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Originally Posted On: https://segovia.properties/the-pros-and-cons-of-living-in-scottsdale-az/

 

There’s a reason why nearly a quarter of a million people live in Scottsdale, AZ. The city has expanded from a go-to retirement destination to a vibrant desert community.

While there are plenty of benefits that come with living in Scottsdale, it’s important to remember that Arizona isn’t for everyone. There are certainly some cons that you’ll want to keep in mind before you move out.

That’s why we made this helpful guide for you. In it, we’ll break down all of the pros and cons that come when you move to Scottsdale. That way, you can make an informed decision on the best option for you and your family.

Pros of Living in Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale is more than just a jewel in the middle of the desert. It’s a vibrant city that caters to upper-middle-class and affluent families and individuals. In this section, we’ll explore some of the benefits you’ll receive if you decide to make it your home.

There Are Great Schools

If you’re bringing your kids to Scottsdale, you don’t need to worry about their education. There are thirty-one public schools in the city. Each of these ranks high on standardized testing scores.

What’s more, the Scottsdale Unified School District boasts an impressive 92% graduation rate for its public schools.

There are also private school options in the area. However, the public schools in the city have much higher reading and math scores than other parts of the country. As such, public schools in the city are a great option for new families.

The Weather is Fantastic

Hate cold winters? If so, Scottsdale is absolutely the place for you. From Fall through Winter, the average temperature remains around a comfortable 72 degrees.

The heat can indeed reach extremes (after all Scottsdale is in a desert). But the good news is that because it’s a desert the temperature cools off once the sun goes down.

So if the heat is unbearable during the days, it can be pleasant in the evenings. The frequent good weather is great because it gives you a chance to explore the incredible hiking and climbing spots in the area around Scottsdale.

Excellent Variety of Entertainment

Looking for some fun on your day off? Scottsdale truly has something for everyone. Sports fans will be impressed by the variety of arenas and events happening around town.

Or maybe you feel like checking out some art? Multiple galleries specialize in Southwestern art that you can view or buy. If you’re looking to be social on a night out you can enjoy the many great restaurants and clubs that Scottsdale has to offer.

Best of all, multiple recreational events are happening every night in Scottsdale. You can check them all out by visiting the government’s official page.

Fantastic Selection of Luxury Housing

The Arizona housing market in Scottsdale consistently rates high when it comes to luxury real estate. There’s a huge concentration of high-end Arizona real estate that’s attracted a wide variety of celebrities and affluent individuals. However, don’t let that intimidate you.

As long as you have the money you’ll have no problem finding the perfect property in the city.

Best of all, real estate isn’t the only thing that’s devoted to luxury. There’s also a large number of triple-A hotels and resorts. Just make sure you study what to know before purchasing one of these luxury homes.

The Job Market is Booming

There are plenty of high-paying jobs available in Scottsdale, particularly if you specialize in the financial sector. That being said, there are also plenty of openings available in aviation, healthcare, and tourism.

If you aren’t moving to Scottsdale because of a job, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a good one.

Cons of Living in Scottsdale, AZ

Unfortunately, many of the things that make Scottsdale, Arizona attractive can also be a drawback. The biggest example here is the climate, which is often the cause of some uncomfortable days.

However, the high cost of living can also be a hurdle for many families. Let’s take a closer look at some of the cons of living in Arizona.

It Can Get Quite Hot in the Summer

Arizona has been in the headlines recently due to extreme heat during the summer and Scottsdale certainly isn’t immune to it. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to reach over 120 degrees during the peak of summer, making it one of the hottest places to live.

The good news is that all homes and buildings are equipped with robust air conditioning units. The bad news is that sometimes you still need to go outside for a commute or groceries. When you do, the heat can be quite uncomfortable to deal with.

The City Experiences Frequent Droughts

It’s important to remember that Scottsdale is in the middle of a desert. So, it doesn’t get much rainfall. On top of that, experts say it’s been experiencing a drought that’s lasted over a thousand years.

The good news is that Scottsdale has been able to get most of its water needs from the Colorado River.

The bad news is that intense human demand and a changing climate mean that the Colorado River is drying up. As such, places downstream like Scottsdale will be the first to feel the effects of this.

The Public Transportation System Isn’t Great

There aren’t a lot of bus stops in Scottsdale. What’s more, it’s spread out and they require a lot of wait time.

If you’re waiting in +120-degree heat while waiting for public transportation it might make you think twice about living there. That’s why if you’re moving to Scottsdale it’s almost a requirement to own a car.

It’s Expensive

We mentioned that Scottsdale has a huge selection of luxury homes. Well, sadly that comes with a downside as well. The price of housing can be quite expensive.

If you’re working an average middle-class job, you might find it hard to get something affordable. The good news is that things like groceries, utilities, and healthcare aren’t that expensive compared to other places in the country.

There Are Lots of Desert Animals

The desert is home to a lot of wildlife that can sometimes negatively interact with the Scottsdale community. Rattlesnakes, bobcats, hawks, scorpions, coyotes, and spiders are just some of the things you need to look out for.

The good news is that if you’re living in your home these animals aren’t going to bother you if they’re not provoked. But they are something to look out for on hikes and outdoor trips.

What’s more, if you own pets or small animals you will need to protect them from coyotes and hawks. There have been horror stories of animals being carried off by these predators quite suddenly.

How to Find a Good Home in Scottsdale, AZ

If you’ve decided that the pros of Scottsdale outweigh the cons, then it’s time to find a new home. Unfortunately, if you go about this the wrong way the process can quickly get miserable.

So how do you find a good home in this city? The most important factor is finding a listing agent that specializes in the types of homes you like. For example, if you want luxury properties, then you should find a professional that deals in these types of homes.

The second most important thing is to be patient. If you try to rush the real estate process, you’re going to end up settling for a property you don’t care about. Sadly, this can be a challenge if you’re moving to the city for a job without time to buy the perfect home.

In these situations, we recommend renting for a short amount of time until you can find the best type of property to settle down in. If you want more tips on how to find the perfect home in Arizona, check out this guide here.

Thinking About Living in Scottsdale, AZ? Contact Segovia Property Group

We hope this guide teaches you more about the benefits and drawbacks of living in Scottsdale, Arizona. As you can see, whether or not Scottsdale appeals to you depends on two factors.

The first is your heat tolerance. The second is your income. If you can’t afford housing, transportation, or entertainment in Scottsdale, then you won’t have access to much of what makes the city great.

However, if you’re feeling the pull of Arizona, then it’s time to find a house. Those looking for the best luxury homes in Arizona’s Sun Valley are in the perfect place. Contact Segovia Property Group today and we’ll help you find exactly what you need.