Scottsdale is still a snowbird haven for wealthy retirees who like to play golf, but tons of young people are moving there (some even following their retiree parents). While the classic, country club conservatism persists, it’s a practical conservatism. People don't care what their neighbors do in their bedroom, they care about how they keep up their property and how it affects their own property values. Still, the young people think they’ve found a hidden gem. Many more people are moving into Scottsdale than moving out. The fact that It’s extremely family-friendly with good schools and becoming a hotbed for IT jobs isn’t hurting.

The summer is scorching. Like, unlivable hot. Like don’t go outside or you might die, hot. 120 degrees is not uncommon. AZ is the skin cancer capital of the world. The wealthy people (of which there are many) leave and the born-and-bred people are used to the survival workarounds (save up for summer A/C, pools, early morning/late night grocery shopping, windshield shades, carry sunscreen at all times and getaways to Flagstaff and Prescott.)

Old Town (or South Scottsdale) is where the fun is with plenty of local spots. Best of all, it has kept the old-fashioned ambiance with narrow streets, small storefronts and quaint boutiques. It has plenty of entertainment and nightlife but the authenticity has been retained. They don’t cater to chain restaurants for example.

Here's a review from a recent transplant who lives in Old Town: 
*Ah I moved here 60 days ago and love it. Cost of living is significantly cheaper (one bedroom $1800 or less with all the bells and whistles in a great area). I can’t speak to summers yet. I’ve met more people here in 2 months than 8 years in Seattle. People are open and friendly. So are all the bars and restaurants.*

LookyLOO Review of Scottsdale

North Scottsdale (newer construction) is more conservative than South Scottsdale (Old Town). South Scottsdale is more liberal, more LGBTQ friendly and more vibrant (and it’s closer to the airport) but even so, the demographics are 30+. The twenty-somethings are in Tempe (Mill Avenue.)

Many people believe Scottsdale is overpriced and Phoenix is a better way to go. Scottsdale has cultivated a certain pristine vibe that plays well with a snobbier mentality. Probably why the younger folks stick around Tempe, West Mesa or Gilbert (which are in Phoenix btw.) They think Scottsdale is a luxury shopping/golfing destination and that it is a predominately white, upper-middle-class exurb with lots of massive shopping centers that are only accessible by car. Not exactly the Gen Z way of life. 

Aside from all of Arizona being a haven of mid century modern architecture, many of the upmarket homes in Scottsdale are contemporary (Spanish/Mediterranean/Pueblo/Ranch.) Some, smaller, older homes can be found closer to Old Town and the rental market is relatively reasonable.


Lifestyle 

Home prices aren’t low (and they’re on the way up) but if you’re coming from a big city and you have a game plan for the summer heat, you might be able to snuggle in somewhere in a much bigger home, get your kids tucked into a good school, enjoy the winters and maybe even move in near your babysitting parents.


Home Prices (by comparison)

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**Comfortable-Ad2608**
8mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

I have lived in Arizona (mostly Phoenix) for 26 years and Scottsdale for 4 of them. Scottsdale is by far the best place to live in the valley. Overall a good city to live in and just depends on your tastes if you will enjoy it.

Pros:

Nice weather November-May. October and June can be mild some years.

Consistently sunny almost year around.

Clean city and generally very safe.

Many hiking trails in close proximity.

If you like to golf then you’re probably in one of the best cities for it.

A green belt that goes about 11 miles throughout Scottsdale.

Lots of newer restaurants, less chains than other parts of the valley.

Roads are grid system so very easy to drive around.

Minimal weather events, we do get monsoons in the summer but nothing catastrophic.

Overall healthy active city. There are many gyms and people with similar athletic interests.

Close roadtrip distance to southern California, Las Vegas, southern Utah and parts of Colorado. Northern Arizona has 4 seasons and is only a couple hours from Phoenix.

Cons:

Hot weather June-October (very hot July-September). Probably the worst con and can be a dealbreaker. If you have access to a pool then that can help a lot. People say getting out earlier is fine but I personally think it’s too hot all hours of the day.

For more reviews of what living in Scottsdale is like from locals check out: [**The Reviews**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/scottsdale/reviews)

Summer (it's more than 3 months)

Reviews of Scottsdale from Locals

**The Good, the Bad and The Ugly**

Scottsdale is still a snowbird haven for wealthy retirees who like to play golf but tons of young people are moving there (some even following their retiree parents there). While the classic, country club conservatism persists, it’s a practical conservatism. People don't care what their neighbors do in their bedroom, they care about how they keep up their property and how it affects their own property values. Still, the young people think they’ve found a hidden gem. Many more people are moving into Scottsdale than moving out. The fact that It’s extremely family-friendly with good schools and becoming a hotbed for IT jobs isn’t hurting.

