Scottsdale-Anything Not about going out drinking & showing off? (Phoenix: renting, home) - Arizona (AZ) - City-Data Forum

fmadsen26 · 03-13-2010, 07:02 PM

Hello all,

I have read lots of posts here and around the web about scottsdale; even a travel book I picked out didn't stop mentioning that people in Scottsdale focus on drinking, going out, and showing off their new clothes....

I & my boyfriend are hoping to move to AZ this summer. He should be getting a job at one of the resorts out there and I do office work/contracting/etc. (or rather, I'm have a MA and am like most people in this country with little experience - job hunting).

Anyways, we want to know if there are down-to-earth people too (I know the general sense there are everywhere..). What I mean is, would we be "weird" to be homebodies, cook at home, and not really care if we're shopping at Bebe? Are there any low cost shopping areas, coffee shops, and dining areas in Scottsdale.. p.s. we're going to be renting, don't want a long commute, and have seen a few places <$800 month.

As always - thanks for your input!

azdr0710 · 03-14-2010, 11:45 AM

I hope you two are secure enough not to be worrying about what people think of you....

there are about 300K people in Scottsdale and the vast majority of them do not shop at Bebe or go clubbing.....

the travel books mention all the partying because, probably, that's what the readers want to hear....there are hip clubs in Scottsdale, but most of the patrons are visitors or live in another part of the Phx area.....

there are at least two WalMarts in Scottsdale, a Costco, dollar stores, Denny's, the whole bit....and they are usually packed....there are also lots of ultra-upscale stores, even a Bebe!...all kinds of people....some have attitudes, most do not....

and why limit yourself to looking in Scottsdale?....there are many other less-attitude areas of the valley with excellent living conditions.....very pleasant spots all around....

intmd8r · 03-14-2010, 12:20 PM

I want to start this post with the fact that there are many nice people and places in Scottsdale...

That being said, I lived in the Phoenix area for 11 years. I spent 1 year in Ahwatukee, 1 year in Chandler and 9 in Goodyear (5 in Estrella and 4 in Palm Valley).

During that time, I worked in Scottsdale for about 5 of those years. I can say that there was a HUGE difference between the types of people I came into contact with when out for lunch or shopping in Scottsdale than the people I came into contact with around our home in Goodyear.

While there are laid-back people and such in Scottsdale, it's not predominant the way it is in Goodyear (and other areas too, of course). What I found was that the "Scottsdale" way of life was about partying and keeping up with the Joneses. Granted, Phoenix in general has a lot more of that than other areas of the country (especially the Midwest where I grew up), but Scottsdale has it more than other areas of the valley.

I'm sure you could do just fine living there if you weren't into that scene, but I will tell you, you'd probably be happier in a surrounding area where that isn't so prevalent. It's easy to get caught up in the lifestyle or become frustrated by it being all around you. There are lots of areas that are close to Scottsdale that are very nice; I would suggest looking in one of those.

Best of luck!!

Ponderosa · 03-14-2010, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by intmd8r

I want to start this post with the fact that there are many nice people and places in Scottsdale...

That being said, I lived in the Phoenix area for 11 years. I spent 1 year in Ahwatukee, 1 year in Chandler and 9 in Goodyear (5 in Estrella and 4 in Palm Valley).

During that time, I worked in Scottsdale for about 5 of those years. I can say that there was a HUGE difference between the types of people I came into contact with when out for lunch or shopping in Scottsdale than the people I came into contact with around our home in Goodyear.

While there are laid-back people and such in Scottsdale, it's not predominant the way it is in Goodyear (and other areas too, of course). What I found was that the "Scottsdale" way of life was about partying and keeping up with the Joneses. Granted, Phoenix in general has a lot more of that than other areas of the country (especially the Midwest where I grew up), but Scottsdale has it more than other areas of the valley.

I'm sure you could do just fine living there if you weren't into that scene, but I will tell you, you'd probably be happier in a surrounding area where that isn't so prevalent. It's easy to get caught up in the lifestyle or become frustrated by it being all around you. There are lots of areas that are close to Scottsdale that are very nice; I would suggest looking in one of those.

Best of luck!!

Hmmm. That is interesting. I have virtually no experience in Scottsdale other than going to a restaurant or two. On the other hand, I have lived decades in Ahwatukee and Goodyear. Maybe that is why my take on things is so different from another poster who lives in Scottsdale. I didn't think we were that different across the city. Ya live, ya learn.

daveyboy1225 · 03-15-2010, 08:07 AM

depends on where you are from? I am from chicago and to me scottsdale is small time and their malls are nothing compared to malls here, IMO. Not downtalking scottsdale at all. If you are from small town w/ no nightlife, it'll seem like that but if you are from bigger town like chicago, ny, la, miami, boston even, its really nothing at all.

fmadsen26 · 03-15-2010, 12:09 PM

Thank you all for your posts. Just to make a record, I don't mean any harm to those in Scottsdale...

Basically, we are looking for a nice lifestyle, like that in Scottsdale. We don't have a lot of big city experience per say, but are well equip to handle its obstacles.

Really, we just want to know if 'snobbery' is really prevelant in the area. I know that I don't mind shopping at goodwill once in an while, and really don't mind walking my dog in some sweats... but would that 'normal person' behavior fly in Scottsdale??

daveyboy1225 · 03-15-2010, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmadsen26

Thank you all for your posts. Just to make a record, I don't mean any harm to those in Scottsdale...

Basically, we are looking for a nice lifestyle, like that in Scottsdale. We don't have a lot of big city experience per say, but are well equip to handle its obstacles.

Really, we just want to know if 'snobbery' is really prevelant in the area. I know that I don't mind shopping at goodwill once in an while, and really don't mind walking my dog in some sweats... but would that 'normal person' behavior fly in Scottsdale??

You know when I went there, I was shocked...to me scottsdale is laughable, its small time, all that stuff you read on the internet. Scottsdale to me is chill but once again, I am from Chicago.

grippit · 03-15-2010, 12:44 PM

You can "walk the dog in sweats" or do anything else you want to do in Scottsdale as long as it is legal. You will find like-minded people. The hoity-toity is easily avoided if that is your desire. Regards

daveyboy1225 · 03-15-2010, 12:57 PM

Just like anywhere, it is what you make it.

akgirl52 · 03-15-2010, 01:05 PM

I live in central Scottsdale part time in the winter. I see tons of people walking their dogs, ect in sweats or shorts. Not a big deal. I love the green belt that runs through the city. People are always nice. Lots of cute second hand stores with clothes and furniture. Always people shopping in them. Some of the shoppers are very well dressed, and some very casual. I like the area a lot. You can find very high end stores and resturants, but I like a more simple lifestyle and have had no trouble finding it here.