throughout Scottsdale from Old Town to McDowell Mountain.
The cost of living in Scottsdale, AZ is 7% higher than the state average and 13% higher than the national average. Scottsdale, AZ housing is 42% more expensive than the U.S average, while utilities are about 8% less pricey.
As a result of health and wealth reputation, as well as being an epicenter for golf enthusiasts, home values have skyrocketed, recently hitting an average sale price of $1.7 million and placing Scottsdale as the second-most expensive city in Arizona behind nearby Paradise Valley.
Housing styles include: Contemporary, Mid-Century Modern, Tuscan, Spanish Colonial, Ranch-Style, Bungalows, Southwestern, Mediterranean, and more.
Discover the community
Overview
Scottsdale is a desert city in Arizona east of state capital Phoenix. It's known for its spa resorts and golf courses, including TPC Scottsdale. Farther north, trails wind through McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a desertscape of hills, rock formations and cacti. Nearby is Taliesin West, architect Frank Lloyd Wright's former home and studio. Downtown's Old Town Scottsdale has 1920s buildings and 19th-century olive trees.
Scottsdale, Arizona is located in the beautiful Sonoran Desert at the foot of the scenic McDowell Mountains. It is bordered by Phoenix to the West, the Tonto National Forrest to the North, the McDowell Mountains to the East, and the Salt River to the South.
Scottsdale is annually rated among the nation's most desirable communities to live in, visit and do business in. Old Town Scottsdale is considered the finest urban center in Arizona. It is home to more than 90 restaurants, 320 retail shops and more than 80 art galleries.
Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve, in the city's northern reaches, is the largest urban wilderness area in the United States and features more than 60 miles of trails through diverse and scenic desert terrain.
Scottsdale Communities
Why are people moving to Scottsdale, AZ, specifically? When making the move to a new city, finding a place that offers a variety of great neighborhoods is key. When it comes to Scottsdale, there's a neighborhood in store for just about every lifestyle - and that makes this city so desirable, no matter your walk of life! Here are a few of the standout neighborhoods.
Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale has been growing over the years, and it's a great place to call home if you're looking to live in the city center. Old Town is also a good choice if you want a place that's full of character and offers great dining, shopping, and nightlife experiences ideal for young professionals!
Gainey Ranch
Gainey Ranch is a planned community ideal for families, and it features 19 different gated neighborhoods and over 560 acres of land. There are single-family houses, townhouses, and large homes with both commercial areas and office buildings. The Gainey Ranch community also features three nine-hole golf courses and a network of trails that are ideal for walking, cycling, and hiking.
McCormick Ranch
The McCormick Ranch community started as a horse ranch that raised Arabian horses. Over the years, it has evolved into a beautiful suburban community that features various lakes and mountains views. Its 67 subdivisions house approximately 27,000 people, and the community is geared toward both young families and retirees.
Lifestyle
There are many reasons why Scottsdale is consistently ranked one of the best cities to live in America, including the beautiful year-round warm weather, plentiful job opportunities, fun attractions, and good walkability. In fact, it's ranked as Niche's 25th best city to live in America, and it holds the same ranking for the healthiest city.
Scottsdale is ranked as Niche's #1 best city to retire in America, it has an A- grade for families and an A-grade school district, not to mention it's an overall beautiful place to live. Basically, whether you're raising a family, retiring, or somewhere in between, Scottsdale has something to offer you.
Scottsdale Sports
The city of Phoenix (which is only about 20 minutes away from Scottsdale), is home to several professional sports teams. Some of these include the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Phoenix Suns, the Arizona Coyotes, and the Arizona Cardinals.
The San Francisco Giants, the Colorado Rockies, and the Arizona Diamondbacks all train in the city of Scottsdale during the spring training season. The Waste Management Phoenix Open is also one of the most popular events on the PGA Tour, held in Scottsdale each year.
Job Outlook in Scottsdale
People looking for work in the city of Scottsdale can find numerous positions within the tourism, health care, and aviation industries, in particular. GoDaddy, Axon, and Blue Yonder are among some of the city's most high-paying companies.