**The Best Thing About Scottsdale?** 

Old Town (or South Scottsdale) is where the fun is with plenty of local spots. Best of all, it has  kept the old-fashioned ambiance with narrow streets, small storefronts and quaint boutiques. It has plenty of entertainment and nightlife but the authenticity has been retained. They don’t cater to chain restaurants for example.

**The Worst Thing About Scottsdale** 

The summer is scorching. Like unlivable hot. Like don’t go outside or you might die, hot. 120 degrees is not uncommon. AZ is the skin cancer capital of the world. The wealthy people (of which there are many) leave and the born-and-bred people are used to the survival workarounds (save up for summer A/C, pools, early morning/late night grocery shopping, windshield shades, carry sunscreen at all times and getaways to Flagstaff and Prescott.)

**How You Living?** 

North Scottsdale (newer construction) is more conservative than South Scottsdale (Old Town). South Scottsdale is more liberal, more LGBTQ friendly and more vibrant (and it’s closer to the airport) but even so, the demographics are 30+. The twenty-somethings are in Tempe (Mill Avenue.)

Many people believe Scottsdale is overpriced and Phoenix is a better way to go. Scottsdale has cultivated a certain pristine vibe that plays well with a snobbier mentality. Probably why the younger folks stick around Tempe, West Mesa or Gilbert (which are in Phoenix btw.) They think Scottsdale is a luxury shopping/golfing destination and that it is a predominately white, upper-middle-class exurb with lots of massive shopping centers that are only accessible by car. Not exactly the Gen Z way of life. 

Aside from all of Arizona being a haven of mid century modern architecture, many of the upmarket homes in Scottsdale are contemporary (Spanish/Mediterranean/Pueblo/Ranch.) Some, smaller, older homes can be found closer to Old Town and the rental market is relatively reasonable.

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** 

Home prices aren’t low (and they’re on the way up) but if you’re coming from a big city and you have a gameplan for the summer heat, you might be able to snuggle in somewhere in a much bigger home, get your kids tucked into a good school, enjoy the winters and maybe even move in near your babysitting parents.


Old Town Scottsdale is the center of entertainment in the city and if you want a walk to nightlife this is your best bet. It’s close to Arizona State and Mill Avenue, a dense shopping, restaurant and bar district, and also Scottsdale Stadium and the Fashion Square. There’s also plenty of condo and apartment options here as well. 
- Old Town
- Downtown


Young Professionals

Downtown

While Scottsdale doesn’t have a single neighborhood that attracts the majority of LGBTQ+ community the Old Town area is the most popular. It is the entertainment center of the city and also houses the majority of the arts scene with plenty of galleries and studios for those looking for culture. 
- Old Town


LGBTQ+

Old Town

McCormick Ranch is one of the most popular neighborhoods for families in Scottsdale. It has a number of lakes and mountain views for an outdoor lifestyle, but also amazing desert-style and mid-century modern homes inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. The area also has great shopping, health care, restaurants and parks. Finally, for those who love the baseball scene in Scottsdale, the training spot for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies borders McCormick Ranch.
- McCormick Ranch
- North Scottsdale
- Gainey Ranch


Families

McCormick Ranch

Scottsdale, and the Phoenix area in general, is the center or retirement for the western United States. Communities like McCormick Ranch,  and Grayhawk are ideal neighborhoods to start your search. Low crime rates, beautiful homes, and close proximity to outdoor options and health care make them ideal for the active retiree who isn’t ready for an exclusively 55+ community. If you are looking for an exclusively 55+ retirement community then Scottsdale and the Phoenix area is your place. Check out Revel Scottsdale if luxury is your thing. Amazing amenities and stunning gardens and wellness services make it fun and protected if that’s what you’re looking for. https://sunlightliving.com/55-communities-in-scottsdale-az/
- Grayhawk
- McCormick Ranch
- Revel Scottsdale


Retirees

Grayhawk

Scottsdale

**MrITRecruiter**
7mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

I was made for this question. I lived in Scottsdale for 5 years before moving to Upstate NY for 2 years and now I'm moving back at the end of the month lol

Any helpful tips for living in Scottsdale as a renter with a dog? Keep your dog leashed. Always have plenty of water. Keep them off the pavement during the summer day/night. If you're in N Scottsdale, watch for snakes.

