Questions on Scottsdale (Phoenix, Chandler, Tempe: relocate, real estate, budget)

[Nature Girl]

Hello,
We are considering a move to the Phoenix area this summer. Hubby has the opportunity to relocate with his job. We are most interested in Scottsdale and was hoping to find out about the schools (we have a daughter in elementary) and safety for the area. I know the schools are rated very well, but I was hoping to get any personal feedback from parents that have children in that district. Also,,,is it a friendly minded city? If you have any negative feedback about the area, I would be interested in hearing about it(other than the scorching heat in the summer, hahaha).

Thank-you!

[sablebaby]

Scottsdale is beautiful place to live. Most people are active, health conscious, affluent. The schools are rated high. It's a "keep up with the Jones'" type of place. Overall, it's one of my favorite places in the valley. Most everything is new, lots of building of high end shops and commercial buildings. People can definitely be snotty, but lots are nice. Hopefully you can afford to live there. Housing starts above $400k (many at this price are condos).

[SpeedyAZ]

Hello,
We are considering a move to the Phoenix area this summer. Hubby has the opportunity to relocate with his job. We are most interested in Scottsdale and was hoping to find out about the schools (we have a daughter in elementary) and safety for the area. I know the schools are rated very well, but I was hoping to get any personal feedback from parents that have children in that district. Also,,,is it a friendly minded city? If you have any negative feedback about the area, I would be interested in hearing about it(other than the scorching heat in the summer, hahaha).

It really is a great place to live. You have beautiful mountains, scenery, and very vibrant art scene. Scottsdale is the hub of art, shopping, and resturants in the Phoenix area. But it isn't a cheap place to live. A single family home will likely run above $600K (depending on which part, generally stay away from S. Scottsdale). The North Scottsdale area is the newest area and also has the highest real estate prices with many homes going above $1 million.

That being said there are other cheap alternatives to Scottsdale. Fountain Hills is a newer area and also fairly affluent. But it is generally less expensive than Scottsdale and it probably has the best views/ scenery in the entire Valley. Chandler and Gilbert are also great areas where the prices are quite reasonable. Many young professionals and families live in these two communities. Everyone that I know who lives in these two areas loves it!

If you tell us your price range, we can be of a bit more help. If you have the $$, you really can't beat living in Scottsdale though.

[silverbear]

Originally Posted by SpeedyAZ

Scottsdale is the hub of art, shopping, and resturants in the Phoenix area.

Scottsdale is an attractive part of the Phoenix Metro Area, but I would have to disagree with the statement that it is the hub of art, shopping, and restaurants in the Phoenix area. It is certainly a hub, but not the hub. Scottsdale has a gallery district and a museum of contemporary art, both of which are quite nice. Nevertheless, the two biggest art museums, the Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard, are located in Central Phoenix. As for shopping and restaurants, there are many upscale stores and restaurants located in Scottsdale, but an equal number in Phoenix itself. In fact, many noted destinations with Scottsdale mailing addresses, including the Phoenician resort and Kierland Commons, are actually located within Phoenix boundaries.

None of this is offered with the intent of dissuading anyone from living in Scottsdale, but it's important to remember that Scottsdale is one of many suburbs in the Phoenix area and not a standalone community.

Also, I'd have to say that the south end of Scottsdale suffers from a negative reputation it does not deserve. It is modest in comparison to the rest of the city, but it's still a relatively comfortable and safe middle class area with good access to Central Phoenix and Tempe.

[nevercoldcall]

Scottsdale is attractive with many pretty areas but it's certainly not the hub of anything (other than drug-infested 20-something nightclubs in old town). The best museums are all in downtown or central Phoenix, the best and highest concentration of gourmet restaurants are in the Biltmore/Arcadia section of Phoenix, which incidentally is even more expensive than Scottsdale, and many malls have the same shopping. There really aren't any boutiques or non-chain stores anywhere in Arizona so you can find the same things anywhere.

