Resorts, golf, Old Town nightlife and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve: Scottsdale is Arizona’s polished, amenity-rich city.
Population: about 245,000 · Vibe: Polished, resort-style · Best for: Upscale buyers, retirees, golfers, nightlife
Scottsdale stretches nearly 30 miles north to south. South Scottsdale has mid-century homes and better value; Old Town is the walkable social center; McCormick Ranch and Gainey Ranch are classic master-planned areas; North Scottsdale is luxury desert living in DC Ranch, Grayhawk and beyond.
Highlights
- Old Town dining, galleries and nightlife
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve trails
- TPC Scottsdale and dozens of golf courses
- Taliesin West, OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland
- Spring training at Salt River Fields and Scottsdale Stadium
Neighborhoods
Old Town Scottsdale · McCormick Ranch
Moving to Scottsdale
Scottsdale has some of the Valley’s highest home prices, especially north of Loop 101, while South Scottsdale stays comparatively accessible. Most of the city is in Scottsdale Unified, with Cave Creek and Paradise Valley districts in parts. HOAs are common in master-planned areas.
New to Arizona? Start with The Complete Guide to Moving to Arizona, then see Best Places to Live.
Get Your Personal Arizona Move Plan
Tell a local Arizona Realtor where you’re coming from and what matters to you. You’ll get a custom plan back: the 3 cities that fit you best, real home and rent prices, school notes, and a step-by-step moving timeline.
- Best-fit cities & neighborhoods for your budget
- Rent-vs-buy math for your situation
- License, utilities & registration checklist
- Off-market & new-build options before you arrive
Craig Citizen, REALTOR® · West USA Realty · Free, no obligation