COMMUNITY PROFILES / SCOTTSDALE

Scottsdale
City Hall
480-312-6500
www.scottsdaleaz.gov

Chamber of Commerce
480-355-2700
www.scottsdalechamber.com

This fashionable and highly livable quadrant of the Valley of the Sun is sprawling and diverse, offering a kaleidoscope of possibilities for housing, recreation, and lifestyles.

Perhaps more than any other area in the Valley, the Northeast reflects the epitome of year-round resort living and the “good life” in distinctive Southwestern style. Many country club and golf course communities showcase million-dollar manors in elegant residential developments that command breathtaking views of mountain, desert, and city lights. At the same time, family-oriented neighborhoods surround libraries, parks, schools, and shopping for a convenient urban lifestyle. Scottsdale was selected as “Americas Most Livable City” in the mid 1990’s and today that statement still holds true as the city continues to win awards and accolades from around the world.

Lifestyle
Whether you are searching for the simple pleasures of a relaxing desert environment or the excitement of world-class recreational opportunities, Scottsdale provides an idyllic place to live, work, and play. Because of the area’s solid reputation as a resort destination as well as a comfortable home for retirees, families, and professionals—the living environments and the housing styles are exceptionally diverse. Newcomers will discover a seemingly endless variety of single-family homes as well as patio homes, townhouses, and condominiums.

Acreage and lot sizes vary widely in the city. The most obvious possibilities for multi-acre lots and mini-ranches or horse properties lie in northern Scottsdale and the Pinnacle Peak area.  Because the city encompasses some of the Valley’s most popular shopping and cultural districts along with expanses of open space, the recreational amenities are exceptional in both quality and quantity. Art galleries, fine boutiques, and exclusive shops contrast with the “urban cowboy” appeal of Old Town Scottsdale. World-class golf and tennis facilities provide year-round exercise and outdoor pleasure to residents and visitors alike. A myriad of local bicycle paths, small fishing lakes, lush parks, desert preserves, walking trails, and family amusement centers add to the medley of recreational possibilities.

International crowds mingle with residents at a number of annual events and colorful festivals. Beginning in January, the famous Waste Management Phoenix Open PGA Golf Tournament draws the nation’s top contenders to the exclusive Tournament Players Club in Scottsdale. In February, equestrians flock to Scottsdale’s Westworld for the internationally acclaimed All Arabian Horse Show. The largest horse-drawn parade in the world, the Parada del Sol, remains a beloved Scottsdale tradition. Regardless of where you decide to settle in Scottsdale, you are sure to discover an exceptional quality of life that seems to grow richer with each year.

CITY LIFE
Boasting the title of “Most Livable City,” Scottsdale creates a unique blend of Old West rustic charm with the upscale amenities associated with “New West” resort living. Attracting more than four million visitors each year, Scottsdale is home to more than half of the Valley’s premier resorts. Playing the role of a gracious host to the world’s “rich and famous” has filled Scottsdale with fine art galleries, many cultural attractions, upscale retail centers, pulsating nightlife, and some of the most popular restaurants in the Valley. Attractive landscaping with seasonal blooms and fountains throughout the city reach a pinnacle of beauty in the Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza’s magnificent gardens and open-air performance area.

Scottsdale public schools are some of the Valley’s most highly respected, named “number one in the southwestern U.S.” by Expansion Management Magazine. The district schools consistently produce high achievement test scores and an impressive number of National Merit Scholarship finalists. Scottsdale school administrators and teachers are also frequently honored among Arizona’s finest. The campus for Scottsdale Community College serves as a focal point for the educational community, providing two-year degree and certificate programs as well as continuing education for students of all ages. Led by Scottsdale Healthcare and Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, the city has emerged as a state-of-the-art healthcare center. Quality commercial and light industrial development throughout the city has created a favorable employment outlook and underlines the diversified and healthy economy.

Scottsdale’s sprawling borders extend north to the Cave Creek/Carefree communities and east to Fountain Hills, setting the scene for the development of luxurious planned communities. The Pinnacle Peak area, once a vast expanse of open desert and dramatic rock outcroppings, is home to spectacular new residential villages such as Grayhawk, Troon, Desert Mountain, and Terravita. Exclusive properties and world-class golf courses make these communities some of the finest in the Southwest. Even in the heart of Scottsdale, lush parks and miles of greenbelt recreational area blend with lovely residential neighborhoods for a picture-perfect cityscape.

Services
Within the Northeast Valley, the City of Scottsdale dominates the economy and provides the employment base. Although the other communities enjoy a degree of commercial and retail activity, as well as contribute outstanding restaurants and luxurious resorts, they primarily serve as residential havens. Scottsdale takes the lead in industrial development as well as corporate and regional headquarters and high-tech companies. Accommodating business and recreational aircraft, Scottsdale Airport is the busiest corporate jet airport in Arizona and one of the busiest in the nation. Scottsdale also excels in revenue generated by tourism, welcoming millions of visitors to award-winning resorts and posh shopping districts.

