Is Scottsdale like Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (Phoenix, Sedona: real estate, transplants)

[ARTabone]

I know that geographically they have nothing in common. Scottsdale has desert and dry temps while PVB is a beach town with super high humidity, beach and lots of rain. Both have sand but uses are totally different!!
I am trying to ask...Are the people of Scottsdale kinda like the people of PVB? I know they are both huge golf areas and both seem to have middle-upper to very upper class people. I've never been to Scottsdale but I am trying to relate it to something I am familiar with. It seems that plastic surgery is popular in both. Luxury cars are popular with both. I'm sure that Scottsdale is quite a bit larger than PVB though.
What areas would be like living in Jax Beach or Villano Beach (their relation to PVB) but in the Scottsdale area? Did I just make this more confusing? What zip codes are the "beginner" levels of Scottsdale but still nice? I'm possibly moving to the Phoenix area and I want to get a good picture of real estate? (I know it can start at just a few thoousands and sky rocket to the millions. I think I am somewhere in between!)

[poolgirl51]

Originally Posted by ARTabone

I know that geographically they have nothing in common. Scottsdale has desert and dry temps while PVB is a beach town with super high humidity, beach and lots of rain. Both have sand but uses are totally different!!
I am trying to ask...Are the people of Scottsdale kinda like the people of PVB? I know they are both huge golf areas and both seem to have middle-upper to very upper class people. I've never been to Scottsdale but I am trying to relate it to something I am familiar with. It seems that plastic surgery is popular in both. Luxury cars are popular with both. I'm sure that Scottsdale is quite a bit larger than PVB though.
What areas would be like living in Jax Beach or Villano Beach (their relation to PVB) but in the Scottsdale area? Did I just make this more confusing? What zip codes are the "beginner" levels of Scottsdale but still nice? I'm possibly moving to the Phoenix area and I want to get a good picture of real estate? (I know it can start at just a few thoousands and sky rocket to the millions. I think I am somewhere in between!)

Hi Artabone,

I grew up in Jacksonville and spent quite a lot of time in PV beach. We were members of Sawgrass and spent a lot of time there. We now live in Northern AZ (Sedona) and spend a lot of time down in Scottsdale to shop etc. You are correct. Scottsdale is very similar to PVB in many ways such as demographics. It is much larger so there is WAY more shopping and wonderful places to eat. Of course, as you know, it is missing the beautiful beach.

Cost wise it is much the same...expensive. I will have to let a resident of the area fill you in on adjoining zip codes and/or beginning levels of Scottsdale. I a guessing the entry level may be a little higher that PVB but I am not sure. You could check Realtor.com. Now might be a good time to buy. When considering our move out here we chose Northern AZ because it is a bit cooler in the summer. I'm not sure I could take Scottsdale in the Summer but winters are wonderful. Are you thinking about moving out here? In Sedona we have quite a few Florida transplants. It seems to be a recent trend here...not sure why.

Good luck

[ARTabone]

My husband may possibly be getting a job in the Phoenix area. It's still up in the air and I am just trying to research the area. I'm a teacher so I'm sure I could get some sort of teaching job...who knows??? I teach at one of the best middle schools in FL and I am really scared that my only option will be to teach in a dump school. I know that sounds really bad but my school is all I know and the thought of being someplace else scares me.
I will miss the beach. I'm assuming that pools are great although they probably get to a million degrees in the summer and aren't too refreshing.

[Phoenix lady]

You have alot of misgivings, from your post. When you feel that way, make sure you check it out here, jobs, weather, etc. before you move. That little voice inside can be trying to tell you something.
It's individual here, some people love it, some like it, some don't like it at all. It depends on what your needs/wants are.

[ARTabone]

My husband and I have very little choice about where we move. It's basically up to the company that he works for.
The bottom line is that I love Florida. I moved from Michigan to get out of the cold and misery. Florida has been wonderful. I am so greatful for the experiences I had in Florida. I'm sure that Phoenix will be great if that is where we end up. It will just take some getting used to the area.

What do you mean by "misgivings?"