Moving to Scottsdale, AZ (2025 Guide)

What It’s Like Living in Scottsdale, AZ

Have you thought about moving to Scottsdale, AZ? You have landed in the right spot. This blog will have everything you need to know about areas and what it's like to live in Scottsdale. So sit back and enjoy!

Scottsdale is one of those rare cities that feels like a resort—but functions like a city. You’ve got desert hiking trails minutes from luxury shopping, top-rated restaurants tucked next to golf courses, and nightlife that rivals bigger metros. People move here (or visit) for the sunshine, stay for the lifestyle, and eventually realize—yeah, there’s no reason to leave.

You’ll hear Scottsdale described as “the Beverly Hills of the Desert,” and "The Most Livable City" but that’s only half the story. Sure, it’s got high-end real estate, golf courses, and spas. But it’s also got legit neighborhoods, strong schools, and that laid-back Arizona attitude where people still hold the door open and wear shorts year-round.

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Where Is Scottsdale?

Scottsdale sits in the northeast part of the Phoenix metro area. It stretches roughly 31 miles north-to-south—from Old Town up to the McDowell Mountains. That means lifestyle changes depending on where you land:

• South Scottsdale: walkable, urban, closer to ASU and Tempe (also home to Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, Spring Training, bars, hip restaurants)

• Central Scottsdale: suburban vibe, family-friendly, newer homes

• North Scottsdale: luxury golf communities, desert scenery, gated neighborhoods (home to the TPC and Phoenix Waste Management Open, Arabian Horse Show, Barrett Jackson Auto Show).

It borders Paradise Valley, Phoenix, and Fountain Hills—so you’re close to just about everything while still feeling tucked away.

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Why People Are Moving to Scottsdale

Scottsdale consistently lands on “Best Places to Live” lists because it balances weather, safety, and lifestyle. The city attracts professionals, retirees, and families—each for different reasons.

• Remote professionals: great internet, high-end rentals, and coworking spaces like Industrious and Spaces.

• Families: strong schools (Scottsdale Unified + charter options like BASIS).

• Retirees: resort-style living, endless golf, and medical access via HonorHealth + Mayo Clinic.

• Transplants from cold states: they visit once, see a sunset over the McDowells, and suddenly blairballin.com becomes their favorite website.

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Cost of Living & Housing

Let’s be honest—it’s not cheap. Scottsdale runs higher than the Phoenix metro average, especially for housing and dining.

• Median home price (2025): around $850,000, but North Scottsdale and Paradise Valley fringe areas can easily hit seven figures.

• Rentals: expect $2,000–$2,800 for a nice 2-bed apartment.

• Utilities: low in winter, high in summer (thanks, A/C).

You pay for the lifestyle—and people here know it. But that also keeps property values strong and neighborhoods well-maintained.

Popular Neighborhoods in Scottsdale

Scottsdale isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each area feels different.

Old Town Scottsdale

This is where the action is. Walkable, full of restaurants, art galleries, shops, and nightlife. Great for younger professionals or anyone who likes to walk out their front door and actually do something.

McCormick Ranch

An established master-planned community with mature trees (yes, trees in the desert), golf courses, lakes, and paths that connect to everything.

Pro Tip-McCormick Ranch Golf Club is one of my fav courses in town. It has the Palm & Pine Courses. Both are fun.

Gainey Ranch

Upscale, secure, country-club lifestyle. You’ll find condos, patio homes, and million-dollar estates—plus you’re five minutes from the best dining in central Scottsdale.

DC Ranch / Silverleaf

North Scottsdale’s signature luxury neighborhoods. Custom homes, mountain views, and a private village feel. If you’ve got the budget, this is desert luxury done right. Lots of Executives live here, as well as transplants from other areas. Looking for a home for sale in DC Ranch? Search using this link to view all the homes for sale in DC Ranch.

Kierland / Scottsdale Quarter Area

Technically on the Phoenix line, but functionally “Scottsdale living.” Shopping, dining, nightlife, and newer condos—all walkable.

North Scottsdale Communities

Troon, Grayhawk, Desert Mountain, and Legend Trail—these are where the golfers and sunset chasers live.

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Things to Do in Scottsdale

This is where Scottsdale shines—there’s always something going on.

Outdoor Life

• McDowell Sonoran Preserve: 200+ miles of hiking and biking trails. Gateway Loop and Tom’s Thumb are musts.

• Camelback Mountain: technically Phoenix, but everyone here hikes it. You've got to see the signature "camelback."

