Why do people say negative things about Scottsdale, AZ? (Phoenix: home, public school)

[LocoAZnative]

Scottsdale has always had a snobby reputation. Even as a kid 25 yrs ago my cousins lived in Scottsdale and we called it Snottsdale back then. So somethings never change.

[Sco]

Scottsdale is basically the epicenter of Scenester culture in Arizona. Most of the over 30 population looks and acts like the people you see on "Real Housewives of X".

If that is your thing, you will love it.

A local DJ wrote these lyrics for a spoof song, it tells you everything you need to know about Scottsdale.

[LEFT]I'm a big d at the Scottsdale bars, at the Scottsdale bars, at the Scottsdale bars
I'm a big d at the Scottsdale bars, at the Scottsdale bars, at the Scottsdale bars[/LEFT]Moderator cut: copyright issues

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Sco

Scottsdale is basically the epicenter of Scenester culture in Arizona. Most of the over 30 population looks and acts like the people you see on "Real Housewives of X".

If that is your thing, you will love it.

Thanks for perpetuating the exaggerated stereotype. I didn't bother requoting the lyrics to the stupid (IMO) "song".

Yes, there is an aspect of see and be seen, particularly in certain parts of Scottsdale. But, to ascribe that characteristic, or certain looks or behavior, to "most of the over 30 population" of a very large and diverse suburban city is a gross exaggeration.

[redjan1225]

I live in the north-east part of Phoenix but am in Scottsdale twice daily to visit a family member in a hospital. The snobs are here and there. I pay them no mind and vice versa. The only time I have had to share words with someone was when a poshly dressed elderly snowbird from back east loudly complained from behind me about her wait time (about 3 minutes total) in line at Stein Mart and then proceeded to attempt to cut right in front of me. Luckily, the store clerk did not appease her and made her wait her turn after I asked her to calm down and be patient. She was very upset, but apparently her bargain was worth her humiliation.

So it is what you make of it. I was happy to see that no one in the area was supportive of this woman's bad behavior and she made herself look like a fool.

There are lots of nice areas all around the valley including areas of Phoenix, Tempe, etc. Don't limit yourself to Scottsdale. Most of those enjoying Scottsdale's entertainment features are commuting from elsewhere.

And if you don't like the heat, find another city/state. We've already hit 100 degrees and our summer has begun. We likely won't see cooler temps again until October.

[SluggoF16]

There seems to be some serious misdirection on this posting. The issue of heat is valid; some folks just plain don't like it, never get used to it, never will, and some, like those of us who grew up with it, don't mind, although as an older adult now it seems hotter that it used to when I was 10, climate change notwithstanding. Paraphrasing Harry Truman, if you can't stand the heat, stay out of the South.

I agree with the immediately preceeding post completely about other parts of the Valley; the "snob" aspect should be one of those parameters of a community that receive little emphasis. In the 90s I worked with someone in Tucson who would ONLY live in the Catalina Foothills. All about image. I lived in the (cheaper) west side and had a hillside home with a pool and great view (acreage, too, not a tiny lot) for half what he paid. The decision to relocate somewhere should be based on the community's education/schools (great in Scottsdale), jobs (can't comment, don't live there anymore) and commute, environmental quality, housing availability and reasonable cost, access to healthcare, recreation, arts, etc. In other words, the full package, not a small aspect of it. There are snobs everywhere and anywhere, doesn't matter if you're in NYC, in La Jolla, or in Toad Suck, Arkansas (a real place). When I went to Saguaro HS there were perceived differences between us "southsiders" (south of Chapparal Road) and those who lived in Clearwater Hills, but it hardly affected my education.

[Jukesgrrl]

Originally Posted by Hikari616

I am unemployed and I've looked all over this city and cities around Salem and nobody will hire me or people around my age in this state. i have friends younger then me that can't get work. And I've been looking for 3 years. I've looked for work in all fields. I want to become a chef but I can't get any experience, thats why I'm trying to get out of this state because nothing is here. This state is the worst in this whole country.

Your likelihood of getting restaurant/resort work in Scottsdale would be for only the very basic positions (busing, waiting, kitchen helper, housekeeping) and that certainly wouldn't provide enough salary for you to live in Scottsdale were you not to have family or many roommates to encamp with. If there is some way you can go to culinary school, you would be more likely to earn a living wage.

