Set about 10 miles east of Phoenix, Scottsdale is a hub for shopping, dining and leisure in the Phoenix metro area. Between 2010 and 2024, the city's population has grown from 220,000 to 240,000. “It’s a good mix of people — you’ve got a lot of families and younger professionals closer to downtown, and retirees are going to be in north Scottsdale,” says Josiah Miller, a Realtor with Josiah Miller Homes and a Phoenix-area local for over 20 years. Scottsdale welcomes an estimated 11 million visitors annually, including part-time residents known as snowbirds — a regional term for someone who moves to a warmer state during winter. “People are attracted to Scottsdale for our sunny weather, amazing restaurants, golf and just the overall quality of life you have here,” says Darren Tackett, a Realtor with Exp Realty and over 25 years of experience.
Tourism has been a key industry in Scottsdale since the early 20th century, and many young professionals work in entertainment or service roles at local resorts, golf clubs and restaurants; healthcare, financial services, and technology are Scottsdale’s other major industries. “Entertainment brings a lot of jobs. There are a lot of tech jobs coming to north Scottsdale, and the Mayo Clinic [is a major employer],” Miller says. As of 2022, Scottsdale’s 3% unemployment rate is the second lowest in the Phoenix metro area. According to Scottsdale Planning and Development, about 61% of Scottsdale residents work outside of the city, so many folks regularly commute via Route 101 to other Phoenix-area hubs, like Chandler or Mesa — both known for their growing tech and manufacturing industries.
Ancala offers luxurious homes with stunning mountain views and serene surroundings.
Shop for everything from gourmet treats to trendy fashion at Market Street in Grayhawk.
Hit the greens with ease at Topgolf, conveniently located near McCormick Ranch.
Scottsdale residents enjoy the pickleball courts at Horizon Park.
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Rising home prices in a hot market
Scottsdale's housing options are diverse, but the city mostly consists of condos, apartments and single-family homes, typically either mid-to-late 20th-century ranch-style or new traditional and custom homes built over the last 20 years. “They’re knocking the older homes down and building the California McMansions,” Miller says. South Scottsdale is the most populous area for single-family homes, while condo and apartment buildings are generally closer to commercial hubs, like Old Town Scottsdale . Master-planned, golf and retirement communities are common in Scottsdale’s north, often set with mountainside views. Northern neighborhoods like McDowell Mountain Ranch and Pinnacle Peak offer upscale homes that can reach up to $4 million.
Scottsdale’s reputation for world-class recreation and leisure increases the price of real estate here. According to Phoenix Realtors, the cost of a single-family home in Scottsdale rose more than 8% from 2023 to 2024. The median home price here is $910,000, compared to $460,000 in Phoenix, roughly $522,000 in Tempe and $610,500 in Gilbert. “Homes here are a little bit more expensive because the area you’re in is excellent,” Miller says.
Multi-million dollar homes are common in Shea Corridor.
With a range of housing options, Grayhawk caters to individuals, families, and retirees alike.
Many ranch homes in South Scottsdale are being replaced by newer, 21st Century style homes.
Find refined elegance and sophistication in Grayhawk's luxury estates.
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Parks, trails and golf courses
Scottsdale offers over 40 parks for locals to explore, and active lifestyles are the norm here. “Everyone’s jogging with their dogs or biking. It’s a healthier lifestyle because you can get outside when the rest of the country is locked up with snow or rain in the winter, but here the winter is the perfect time to get outside,” Miller says. The 11-mile-long Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt is a highlight, where several parks, lakes and golf courses are linked together by a tree-dotted trail system. The 100-acre Chaparral Park is part of the Greenbelt, where folks have access to an outdoor fitness course, a dog park and courts/fields for volleyball, basketball and baseball. Chaparral Park is also a respite from the summer heat, offering a community pool in the aquatic center and a lake for fishing and boating.
“There are mountains everywhere you look, and incredible hiking,” Miller says. McDowell Sonoran Preserve is home to a variety of protected flora and fauna, like prickly pear cacti and hummingbirds, and is a favorite among locals for its many dirt-packed trails that weave up rocky, red peaks with striking views of the serene desert landscape and glowing city below. Many locals here are avid golfers, and Scottsdale offers over 200 courses for folks to try, including Grayhawk Golf Club, popular for its mountain views, and Talking Stick Golf Club, known for its open layout that emphasizes strategic play. “All throughout Scottsdale, you have golf courses,” Miller says.
Get in some golf practice at McDowell Mountain Golf Club in McDowell Mountain Ranch.
Scottsdale residents play pickleball at Cholla Park.
Pedaling through Indian Bend's network of trails, cyclists explore the neighborhood.
From a leisurely stroll to challenging hikes, McDowell Mountain Preserve is near DC Ranch.
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The Scottsdale shopping and dining scene
Old Town isn’t just Scottsdale’s hub for shopping and dining; it’s a hub for locals from all over the Phoenix metro area. Old Town’s known for its modern flair, which includes lots of luxury shopping, and its support for small businesses that preserve the city’s southwestern character. Folks often meander the sidewalk-lined streets for an evening out on the town, popping into trendy cafes, rooftop bars or dessert spots, like Sugar Bowl — a local ice cream parlor that’s been a city staple since 1958. There’s also the Scottsdale Fashion Square, a luxury indoor shopping mall that’s best known for its designer outlets and locally owned boutiques, but it’s also a one-stop shop for dining and entertainment.