Scottsdale is most definitely not a friendly place. People will start a conversation and then segue into telling you how much money they make. Just about everyone agrees with me that Scottsdale is rude and unfriendly, so I know it's not me ... lol

A friend of mine is a top Mercedes salesperson in the area who knows a lot of wealthy people who are his clients. He explained that most affluent newcomers move to Scottsdale initially because they're told it's "the" place to be, then they get fed up with the rudeness and fakeness after a couple of years and move to either Biltmore/Arcadia or Paradise Valley, both much friendlier areas. In fact I initially moved to North Scottsdale and *HATED* how rude and snobby it was and moved down to Arcadia myself and couldn't be happier.

In addition, Scottsdale has the highest burglary and auto theft rates in the Valley so you need to be aware of that.

I just moved from the area entirely (to Newport Beach, CA!!!) but lived there for 7 years so feel free to message me with any specific questions.

EDIT- I just remembered, several months ago Phoenix magazine did an area-by-area profile of different Valley cities and they had this to say about Scottsdale: "The residents have a reputation for being standoffish and unfriendly, and Scottsdale is known as having the worst drivers in the entire state."

[newportbeachsmostwanted]

Scottsdale, from my experience, is a great city. It reminds me of Newport Beach but without grass and ocean! Home prices are definitely an evocative reason for many OC lifers/Californians to relocate to Scottsdale.

[Nature Girl]

Originally Posted by SpeedyAZ

It really is a great place to live. You have beautiful mountains, scenery, and very vibrant art scene. Scottsdale is the hub of art, shopping, and resturants in the Phoenix area. But it isn't a cheap place to live. A single family home will likely run above $600K (depending on which part, generally stay away from S. Scottsdale). The North Scottsdale area is the newest area and also has the highest real estate prices with many homes going above $1 million.

That being said there are other cheap alternatives to Scottsdale. Fountain Hills is a newer area and also fairly affluent. But it is generally less expensive than Scottsdale and it probably has the best views/ scenery in the entire Valley. Chandler and Gilbert are also great areas where the prices are quite reasonable. Many young professionals and families live in these two communities. Everyone that I know who lives in these two areas loves it!

If you tell us your price range, we can be of a bit more help. If you have the $$, you really can't beat living in Scottsdale though.

Can you tell me what is wrong with the south side? Is there crime? I am confused because we looked online at a few different realtor sights, and we pulled up a fair amount of good homes in the $300K window? Our price range is between $300-400K. Is this not likely then? You mentioned Fountain Hills having the best views, that was something we were hoping to find! I would love a neighborhood with mountains/hills surrounding us!! Are there any other nearby cities with pretty scenery all around? It was mentioned by another poster that Scottsdale is not very friendly. This is a huge problem for us, we really want to get to know our neighbors without comparing our checkbooks! Is Fountain Hills the same way? All we want is a reasonable commute into Phoenix (the children's hospital), good schools, a safe area, affordable housing, and pretty scenery. Is that a lot to ask for, or still managable?
Thanks for all your input, it has been very helpful!

[Nature Girl]

Originally Posted by nevercoldcall

Scottsdale is attractive with many pretty areas but it's certainly not the hub of anything (other than drug-infested 20-something nightclubs in old town). The best museums are all in downtown or central Phoenix, the best and highest concentration of gourmet restaurants are in the Biltmore/Arcadia section of Phoenix, which incidentally is even more expensive than Scottsdale, and many malls have the same shopping. There really aren't any boutiques or non-chain stores anywhere in Arizona so you can find the same things anywhere.

Scottsdale is most definitely not a friendly place. People will start a conversation and then segue into telling you how much money they make. Just about everyone agrees with me that Scottsdale is rude and unfriendly, so I know it's not me ... lol

A friend of mine is a top Mercedes salesperson in the area who knows a lot of wealthy people who are his clients. He explained that most affluent newcomers move to Scottsdale initially because they're told it's "the" place to be, then they get fed up with the rudeness and fakeness after a couple of years and move to either Biltmore/Arcadia or Paradise Valley, both much friendlier areas. In fact I initially moved to North Scottsdale and *HATED* how rude and snobby it was and moved down to Arcadia myself and couldn't be happier.

