Located in the eastern area of Maricopa County, Arizona, the City of Scottsdale is among the most well-known and desirable places to live in the state. With a great depth of history and culture, Scottsdale is an amazing place to live for Arizonans of all ages. The New York Times described downtown as “a desert version of Miami’s South Beach” and as having “plenty of late night partying and a buzzing hotel scene.”
Since being incorporated in 1951 with a population of 2,000, the city of Scottsdale has grown to a 2010 census count of 217,385. As the state’s sixth-largest city, Scottsdale is defined by its high quality of life. Having received the “Most Livable City” award from United Conference of Mayors in 1993, Scottsdale has always been known for its amazing amenities and lifestyle opportunities.
With the tourism industry leading Scottsdale’s workforce at 39%, resorts and beautiful golf courses are abundant. Not only does this benefit those who want to vacation or visit the state before moving, but Scottsdale is a famous staycation destination for Arizonans everywhere.
If you’re looking for nightlife, Scottsdale is really the place to be. Multiple high-end nightclubs, restaurants, and bars draw lively crowds looking for a fun night out. Most of these bars and clubs are located in Old Town Scottsdale, and are generally located within walking distance of one another. Looking for a great place to grab a bite? Check out Olive & Ivy or Rehab Burger Therapy!
Home to many corporate retail outlets and independent boutiques, Scottsdale is a shopping destination for many Phoenix residents. From the Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter in North Scottsdale, and the Scottsdale Fashion Square in Old Town Scottsdale, the city is a major destination for high-end retailers. Ranked second in 2016 for highest sales per square foot out of every mall in the country, Scottsdale Fashion Square is truly one of the most memorable indoor shopping malls in the country.
As a city with rich western history, Scottsdale is home to many museums and art galleries. Over 125 professional art galleries and studios, the city of Scottsdale has become a center for art in the United States. Annual festivals celebrating the western heritage bring incredible entertainment for the whole family.
Scottsdale is a great place to live for anyone who loves sports. The Scottsdale Stadium is the spring training home for the San Francisco Giants, drawing fans from all over to spectate. As many probably know, Scottsdale is continually ranked as one of the premier golf destinations in the world. Home to more than 200 area courses offering layouts that range from the rolling green fairways of traditional courses, to desert golf designs, golfers come from all over the world to play here. Home to the Phoenix Open Golf Tournament, Scottsdale is the perfect home for any golf enthusiast.
Scottsdale City History:
The land that would eventually become Scottsdale was originally inhabited by the Hohokam from around 300 BC to 1450 AD. This ancient civilization farmed the area and developed a complex network of canals for irrigation. Many of these canals have been renovated and are still in use to this day. Under mysterious circumstances, the Hohokam people disappeared around 1450 or 1500, the most common theory being the onset of a prolonged drought.
In the mid 1880s, U.S. Army Chaplain Winfield Scott visited the Salt River Valley and was impressed by the region’s potential for agriculture. Returning a few years later with his wife, Helen, he purchased 640 acres of land and got to work. The region was soon named Scottsdale after her founder, and the rest is history.