Along with the explosion of population in the rapidly expanding Northeast Valley came freeways that provide high-speed connections to other Valley destinations. The Piestewa Peak Parkway or SR51 provides quick access to Interstate 10, Loop 202 to the East Valley, and to downtown Phoenix. The Loop 101 provides a convenient thoroughfare through the Northeast Valley, linking the area to points west, east, and south. A public bus system combines with Dial-A-Ride and ridesharing programs for transit alternatives.

While residents of Scottsdale have access to healthcare and educational resources throughout the Valley, they also enjoy leading-edge services and facilities close to home. The internationally famous Mayo Clinic has recently added a state-of-the-art hospital to its Scottsdale clinic facility to offer a complete range of diagnostic and treatment services, while Scottsdale Healthcare provides a growing list of specialties and general healthcare services that include two hospitals, adult day care, diabetes center, home health services, occupational health centers, and the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center.

Schools throughout the area are recognized as some of Arizona’s finest, providing a wealth of extracurricular and special programs in addition to a strong core curriculum in modern classrooms. Scottsdale Community College provides convenient locations that offer continuing education courses, certifications and two-year degrees, vocational training, or an affordable start on a four-year degree. The area is home to a center for the University of Phoenix and specialized institutions of higher learning that include the respected Le Cordon Bleu Scottsdale Culinary Institute and a branch of the Phoenix Therapeutic Massage College.

SCOTTSDALE NEIGHBORHOODS
The city of Scottsdale is made up of a mix of old and new neighborhoods, some defined by master planned communities or new home subdivisions and others by their location. Many of the neighborhoods share a long history that represents the geographic growth of Scottsdale from its humble beginnings to today’s powerhouse of a city.

Gainey Ranch
Located west of McCormick Ranch, Gainey Ranch is a mixed-use luxury community. Surrounding the 27-hole Gainey Ranch golf course, with over five miles of fairway frontage, the homes of Gainey Ranch provide private neighborhood living within a resort atmosphere. The residences range from condominiums to single family and custom estate homes.

McCormick Ranch
One of the oldest master planned neighborhoods in the City. The amenities include two championship 18-hole golf courses, more than 25 miles of bicycle paths, public tennis courts, 130 acres of man-made lakes, two of which can be used for sailing and several that are stocked with fish.

North Scottsdale
This area north of the 101 highway and the Kierland/Scottsdale Airpark neighborhoods is a collection of luxury, golf course communities. DC Ranch, Desert Highlands, Desert Mountain, Estancia, Grayhawk, Troon and Troon North are some of the main golf course centered communities. There are also a number of smaller developments in and around these areas providing single family home, condo and townhome living options. This has been the last part of Scottsdale to undergo development and represents the area with the most open and unspoiled natural desert in the area. The McDowell Mountains and the McDowell Sonoran preserve make up a large portion of the land in this area as well.

Old Town Scottsdale
Once known for the quaint Main Street tourist shops and art galleries, Old Town now offers high end shopping, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The new waterfront district with luxury high rise condominiums and other loft style and ultra modern style condo projects is providing an exciting new direction for this area. Combined with some of the best shopping in the state, this neighborhood is hard to beat.

Scottsdale Airpark
Centered on the Scottsdale Airport, one of the busiest private airports in the nation, this area is a hub of commercial and retail business. From small technology companies to large and small corporations, a number of companies are located in this area as well as some great shopping and dining opportunities.

Shea Blvd
Marked by Shea Blvd and located north of McCormick Ranch and Gainey Ranch is the Shea Neighborhood. A mix of residential and commercial, the area includes the Starfire Golf Club and the Scottsdale Ranch area which includes lake front communities.

South Scottsdale
This is the older section of town that was part of the first development of Scottsdale. It offers condo complexes, smaller patio homes, classic neighborhood streets with some of the oldest residential streets in the city. This area is also home to several industrial areas, and some veryh large corporations. In addition it is home to the ASU SkySong Center, a global economic research facility. This area is also very close to the Arizona State University main campus.

MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITIES
Throughout the city welcoming neighborhoods nestled in fine master-planned communities reflect the warm hospitality and casual elegance of the Southwest. The variety of architectural styles and community settings can accommodate every imaginable taste, lifestyle, and budget. Newcomers are able to select from a wide array of patio homes, charming villas, luxury townhouses, posh condominiums, elaborate estates, or ranch-style single-family homes. Many homes feature archways that lead into charming courtyards or privacy walls that ensure seclusion for artfully landscaped yards, covered patios and ramadas, sports courts, and pristine pools.

