Living in Scottsdale, Arizona

A byword for desert luxury, with world-class golf, resorts, and art galleries alongside a walkable, historic Old Town core.

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Where It Is
Northeast Valley, bordering Phoenix and Paradise Valley
Price Range
Upper-mid to ultra-luxury
Common Home Types
Single-family estates, golf course homes, condos in Old Town
Vibe
Upscale, resort-oriented, desert modern
To Downtown Phoenix
About 20-25 minutes
To Sky Harbor Airport
About 20-30 minutes depending on area
Known For
Golf, resorts, Old Town nightlife and galleries
Nearby Destinations
Paradise Valley, North Scottsdale, McDowell Mountains
About Scottsdale

What It's Actually Like Living in Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale runs roughly 30 miles from its southern edge near Old Town up to the far northern desert communities near the McDowell Mountains, and the character of the city changes a lot along that stretch. Old Town Scottsdale is walkable and dense by Valley standards, with galleries, restaurants, and nightlife within a few blocks. North Scottsdale, by contrast, is defined by golf course communities, larger lots, and a quieter, more private feel.

The city has built its identity around golf and hospitality, with dozens of courses and resort properties like Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and the Phoenician anchoring the local economy. That resort influence carries into the residential market too, many communities are built around golf, spas, or country club amenities.

Moving to Scottsdale Arizona generally means paying a premium over comparable homes in Phoenix or the East Valley, in exchange for amenities, walkability in Old Town, and proximity to the McDowell Mountains and Sonoran Desert preserves.

Featured Communities

Neighborhoods & Communities in Scottsdale

A few of the neighborhoods and communities people ask about most when they're looking at Scottsdale real estate.

Old Town Scottsdale, Scottsdale AZ

Old Town Scottsdale

WalkableNightlifeCondos

The historic, walkable core of the city, with galleries, restaurants, and a mix of historic homes and newer condo developments.

DC Ranch, Scottsdale AZ

DC Ranch

Master-PlannedGolfGated Sections

A large master-planned community in North Scottsdale with golf, parks, and a village-style town center.

Grayhawk, Scottsdale AZ

Grayhawk

GolfMaster-PlannedEstablished

A well-established North Scottsdale community built around two golf courses, with a range of home sizes and styles.

Things to do in Scottsdale Arizona
Things To Do

Life Outside the Front Door

Old Town Galleries

A concentrated arts district with galleries, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, and the weekly ArtWalk.

Golf

Dozens of courses throughout the city, from public municipal courses to exclusive private clubs.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

One of the largest urban preserves in the country, with extensive hiking and biking trails.

Scottsdale Fashion Square

One of the largest and most upscale shopping centers in the Southwest.

Resorts & Spas

Home to some of the most recognized resort properties in Arizona.

WestWorld

A large event venue hosting the Barrett-Jackson car auction and other major events.

An Honest Look

Living in Scottsdale: What to Weigh

Worth Knowing

  • Extensive golf, resort, and spa amenities throughout the city
  • Walkable Old Town core, unusual for a Valley suburb
  • Strong, consistent property values historically
  • Direct access to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve for hiking and biking
  • Wide range of communities from urban condos to sprawling desert estates

Things to Consider

  • Home prices run well above the Valley average
  • Summer tourist season brings heavier traffic in and around Old Town
  • HOA dues can be significant in golf and resort-style communities
  • North Scottsdale can mean a longer commute to central Phoenix employers
  • Limited public transit outside of the Old Town core
Real Estate in Scottsdale

What's Available

Scottsdale's housing stock ranges from dense Old Town condos to sprawling custom estates on multi-acre lots in the north part of the city.

Golf Course Homes

A major share of Scottsdale's housing, especially in North Scottsdale communities like DC Ranch and Grayhawk.

Luxury Estates

Custom homes on larger lots, concentrated in areas like Silverleaf, Desert Mountain, and parts of North Scottsdale.

Old Town Condos

Newer mid-rise and boutique condo buildings within walking distance of restaurants and galleries.

Gated Communities

Common throughout the city, particularly in North Scottsdale.

55+ Communities

Several age-restricted communities and sections exist within larger Scottsdale developments.

New Construction

Concentrated in the far north part of the city, where undeveloped desert land remains.

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New Construction

Building in Scottsdale

New construction in Scottsdale is concentrated in the far northern part of the city, where there's still undeveloped desert land. Much of it is custom or semi-custom, rather than large-scale production building, reflecting the city's overall positioning toward the upper end of the market.

If you're considering a new-build home in Scottsdale, you're welcome to have your own real estate representation, even when buying directly from a builder. It's worth thinking about who represents your interests before you visit a model home or register with a builder's sales office.
Schools & Education

School Districts Serving Scottsdale

Scottsdale is served primarily by one large public school district, though boundaries and charter options vary by specific address.

Scottsdale Community College serves the area, with Arizona State University's Tempe campus a short drive south.

We're not able to advise on which schools or districts are the "best" fit, since that depends entirely on your family's needs. We're happy to point you toward district boundary maps and third-party research tools like GreatSchools.org so you can look into specific schools yourself.
Location

Getting Around Scottsdale

Scottsdale sits in the northeast Valley, bordered by Phoenix to the west, Paradise Valley to the southwest, and Tonto National Forest to the east.

  • Loop 101 runs along the eastern side of the city
  • About 20-25 minutes to Downtown Phoenix from most areas
  • About 20-30 minutes to Sky Harbor Airport depending on location
  • North Scottsdale communities can mean a longer drive to central Phoenix
  • Close to the McDowell Mountains and Tonto National Forest
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Homes for Sale

Current Listings in Scottsdale, Arizona

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FAQ

Common Questions About Scottsdale

What is it like living in Scottsdale, Arizona?

Scottsdale is an upscale city built around golf, resorts, and desert scenery, with a walkable historic core in Old Town.

What types of homes are available in Scottsdale?

Everything from Old Town condos to golf course homes and large custom estates, depending on the area.

Does Scottsdale have new construction?

Yes, mostly in the far northern part of the city where undeveloped land remains.

How far is Scottsdale from Downtown Phoenix?

About 20 to 25 minutes from most parts of the city.

How far is Scottsdale from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport?

About 20 to 30 minutes, depending on which part of Scottsdale.

What are some popular neighborhoods in Scottsdale?

Old Town Scottsdale, DC Ranch, and Grayhawk are among the more well-known areas.

What is there to do in Scottsdale?

Old Town galleries, golf, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and Scottsdale Fashion Square are popular draws.

What should I know before moving to Scottsdale?

Prices run higher than much of the Valley, and North Scottsdale can mean a longer commute, so it's worth weighing location against budget.

Thinking About Moving to Scottsdale?

Whether you're relocating to Arizona or simply moving to another part of the Valley, we can help you explore the communities, homes, and areas that fit what you're looking for.

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