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Scottsdale is a metropolitan area of Phoenix, the capital of Arizona. It’s known for its classy neighborhoods, thriving nightlife, chic art and music, tons of shopping, golf courses, and parks. Scottsdale is the best place to stay in Phoenix because of all the entertainment and travel options.
Scottsdale went under a lot of development in the latter half of the twentieth century, primarily due to the Scottsdale Airpark, a large area surrounding the airport that is one of the largest employers in Arizona. The Airpark has over 55,000 employees in the airport and 2,600 surrounding businesses.
So much of Scottsdale has grown with the Airpark, attracting employees, residents, and tourists worldwide. Besides the massive Airpark, Scottsdale also has plenty of nature and is home to some of the state’s best hikes.
Scottsdale has something for everyone and is a great place to stay either on vacation to the greater Phoenix area or just a weekend visit to enjoy the city and sights.
Why Stay In Scottsdale?
Scottsdale is centrally located in Phoenix, making it easy to get around the city. Its superb location and fantastic entertainment options, and nature make it the best place to stay in Phoenix.
General Scottsdale Areas
Scottsdale can be categorized into four main areas that differ in geographic location.
South Scottsdale
South Scottsdale is naturally on the southern end of Scottsdale and the furthest from the Airpark. The area is currently undergoing gentrification as homeowners snap up trendy neighborhoods. Nevertheless, it has the highest crime rate in Scottsdale. However, it’s still under the national average.
Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town is the original settlement of Scottsdale and is home to most of the area’s history and culture. Old Town also encompasses the downtown area where most of the nightlife is.
The area is home to some of the best shopping and food Scottsdale offers and incredible cultural and historical attractions. If you’re visiting Scottsdale for the first time, this is a great area to start in.
Central Scottsdale (The Shea Corridor)
Located on the east-west Shea Boulevard, Central Scottsdale is frequently called The Shea Corridor. It’s home to several shopping plazas, mind-blowing restaurants, and eye-catching attractions.
The cherry on top is the boulevard itself. It can quickly get you anywhere you need in Scottsdale and accesses two of Phoenix’s main highways. If you want to get around the city quickly and easily, this is your area.
North Scottsdale
North Scottsdale has undergone extreme redevelopment, and it’s home to the Scottsdale Airpark. Naturally, this means it has all the amenities you could ever ask for. In addition, this area has the most expensive house, many valued at over 5 million dollars.
Close to a major highway, the airport, amenities, and an exceedingly lovely area? North Scottsdale has it all.
The Best Neighborhoods to Stay In Scottsdale
So, where should you stay? It can be hard to choose with so many excellent options available. However, each neighborhood has its perks and drawbacks, so you can choose whichever one best suits your needs.
Scottsdale has you covered whether you want a more secluded natural retreat, a business trip mixed with pleasure, a city weekend getaway, or a luxurious villa.
Old Town Scottsdale
This Old Town refers to the few blocks south of the downtown area, not the downtown area itself. This is where the first buildings in Scottsdale were built and contains the most history and culture anywhere in Scottsdale.
It’s home to galleries, bars, wild west saloons, museums, memorials, boutiques, and anything else you could ask. The buzzing art scene will send you gallery-hopping, or you can take a historic walking tour and see all the historical plazas and architectural wonders Old Town has to offer.
The Best Place for Walking
Old Town packs a lot into a relatively small area, perfect for walking. You have everything you could need a short five to ten-minute walk away, so there’s no need to rent a car.
Downtown is just a few short blocks away, perfect for bar-hopping and shopping days, making this an ideal location for a metropolitan getaway.
Get a Taste of the Old West in This Historic District
Scottsdale is also called “The West’s Most Western Town,” Old town is home to plenty of remnants and attractions centered around the Old West, cowboys, and stunning desert vistas.
To get the entire Wild West experience, go for a few rounds at Old Town Tavern after taking a historical walking tour every Friday.
South Scottsdale
South Scottsdale can vary depending on the subdivision you’re staying, but most are close to shopping centers home to scores of dining and entertainment options. In addition to the centers, you’ll find plenty of lakes and parks to enjoy in Scottsdale.
On a Budget? No Problem!
South Scottsdale is the most affordable of the neighborhoods in Scottsdale, and travelers on a budget will appreciate the prices. It’s not as walkable as Old Town. However, it’s also home to plenty of parks for you to explore and enjoy.
With plenty to do and see at a great price, it’s no wonder South Scottsdale is undergoing a housing boom. Getting a rental here is both cheap and fun.
Food and Parks, a Winning Combination
South Scottsdale is also home to some of the best restaurants in Scottsdale and has some incredible trails and parks for you to enjoy.
Hike up to Hole in The Rock, enjoy some incredible views of the surrounding cityscape, and then get in touch with your inner flower child on the Bajada Nature Trail. Top off the day with a visit to the exquisite blooms of the Desert Botanical Garden and eat world-class Conays at Jim’s Coney Island Cafe.
McCormick/Gainey Ranch
Just south of The Shea Corridor, you’ll find one of the top destinations for golfers in the US. McCormick and Gainey Ranch are gated communities home to several top-shelf golf courses and attractions.
The more spread out area of these ranches means to drive, but the extra parks and greenery make up for it. And shopping centers, filled with five-star dining options, are never too far away.
