SCOTTSDALE

Why Scottsdale is the Perfect Place to Live, Work, and Play

Scottsdale, Arizona, is a city that offers much more than just scenic desert views—it's a place where luxury, outdoor adventure, world-class dining, and vibrant cultural events come together seamlessly. Whether you're considering relocating or simply want to know what makes Scottsdale one of the best places to live, here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of life in this Arizona gem.

Housing: A Blend of Luxury and Comfort

Scottsdale is renowned for its stunning real estate, offering homes that range from upscale modern estates to charming desert bungalows. If you’re in the market for a home, Scottsdale’s housing market is filled with diverse options to suit every taste and lifestyle. The city’s luxury communities, such as Silverleaf and Desert Mountain, are renowned for their expansive properties, stunning desert views, and world-class amenities like private golf courses, spas, and fitness centers.

For those seeking a more laid-back lifestyle, neighborhoods like Old Town Scottsdale offer a blend of contemporary lofts, charming townhouses, and mid-century modern homes, all within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

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.

Housing styles include: Contemporary, Mid-Century Modern, Tuscan, Spanish Colonial, Ranch-Style, Bungalows, Southwestern, Mediterranean, and more.

Whether you're buying your first home or upgrading to a luxury estate, Scottsdale offers something for everyone.

Scottsdale Lifestyle: Comfort Meets Adventure

The Scottsdale lifestyle is a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. The city's laid-back atmosphere and year-round sunny weather invite residents to spend much of their time outdoors. From lounging by the pool to enjoying a sunset view over the desert, living in Scottsdale is about embracing the beauty of the natural environment while having access to luxury amenities.

The city's health-conscious culture is also notable, with a strong emphasis on fitness and wellness. Many luxury resorts in Scottsdale offer wellness programs, from yoga retreats to world-class spa treatments, and the city is home to a wealth of gyms, fitness studios, and hiking clubs for those who enjoy staying active.

Additionally, the vibrant food scene plays a key part in the Scottsdale lifestyle. Whether you’re dining at an upscale restaurant or grabbing a bite at a trendy café, the dining options here reflect the city’s commitment to high quality and diverse tastes.

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.

Events: Year-Round Fun and Festivities

Scottsdale is known for its vibrant event calendar, with something going on nearly every month of the year. The Waste Management Phoenix Open is one of the city’s most anticipated events, drawing thousands of visitors for one of the biggest golf tournaments in the country. But golf is just the beginning! The Scottsdale Arts Festival brings together world-class artists and musicians for an unforgettable weekend, while the Scottsdale Culinary Festival highlights the best food the region has to offer.

Other notable events include the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, Scottsdale International Film Festival, Parada del Sol, and The Scottsdale Rodeo, which offer a mix of culture, tradition, and modern fun. No matter the time of year, there's always something to look forward to in Scottsdale.

Entertainment: Something for Everyone

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.

When it comes to entertainment, Scottsdale is a true cultural hub. Old Town Scottsdale is packed with lively bars, chic lounges, and nightclubs, while the Scottsdale Waterfront offers an upscale shopping experience with boutique stores and trendy cafes. If you're into arts and culture, Scottsdale does not disappoint. The city is home to numerous art galleries, museums, and theaters that cater to a wide variety of tastes.

Scottsdale also boasts a number of music and performance venues, like The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts everything from Broadway shows to local music acts. For a more relaxed evening, the city’s outdoor spaces and seasonal festivals provide an opportunity to enjoy live music, movies, and theater under the stars.

A Dream Destination for Nature Enthusiasts

For nature lovers, Scottsdale is a paradise. The city is surrounded by some of the most scenic desert landscapes in the country, offering a wealth of opportunities for outdoor adventures. From hiking and mountain biking to horseback riding, there’s no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a 30,000-acre natural preserve, is a favorite among locals, with its miles of hiking and biking trails offering views of rugged mountains, cacti forests, and desert wildlife. Pinnacle Peak is another popular spot for hikers, offering a more challenging climb with rewarding views at the top.

For those looking to explore the desert from a different perspective, Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert Jeep Tours and hot air balloon rides offer unique opportunities to experience the landscape from above. Whether you're an experienced outdoorsman or a casual adventurer, Scottsdale has something to offer.

Conclusion: The Best of Both Worlds

Scottsdale, Arizona, is a place where the beauty of the desert meets modern luxury. With its wide range of housing options, an enviable lifestyle that blends relaxation and adventure, endless entertainment options, a packed event calendar, and abundant outdoor activities, Scottsdale is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to relocate, invest in property, or simply enjoy all that the city has to offer, Scottsdale is the ideal destination.

Ready to explore more about life in Scottsdale? Reach out to Rebecca today and let her help you find your perfect home in this amazing desert oasis.

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: