How would you describe Scottsdale? (Phoenix, Hayden: low income, condos, high crime)

[jaynetarzana]

How would you describe Scottsdale Arizona to someone who has never been there before?

Some specific questions I would have: Quality of life? Weather? Crime? People? Air quality? Politics? Public educational system? Culture and arts? Traffic? What are the best/worst things about living there? Are there parts that are better than others?

Thanks in advance Arizonans.

[observer53]

Scottsdale has the same weather as Phoenix. HOT summers, pleasant winter, spring, and fall, not much rain (around 7 inches a year is normal) Air quality? Same as the rest of the Valley. Fair amount of dust, smog is worst in the winter, with temperature inversions trapping the pollution under warm air. Still, there are MANY worse places in terms of air quality.

People? I really don't know what you mean by the question. All different kinds. Scottsdale is a long, narrow city. The areas to the north are full of expensive homes, high end shopping. To the center of the city and south, older homes, middle income to low income. Politically, relatively conservative overall, but in a city with that many people you will find the whole spectrum represented.

Culture and arts? Art walks in downtown Scottsdale, Scottsdale Center for the Arts offers a WIDE variety of performances, the art museum is next to it. Lots of art galleries.

Traffic can be congested in certain areas, but it's manageable.

I haven't lived in Scottsdale for years, I'll let those with more current info talk about best and worst.

As indicated above, central and south Scottsdale is older and less high-end economically than the north central and north areas. None of it is a high crime area-- there's some property crime everywhere, Scottsdale is no exception.

[sierraAZ]

Southern California with Phoenix climate!

[AZJoeD]

I think it's Cool and HOT

[Howard Roark]

Scottsdale: Greenbelt, pubs, cleanliness north of Chapparel. Politics? What's that? I dropped out and live life to the fullest. I would not cross the street for any politician if I was given $100.

Arts? Pretty good. Go to old town Thursday nights.

Traffic? If you live close to your destination (work) no biggie. Once it took me 45 minutes to drive home on Hayden 2 miles from work. It was due to a fatal accident on Hayden and traffic was rerouted through a residential neighborhood.

South of Indian School and East of Scottsdale Blvd - houses / condos are far cheaper for a reason!

And yes, I was burglarized there.