Founded in 1894 and named after William Scott, Scottsdale lies in the east portion of Maricopa County. With warm and sunny weather throughout the year and scenic opportunities across town, Scottsdale is gaining fame in the tourism industry and becoming a leading destination for those looking for a picturesque location with diverse shopping and dining opportunities.
Our city guide will tell you about this oasis in the desert. We offer information on area neighborhoods and take you on a tour of the many activities Scottsdale has to offer, plus insight into Scottsdale’s burgeoning real estate market.
Anywhere you look in Scottsdale, you are sure to find beautiful scenery, lavish homes, and plenty to do. Arizona and Scottsdale in particular continue to attract new residents, drawn by the area’s thriving arts scene, luxury living, and exceptional quality of life.
For starters, let us know when you find a list of America’s Best Cities that does NOT put Scottsdale near the top. Scottsdale also earned the moniker of the “West’s Most Western City.” Scottsdale is home to more than 100 galleries and centers of culture and has an extremely lively nightlife that appeals to a wide range of discerning homebuyers.
Moreover, Scottsdale has a massive vacation home and rental market, which allows locals to invest in a second home to create an extra revenue stream.
Scottsdale breaks up into four geographic regions: North Scottsdale, South Scottsdale, Old Town, and Central Scottsdale (often referred to as Shea Corridor, named after its close proximity to Shea Boulevard). When looking for a home, it is important to understand the differences between areas, as subtle as they are.
Whether you’re tired of school, work, or just the day-to-day grind, Scottsdale offers you an abundance of serene activities that are sure to help. Thanks to the significant growth in the tourism market, Scottsdale has gone through a revolution of new residents, thanks in no small part to its numerous shopping facilities, exotic menus, and culturally driven recreational activities.
Play at Troon North Golf Club, TPC Scottsdale, or attend the annual Waste Management Phoenix Open with a purse exceeding $6 million.
Enjoy beautiful sunsets over the desert by taking a tour of Taliesin West, designed and lived in by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Glide across the peaks and valleys of Scottsdale for breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime aerial views of the mountains and desert.
Experience some of the most amazing resorts, including The Royal Palms, The Phoenician, and The Fairmont.
Enjoy beautiful trail adventures and the climb up Camelback Mountain. Scottsdale offers nature walks and strenuous hiking trails showing the wilder side.
Explore Old Town Scottsdale's upscale shopping options, Fifth Avenue district, and Scottsdale's Fashion Square - the region's largest retail area.
Visit the Barrett-Jackson auction to enjoy some of the rarest autos in the world. A must-see for anyone who appreciates automobiles.
Visit two large outdoor shopping malls in North Scottsdale that are right across from each other, offering diverse shopping and dining.
Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed. © 2026
Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed. © 2026