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Scottsdale is located east of downtown Phoenix. It is the center of so much in Arizona! – There MOST culture, BEST dining, and the superlative EVERYTHING you might expect from one of the state’s most affluent areas. Tempe and Mesa are to the south of Scottsdale, separated by the amazing Salt River. The Salt River Indian Community is confined to the city’s eastern border.
Many Scottsdale residents use the Loop 101 to get around the Valley of the Sun. The Loop 101 travels north and south before changing direction from east to west. Loop 202 runs along the south of Scottsdale. Gorgeous desert views, warm weather, and resort/spa style living are just some of the reasons people are elevated to the city of Scottsdale.
There is also the handy Scottsdale Airport for jet-setters who have the means to meet the need to do so.
Climate
The climate is typical of the southwest. There is a mild winter that is balanced by a long hot, dry summer. Many have claimed that the dry, hot summer conditions have helped to relive many of their allergy symptoms.
Summer days are clear and spectacular and the temperatures are truly remarkable. Spring and autumn are mild transitions into the other seasons. There is a brief monsoon season that is truly extraordinary.
Properties
Scottsdale truly has it all. And that’s not an idle claim. High-powered residents can simply afford the best and know the first tier of quality when they see it. “Joe Jones-Mart” doesn’t sell here- he lives here.
Scottsdale homes range in styles but all have one thing in common- quality unsurpassed in the valley. Single-family homes and expansive master-planned communities for retirees are available. New home developments and mature neighborhoods are here. Find luxury condominiums and town homes in perfect living environments for those who have achieved their goals. Congratulations, you have reached the pinnacle of valley living.
Professionals and service providers will be particularly interested in exploring available commercial reality.
Scottsdale has the finest luxury real estate in the valley. Just ask anybody. If they know then they will tell you.
Scottsdale – the essence of stylish relocation to the Southwest!
The Market
The spectacular amount of market activity in Arizona over the past decade has been well documented. People of all walks of life have been moving to Arizona, and particularly Phoenix, in numbers unmatched in recent memory.
Figures from 2000-2005 show nothing but increased construction, development, unit sales and unit sales prices in virtually every category of structure offered on the market.
The greatest degree of growth occurred during fiscal 2005, where previous growth statistics, impressive in their own rights, spiked sharply to even higher levels.
Of particular note to the residential home seller/buyer was the record appreciation in new and resale home values. These rates were up for new homes and resales, rentals and condominium units, the only difference being one of degree.
While it is true that not all Phoenix area real estate markets showed the same amount of increase it is true that the degree of growth for each area was roughly proportional.
Then along came 2006 and equally well documented has been the decline in the rate of growth of some key market indicators. The greater Phoenix resale home market is showing marked decreases in sales figures for comparable periods last year across the valley and across most unit categories.
One interesting exception is the median price for resale units has risen slightly. This rising price accompanied by a decrease in sales seems to be more in keeping with normal market tendencies.
One would expect spectacular growth to lead eventually to a degree of scarcity that would be reflected in higher prices. Could this indicate that the market has reached its peak?
Let’s look at another indicator to see what it may tell us.
Since 1985, the Arizona Real Estate Center has computed what it calls “affordability indexes” for the Greater Phoenix area and several nearby cities.
The index was invented as a guide to predict market activity. When the index value is 100, the typical home buyer (based on the current median resale price and household income) would be able to afford a median-priced home at the stated effective interest rate. A lower index value indicates less availability of affordable single-family homes.
The affordability index for the areas selected for study shows significant reduction in the availability of that this type of housing within the means of the ordinary consumer. Whether this data can be used as a reliable indicator for other groups and other types of housing is arguable, but it does beg the question “how much longer will the market be able to sustain a situation where both sellers and buyers can apparently benefit by getting involved in the market?
The short answer is that these conditions can remain so long as they are supported by the market.
So when we take a long look at the larger picture we must ask ourselves whether we can realistically expect to realize more potential gain or value now or at some time in the future and it is very reasonable to conclude that the best possible time to buy or sell Arizona really is now.
Scottsdale History
Many date the city to 1888. In that year Army Chaplin Winfield Scott arrived and began irrigating the land to support a small farming community. Olive trees planted by Scott, himself can still be seen today in downtown Scottsdale. The trees are located in the center of Second Street and down Civic Center Boulevard south down to Osborn. These trees were planted to indicate the border of his original 40 acre orange grove.
Then in 1894 and eastern banker bought up the land, subdivided it and then cleverly marketed it under the name Scottsdale. And folks bought it!
After World War II, the area grew into a small artist’s enclave. You can still see remnants of the days when the area was alive with creativity in the dusty relics lining roads and populating pawn shop shelf space. If you’re lucky you may see a street musician leaving for work. It is a place for wealthy living and all the artists there now have bank accounts.
Scottsdale Entertainment
Scottsdale’s motto of “The West’s most Western town” is evident when you walk its downtown shops. Shops with open doors and wide sidewalks give the welcoming feeling of the old west. And if you are of merely ordinary means you may feel as though some merchants are engaging in a little rustling! But remember, you are in Scottsdale and there is a highly selective group of folks who can, and do, purchase here with truly remarkable frequency.
Scottsdale is home to more than half of the Valley of the Sun’s premier resorts. Fine art galleries, cultural facilities, unique shopping centers, upbeat nightlife, and well-known restaurants are all part of the Scottsdale.
Scottsdale Fashion Square is THE fashion stop in Phoenix- and the state, for that matter.
There is so much to do in Scottsdale! A wide range of community and cultural facilities, include art galleries, libraries, theaters, and museums are found in Scottsdale. Westworld is a major equestrian development that offers numerous events throughout the year. Event ranging from Barrett-Jackson Car Auction to the Arabian Horse Show are located at Westworld. Scottsdale Center for the Arts has room for theater seating, exhibit halls, and a cinema. Scottsdale residents have many choices when it comes to entertainment.
There are four main sections of downtown Scottsdale:
• The Historic Old Town Scottsdale is the original town site with a mix of historic locations and shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
• Main Street Arts and Antiques District is a smaller section with fine restaurants, specialty shops, and art/antiques.
• Marshall Way Arts District is known for its Art Walks, diversity of media, and many local/national/internationally recognized artist galleries.
• The Fifth Avenue Shops is a combination of boutiques, Native American arts and crafts, and restaurants. It is an area that Scottsdale residents enjoy spending time shopping and browsing.
Scottsdale Outdoor Recreation
Scottsdale-golf; golf-Scottsdale.
Easy equation.
On the professional level, there is the Scottsdale Open which is among the must-play tournaments for all the world’s top ranked players. Look at the leader board to follow your favorite player.
Golf is also popular at the club level and Scottsdale has over 40 expertly planned and maintained courses to choose from. Finding a course is easy. However, deciding which golf course to play first is one decision that many Scottsdale residents spend time planning.
Indian Bend Wash is a centerpiece for Scottsdale. The wash stretches north and south for several miles through most of the south central part of Scottsdale. It creates a green ribbon of grass. Along with Indian Bend Wash, there are several parks, bike paths, fishing lakes, and recreational complexes. This area is a popular spot all year round for visitors and residents alike.