All the Amenities, None of the Fuss
These are quieter, more secluded communities more suited for more tranquil vacations. The gentle winding roads are excellent for lazy Sunday drives or afternoons spent in one of the nearby parks.
However, if you’re in the mood for something more exciting, drive five to fifteen minutes to have everything Old Town offers. Of course, these communities are also home to plenty of entertainment, mainly on Scottsdale and N Hayden Road.
Fore! Get Ready for Some Golf
Scottsdale is home to several championship golf courses, such as the Gainey Ranch Golf Club and the McCormick Ranch Golf Club. However, the area is also close to the Camelback Golf Club, Talking Stick Golf Club, and Starfire Golf Club.
All the golfing you can imagine is never more than a twenty-minute drive away. However, if you’re willing to drive a little farther, you’ll find plenty more golf clubs to enjoy in Scottsdale.
Central Scottsdale
Central Scottsdale is also known as the Shea Corridor as it runs along Shea Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in Scottsdale. It also has some of the best dining and shopping available in Scottdale.
Get Where You Need to, Fast
Shea Boulevard can get you where you need to go, and you’re never too far from anywhere in Central Scottsdale. Shea Boulevard offers easy access to any of the neighborhoods or attractions in Scottdale from this significant road.
It’s great for people visiting Scottsdale or Phoenix for business, as the boulevard can get you to your destination quickly, but you still have plenty of amenities available.
Looking for Fun? Don’t Look Too Far.
Central Scottsdale has plenty of up-and-coming vacation homes and rentals for you to peruse, never too far from shopping centers and parks.
The best places are near the high-end shopping centers of Kierland Commons and The Scottsdale Quarter, as they have plenty of great dining and shopping available.
Downtown Scottsdale
Downtown Scottsdale has a thriving nightlife that is perfect for a weekend getaway. Bars, dance floors, trendy restaurants, this area is hip and happening.
It sits just north of Old Town, so you can walk to Old Town, enjoy the historic district during the day, and then come downtown to party at night.
Take It Downtown
This is one of Scottsdale’s trendiest and chic areas, perfect for couples looking to getaway. Everything is within walking distance, and the area has everything from yoga to fusion restaurants.
Downtown has a bustling art and culture scene, making it perfect for those interested in both gallery and bar-hopping. If you’re in the mood for a leisurely walk, walk along the river to relax and take in the city sights and street performers.
Fashion Square: The Biggest Mall in Phoenix
Downtown Scottsdale is also home to the largest mall in Phoenix, nay in Arizona. It’s one of the largest malls in the US and is home to the best shopping in Phoenix: Fashion Square.
With over a hundred stores to explore and peruse, you can waste days on retail therapy within the square. Take your time to enjoy the unique boutiques and show-stopping fashion icons available.
Arcadia
So, funnily enough, Arcadia is a Phoenix zip code. However, its proximity to Scottdale usually means it’s lumped in with the area, even if it’s not technically a part.
Arcadia is an unusual mixture of large, secluded homes with interspersed shopping areas and natural wonder. It’s close to several prominent parks yet still has plenty of entertainment options available, perfect for nature enthusiasts and city goers alike.
The Best for Families
The sprawling nature of Arcadia, in both its homes and scenery, makes it perfect for families looking to stay in Phoenix. There are plenty of parks and trails for family adventures, and the large houses give everyone plenty of space for themselves. The vacation rentals are on the pricier side, but it’s well worth it, especially if you can snag one with a swimming pool.
All the Outdoor Adventure You Want
The significant leaf-lined streets of Arcadia are the dream of all nature lovers. It sits just north of the Arizona Canal Trail that follows along the river. It’s also close to Camelback Mountain and Echo Canyon, making it easy to get to some of the top hikes in Arizona.
Arcadia offers easy access to the countryside and Sonora desert, great for hiking and family adventure.
Paradise Valley
Again, Paradise Valley is not technically Scottsdale, but it’s so close it’s a moot point. More importantly, if you are looking for a luxurious hideaway, this area is perfect. This area has high-end shopping and dining that match the magnificent state-of-the-art homes in this district.
Paradise Valley has its golf course and Camelback Golf Course and is close to Phoenix Mountains Preserve which has plenty of hiking trails to explore. The area is also dotted with several parks and trails, making it great for nature lovers.
Large and Luxurious
Paradise Valley is home to some of the largest homes and Phoenix, and they’ve given plenty of room to breathe. This is the place to be if you’re looking to get away from everything.
The nature of the area has plenty of cacti and even some saguaro cacti for you to admire and photograph, and there are plenty of mountain views in this area, filled with boulders and desert oasis.
Tackle Some Famous Hikes
Paradise Valley has some of the best hiking available in nearby parks and dotted around the area, including the famous Praying Monk hike on Camelback Mountain.
Don’t forget to explore the expansive Phoenix Mountain Preserve to explore the local flora and fauna.
Scottsdale: A Great Place To Visit or Live
As you can see, there are some incredible places to stay and visit in Scottsdale, AZ. It’s home to fantastic shopping experiences, historical Wild West vibes, chic art scenes, and wonderful nature.
Scottsdale has it all and can accommodate any trip, from budget vacations to excessive business trips. Just make sure you pick based on what you want to see and do, so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest if you wish to do some hardcore hiking, the best retail therapy available, or take in the historical and cultural sights of Scottsdale.