In any case, on all of these boards the advice seems to be: it's unwise to move your home without a secure job lined up in advance. When I moved to Tucson it took me one year to find a job and I had more than 20 years experience. So personally I'm in agreement with that advice.

[mistygrl092]

Originally Posted by observer53

Thanks for perpetuating the exaggerated stereotype. I didn't bother requoting the lyrics to the stupid (IMO) "song".

Yes, there is an aspect of see and be seen, particularly in certain parts of Scottsdale. But, to ascribe that characteristic, or certain looks or behavior, to "most of the over 30 population" of a very large and diverse suburban city is a gross exaggeration.

Thank you. I happen to live in N Scottsdale and am nothing like anything described in this thread. I drive an older model Honda and love a good bargain at a garage sale. There is one benefit to living here and that is location, location, location. I check my house value regularly and it just hasn't been hit like the rest of the Valley. Honestly? That is all I care about at this point.

I do think the rest of the Valley has an unfounded inferiority complex (although I must say I love the quiet here), but that's about it. The quiet.

Oh, and to answer the OP's question, I just think they are insecure and it shows. Not everyone, but many.

[Valley Native]

Scottsdale is perceived as being snooty, but the fact is that it's really quite diverse because it's so large (in both land area and population). And because of its size, it seems more like a separate city of its own, rather than just another Phoenix suburb. To stereotype the whole place as being fake, snobbish, elitist, etc. is actually quite false. South Scottsdale is very middle class, if not lower middle class in some aspects. The club scene that Scottsdale is famous for is located in the Old Town and downtown areas ... not all over the city. Some parts of Scottsdale are pretty quiet ... in fact, far north Scottsdale seems pretty isolated compared to many other areas of the Valley.

A long time ago, Scottsdale was known as having more of a western cowboy type of atmosphere. The city's slogan for many years was "the West's Most Western Town". Of course, very little of that western image remains ... although, you can still get some hint of it in the Old Town area.

[mistygrl092]

Originally Posted by Valley Native

Scottsdale is perceived as being snooty, but the fact is that it's really quite diverse because it's so large (in both land area and population). And because of its size, it seems more like a separate city of its own, rather than just another Phoenix suburb. To stereotype the whole place as being fake, snobbish, elitist, etc. is actually quite false. South Scottsdale is very middle class, if not lower middle class in some aspects. The club scene that Scottsdale is famous for is located in the Old Town and downtown areas ... not all over the city. Some parts of Scottsdale are pretty quiet ... in fact, far north Scottsdale seems pretty isolated compared to many other areas of the Valley.

A long time ago, Scottsdale was known as having more of a western cowboy type of atmosphere. The city's slogan for many years was "the West's Most Western Town". Of course, very little of that western image remains ... although, you can still get some hint of it in the Old Town area.

For being a Valley native, haven't you figured out that Scottsdale IS its own city? Geez, that is why I pay my bills to City of Scottsdale and have to abide by City of Scottsdale ordinances and code enforcement. AZ public school systems at their best. Or shall I say Phoenix?

I guarantee you this much. I know the Scottsdale PD phone number off the top of my head. I have not a clue about Phoenix, because I don't live in Phoenix.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by mistygrl092

For being a Valley native, haven't you figured out that Scottsdale IS its own city? Geez, that is why I pay my bills to City of Scottsdale and have to abide by City of Scottsdale ordinances and code enforcement. AZ public school systems at their best. Or shall I say Phoenix?

I guarantee you this much. I know the Scottsdale PD phone number off the top of my head. I have not a clue about Phoenix.

No need to be nasty. My point was that many Phoenix suburbs all look and feel the same to the point where you wouldn't know one from the other. Scottsdale is a Phoenix suburb, but it has its own vibe that makes it seem like a completely separate city or metro region of its own. A lot of that is due to the Scottsdale's size.

Even when Scottsdale was much smaller and was more of a western type of town, it seemed separated from the rest of the metro area because it always had its own thing going, so to speak. This was a long time ago before the "fashionista" culture took over.