Living in Scottsdale
Scottsdale runs north from its border with Tempe and Phoenix to the high desert below the McDowell Mountains, a long, narrow city that changes character from south to north. Old Town Scottsdale anchors the south end with galleries, restaurants and the city's arts district, while the northern half opens onto one of the largest permanently protected urban desert preserves in the world. This guide covers the city's landmarks, everyday life and housing, along with how Scottsdale real estate agents at CENTURY 21 Arizona Foothills can help with a move here.
What Is There to Do in Scottsdale?
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve covers more than 30,500 acres, with over 230 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Trailheads such as Gateway, Tom's Thumb, Lost Dog Wash and Brown's Ranch provide parking, shade ramadas and trail maps, and several include horse-trailer parking and accessible nature trails.
Golf and Major Events
TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course is home to the WM Phoenix Open, the PGA Tour stop known for the grandstands that surround its 16th hole. WestWorld of Scottsdale, the city's equestrian and special events center, hosts the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction along with horse shows and other large events through the year.
Arts and Architecture
The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts sits on the Civic Center in Old Town, steps from galleries and public art. In the foothills of the McDowells, Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and school of architecture, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and open for tours. For shopping, Scottsdale Fashion Square on Camelback Road draws visitors from across the Valley.
What Is It Like to Live in Scottsdale?
Daily life in Scottsdale depends a great deal on which end of the city a home sits in. Old Town and the south end are compact and walkable, with restaurants, galleries and shops within a few blocks, and the fare-free Scottsdale Trolley connects these districts with regional bus routes. Moving north, neighborhoods spread out among golf courses and desert washes, and the preserve becomes the backyard for many streets, with trailheads a short drive from most of North Scottsdale.
Scottsdale Real Estate
Scottsdale's housing follows its geography. Around Old Town and the south end, condominiums, townhomes and mid-century ranch homes sit close to dining and the arts district, and the Scottsdale condos search collects these listings. Higher-end condominium residences appear in the Scottsdale luxury condos search.
Farther north, master-planned and golf course communities feature custom and semi-custom homes on larger lots, many with McDowell Mountain views. Homes on or near the fairways are gathered in Scottsdale luxury golf homes. Some communities are gated, and many have homeowners associations with their own rules. To see the full range, browse all Scottsdale homes for sale.
Homes for sale in Scottsdale
Featured Listings
Scottsdale - Featured Listings
Scottsdale AZ, 6766 E Cholla Street
- List Price$1,595,000
- TownScottsdale
- StateAZ
- Bed3
- Bath2
- SqFt2,120
Scottsdale AZ, 6437 E Winchcomb Drive
- List Price$1,500,000
- TownScottsdale
- StateAZ
- Bed4
- Bath3
- SqFt2,888
Scottsdale AZ, 8714 E Montebello Avenue
- List Price$1,000,000
- TownScottsdale
- StateAZ
- Bed4
- Bath3
- SqFt2,148
Scottsdale AZ, 6876 E Mighty Saguaro Way
- List Price$1,649,990
- TownScottsdale
- StateAZ
- Bed3
- Bath3
- SqFt2,433
Scottsdale AZ, 9809 E Honey Mesquite Drive
- List Price$8,500,000
- TownScottsdale
- StateAZ
- Bed5
- Bath6
- SqFt6,226
Scottsdale AZ, 13835 N 51st St Street
- List Price$1,697,000
- TownScottsdale
- StateAZ
- Bed4
- Bath3
- SqFt2,705
Scottsdale AZ, 8300 E Dixileta Drive, Unit 298
- List Price$2,300,000
- TownScottsdale
- StateAZ
- Bed4
- Bath6
- SqFt4,892
Scottsdale AZ, 27808 N 156th Street
- List Price$1,450,000
- TownScottsdale
- StateAZ
- Bed4
- Bath4
- SqFt3,276
Schools in Scottsdale
The Scottsdale Unified School District serves most of the city, and the Paradise Valley Unified School District serves parts of Scottsdale as well. Other districts cover some northern areas, so confirm the assigned district for any address.
How Can Scottsdale Real Estate Agents Help?
From HOA rules in master-planned communities to utility setup in the far north, every Scottsdale listing has its own details. The Scottsdale office of CENTURY 21 Arizona Foothills can walk through what matters for any property. Call 480-889-2151.
Scottsdale FAQ
The preserve covers more than 30,500 acres and has over 230 miles of multi-use trails, with trailheads including Gateway, Tom's Thumb and Brown's Ranch.
The WM Phoenix Open is played on the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale.
Yes. Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and school, Taliesin West, sits in the McDowell foothills in Scottsdale and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Barrett-Jackson collector car auction is held at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
Yes. The Scottsdale Trolley runs fare-free routes that connect to regional bus service.
The Scottsdale Unified School District serves most of the city, and the Paradise Valley Unified School District serves parts of it. Assignments depend on the address.
Start Your Scottsdale Home Search
CENTURY 21 Arizona Foothills pairs local knowledge with personal attention, so every move in Scottsdale starts on solid ground. Browse Scottsdale homes for sale, explore nearby Paradise Valley and Phoenix, or read about selling a home in Arizona. To save searches and get new listings, create a free account, or call 480-889-2151 to talk with Scottsdale real estate agents ready to help you move forward with confidence.
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