Some of the metropolitan region’s larger master-planned communities such as DC Ranch, and McDowell Mountain Ranch can provide all the amenities and conveniences of a small town. Schools, libraries, churches, shopping and services, recreational facilities, lush local parks, and connecting pathways create a true “community” atmosphere.

The following is just a small sample of the increasing number of residential villages, subdivisions, and planned communities that are available throughout Scottsdale.

Bellasera
East Visao Drive
Scottsdale
The prestigious community of Bellasera covers 290 acres of scenic high desert at the foot of imposing Lone Mountain.

DC Ranch
Thompson Peak Parkway
Scottsdale
www.dcranch.com
Sprawling near the foot of the McDowell Mountains, this community of beautiful, family-oriented neighborhoods provides every amenity within walking distance. Designed to offer the intimacy and sense of connection of a small town, DC Ranch has developed a spectacular nine-acre indoor/outdoor recreational complex.

Desert Highlands
East Happy Valley Road
Scottsdale
www.deserthighlandsscottsdale.com
Magnificent custom homes are nestled on pristine, generous high Sonoran desert lots that command breathtaking fairway, city light, and mountain views in this private golf-club community near Carefree.

Desert Mountain
Cave Creek Road
Scottsdale
www.desertmountain.com
Known for its opulent homes and world-renowned Jack Nicklaus golf courses, Desert Mountain is home to a variety of exclusive residential communities.

The Estancia Club
North 99th Place
Scottsdale
www.estanciaclub.com
Nestled on the northern slope of Pinnacle Peak, this prestigious North Scottsdale community is known for its stunning homes, environmental sensitivity, and Tom Fazio-designed golf course.

Gainey Ranch
East Gainey Ranch Road
Scottsdale
www.gaineyranchcc.com
Nestled in a peerless centralized Scottsdale location, Gainey Ranch provides an award-winning 27-hole golf course, lake vistas, fine shopping, and distinctive properties.

Grayhawk
E. Thompson Peak Parkway
Scottsdale
www.grayhawk.com
Nestled between two award-winning golf courses along with a wealth of amenities are upscale homes, villas, townhomes, and condominiums from renowned builders.

Kierland
Greenway & Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale
www.kierland.com
This elegant, mixed-use development is in a convenient location in the central corridor of North Scottsdale, which combines exclusive shopping, entertainment, and dining with residential development.

Legend Trail
East Legendary Lane
Scottsdale
www.legendtrailgc.com
Spectacular recreational and residential opportunities include 640 unspoiled acres of high desert preserved as open space and the recreational jewel of the Rees Jones-designed golf course.

McCormick Ranch
Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale
www.mccormickranchpoa.com
Scottsdale’s ground-breaking development transformed 4,300 acres of arid land into one of the Valley’s first and finest resort and residential communities. The collection of fine homes are complemented by bike paths, fine dining, golf courses,  tennis courts, and 130 acres of sparkling lakes.

McDowell Mountain Ranch
Thompson Peak Parkway
Scottsdale
www.mcdowellmountainranch.org
This family-oriented community features a wealth of amenities including trails, parks, community center, swimming pool/spa, sports courts, and splash fountain.

Scottsdale Mountain
East 136th Street
Scottsdale
www.scottsdalemountain.net
Set against the foothills of the McDowell Mountain Preserve, the community offers handsome homes that command spectacular landscape views.

Scottsdale Ranch
North 100th Street
Scottsdale
www.scottsdaleranch.org
Waterfront estates, beautiful tennis villas, patio homes, and townhomes surround Lake Serena and recreational amenities.

Stonegate
East Mountain View Road
Scottsdale
www.stonegate-scottsdale.com
This premier community provides all the seclusion of a gated resort lifestyle with tennis courts, pool/spa, community center, and hiking trails.

Terravita
North 69th Way
Scottsdale
www.terravitascottsdale.org
Nearly 825 pristine acres of high Sonoran desert beauty create the scenic backdrop for lovely homes and recreational amenities that include a golf course, fine dining, and a community center with fitness area.

Troon North, Troon Village
Jomax & Alma School Roads
Scottsdale
www.trooncc.com
Nestled among the boulders just north of Pinnacle Peak, these upscale communities boast highly acclaimed Troon golf courses that are surrounded by neighborhoods filled with luxury homes that command superb views of fairways and landscapes.

Windgate Ranch
Thompson Peak Parkway
Scottsdale
www.windgateranchscottsdale.com
Nestled in the foothills of the magnificent McDowell Mountains, it’s a spectacular community in the Sonoran Desert where emphasis is placed on an active family lifestyle. Windgate Ranch offers exciting resort-style amenities, including a Clubhouse, 5 designated activity buildings, 3 sparkling pools, outdoor ramadas, Teen Center, outdoor event pavilion, event lawns, childrens playgrounds, pocket parks, 50 miles of walking, biking trails, and more.