Scottsdale
What buyers and sellers should know about Scottsdale, from an agent who has worked this market since 2001.
Scottsdale, Arizona is a city of roughly 184 square miles in Maricopa County that runs about 30 miles south to north, from Old Town Scottsdale to the far north desert, across zip codes 85250 through 85266. That length is why a citywide average price tells you almost nothing. Old Town condos, the central Shea corridor and the guard gated communities of North Scottsdale are three different markets that happen to share a city name. Shawn Shackelton has worked this market since 2001 and prices homes by subdivision, not by city.
How is Scottsdale divided?
Locals think in three bands. South Scottsdale and Old Town, roughly south of Chaparral Road, is the walkable, older and generally lower priced part of the city, with mid century ranch homes and a growing condo inventory. Central Scottsdale, from Chaparral north to about Bell Road, includes the Shea corridor, McCormick Ranch and Gainey Ranch, and offers mature landscaping and lakes. North Scottsdale, north of Bell Road, is where most of the guard gated master plans sit, including DC Ranch, Silverleaf, Grayhawk, McDowell Mountain Ranch and Windgate Ranch.
Price per square foot generally rises as you move north and as you approach the McDowell Mountains, with Old Town commanding a premium of its own for walkability.
What is there to do in Scottsdale?
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the anchor amenity, with more than 30,000 acres of protected desert and over 200 miles of trail inside the city limits. Old Town Scottsdale holds the restaurant, gallery and nightlife district. Scottsdale Fashion Square is the largest mall in Arizona. TPC Scottsdale hosts the WM Phoenix Open each February, which is the highest attended tournament on the PGA Tour and materially affects February rental demand.
Which school district serves Scottsdale?
Most of Scottsdale is served by Scottsdale Unified School District. The far northern edge of the city falls within Cave Creek Unified School District. Because boundaries do not follow city lines cleanly, confirm the assigned schools for a specific address before you write an offer.
What should buyers budget beyond the purchase price?
Property taxes in Maricopa County are assessed by the county and vary by district. Most master planned communities in North Scottsdale carry HOA dues, and some also carry a community facilities district assessment on the tax bill, which is a separate line item worth checking. Pool maintenance, desert landscape service and higher summer cooling costs are the three operating expenses that surprise out of state buyers most often.
Key facts at a glance
| County | Maricopa County, Arizona |
|---|---|
| Approximate area | 184 square miles |
| Zip codes | 85250, 85251, 85254, 85255, 85257, 85258, 85259, 85260, 85262, 85266 |
| School districts | Scottsdale Unified, with Cave Creek Unified in the far north |
| Signature amenity | McDowell Sonoran Preserve, more than 30,000 acres |
| Notable communities | DC Ranch, Silverleaf, Grayhawk, McDowell Mountain Ranch, Windgate Ranch, McCormick Ranch, Gainey Ranch |
Community details are provided for general information and should be independently verified. Zoning, HOA rules, club membership terms and school assignments change. Confirm anything that affects your decision during your inspection period.
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Scottsdale questions answered
Is Scottsdale a good place to buy real estate?
Scottsdale draws consistent demand from seasonal residents, relocating buyers and golf buyers, which supports resale liquidity in most price bands. Whether a specific purchase is a good investment depends on the subdivision, the lot and your holding period, not on the city. Ask for absorption data for your target neighborhood and price band before deciding.
What is the difference between Scottsdale and North Scottsdale?
North Scottsdale is not a separate city. It is the part of Scottsdale generally north of Bell Road, where most of the guard gated master planned communities and higher priced inventory sit. Mail still addresses to Scottsdale, Arizona.
Do most Scottsdale homes have HOAs?
Most homes built in the last 30 years in central and northern Scottsdale are in an HOA. Older South Scottsdale and Old Town neighborhoods often are not. Dues, transfer fees and the resale disclosure package all vary, so review the community documents during your inspection period.
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