Scottsdale is an upscale suburb of Phoenix that is considered one of the nicest places to live in the American West. It has several luxury housing developments, fine dining, and shopping, and is surrounded by posh resorts and golf courses. There are plenty of open spaces and desert landscapes to gaze at as well.

The sprawling city of 250,000 is an excellent place for both families and professionals to live and work. Its proximity to downtown Phoenix makes it one of the most desirable locations in the Valley of the Sun.

Scottsdale fans out in all directions from Old Town Scottsdale, and it’s even known as “The West’s Most Western Town.” While it certainly retains some of its Western charm, it is a decidedly modern city. The Phoenix-area sprawl can be daunting, but Scottsdale is a comfortable city all its own and has every amenity and luxury you’ll need.

If you’re looking for Scottsdale homes for sale, your first step should be to hire an experienced real estate agent who will help guide you through every step of the process.

Pros and Cons

Like any other part of the Phoenix area, there are pros and cons to living in Scottsdale. Some factors, like the weather and housing prices, can be both pros and cons.

Pros

The sunshine

The weather is terrific for at least half the year. It will cool off a bit in the winter, and it even rains every once in a while. But for the most part, there are stretches when residents and visitors enjoy a temperate climate. From late fall into early spring is the best time to enjoy the many outdoor activities the area offers, including golf, hiking, biking, and swimming.

Great neighborhoods

Luxury housing abounds throughout the city. Even though Scottsdale is one of the most expensive cities in the Grand Canyon State, it is reasonable compared with other upscale markets around the country. Buying Scottsdale homes for sale is considered an excellent investment.

Downtown

The hip central area has plenty of restaurants, bars, and shopping that range from boutiques to the upscale Scottsdale Fashion Square mall.

All-around ambiance

Scottsdale is a safe, pleasant community with great schools and low crime rates.

Cons

Heat

Summer in Scottsdale is brutally hot, and the temperature often climbs above 110 degrees and even sometimes reaches 120 degrees. You basically go from your house to your car to your destination and then back home, spending as little time as possible outside. You’ll run your air conditioning all the time. One benefit is you won’t have to mow your lawn in the summer. Outsiders usually laugh when they hear locals call it “a dry heat,” but it truly is — there’s very little humidity.

Traffic

Thanks to the tourists who flock to the area in the winter and spring, traffic can be exceedingly annoying. To be fair, traffic is generally bad all over the valley, including on the west side and in downtown Phoenix. You’ll have to deal with snowbirds who escape frigid winters in the Northeast and Midwest, as well as baseball fans who flock to the area for Major League Baseball’s spring training.

Most residents shrug it off, though, because all those tourists are great for the economy. The traffic is just part of dealing with the sprawl of the massive Phoenix area.

Housing prices

The cost of Scottsdale houses for sale has soared some 26 percent in the last year. The median listing price is $749,000, meaning half of the homes go for more than that and half go for less. Many permanent residents rent homes rather than own them. Condos and townhouses are very popular because residents don’t have to worry about maintaining yards during the scorching hot summers. That said, there is a decent inventory of single-family homes.

The Real Estate Market

Scottsdale has always been popular with retirees. But it has also seen an increase in newcomers during the pandemic. Many of them are looking for Scottsdale houses for sale where they can work remotely while enjoying a great lifestyle. Scottsdale certainly fits that bill.

Scottsdale has a large inventory of luxury homes that offer such amenities as resort-style pools and landscaping and breathtaking views and vistas.

Scottsdale Neighborhoods

Scottsdale houses for sale can be found in traditional neighborhoods as well as master-planned communities with luxury homes. Scottsdale stretches from just north of Tempe all the way north to the edge of the suburban sprawl, so it’s best to check out what neighborhood would fit your lifestyle needs the best.

Here are a few options:

McCormick Ranch and Gainey Ranch

These planned communities are north of Old Town Scottsdale. They feature gated communities surrounded by golf courses and lakes, with views of the mountains.

North Scottsdale

This is a prosperous, fast-growing area that has become popular in recent years and is a great area for families. It is known for luxury amenities and dining options as well as outdoor activities.

Downtown Scottsdale

The central business district has Old Town plus a whole lot more. The recent boom in condos, apartments, and townhouses makes this the ultimate “live-work-play” area. Downtown has the best mix of upscale dining and shopping in the area, as well as a thriving nightlife scene. During spring training, Downtown comes alive when fans of the San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies, and the hometown Arizona Diamondbacks flock to the area.

South Scottsdale

This is a more affordable neighborhood that attracts families with children. It is closer to Tempe, home of Arizona State University, and downtown Phoenix. There are plenty of fun things to do, including a weekly art walk.

Paradise Valley

Located just north of Scottsdale’s city limits, Paradise Valley is its own city, but many people include it when mentioning great neighborhoods in Scottsdale. It is considered Arizona's wealthiest municipality and offers luxury homes, resorts, and a rural feel on the edge of urban sprawl.

As with any move, relocating and finding Scottsdale houses for sale can be overwhelming as well as exciting. With a little research, you’ll be able to pick the neighborhood that is best for you and your lifestyle.

For complete service when buying or selling Scottsdale real estate in 2021, contact The Schrand Team for assistance.