In addition, Scottsdale has the highest burglary and auto theft rates in the Valley so you need to be aware of that.

I just moved from the area entirely (to Newport Beach, CA!!!) but lived there for 7 years so feel free to message me with any specific questions.

EDIT- I just remembered, several months ago Phoenix magazine did an area-by-area profile of different Valley cities and they had this to say about Scottsdale: "The residents have a reputation for being standoffish and unfriendly, and Scottsdale is known as having the worst drivers in the entire state."

This was what I was afraid of! I want a friendly city!!!! You mentioned the burglary factor, is the crime overall ok for that whole area? Especially violent crimes. This is a concern of mine as well.

[Nature Girl]

Oh and another thing. I keep reading on here that N.Scottsdale has the worst problem with Scorpions. Is this true? Is it enough to worry about?

[SpeedyAZ]

Scottsdale is most definitely not a friendly place. People will start a conversation and then segue into telling you how much money they make. Just about everyone agrees with me that Scottsdale is rude and unfriendly, so I know it's not me ... lol

That's a pretty brash generalization for a city of over 220,000 people don't you thinK? Yes, there are rude people here who believe that everyone else is below them but not everyone is that way. I've met some very nice (and quite well-off) individuals who couldn't be more down to earth.

In addition, Scottsdale has the highest burglary and auto theft rates in the Valley so you need to be aware of that.

Where exactly did you come up with this, please enlighten me?

I've lived here for almost 8 years and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Great scenery, great places to eat, great shopping, great art; it's the place for me.

Can you tell me what is wrong with the south side? Is there crime? I am confused because we looked online at a few different realtor sights, and we pulled up a fair amount of good homes in the $300K window? Our price range is between $300-400K. Is this not likely then? You mentioned Fountain Hills having the best views, that was something we were hoping to find! I would love a neighborhood with mountains/hills surrounding us!! Are there any other nearby cities with pretty scenery all around? It was mentioned by another poster that Scottsdale is not very friendly. This is a huge problem for us, we really want to get to know our neighbors without comparing our checkbooks! Is Fountain Hills the same way? All we want is a reasonable commute into Phoenix (the children's hospital), good schools, a safe area, affordable housing, and pretty scenery. Is that a lot to ask for, or still managable?
Thanks for all your input, it has been very helpful!

The South side has a fairly large amount of crime. Some neighborhoods are good but others are terrible. And usually it's pretty hard to tell the difference just from looking at the houses.

Some people that don't live in Scottsdale refer to it as "Snotsdale" or "Snobsdale". It's an undeserved reputation, a few bad eggs spoil the bunch. Don't let anyone talk you out an area based on their personal opinion. You'll probably meet a few snobby rich folk but you'll also find that others are quite warm and inviting.

Fountain Hills is a gorgeous area and a home in the upper $300's to low $400's shouldn't be terribly hard. But remember this is a fairly small area (about 20,000 people) and doesn't have all the amenities that Scottsdale does. Paradise Valley in very scenic also but it's usually reserved for someone with a multi-million dollar budget. North Scottsdale (where I live) has beautiful mountains and great scenery (as it is further out in the desert); one of the reasons I moved here was the scenery. All the commutes should be in the 25-30 mile range...

This was what I was afraid of! I want a friendly city!!!! You mentioned the burglary factor, is the crime overall ok for that whole area? Especially violent crimes. This is a concern of mine as well.

The crime isn't bad here, most of is in concentrated on property crime and auto theft (aka make sure you have a garage). Violent crime is quite low.

Oh and another thing. I keep reading on here that N.Scottsdale has the worst problem with Scorpions. Is this true? Is it enough to worry about?

The farther you get out into the desert, the more scorpions there will be. N. Scottsdale is built out farther into the desert and will have more scorpions than say Central Scottsdale. But don't worry, I've lived here for nearly 8 years and have yet to have any problems what-so-ever with a scorpion. Don't bother them and they won't bother you.