In north Scottsdale, Kierland Commons is another highlight — an outdoor shopping center that captures the local southwestern spirit with palm tree-lined sidewalks and chain businesses shaded in Earth tones. Groceries and home essentials are found throughout the city, especially in the city’s south, where folks can find a little bit of everything around Scottsdale Road.
Discover luxury shopping steps away from McCormick Ranch.
A world of dining and entertainment awaits just minutes from South Scottsdale.
Head to Proof for an upscale lunch or dinner with friends, near Dynamite Foothills.
South Scottsdale boasts dining gems like Snooze Eatery, just minutes away.
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Scottsdale schools receive high marks from Niche
Scottsdale is part of the Scottsdale Unified School District, which serves over 21,000 students across 30 schools and earns an overall A from Niche. The district has a 92% graduation rate and a student-teacher ratio of 17:1; high schools offer dual-enrollment courses through Scottsdale Community College. Private school options include the A-plus-rated Rancho Solano Preparatory School and the A-rated Notre Dame Catholic College Preparatory High.
A community of learners at Rancho Solano Prep, where potential flourishes in Scottsdale, AZ.
Discover academic excellence at BASIS Scottsdale Primary in Scottsdale, AZ.
Excellence thrives at Notre Dame Preparatory High School, Scottsdale.
Empowering students with wisdom and compassion at Pardes Jewish Day School.
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Sports and arts in Scottsdale
Scottsdale plays an important role in the Phoenix metro area’s event scene. “Spring training and the Waste Management Tournament are the two largest events that people love to attend,” says Julie Cegelski, owner of the Housewarming Project, a home goods business in Old Town Scottsdale. Major League Baseball’s spring training starts in February and takes place at ballparks around the Phoenix metro area, including the Scottsdale Stadium — home of the San Francisco Giants. Also in February, the Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is the most-attended golf tournament in the country.
“Old Town is where most of the arts would be,” Miller says. In Old Town, folks can admire performing and visual arts at local venues like The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and the Sagebrush Theatre — to name just a few. Folks may also get involved by practicing their own crafts at the Scottsdale Artists’ School or attending the ArtWalk, a weekly tour that showcases some of Old Town’s charm and notable locales, like street-performing musicians and art galleries.
Enriching experiences await at Scottsdale's Contemporary Art Museum.
Witness the San Francisco Giants gear up for the season in Arizona's spring training.
Local groups in and around Dynamite Foothills get together to share hobbies.
Browns Ranch is a popular spot for hiking and biking in Troon North.
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Commuting from Scottsdale
Scottsdale is about 10 miles east of Phoenix, a 20- 40-minute drive during rush hour; routes 101 and 202 make it easy for folks to navigate the Phoenix metro area. “If you’re commuting anywhere in the valley, Scottsdale is great; our freeways are excellent in Arizona,” Miller says. Since the population surges with tourism in the winter, traffic is typically more congested from October through May. Most locals are car-dependent, but city streets are pedestrian-friendly with sidewalks and bike lanes. Public transit includes Valley Metro buses, which stop along Scottsdale thoroughfares, like McDowell Road. For medical needs, HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center is in the city’s south, and the Mayo Clinic Scottsdale Campus is set in the north. The municipal Scottsdale Airport is also in the city’s north, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about 7 miles southwest.
Crime and environmental concerns
According to FBI data, Scottsdale’s property crime rate is slightly higher than the national average. However, the violent crime rate remains below national figures. The total number of crimes reported in Scottsdale has decreased by 5% between 2013 and 2023. According to Arizona Crime Statistics, Scottsdale saw a slight drop in crime from 2022 to 2023.
Extreme heat and wildfires are the main environmental concerns for residents here. Summer temperatures regularly top 100 degrees, so private pools and aquatic centers are especially popular for cooling down in the hotter months. In 2023, the Diamond Fire burned nearly 2,000 acres in north Scottsdale and forced the evacuation of more than 100 homes; no deaths or injuries were reported. While fire insurance isn’t required in Arizona, the City of Scottsdale advises residents to minimize their fire risk by clearing brush and other flammable materials that lead toward one’s property. “If you are moving here, keep in mind it's getting busy, so housing is difficult to find, and, well, it gets hot. June through September is tough,” Cegelski says.
Sammie Kessner is a seasoned real estate professional with an extensive background spanning multiple facets of the industry. With 15 years of experience in mortgage banking, Sammie developed a deep understanding of financing strategies, loan structures, and the intricacies of the lending process. This expertise allows him to provide valuable insights to clients navigating the home-buying journey.
Building on this foundation, Sammie spent five years as a sales manager with a national luxury home builder. In this role, he honed his skills in high-end residential sales, customer relations, and new construction processes, equipping him with the knowledge to guide buyers and sellers through every stage of a real estate transaction.
For the past 14 years, Sammie has been a dedicated residential real estate broker, leveraging his extensive industry experience to serve clients with professionalism, integrity, and market expertise. His comprehensive background in financing, new home sales, and brokerage enables him to provide a holistic approach to real estate, ensuring clients receive the highest level of service and expertise.
Sammie remains committed to delivering exceptional results, whether assisting buyers in finding their dream home or helping sellers maximize their property’s value in the market.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
