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 Good, the Bad and The Ugly

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.*

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

Old Town

The Best 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.)

**Note from a local who loves Scottsdale but recognizes the heat as issue:** 
*Honestly I could not recommend it more. Moved here from Maryland, the heat takes about 3 years to adjust... so just keep in mind for about 3-4 months of those years you will not be having fun.*

Summer (it's more than 3 months)

The Worst Thing About 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 Of Scottsdale

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?

**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+

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

**What is it like to live in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA?**

I've lived in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA my entire life aside from college (Arizona State University, so Tempe, AZ).

Pros:

- It is a great place to raise a family. Crime is low. Schools are the best in Arizona. Neighborhoods are plentiful.
- For young adults starting out careers, it is a fun place to be. You have Old Town Scottsdale, Mill Avenue (in Tempe, but easily reachable for a night), a lot of hiking, great dining, and great shopping.
- Speaking of hiking, this is Arizona. Check out Camelback Mountain as an example of a great hike.
- Location. Do you like to ski or snowboard? Go to Flagstaff, 2 hours north. Want to go to the beach? Go to California, 5-6 hours away. Want to go to Mexico? 4 hours. Sky Harbor is also a great airport to fly out of.
- Weather. Yes, it is hot during the summer. 110-115 degrees hot. There is no humidity. During the winter, it is 60 degrees during the day. If you hate snow, this is the place to be.
- Shopping. Scottsdale Fashion Square, Kierland Commons, and Scottsdale Quarter are a few great examples.
- Dining. Eat anything ranging from one of the best steaks in the country at Mastros to grabbing delicious cheap eats in Tempe and Phoenix. Your options are endless.
- Homes. Take a drive near Camelback Mountain, in DC Ranch/Silverleaf, or near the Biltmore, you will find some gorgeous and amazing homes.
- Scottsdale Airport. For you tech entrepreneurs out there with your private jets, this is a great and easy airport to fly in and out of. It is also very centrally located in North Scottsdale.
- Beauty. The desert is not for everyone, but something about the mountains and desert landscape grows on you after a long time.
- Hotels. You have legendary hotels here such as the Arizona Biltmore and The Phoenician. There is no shortage of hotels here and it is a tourist destination.
- Golfing. It is consistently ranked as one of the best golfing locations in the world and you are able to golf year-round.

Cons:

- Scottsdale is very materialistic. This is the home of the "30k millionaire." People live beyond their means here. Many also worry about things that should not matter.
- You need a car. If you live off the light rail in Tempe or downtown Phoenix, a car might not be necessary, but it would still help a lot.
- To get to other areas outside of Phoenix, you need a car. This is not the East Coast.
- Sports teams/events are a drive from Scottsdale. For Jobing.com arena, it is 40 minutes. Downtown Phoenix (Suns/Diamondbacks) is 30-40 minutes. This is presuming no traffic.

**What is it like to live in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA?**

I don’t live in Scottsdale, but in another suburb of Phoenix. That being said, I can only comment about life in the general Phoenix metro area. Summers are hot, but I suspect that isn’t a surprise to anyone. But I can tell you that you make your “peace” with it (it takes about 2–5 years, depending where you come from and how old you are). You quickly learn to do things at nighttime or early in the day. Water activities in summertime nights can be quite pleasurable. Professional sports, the arts, outdoor life, entertainment are plenteous. 

Politics are closer to center-right (perhaps libertarian), but friendly with other points of view. You can find more of a liberal-progressive strain in the Tempe area. Arizona is considered a “gun-friendly” state. So if you have a deep-seated antipathy to people owning firearms, you would best consider somewhere else to live. Wide open spaces are nearby. Forested areas (surprise!) are about two hours away. Income and property taxes are low. I have shared previously that public schools are substandard, so you need to check the schools where you will live if you have school age kids. Some of the school districts are good, but you have to do your research. That is about it.

**What are the three best things about living in Scottsdale, Arizona? Feel free to list more.**

1. It has a low crime rate. I can’t call most parts of the Phoenix metro area crime ridden but generally Scottsdale is very safe, even South Scottsdale where I roam.

2. The city staff usually get back to you very quick and try like heck to work with you. I’ve had a few issues with city codes and their staff are friendly and helpful.

3. If you like some drinking, come here, the metro area isn’t NYC or LA but this is the city where people come to have fun. No one walks out here. If you want to walk by yourself and avoid people, walk out here and get your thinking done.

4. Golf. Cheap courses out here, if you like golf, especially right now. It’s 119 degrees out there. Really cheap fees.

**Thoughts on moving to Scottsdale?**

Ha, very small world. My wife and I moved from Seattle to Scottsdale in late 2018. TL;DR: We couldn't be happier with our decision. It's been a significant quality of life boost. Here's some more info...

Housing costs, like the ability to buy a house, are MUCH cheaper than Seattle. But Arizona -- and Scottsdale -- are booming. It's the hottest housing market in the nation. So it's affordable if you're keeping your Seattle salary, but it's not affordable for anyone who is native to Arizona or the midwest. In terms of rent comparison, it's anecdotal but I was paying $2600 for a nice 2BR apartment in SEA in late 2018. We rented a much nicer 2BR apartment in North Scottsdale for about ~$1700 through May of last year. We then purchased a house in Scottsdale for about $430K. My all-in payment now for a 4BR house in Scottsdale with a pool is less than $2K per month. So in general, yes housing costs are cheaper. But they are rising very quickly. It's insanely competitive.

Yes, the summers can be tough, but we absolutely love Scottsdale and the weather the rest of the year 100% makes it worth it. So many fun restaurants, so many fun outdoor things to do. You'd have to drag my dead body to ever move back to Seattle.

Highly recommend you make the move and I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to reach out with any additional questions, happy to help. You'll love it here.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Smaller, Cheaper, Warmer

Looklyloo Score: 82

We're on it!