Scottsdale's Old Town district captivates visitors with art galleries and authentic Native American jewelry shops, while the McDowell Sonoran Preserve provides 30,500 acres of pristine desert hiking trails. The city features architectural landmarks like Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home, alongside modern attractions such as the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. The dining scene includes James Beard Award-winning FnB restaurant, known for its seasonal menu and all-Arizona wine list, and upscale Italian cuisine at Fat Ox with its custom hearth grill.
The Scottsdale housing market reflects diverse price points across its neighborhoods. The median single family home price in Desert Mountain reaches $3.5 million, while South Scottsdale's median sits at $675,000. DC Ranch commands a median price of $2.299 million for single family homes, and Gainey Ranch homes typically sell for a median of $1.558 million. One bedroom condos start at a median price of $283,500, while two bedroom units have a median price of $400,000.
Living costs in Scottsdale run 13.9% above the national average. A family with school age children needs approximately $120,000 annual income to live comfortably, with monthly expenses averaging $10,000. Groceries cost 6.6% above the national average at $1,700 monthly for families. Property taxes remain relatively low at 0.47%, matching neighboring Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa. The combined sales tax rate is 8.41%.
The city's education system includes several A rated schools. Desert Mountain High School serves the Ancala and McDowell Mountain Ranch areas, while private options like Rancho Solano Preparatory School earned an A+ rating. Arizona State University maintains its Skysong campus in Scottsdale, providing higher education opportunities. The area experiences 330 sunny days annually, with summer highs reaching 105°F and mild winter temperatures averaging 69°F in December.
