Living in Scottsdale, AZ: Everything You Should Know Before You Start Packing

Located at the foot of the McDowell Mountains and to the east of Phoenix, Scottsdale is a vibrant and stunning desert city with a lot to offer. Living in Scottsdale is a dream come true, and the area has consistently been ranked one of the best cities in the United States. Residents enjoy year-round warm weather, many outdoor attractions, safe, walkable streets, and a vibrant job market. If you are considering moving to Scottsdale, here is the perfect introduction to this unique Arizona gem.  

Housing Market

Buying a home in Scottsdale, even with the help of Scottsdale real estate agent Karen Stroble, might not be the cheapest thing to do, but it is worth it. The average home value in this city is $790,200, with all the features designed to make your investment worthwhile. Many homes feature durable tile roofs, stunning stucco exteriors, and natural desert landscaping. The styles range from Spanish Colonial and Tuscan to Modern Contemporary and in size from condos to multi-bedroom mansions.

Cost of Living

Like the housing costs, the cost of living in Scottsdale is slightly higher than the national average. The city has a 113 cost of living index, largely due to high housing and transportation costs. Renting a 950-square-foot one-bedroom home in Scottsdale, for instance, can cost $2,050 monthly, significantly higher than the national average. A family of four in the area may need an annual salary of $72,900 to live comfortably in Scottsdale and pay taxes.

Climate and Weather

Scottsdale is a desert city, so the weather is always warm and sunny. Spring and summer are the warmest, and most outdoor lovers get out in Spring when the weather is just warm enough to be pleasant but not too hot. Summers can get a bit too hot, with temperatures of up to 111°F. But the humidity remains low, so it is never muggy. To best survive the heat, most people run their errands early in Summer and spend the rest of the day indoors. 

Things to Do

The warm weather and exuberant nature of Scottsdale residents mean there is always something to do here. Top attractions in the area include the desert laboratory Taliesin West, Pinnacle Peak Park, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, and Scottsdale Fashion Square. The Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, which spans over 43,000 square feet, features an expansive collection of artifacts and paintings depicting the area’s history and culture. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a permanent protected desert habitat and another must-see sight.  

Schools

Scottsdale has a strong school district and highly ranked schools to boot. The Scottsdale Unified School District is ranked the 2nd best school district in the Phoenix area and the fourth-best school district in Arizona by Niche. Top schools in the area include Archway Classical Academy, Scottsdale Prep, Great Hearts Academies, and BASIS Scottsdale. There are also at least 40 colleges close to Scottsdale.

Explore the Scottsdale Real Estate Market with Karen Stroble

Niche ranks Scottsdale as the 25th best city to live in and the number 1 healthiest and best city to retire in America. The Scottsdale real estate market features a rich selection of homes at reasonable prices, stunning surroundings, A-grade schools, and family-friendly neighborhoods. If you are set on moving here, contact local real estate expert Karen Stroble today to discuss your housing needs.