Scottsdale is a city in the eastern part of Maricopa County, Arizona, United States, adjacent to Phoenix. Scottsdale is bordered to the west by Phoenix and Paradise Valley, to the north by Carefree, to the south by Tempe, and to the east by Fountain Hills and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. The New York Times described downtown Scottsdale as “a desert version of Miami’s South Beach” and as having “plenty of late night partying and a buzzing vacation rental scene. But Scottsdale not only has an amazing downtown area, but it also has a rich history, a charming city culture, gorgeous yet affordable homes, amazing attractions, and so much more.
From its official incorporation in 1951 with a population of 2000, the city of Scottsdale has grown exponentially, and is now the state’s sixth largest city. Scottsdale is commonly defined by its high quality of life, and in 1993 was named the “Most Livable City”, in the United States by the United States Conference of Mayors. It is continually ranked as one of the premier golf and resort destinations in the world, with a sizable portion of tax revenue being derived from tourism. It is also home to the Waste Management Phoenix Open Golf Tournament held at the Tournament Players Club.
The city is located in the Salt River Valley, or the, “Valley of the Sun”, in the northern reaches of the Sonoran Desert. Scottsdale enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine each year. And because of this beautiful weather both Scottsdale residents and visitors can enjoy fantastic recreational all year long such as: golfing, horseback riding, mountain biking, mule trips, nature walks, bird watching, cross-country skiing, camping, snow shoeing, and numerous other exciting activities.
Scottsdale is not only a great place for outdoor activities, but it is one of the very best places to go relax. Spas in Scottsdale, Arizona, are some of the best in the country. It is home to some of the best resort spas in the country. Some of these spas are open to the public on a day-use basis. Prices will be higher than a normal day spa, but you get access to the unusually fabulous facilities.
Scottsdale is nothing, if not a city of culture. Scottsdale is home to more than 125 professional art galleries and studios, one of the highest per-capita anywhere in the nation.The city has rapidly become a center for art in the United States. According to the Scottsdale Convention & Visitor’s Bureau and American Style Magazine, the city has become one of the country’s largest art markets, usually only sharing ranks with New York City, New York and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Scottsdale is also a great place for those of you who love shopping! The city is home to many high-end corporate retail outlets, as well as independent boutiques.
There are many shopping areas within the city of Scottsdale, ranging from small districts to large centers. The most notable regional centers include the upscale Kierland Commons in North Scottsdale, and the massive Scottsdale Fashion Square in Downtown Scottsdale, a major destination for high-end retailers. These shopping centers (and others) in Scottsdale claim dozens of marquee brands that are unique to both Phoenix and the Southwestern region.
Not to mention this city is home to a thrilling nightlife scene. Named by The New York Times as one of the “hippest and most happening” places in the country, Scottsdale is home to a variety of classy nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, lounges and bars. Over the past decade in particular, these establishments have grown in great numbers, many catering to a more “young, fashion-conscious crowd.