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Real Estate & Homes in Scottsdale - Arizona - Scottsdale, Arizona homes and real estate Scottsdale
Background Cradled at the base of the McDowell Mountains just northeast of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Arizona boasts an exciting nightlife, world renowned golfing and resorts, shopping, fine dining, an unforgettable art scene and fun in the sun. Full of culture and full of life, the city of Scottsdale offers tourists, repeating guests, and life-long residents a life of luxury. From its start as a small farming town of 2,000 people occupying one square mile in 1951, Scottsdale has grown to a vibrant city of over 220,000 residents spread over an area of 185 square miles today. Scottsdale is continuing to expand, and over the past 30 years has become a sophisticated, cultured city, ranking as one of the top tourist destinations in America. History From 800 – 1400 A.D. the Hohokam people lived in and farmed the area of Scottsdale, building over 200 miles of intricate canals engineered to support and maintains their agriculture. In 1888, Winfield Scott, a U.S. Army chaplain from New York who purchased the land for $2.50 an acre, founded Scottsdale. He purchased 640 acres and his brother; Washington Scott became the first resident. By 1889, Washington had planted 80 acres of barley, a 20-acre vineyard, and a seven-acre citrus orchard. Winfred joined Washington upon his release from the army, and together they also planted peanuts, sweet potatoes, and additional citrus. The town was then known as Orangedale. In 1894, the town was changed from Orangedale to Scottsdale. Scottsdale endured a slow and steady growth. Then in 1956, Life magazine, wrote an article stating that Scottsdale was “one of the most desirable communities in the West,” Thanks to this article Scottsdale’s population and construction skyrocketed. That growth is still visible today. Scottsdale has long since been known as "The West's Most Western Town." In 1993, the city of Scottsdale was voted the Most Livable City by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and is consistently named among the top 30 cities in which to raise children, the top 50 places to retire, and rated the number one resort community in America. Scottsdale, unlike many of its metropolitan neighbors, did not find its road to growth and prosperity through the conquest of industrial investors. Instead, Scottsdale dedicated itself to becoming a luxury resort, an exclusive residential community, a fashionable shopping area, and a city that fosters culture and the arts.
Fast Facts City population: 202,702 Community Health Care Housing
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Arts & Culture Scottsdale has a world of culture and unveils it through its riveting art scene. Recently, Americanstyle Magazine named Scottsdale as a top mid-sized arts destination. These results are based on the magazine's "Top 25 Arts Destinations" readers' poll, Scottsdale was ranked number three. With more than 125 galleries and museums, the amazing downtown Scottsdale Art & Shopping Districts, a large number of fine performing arts venues, and architectural wonders including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, Scottsdale is a year-round celebration of the arts. Collectors and admirers will enjoy the Scottsdale ArtWalk, a Thursday night custom in which galleries remain open late and welcome the public to special exhibit openings and artist receptions. Visitors and natives interested in Scottsdale’s cultural heritage won’t want to miss any of Scottsdale’s riveting museums. The world-renowned Heard Museum is one of the best places to experience the myriad cultures and art of Native Americans of the Southwest. The Heard Museum's 50,000-square-foot exhibit galleries and beautiful outdoor courtyards also feature outstanding traditional and contemporary Native American art. Another interested museum is the Buffalo Museum of America, an informative and impressive museum that guides visitors through the colorful history of the American buffalo. Other must see Scottsdale cultural stops include the Fleischer Museum, Scottsdale Center for the Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts, and the seasonal Native Trails Festivals. No matter what form of art or culture you crave, you will find it in Scottsdale, Arizona. Education Today, the Scottsdale public school system is ranked among the best in the state and nation, and is comprised of 35 elementary and middle schools, seven high schools, including Scottsdale Vo-Tech and one alternative school, and Scottsdale Community College. The Scottsdale Public School District provides evening adult education courses for those interested in a variety