Scottsdale, Arizona, is home to more than 250,000 people and lies just 25 minutes east of Phoenix. It’s a proper desert city surrounded by mountains, with ample opportunities to enjoy the weather outdoors. Residents love the Western feel of Old Town Scottsdale and Scottsdale’s proximity to Phoenix.
Scottsdale holds its own with world-class restaurants, top-tier performing arts centers, nature preserves, and a few unique attractions that highlight its local history. Anyone shopping for Scottsdale, AZ, real estate will find no shortage of things to do around town.
World-class restaurants
Photo Courtesy of Mastro’s Steakhouse
Try a few of the city's elegant, upscale restaurants as you’re looking into single-family homes for sale in Scottsdale. Cafe Monarch is named one of the top three fine dining establishments in the country, with the main room lit by chandeliers. Visitors rave about the impeccable service, beautiful presentation, and perfect flavor pairings. At Mastro’s Steakhouse, atmosphere, hospitality, and a wide selection of steak and seafood come together to give visitors a dining experience worthy of a five-star review. Locals love the sauteed sea scallops and the 32-ounce Wagyu tomahawk chops.
Photo Courtesy of Ocean 44
Ocean 44 is a modern eatery on N. Goldwater Blvd with an expansive seafood bar and stunning architectural lights in the main dining room. Sleek and sophisticated, Ocean 44 encourages those who want to dine in the establishment to plan a reservation a few weeks in advance and prepare for an unforgettable experience. Orange Sky in the Talking Stick Resort is a new American restaurant with stunning valley views.
Photo Courtesy of Orange Sky
Best golf courses in the desert
Photo Courtesy Legend Trail Golf Club
Scottsdale is a golfer’s paradise, with access to more than 200 golf courses. There are over half a dozen fantastic clubs and courses within the city limits, starting with TPC Scottsdale — home to the WM Phoenix Open.
In addition, Scottsdale has the Legend Trail Golf Club and the Grayhawk Golf Club, both open to the public. The McDowell Mountain Golf Club is another public course that lives up to its name by giving its golfers breathtaking mountain views. The Mirabel Club is a gorgeous private club with designs by Tom Fazio. The Desert Mountain Golf Club and Chiricahua Golf Course are two other private golf clubs that offer visitors 18 holes on sweeping desert-side greens.
Desert hiking trails and nature preserves
Photo Courtesy of Experience Scottsdale
If you’re not into golf but want to take advantage of Scottsdale’s year-round sunshine, there are many trails and nature preserves to explore. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is home to more than 30,000 acres of protected desert habitat. The preserve also has 11 trailheads to hike, including the Granite Mountain Trailhead and the Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
For a more advanced excursion, start at the McDowell Preserve and head 5.6 miles to Inspiration Point, where you’ll find beautiful ridge views. You may even spot deer or tortoises along the way!
Historic downtown and thriving art scene
Old Town Scottsdale is the historic downtown center of Scottsdale, offering boutique shops, shops, restaurants, art galleries, and nightclubs. You’ll also find contemporary public art installations, world-class museums, and historic sites from the late 1880s, all within nine walkable neighborhoods.
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art features five ongoing exhibitions. Locals support the museum by becoming patrons and participating in one of its events or classes.
Photo Courtesy of Snapwire
Residents can also visit the home and studio of renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Named Taliesin West, the spot is a historic piece of Scottsdale, AZ, real estate and is considered a National Historic Landmark. It gives visitors insight into the process behind his unique and innovative designs.
Pamper yourself at the local spas and resorts
Photo Courtesy of Phoenician Spa
Try the Phoenician Spa on Camelback Road or Spa Avania in the Hyatt on Doubletree Ranch Road. Treatments at Spa Avania include Swedish, hot stone, and deep tissue massage. Choose from eight facial treatments and add on any of their 11 enhancements.
The New Serenity Spa on North Hayden provides many packages and couples massages. The Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont on E. Princess Drive offers hairstyling, manicures, and pedicures in addition to its body and face treatments.
Scottsdale is growing in popularity for its fantastic golf, sunny year-round climate, and variety of high-end dining establishments. Toss in highly-rated schools and fun annual festivals, and you have a recipe for a fine city for relocation. However, finding the right place to call home can be challenging without the help of a professional realtor. If you’re ready to find out more about homes for sale in Scottsdale, Arizona, contact real estate agent Adrian Heyman today!
*Header photo Courtesy of Moving Companies