Scottsdale Crime Rate
Compared to the rest of Arizona, Scottsdale is a safe city to settle down in for both yourself and your family. You have a 1 in 204 chance of being a victim of violent crime in the state of Arizona, but your chances are a bit less likely if you're living in Scottsdale at 1 in 461. Both of these comparisons are per 1,000 residents.
Scottsdale Housing Market
One of the biggest drawbacks to living in Scottsdale is the more expensive cost of living, which largely comes from the city's pricey housing market. The average home value in Scottsdale is around $790,200.
A typical home in the city of Scottsdale is characterized by its stucco exterior, which is complemented by tile roofs and various landscaping features, like desert vegetation and cacti. You can find all sorts of styles, from Tuscan to Spanish Colonial.
Education
The Scottsdale Unified School District is ranked #4 on Niche's list for "Best School Districts in Arizona" and #2 on the list for "Best School Districts in the Phoenix Area." Whether you're looking for a charter school, good athletics programs, or great teachers, Scottsdale can cater to you and your family.
Scottsdale is home to some of the best schools in the entire country. Take a look at some of the top-ranked schools to consider:
- BASIS Scottsdale - Public Charter 5-12 School
- Great Hearts Academies - Scottsdale Prep - Public Charter 6-12 School
Archway Classical Academy - Scottsdale - Public Charter K-5 School
There are at least 40 colleges that are in close proximity to Scottsdale, including everything from private schools to public schools to community colleges with 2-year degrees. Some of these schools include:
Activities/Attractions
High-End Cuisine in Scottsdale
The city of Scottsdale is known for its great dining, and there are plenty of places to choose from. Some of the most popular establishments include steakhouses, brunch spots, and more, and they're popular among both residents and tourists who come and visit the city. Here are some of the most popular favorites to keep on your radar:
Arcadia Farms Cafe
The Arcadia Farms Cafe is a family-owned restaurant that serves a variety of delicious food items at a great price. Originally a carryout bakery, this establishment has since evolved into a full-service restaurant that offers a variety of breakfast and lunch dishes. Some of the popular items offered include the breakfast quesadilla, smoked salmon plate, and fresh berry crepes.
Cowboy Ciao
For over two decades Cowboy Ciao has been a staple in Scottsdale's local restaurant scene. The menu features a variety of American dishes with a Tex-Mex fusion. Whether you're in the mood for fried chicken or the "Quesadilla Del Ciao" served with oaxaca cheese, you can find it here.
The Greene House
If you're looking for a great open-air restaurant, The Greene House is a must-visit. This establishment has a wide variety of options, such as burgers, chicken sandwiches, and flatbreads. It's known for its lavish dining atmosphere and one the nicest outdoor dining spaces in the city!
Exciting Activities in Scottsdale
No matter your lifestyle or personal interests, the activities and sights to explore around Scottsdale never get old. Here are some of the most fun things to do in Scottsdale:
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
As one of the top things to do in Scottsdale, visiting this area's permanent protected desert habitat provides visitors and locals with the opportunity to appreciate the Southwestern landscape's unmistakable beauty. There are various hiking trails that are suitable for all abilities, and the Gateway Loop is a great choice for experienced hikers. If you are just starting out, though, Brown's Ranch might be a good choice.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
If you're looking to see the best of the best in the performing arts and culture space in Arizona, then the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is a great place to visit. This facility is regarded as one of the best in the western United States and features dance performances, along with theater, comedy, and, of course, musical acts.
Scottsdale Fashion Square
One of the most popular pastimes of luxury shoppers is to visit the Fashion Square in Scottsdale (the largest shopping mall in Arizona). This mall features a variety of high-end brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus.
Scottsdale's Museum of the West
Scottsdale's Museum of the West in Old Town Scottsdale is a must-visit for anyone who is interested in learning more about the history of the West. This 43,000-square-foot gallery features paintings and artifacts that showcase the region's cultural and historical significance. It frequently exhibits different works of art - ranging from Hopi pottery to railroad history.
Discover places
TPC Scottsdale
Taliesin West
Grayhawk Golf Club
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Old Town Scottsdale
Rebecca Blank
602.688.2515 | rebecca.blank@cbrealty.com
7975 N Hayden Dr D105
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
© 2022 Coldwell Banker Residential LLC
