The American Southwest has always had its enthusiastic advocates. However, in recent years, even more individuals and families seem to be targeting it as a place to live.
States like Arizona are on more wish lists at the moment than seems to have been the case over the past decade. Scottsdale is among the cities in that state with growing populations and a plethora of opportunities for those willing to make a change.
There are plenty of Scottsdale, Arizona homes for sale that might appeal to you if you think you are ready to give this modern, thriving city a try. Before you do, let us take a little time to talk about what it’s like to live there.
How Much Do Homes Cost There?
The average cost of a detached, single family dwelling in Scottsdale is currently a little over $824K. That is up about 2.5% over the past year, an indicator that the city’s housing market is hot right now.
The housing market in Scottsdale is more expensive than the national average by a considerable margin. Again, that can be attributed to a general attitude of this being a desirable place to live.
The neighborhoods of North and South Scottsdale are often considered to be some of the best in the city. North Scottsdale is known for its luxurious homes, excellent shopping opportunities, and many high-end restaurant options.
South Scottsdale is more known for being family friendly and having a semi-cosmopolitan vibe. You can find many glitzy art galleries there, along with daring fusion restaurants and breweries.
Gainey Ranch is also one of the more sought-after spots. It is an area of planned communities with various gated subdivisions. It is a suburb that those who live there describe as a great place to raise a family.
What is the Job Market Like?
The job market in Scottsdale is definitely thriving. There is a low unemployment rate which currently sits at around 2.7%. The job growth rate, meanwhile, is 12%.
The median household income for the city is just over $120,000. As the national median remains around $75K, you can see that many of the jobs in this city tend to pay more. Of those that do, the industries that seem to be doing the best include real estate, insurance, and finance. There are also plenty of opportunities in areas like retail, recreation services, and food prep, though that is true in most parts of the country.
If you move to Scottsdale seeking employment, though, you should know that many of the positions you are most likely to find are seasonal. Outdoor positions like lifeguard, camp counselor, or swim instructor often need filling.
Part time work is also readily available there. Some estimates put the city in the top ten in terms of part-time opportunities in the nation.
What is the Weather Like?
The weather is of course a factor in the American Southwest, and Scottsdale is no exception. It’ is hot most of the time, with July and August breaking heat records consistently with each passing year. You can expect temperatures to hit triple digits for weeks on end during those months.
The coldest months are typically from November to February. Residents seem to like living there the most during those times. The temperatures during that stretch are normally in the 70s, ideal for golfing, swimming, cycling, jogging, etc.
What is There to Do There?
Scottsdale is thought to be a city that loves its recreation, which is why some people visit there even if they’re not prepared to move. Those who do often love to golf. There are dozens of courses in and around the city, including some famous and very exclusive ones like Troon North Golf Club, Grayhawk, and The Country Club at DC Ranch.
You can go hiking in the canyons around the city, though if you do, stay on your guard. There are venomous snakes that call Scottsdale home, including the infamous Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. You can also run into scorpions that are capable of delivering a painful sting, though they are not usually fatal.
You can also experience the fine dining the city has to offer. Some of the best restaurants include Olive and Ivy, which boasts an incredible short rib entree, and The Canal Club, which is famous for its long list of fancy cocktails.
A Quick Recap
In short, Scottsdale seems to have more going for it than many cities in the country. It’s not overly large or small, with the population currently sitting at about 243,000. The 19th century olive trees and the former home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright are a couple of standout sights to see if you want to enjoy a day of leisure.
The nearby McDowell Sonoran Preserve is also worth checking out, especially if you’re a photography aficionado. It’s particularly picturesque at sunset and sunrise.
The thriving economy is a reason to give this area some strong consideration, especially if you work in a niche like real estate or banking. However, there’s no denying that the housing there is more expensive than you will find in many other comparably-sized US cities. You had better have plenty of money saved up or a high-paying job waiting if you move there.
The weather is nice for about half of the year, but the rest of the time you must contend with the blistering temperatures. It’s unsafe to be in the direct sunlight in August for more than a few minutes at a time, since you can expect to burn if you have fair skin.
It should be mentioned, though, that virtually every apartment you can rent or home you might buy have central air or at least window AC units. They’re a veritable necessity in this climate.
The night life, restaurants, art galleries, golf, and more might lead you to visit, but the welcoming attitudes you will likely see on display there might compel you to stay. Only the well-heeled need apply, though.