• Golf: more than 200 courses in the metro area. Top picks: TPC Scottsdale (home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open), Grayhawk, and Troon North.

Dining & Breweries

Scottsdale’s food scene punches above its weight.

• Upscale: Ocean 44, Mastro’s, Maple & Ash.

• Local favorites: The Vig, OHSO Brewery, Rehab Burger Therapy.

• Craft beer: Goldwater, Fate, and Huss Brewing—solid local spots to post up after work.

Shopping & Culture

• Scottsdale Fashion Square: luxury shopping, rooftop dining, movie theater.

• Old Town Arts District: Thursday night ArtWalks are a local favorite.

• Taliesin West: Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert masterpiece—worth the tour.

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Annual Events & Festivals

Scottsdale is event central. A few worth noting:

• Waste Management Phoenix Open (February): biggest golf party on earth.

• Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction (January): even non-car people love it.

• Scottsdale Culinary Festival (April): local food + drinks.

• Canal Convergence (November): public art + light installations along the waterfront.

• Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show (February): 60+ years strong, surprisingly fun.

Add the weekly farmers markets, seasonal concerts, and endless golf tournaments, and you’ll never be bored.

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Commute & Transportation

Most people drive, but Scottsdale’s layout makes commuting easier than in other big cities.

• Downtown Phoenix: 25–35 minutes

• Sky Harbor Airport: 20–25 minutes

• Tempe/ASU: 15–20 minutes

• North Scottsdale to Downtown: 35 minutes on a bad day

You can get almost anywhere using the 101 loop, and rideshare options are everywhere.

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Weather in Scottsdale

You already know—it’s hot. But the “it’s a dry heat” line is actually true.

• Winter: 60s–70s and perfect. (yes we do have freezing temps in the am)

• Spring/Fall: 80s–90s, outdoor season.

• Summer: triple digits. Locals hibernate, golf at sunrise, or go to Flagstaff (2 hour drive and I can help you there too)

The payoff is zero snow shoveling, year-round sunshine, and patio weather eight months of the year.

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Schools in Scottsdale

The Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) consistently ranks among the top in Arizona. For parents exploring options:

• Public: Desert Mountain, Chaparral, and Arcadia High are standout choices.

• Charter: BASIS Scottsdale is nationally ranked.

• Private: Notre Dame Prep and Scottsdale Christian are strong contenders.

Even if you don’t have kids, good schools mean better resale value and stronger neighborhoods.

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Job Market & Economy

Scottsdale’s economy is diverse—healthcare, tech, finance, tourism, and small business are all big players.
Key employers include:

• HonorHealth

• Mayo Clinic

• Vanguard

• Yelp

• Nationwide

• Honor Education Group

Remote work has made Scottsdale even more attractive. You’ll find people relocating from California, Washington, and Chicago who bring their jobs with them.

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Pros & Cons of Living in Scottsdale

Pros:

• Beautiful weather (most of the year)

• Tons of things to do

• Strong job market

• Great restaurants

• Outdoor lifestyle

Cons:

• Summer heat

• Housing prices

• Tourists (especially during golf and spring training season)

If you can handle the heat, the trade-offs are worth it.

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FAQs About Moving to Scottsdale

Is Scottsdale expensive to live in?
Yes, compared to the Phoenix average. But most residents feel the lifestyle, amenities, and resale values justify it.

Is Scottsdale family-friendly?
Absolutely. Plenty of parks, good schools, and safe neighborhoods.

How far is Scottsdale from Phoenix?
Technically, it borders it—but driving from Old Town to downtown Phoenix is about 25 minutes.

Is it good for retirees?
Yes. Warm weather, low maintenance homes, great healthcare, and a strong senior community make it ideal for downsizers or retirees.

When’s the best time to move?
Avoid July–August if you can. Most people plan moves between October and May.

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Final Thoughts

Scottsdale’s appeal isn’t hard to get—it’s lifestyle in high definition. Sunshine, food, golf, hiking, and strong neighborhoods. Whether you’re coming from Chicago, Seattle, or the East Coast, it’s a place where people come to enjoy life—not just live it.

If you’re exploring your move, check out:

And if you ever want an inside look at local neighborhoods, I’m here to help--I might even be at a brewery grabbing a cold and fresh Hazy IPA ;-)

Just want to know about Phoenix? I got you. Check out my blog about moving to Phoenix and its pros and cons.

Maybe Scottsdale is out of your budget? Consider Chandler, AZ. I wrote about Chandler too!