Introduction to North Scottsdale
Historical Overview, Current And Future
Early in the 1880’s, Chaplain Winfield Scott purchased about 640 acres of land (for about $3.50 an acre) where Scottsdale currently sits. He encouraged people to move to the area, which he called “Orangedale.” In the 1890’s, the US Postal Service arrived and changed the name of the city to “Scottsdale,” in honor of its founder. The city was incorporated in 1951 and has grown to over 200,000 residents today. The population increase is a direct result of the city’s annexation of land north of town in the 1980’s. North Scottsdale today is a thriving community of beautifully landscaped neighborhoods and parks, championship golf courses, specialty and high-end retailers, hip restaurants and nightclubs, and luxurious spas and hotels. Future progress and development is expected to continue, as North Scottsdale’s seemingly limitless northern border has helped it become one of the fastest growing areas in the Valley.
North Scottsdale Developments And Trends
The large expanse of land in North Scottsdale has aided in its development. The city of Scottsdale is bounded on the east by the Salt River -Pima Maricopa Indian Community, on the south by Tempe, and on the west by Paradise Valley and Phoenix. This configuration leaves the north side of Scottsdale receptive to new development, and recent trends have supported the tendency to move northward. Housing developments and shopping centers have been built in North Scottsdale, and the area is recognized for its high quality of life.
Area Demographics
North Scottsdale includes an eclectic blend of residents, who share in the pride of their beautiful part of the Valley. The median household income in North Scottsdale is significantly above national and state averages. Children attend schools in the Scottsdale Unified School District, which includes more “Excelling” schools than any district in the state. Crime is particularly low in North Scottsdale. Many residents live in housing developments in North Scottsdale, but the area is diverse in real estate offerings, as many apartment and condominium complexes also exist in the region.
North Scottsdale Entertainment, Shopping, Recreation
Scottsdale is known worldwide as a tourist mecca for entertainment, shopping, and recreation. North Scottsdale is home to many of these attractions, and it would be nearly impossible to list them all. However, some of the more popular destinations are worth mentioning. In 1937, the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright established his winter home and studios at Taliesin West, located near the intersection of Cactus Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard. Today, it is home to an architecture school and galleries. The Heard Museum North showcases Native American art, and is located on Scottsdale Road north of Lone Mountain Road. North Scottsdale is home to dozens of private and public golf courses, all magnificently designed by master course planners. Visitors from around the world come to North Scottsdale to shop, as high-end retailers and specialty boutiques have established locations in North Scottsdale. Two popular shopping districts are Kierland Commons and Desert Ridge Marketplace. In a city this size, all forms of recreation can be found. There are numerous parks in North Scottsdale, used for all types of outdoor activities. The Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt is a particular favorite and runs almost the entire north-south length of the city, mostly along Hayden Road. Hot air balloon, Jeep, and Hummer excursions are also offered by local companies. No matter what activity interests a resident or visitor, it can be found in North Scottsdale.
Local Events And Community Activities
The community in North Scottsdale is active, and every weekend there are events to bring the community together. In January, the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction, billed as one of the largest automobile auctions in the world, takes place in the Equidome at Westworld. During the month of February, also at Westworld, is the annual Parada del Sol, presented by the Scottsdale Jaycees. The month long, western themed event culminates with a week long world-class rodeo and parade. (The parade takes place in South Scottsdale.) North Scottsdale celebrates its western heritage every March, with the yearly “Festival of the West.” This 3-day “celebration of cowboy life” includes film stars, antiques, art, music, and cowboy poetry, all with a western flair.
Weather
Scottsdale boasts having more sunshine than any other area in the United States. The low relative humidity makes even hot days feels comfortable. With an average rainfall of about 7 inches, the area is considered an arid desert climate. The majority of precipitation falls during the monsoon months of July through September and in the winter months from December through March. When asked why people move to Scottsdale from other parts of the country, the overwhelming response is almost always “the weather!”
Local Businesses
As a city whose main industry is tourism, local businesses flourish in North Scottsdale. The Chamber of Commerce lists 2000 local businesses as members, and the variety of products and services is remarkable. Fine dining is prevalent in North Scottsdale, and the area is home to two AAA-rated 5 Diamond restaurants. Diners also find all types of ethnic and American choices in the hundreds of restaurants here. Several trendy nightclubs also call North Scottsdale home and the Travel Channel rated it one of the “Top 10 Cities for Best Nightlife.” The Scottsdale Airpark is the area’s largest employer, with 50,000 people working in the retail, service, technological, and manufacturing businesses. In the Airpark vicinity, there are 2200 businesses, which have an annual economic impact of about $3 billion. Some large companies that have national and world headquarters in North Scottsdale are Taser International, The Dial Corporation, GoDaddy.com, and Cold Stone Creamery.
Our Favorite Things about North Scottsdale
The endless options for shopping, dining, and entertainment present visitors and residents with everything they could ever want in a city. From quaint boutiques to luxury retailers, the shopping possibilities in North Scottsdale are substantial. Whether enjoying fine dining in classy establishments or casual dining in open-air surroundings, restaurant guests are encouraged to enjoy each other’s company and their environment. Entertainment possibilities are abundant, no matter what a person’s interests are. North Scottsdale has all the shopping, dining, and entertainment of any major metropolitan city.
North Scottsdale Communities and Neighborhoods
● Boulders Area
● Cactus Corridor Area
● DC Ranch Area
● Desert Foothills
● Desert Mountain Area
● Dynamite Foothills
● East Shea Area
● Grayhawk
● Granite Mountain
● Horizons Area
● Legend Trail
● McDowell Mountain Ranch
● Pinnacle Peak Area
● Reata Pass/Troon Area
● Via Linda Corridor Area
● West Cactus Area