Are scorpions a thing? Yes, but I haven't had any issues at any of the apartments I've lived at.

Is it cycling friendly? Walkable? Old town, friendly to both. Green belt is a great cycling area. N Scottsdale is cycling friendly, but not walkable. Not a cyclist, but I saw people all the time.

Places to avoid? Best YP neighborhood? Every part of Scottsdale is relatively nice, I haven't experienced or heard anything horrific. Be aware of road rage. Try to stay east of the 51 for the most part.

Will my mom be proud of me? Always ;)

Decent grocery stores? Typical, sprouts or whole foods. Can never beat Costco. Fry's, Safeway and Albertsons are the generic options.

Best place to buy a car? Hard to say now, I bought mine 5 years ago from a dealership. I'd recommend trying FB marketplace first. But learn from a recent mistake, don't always trust a CarFax. Run a report through an approved national database.

Am I gonna need a sunblock routine? I'd say so. It's good practice wherever you live anyways.

Does dry heat require as much gold bond for my thighs as the humidity on the east coast does? I never had problems with this until I moved to NY. Now I have gold bond everywhere I go. Shouldn't need it as much.

**IndependentNovel372**
9mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

Pros: the weather is glorious eight months out of the year and there are a plethora of hiking trails in N. Scottsdale. It's where I was born and raised and wouldn't have had it any other way.

Cons: it's EXPENSIVE. Not as pricey as NYC, but very expensive to live there. Also, we have this thing called summer and it's not for the weak-minded. Does it compare to August/Sept humidity in TX, hell no. Is it still uncomfortable? Oh yeah.

**Comfortable-Ad2608**
8mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

I have lived in Arizona (mostly Phoenix) for 26 years and Scottsdale for 4 of them. Scottsdale is by far the best place to live in the valley. Overall a good city to live in and just depends on your tastes if you will enjoy it.

Pros:

Nice weather November-May. October and June can be mild some years.

Consistently sunny almost year around.

Clean city and generally very safe.

Many hiking trails in close proximity.

If you like to golf then you’re probably in one of the best cities for it.

A green belt that goes about 11 miles throughout Scottsdale.

Lots of newer restaurants, less chains than other parts of the valley.

Roads are grid system so very easy to drive around.

Minimal weather events, we do get monsoons in the summer but nothing catastrophic.

Overall healthy active city. There are many gyms and people with similar athletic interests.

Close roadtrip distance to southern California, Las Vegas, southern Utah and parts of Colorado. Northern Arizona has 4 seasons and is only a couple hours from Phoenix.

Cons:

Hot weather June-October (very hot July-September). Probably the worst con and can be a dealbreaker. If you have access to a pool then that can help a lot. People say getting out earlier is fine but I personally think it’s too hot all hours of the day.

**Deere33**
9mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

Given your young age, I would recommend looking at North Scottsdale. I’m in my upper 30s in Old Town and I feel too old for the area. AZ is a different beast and a great place for introverts. I’ve realized that my friends that like it here the most are my introverted friends that like their space and don’t do much outside of their home. That’s not to say that it’s not an amazing place to go out and socialize and meet people, but without the alcohol and partying, people are pretty cold here. I love it here, but we just also have to reframe it as it is very different from the midwest where I grew up where I was taught trust until given a reason not to. In AZ, it is the opposite—don’t trust until you give me a reason to. Also, with that being said, Phoenix is a lot larger than where I grew up in the midwest, but I have also lived in DT Denver and DT San San Francisco and haven’t experienced the level of coldness like I’ve experienced in the Phoenix Metro.

In Phoenix, there’s no one season of amazing weather. In the winter, it’s less cold than other parts of the country, but still cold. You really have to time it right in the winter as you’ll probably be able to go out midday in the winter and do a hike or something—if you’re not working or on the weekends—or in the summer before the asscrack of dawn. In the midwest and Colorado, summer and part of spring and part of fall are amazing, so there’s a lot more longer stretches of pleasant weather.

Still, the desert and the landscape are amazing and beautiful and I wake up looking at palm trees thinking I’m on vacation—until I get in my car and realize I’m going to work. Lol

Scottsdale, Arizona

Smaller, Cheaper, Warmer

Looklyloo Score: 94