Scottsdale is regularly rated among the nation’s most desirable communities to live in. For the young at heart, this is a great place to live. With a population of just over 250,000 residents, and many more thousands of tourists depending on the time of year, the city is full of life and energy. If you have the budget, then a prime piece of Scottsdale real estate could be just what you need!

Bordered by Phoenix to the west, the Tonto National Forest to the north, the McDowell Mountains to the east, and the Salt River to the south, Scottsdale’s exclusivity typically makes property expensive when compared to other parts of the Valley.

Known for its nightlife, the downtown area has become one of the premier “live-work-play” areas in the state with a mix of condos, apartments, and urban housing options. Nearby you’ll find the vibrant Old Town. This tourist friendly hotspot is home to more than 90 restaurants, 320 retail shops, and more than 80 art galleries. Spring is a particularly busy time in Old Town; not only is the weather perfect, but Scottsdale Stadium is the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants!

The rest of South Scottsdale is a little more affordable, with average house prices sometimes half that of the more exclusive neighborhoods to the north. But even this traditionally more working-class area has seen a lot of upward mobility in recent years with prices rising. This part of town is home to the San Francisco Giants. A short drive north, the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks play at the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick along Scottsdale’s border with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

Properties in the Cactus Shea Corridor area of central Scottsdale are highly-sought after; they range from 2,500 square feet homes to 10,000 square feet mansions, mostly all set on one acre lots. These large lot homes have seen significant price increases in recent years.

North Scottsdale property includes some of the most expensive and luxurious homes in Arizona, and the area is rapidly expanding to accommodate people working in The Scottsdale Airpark, which is one of the largest employment centers in Arizona. Anchored by the Scottsdale Airport, more than 2,900 businesses including GoDaddy and AXON (the maker of the Taser) employ more than 50,000 people.

Famous for its bars, restaurants, shops, and resorts, you might be forgiven for thinking that this city is one dimensional. But the location of this town, running 31 miles from north to south, is stunning. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve, in the city’s northern reaches, is the largest urban wilderness area in the country. You’ll find 60+ miles of trails through diverse, scenic desert terrain. Explore on foot, on your mountain bike, or on horseback.

A lot of families choose to live here because of the vibrancy and energy of the city, and the excellent school system. The Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has existed for more than 120 years. Today it serves more than 23,000 students in almost 30 schools. The District actually serves the needs of families in parts of Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Tempe, and most of Scottsdale.