Scottsdale: Arizona's Most Livable City

by Morgan Benavidez

From its founding in 1880 as a small farming community of 2,000 residents, Scottsdale has grown into a sophisticated city of a quarter-million residents, famed for its golf resorts, shopping, dining and upscale lifestyle.

Visitors to Scottsdale enjoy unique area attractions such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, The Phoenix Zoo and Cosanti, home and studio of prominent architect Paolo Soleri. Hikers tackle the scenic trails of Camelback Mountain and Pinnacle Peak, and eco-tours, horseback riding, hot-air ballooning, river rafting and kayaking are also great ways to enjoy the beautiful weather and dazzling scenery.

Golf Galore

With nearly 200 beautiful, rolling area golf courses to choose from, Scottsdale is a veritable golfer’s paradise. Legends such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Kirk Triplett and Tom Weiskopf have teed off on some of these gorgeous greens.

Nestled within the natural beauty of the Sonoran desert, Scottsdale's acclaimed Grayhawk Golf Club offers two of the Valley's most enjoyable and challenging golf experiences: the par-72 Talon course and the par-72 Raptor course. Golfers may also study at the Kostis McCord Learning Center through individual workshops, corporate lessons and junior instruction camps. Grayhawk Golf Club also offers professional banquet and meeting services.

On the Cultural Side

With its abundance of galleries, museums and art festivals, Scottsdale boasts a formidable arts and cultural scene. Hot spots include the innovative Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, the versatile Scottsdale Arts District and the Scottsdale Center for the Performing arts. In addition to these venues, Scottsdale frequently showcases free outdoor festivals and art-related activities.

Shop ‘til You Drop

With more than 5,500 retail stores, malls, boutiques and outlets, Scottsdale is sure to meet anyone’s retail needs. Scottsdale Fashion Square houses more than 225 stores including favorites such as kate spade, Juicy Couture, Burberry, Tiffany & Co., Salvatore Ferragamo and Louis Vuitton.

Those who crave a taste of the OldWest can head to Old Town, where beautiful galleries line the Marshall Way Arts District.

For upscale shopping, dining and entertainment, Kierland Commons incorporates more than 70 high-end stores such as Crate & Barrel, Coach, Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Café and Emporium and BCBG Max Azria, alongside local concepts such as Blossoms/bbz, 42 Saint and Harari. Kierland Commons also offers fun seasonal events such as the Summer Concert Series in June and July, or Miracle on Main Street on Saturdays in November and December.

Dine Out

In Scottsdale, you’ll find hundreds of delightful restaurants offering every type of cuisine. To name a few, Asia de Cuba, Blanco Tacos Tequila, bloom, Café Carumba, Canal, Cowboy Ciao are each innovative, fun spots to try. Exceptional wine bars such as Kazimierz, Fine’s Cellar or Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar are also in abundance.

Getting Around

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, named “America’s Friendliest Airport” by passengers, is conveniently located less than 10 miles from downtown Scottsdale. Serving more than 42 million passengers each year, Sky Harbor is one of the top 10 busiest airports in the country. Scottsdale Airport provides air service to and from Scottsdale. Specializing in private jets and corporate charters, it is the ideal choice for VIP executives and guests.

With its abundance of healthcare facilities, recreation opportunities, cultural activities, temperate climate and renowned residential neighborhoods, Scottsdale is truly one of the nation’s most livable cities.

Morgan Benavidez is an editorial intern for New Homes Today magazine.

www.scottsdaleaz.gov