of disciplines. Scottsdale Community College (SCC) offers an associate degree program, as well as a spectrum of technical degree programs. Specialized programs are also available to those seeking continuing education. In addition, Northern Arizona University, in partnership with SCC, is offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Located in nearby Tempe, Arizona State University also provides numerous undergraduate and graduate studies. Sports & Recreation With more than 330 days of sunshine a year, Scottsdale, Arizona is the perfect location to indulge in your favorite adventure - or to discover a new one. Reach new heights with a hot air balloon ride or see the beauty of the Sonoran Desert up close with an early morning horseback ride in the McDowell Mountain foothills and watch the desert come alive around you. You can mountain bike, climb a mountain, go bird watching, take a Jeep tour, go camping, or simply explore the desert life. Hiking is one of Scottsdale resident’s favorite recreational activities. Scottsdale offers some of the most exciting hiking trails around, with varied levels of difficulty. Located in the heart of Scottsdale and shaped like a camel lying down on its stomach, Camelback Mountain offers a very exciting hike with breathtaking views around every winding, sharp corner. Squaw Peak and many other local mountains also present hiking at its best with amazing desert sites from all angles of the trails. If you are looking to escape the heat you can float down the cool waters of the Salt River on a raft, dive into the crystal blue waters of a hotel or resort pool, glide across Saguaro Lake in a kayak or canoe. If golfing is more your style, you can tee off at any of Scottsdale’s many luxurious resorts or community ranges. Recently named “America’s Best Place to Live for Golf” by the Robb Report, Scottsdale is home to nearly 200 area courses offering layouts that range from the rolling green fairways of traditional course architecture to cactus-studded desert designs. In other words, the unmatched quality and quantity of the area’s daily fee golf clubs and courses makes Scottsdale a necessary destination for both the serious and the amateur golfer. If you are here in January, be sure to take in the thrilling pro tournament action at The Phoenix Open, home to The Bird’s Nest, the most outrageous party venue on the PGA tour. Nightlife Some might think that sunset over the Sonoran Desert signals the end of the day in Scottsdale. However, the onset of evening signals desert natives and wildlife of a more sophisticated nature, to embark upon evening pursuits. Every cuisine under the sun can be found in Scottsdale’s hot spots. After dinner, nocturnal diversions such as trendsetting clubs serve up progressive dance, hip-hop or salsa and other venues offer upscale downtime in cozy wine bars and bistros. In downtown Scottsdale alone, there are more than 30 nightspots, most of which are within walking distance of one another. Scottsdale also hosts some of the hottest music, comedy, and theatrical venues in Arizona, at the Stagebrush Theatre, the Venue of Scottsdale and the Scottsdale Symphony Orchestra. No matter how you want your evenings served – chilled or hot – Scottsdale can deliver with savvy. Economy While Scottsdale is a city of relaxation, adventure and luxury, it is not a stranger to work. Located 10 miles from Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport, the area's primary transportation hub, Scottsdale contains an industrious labor force with over 100,000 highly educated and skilled workers. Scottsdale is a growing and advancing area that is primarily characterized by hospitality and tourism industry, which serves both the business professional and vacation traveler. However, the city's economy contains a much more diverse mix of business: professional and financial services, healthcare firms, retail, technology, electronics and small to mid-sized corporate headquarters. Campus-like business parks provide a strong economic foundation in this desert oasis. Scottsdale's image is one of millionaires and palatial estates, but its cost-of-living is 115 on a scale where the national average is 100. Santa Rosa, California and Madison, Wisconsin are more expensive. However, utilities and health care in Scottsdale are higher than average. Arizona's sales tax is 6.7%, and the state income tax is graduated from 3.5% to 6.9% depending on income. Social security benefits are exempt and there is no intangibles tax. Property taxes are $1.48 per $100 of assessed market value. With yearlong beautiful weather, and a town custom fit to meet everyone’s personal needs. This “livable city” lives up to everyone’s expectations.
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