Scottsdale

Source: Realtor, Zillow
 

In Phoenix, Arizona lies Scottsdale, a thriving city where residents live an upscale and luxurious lifestyle surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Here residents can enjoy amazing outdoor adventures with the area providing almost limitless opportunities to hike and explore. The city has a vibrant culture, a natural blend of heritage and modern influences; it’s also a leading champion of the arts. The schools are excellent, both public and private. There’s no shortage of top-end golf courses to master, and the dining scene is second to none. Add to this, Scottsdale, AZ has homes for sale that are stunning and perfectly designed for their surroundings. This is just part of what draws so many to this part of Arizona, there’s so much more.

For families, young professionals, those looking to retire, or those looking for their next investment opportunity, Scottsdale may just be the place.

Overview of Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale is located at the base of the McDowell Mountains, in Maricopa County. The city is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, with the McDowell Mountains to the east, the Salt River to the south, and the Tonto National Forest to the north. Scottsdale’s climate consists of 314 sunny days a year and an average annual temperature of 73.2°F.

The nearest city to Scottsdale is Paradise Valley, which is around 10 minutes away. Tempe and Mesa are around 20 minutes away while Phoenix is just a 25-minute drive via Arizona State Route 202.

A Brief History of Scottsdale

In 1888, U.S. Army Chaplain Winfield Scott was exploring the Salt River Valley, and seeing the potential in the area he bought 640 acres of land. Due to the area’s pleasant weather, abundant water access, and stunning surroundings, it attracted a variety of people, including settlers and health enthusiasts. Within this early period, cattle farming boomed in Scottsdale, earning its nickname as the “West’s Most Western Town.”

In 1951, Scottsdale was incorporated. From a population of 2,000 upon its incorporation, the number of residents in Scottsdale grew to 10,000 by 1960. Today, Scottsdale has around 242,000 residents.

In addition to the public schools that were established, the city’s early settlers also encouraged up-and-coming artists and writers. During the Depression Era, many artists and architects like Frank Lloyd Wright moved to Scottsdale and contributed to its growing arts and culture scene. As Scottsdale underwent an expansion in the 1950s, its residents organized the Parada del Sol Rodeo and the All Arabian Horse Show—both of which are still celebrated to this day.

Homes for Sale in Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale is a city that truly caters to everyone, with homes ranging from cozy apartments in the heart of the downtown to luxurious villas in golf course communities. Whether you’re a young family looking to settle down, a professional seeking career opportunities, or a retiree looking for sunshine and relaxation, Scottsdale has the property to suit different needs and lifestyles.

The luxury homes for sale in Scottsdale, AZ will impress even the most discerning homebuyers or investors. Custom-built masterpieces, Southwestern-style homes, and elegant estates are some of the incredible properties that make up the luxury real estate market in Scottsdale. These properties typically have high-end finishes throughout, complete with gourmet kitchens, expansive living areas, and rooms that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living.

Notable neighborhoods in Scottsdale, AZ

There are more than 20 neighborhoods in Scottsdale, each with its unique character and charm. These are some of the city’s top neighborhoods:

• DC Ranch

  Located in North Scottsdale, DC Ranch is a master-planned community that offers luxurious living with a touch of small-town charm. DC Ranch gives residents access to many shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreational options.

  The center of the neighborhood is its award-winning golf club. The County Club at DC Ranch features a championship 18-hole course that welcomes players of all skill levels. Beyond the golf course, DC Ranch has an abundance of amenities, including miles of walking and biking trails, community centers, sports facilities, and playgrounds.

  There are 4 villages within DC Ranch: Silverleaf Village, Country Club Village, Desert Park Village, and Desert Camp Village.

• Cactus Corridor

  Cactus Corridor refers to several neighborhoods within the boundaries of Shea Boulevard, Tatum Boulevard, Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, and Thunderbird and Raintree Drive. The unofficial neighborhood, which is also referred to as the Shea Corridor, is known for its rural charm. Cactus Corridor was originally developed in the 1940s with horse stables and equestrian trails. While the neighborhood has fully transitioned to modern living, it retains its equestrian heritage and rural character.

  The vibrant nightlight and unique shops of Old Town Scottsdale are just a 20-minute drive away, while cultural gems and championship golf courses are within easy reach.

• Windgate Ranch

  Windgate Ranch is a master-planned community that offers spacious living and stunning views of the majestic McDowell Mountains. This gated community, built by the Toll Brothers, features a variety of luxury homes for sale in Scottsdale, AZ.

  Residents of Windgate Ranch are treated to an impressive selection of amenities, such as the 10,000-square-foot clubhouse, resort-style pools, basketball courts, and tennis courts. Residents who want to hike and enjoy the outdoors don’t have to look far. Windgate Ranch is located right next to the Gateway Trailhead of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The neighborhood’s proximity to the Loop 101 freeway provides a quick commute to any part of the Salt River Valley.

• Arcadia

  Arcadia is a prestigious neighborhood with a central location in Scottsdale. While it hasn’t officially been designated as a historic district, Arcadia has a rich heritage that dates back to the early 20th century. The neighborhood, which is named after the ancient Greek city was initially used for cultivating small citrus farms but was eventually developed into luxury estates.

  Arcadia is known for its tree-lined streets, lush green lawns, and historic homes. The residential properties in Arcadia are a mix of architectural styles, including Ranch, Craftsman, and pish Colonial Revival. The custom-built homes here that were constructed between the 1920s and 1950s have been updated and restored and now come with all modern conveniences without having lost any of their original charm.

• McCormick Ranch

  Located in north-central Scottsdale, McCormick Ranch is the first and largest master-planned community in the state. The sought-after community was originally a pure-bred Arabian horse ranch. After the McCormick family purchased it in 1942, they turned it into the residential paradise it is today.

