Scottsdale was named by the New York Times as “The Beverly Hills of the Desert” and is considered to be one of the most luxurious resort destinations in the nation. Scottsdale has become internationally recognized and is regarded as one of the most expensive and posh areas in the United States and a premiere tourist destination.
It is home to the former Phoenix Open, hosted at the Tournament Players Club course (with a new name almost annually). It has the distinction of the best-attended event on the PGA Tour. It is also famous for hosting the world-renowned Barrett-Jackson Auto Show. The PF Chang’s Rock and Roll Marathon is drawing world renowned runners.
Once filled with Arabian horse farms, Scottsdale today is home to the largest Arabian Horse Show in the world. The Thursday evening Art Walks feature the finest artists while the five star restaurants are destinations in themselves.
Scottsdale is divided into three distinct areas.
North Scottsdale,
Central Scottsdale and
South Scottsdale- Old Town.
North Scottsdale is where most of the new home growth is. It has sprawled to the edge of the preserves at McDowell Mountains and continues to creep north well into the Tonto Forest areas. Most of the city’s newest golf courses are located in North Scottsdale. The varied desert mountain terrain has been utilized to create some of the most beautiful and popular courses in the world.
Trilogy at Verde River
McDowell Mountain Ranch
DC Ranch
Kierland
Coming Soon! Four Seasons at Scottsdale Heights
Central Scottsdale is generally considered to be between McDonald and Frank Lloyd Wright. This is a frequently discussed boundary and is not official. The area has several large shopping centers. The gently sloping Shea corridor leading out past the Mayo Clinic to Fountain Hills has several smaller planned communities with and without golf courses. The views up to the hills and down to the city are enviable. The Indian Gaming Casino Arizona at Talking Stick is adjacent to the 101. The first Master planned community, McCormick Ranch, was built in the 1970s and was soon followed by others. The best known are Scottsdale Ranch and Gainey Ranch. Many of the homes today are still horse properties where magnificent Arabians can be seen. The area was once a premier Arabian horse breeding center and each winter it hosts the largest Arabian show in the country. Today many of the older homes in Central Scottsdale (built in the 70’s and 80’s on acre lots) are being demolished and replaced by larger modern homes. Homes in the Scottsdale and neighboring Paradise Valley school districts are very much desired for their excellent school ratings.
Scottsdale Ranch
Heritage Village IV
McCormick Ranch
South Scottsdale and Old Town Scottsdale, This area includes the Civic Center and the Scottsdale Fashion Square which is one of the ten largest malls in the nation. Because of the large cluster of fabulous restaurants, shops and popular nightclubs, the streets are filled with people at all hours. The Indian Gaming Casino Arizona at Salt River is just off the 101. The homes however, are the oldest and smallest in Scottsdale. It has seen a renaissance as city living is sweeping many areas in the nation. The Scottsdale Waterfront Complex will soon anchor the once desolate Arizona Canal banks, and no less than five new ultra-luxury condo towers have been approved. Tourism has shot up, with new trendy hotels coming to the area such as The James Hotel, and the revived Valley Ho. Recently announced was the new W Scottsdale Hotel & Residences, taking a spot in Scottsdale’s prime nightclub district. The entire image of South Scottsdale is expected to continue to zoom upwards within the next few years.
