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Scottsdale Local Guide

Living in Scottsdale, Arizona

Your Scottsdale might be a condo near Old Town, an established neighborhood by the greenbelt, or a home with a desert backdrop.

Scottsdale is really a collection of very different markets, so knowing the neighborhood matters. Here's where to start.

The Ultimate Guide to Scottsdale by Laura Holl
Neighborhood Vibes

Scottsdale neighborhoods

From Old Town condos to desert settings up north, Scottsdale offers very different ways to live.

01

Old Town

Dining, galleries, public art, and entertainment close together. Compare the exact block for walkability and evening noise.

02

North Scottsdale

Desert neighborhoods, golf settings, and a wide range of homes. Gated access and club amenities depend on the property.

03

South Scottsdale

Established neighborhoods, condos, and newer infill homes close to Old Town.

04

McCormick Ranch & Gainey Ranch

Established planned communities with paths, lakes, and landscaped surroundings.

05

DC Ranch & Silverleaf

North Scottsdale communities with a range of homes. Confirm gate access, HOA costs, and separate club membership terms.

MORE

Every neighborhood, in one guide

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Laura’s tip: Compare commute, sun exposure, maintenance, and total ownership cost before choosing.

Things to Do

Local favorites

A few of the places that make Scottsdale feel like home. The full guide has even more, from nightlife and golf to wellness and family fun.

Eat & Drink
  • FnBSeasonal, Arizona-focused cooking in Old Town with an Arizona wine list.
  • Diego PopsA casual Old Town stop for tacos and cocktails.
  • Hash KitchenA lively brunch spot with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar.
  • Berdena’sSpecialty coffee and café bites in Old Town.
Get Outside
  • McDowell Sonoran PreserveA huge network of desert trails with varied difficulty.
  • Indian Bend Wash GreenbeltPublic paths connecting parks for walking and cycling.
  • McCormick-Stillman Railroad ParkTrain rides, play areas, and open space.
Shop
  • Scottsdale Fashion SquareDesigner boutiques, department stores, and dining near Old Town.
  • Kierland Commons & Scottsdale QuarterOpen-air shopping and dining along Scottsdale Road.
  • Old Town GalleriesIndependent boutiques, jewelry, and Western-inspired finds.
Around Town
  • Barrett-JacksonCollector-car auctions at WestWorld.
  • WM Phoenix OpenPGA TOUR golf at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course.
  • Scottsdale ArtWalkA long-running evening tradition in Old Town galleries.
  • Canal ConvergenceLarge-scale public art at the Scottsdale Waterfront.
The Real Estate Rundown

Buying a home in Scottsdale

The right home goes beyond the listing photos. These are the details I walk through with every client.

  • Neighborhood fit. Compare location, condition, lot size, amenities, and daily convenience.
  • Full cost. Review HOA dues, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and any separate club fees.
  • Condos & townhomes. Look at association documents, reserves, assessments, parking, and rental rules.
  • New construction. Compare the full price, included features, warranties, and financing terms.
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The Ultimate Guide to Scottsdale

Neighborhood vibes, the food scene, outdoor living, family fun, events, golf, and my real estate rundown, all in one guide you can save and read anytime.

Tell me where to send it, and you’ll get all six of my city guides: Gilbert, Queen Creek, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Paradise Valley.

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Find your Scottsdale

Start with the way you want to live: your daily drive, favorite activities, home priorities, and budget. Then we'll compare homes with those details in mind.

Whether you’re buying your first home, looking for more space, or getting ready to sell, I’d love to help you make a plan.

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