  McCormick Ranch offers suburban living at its finest. The community is wrapped around 2 spectacular golf courses that offer a tranquil environment with stunning panoramic mountain views. McCormick Ranch is home to walking trails, bike paths, and man-made lakes. There are over 8,900 homes spread across the 3,100-acre community. Housing options in McCormick Ranch include single-family homes and condos.

Life in Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale, AZ doesn’t just provide fantastic homes for sale, it comes with an elevated lifestyle where the natural beauty of the area is complemented by great amenities. Living in Scottsdale means getting the whole package.

Schools

For more than 127 years, the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has been the provider of quality education for students in pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade. SUSD serves a diverse community, which includes Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Tempe, Fountain Hills, and Scottsdale itself.

The school district has a long history of excellence that dates all the way back to 1896, with a mission to inspire, motivate, and empower its students. Overall, there are 180 schools in Scottsdale.

These are some of the top schools that belong to SUSD:

• Cherokee Elementary School
• Sequoya Elementary School
• Pueblo Elementary School
• Hopi Elementary School
• Cheyenne Traditional School
• Cocopah Middle School
• Mountainside Middle School
• Desert Mountain High School
• Chaparral High School

As well as an excellent School District, Scottsdale also has 116 private schools. Whether they choose a private school or one run by the School District, parents can easily access a top-quality education for their kids.

Outdoor recreation

With its stunning Sonoran Desert landscape and sunny climate all year round, it’s no wonder that Scottsdale is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the outdoors in Scottsdale, and indeed, the area is a hiker’s paradise, with over 400 miles of trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding natural landscapes. In part, this was why Scottsdale was named as a top hiking destination by National Geographic.

A well-known hiking spot in Scottsdale is the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It has around 225 miles of trails and 10 trailheads for hikers of all levels and abilities. Tom’s Thumb, which ps approximately 2.3 miles, is a popular trail that challenges hikers with its steep inclines and rewards them with panoramic views. Another popular hike is the Pinnacle Peak Summit Trail in Pinnacle Peak Park. Covering a total distance of around 4 miles, the trail takes hikers out and back along a scenic route.

Scottsdale’s warm and sunny weather also makes it a fantastic spot for golf. There are more than 200 golf courses in the city, from exclusive private clubs to well-maintained public courses that are just as enjoyable to play.

The Troon North Golf Club is a premier golf destination in Scottsdale. Designed by British Open Champion Tom Weiskopf, the Monument and Pinnacle courses feature immaculate fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and strategically placed bunkers. Troon North Golf Club has received numerous accolades from prestigious publications and organizations, such as Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, and Travel + Leisure Golf.

TPC Scottsdale is another world-class golf resort in the city with 2 championship courses: The Stadium Course and the Champions Course. The Stadium Course is host to the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Phoenix Open, a five-day event that draws in half a million visitors from around the world. Other notable golf courses in and around Scottsdale are the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, the Camelback Golf Club, and the Grayhawk Golf Club.

For the adventure enthusiast, Scottsdale offers a unique outdoor experience through hot air ballooning, jeep tours, and horseback rides. Two of the biggest hot air balloon tour companies in Scottsdale are Rainbow Ryders and Hot Air Expeditions. Both companies offer an unforgettable hot air balloon adventure over the beautiful Sonoran Desert.

Dining

Scottsdale has become home to a world class culinary scene. Residents here can enjoy the best cuisine from around the world including modern Latin, authentic Asian flavors, and classic American fare. From casual, family-friendly spots to elegant fine-dining restaurants, Scottsdale has a variety of options for every taste and budget.

One restaurant that stands out is FnB. This award-winning restaurant offers a unique and delicious dining experience that showcases the best of Arizona’s culinary scene. The menu at FnB changes frequently, depending on the availability of local and seasonal ingredients. Chef Charleen Badman, a James Beard award winner, is known for her “sophisticated comfort food.”

Scottsdale also has a variety of fine dining options for celebrating special occasions or for when you’d like to try something special. Cafe Monarch, which is located in the heart of the historic Old Town Scottsdale, offers a seasonal menu made with fresh, local, and organic ingredients. Its four-course prix fixe menu, impeccable service, and elegant ambiance are what landed the restaurant among Trip Advisor’s Top 3 Fine Dining Restaurants in the Nation. Ocean 44 is another notable fine-dining Scottsdale restaurant, offering USDA Prime Steak and world-class seafood.

Local events

Scottsdale celebrates its culture and heritage with a variety of unique events and festivals throughout the year. These are the most popular events in the city’s calendar:

• Waste Management Phoenix Open – Held in the Stadium Course of TPC Scottsdale every February, this zero-waste event is an experience unlike any other. The golf tournament is known for its lively atmosphere and stadium-like 16th hole.
• Parada Del Sol – Also held in February, this historic parade and festival has been celebrating Scottsdale’s Western heritage since 1953. Parada Del Sol’s main attraction is the parade, which features horse-drawn carriages, marching bands, and performances.
• Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show – One of the biggest and most prestigious Arabian horse shows in the world, this annual event features over 2,000 horses competing in various categories.
• Scottsdale Artwalk – A weekly tradition in the city, the Scottsdale Artwalk allows residents and visitors to explore the galleries, shops, and public art in the Arts District of Old Town Scottsdale.

See More of Scottsdale, AZ

When it comes to buying the right home for sale in Scottsdale, AZ, there’s no better local expert to work with than Alexis Enright. Known for her comprehensive real estate knowledge, dedication, and enthusiasm, Alexis is the Realtor to call if you’re looking to explore your real estate options in Scottsdale. Get in touch with Alexis by calling 209.298.7692 or by sending her a message here.