Scottsdale, named for U.S. Army Chaplain Winfield Scott, is an upscale community east of Phoenix and is world renowned vacation destination. Downtown Scottsdale has been described by The New York Times as "a desert version of Miami's South Beach" and as having "plenty of late night partying and a buzzing hotel scene". Chaplin Scott purchased 640 acres for a farm, and began recruiting other educated and cultured settlers from the east and Midwest.
Scottsdale has a public school system by 1896, and was becoming a community with a considerable number of artists and authors. It was developing into a very novel western community, as large farming and ranching operations were also an integral part of Scottsdale's culture. In 1937 Frank Lloyd Wright, bought 600 acres and began building Taliesin West, his winter home, and now the international headquarters for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Frank Lloyd Wright had a profound effect on the local architecture and is even immortalized for his contribution with Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard--a major thoroughfare in Scottsdale.
Scottsdale has over the years seen several population boom periods, but through careful and deliberate planning has managed to maintain and enhance its cultural identity as it has expanded. DC Ranch, a prominent cattle ranch in the area in the early days, is now an incredible master planned golf community. It has everything a resident could ask for, including two world class golf courses, interconnected greenbelts with meandering walking paths, simply incredible views of the McDowell Mountains, two country clubs and also Market Street with its boutiques, restaurants and distinctive shops.
McCormick Ranch, once the winter home of Anne McCormick and her beloved Arabians, is now one of the largest master planned communities in the Arizona. It is a community that sets the standard for such communities. Seven lakes, miles of walking paths, tennis courts, scenic views and two championship 18 hole golf courses make it a place 23,000 folks call home.
Want to saddle up your horse and go for a sunrise ride in the Tonto National Forest or the Scottsdale Preserve, and still be able to enjoy an evening on your patio taking in the glimmering city lights in the valley below, then Scottsdale is still where you want to be. Pinnacle Peak Heights, Goldie Brown Ranch and Rio Verde Foothills are just a few of the neighborhoods you can choose. Scottsdale is also the city to choose if you prefer a luxury condo near some of Arizona's most upscale boutiques and a lively and diverse nightlife.
Scottsdale is the place in the valley for a night out if you are looking for high-end happening nightclubs, lounges, bars, restaurants and hotels. It not only attracts valley residents, but the rich and famous also come here to enjoy the nightlife. Because they are all in downtown Scottsdale, the city recently began Scottsdale's Ultimate Block Party on New Year's Eve, attracting more than 25,000 revelers and growing. More than 40,000 enjoy club hopping every weekend, contributing significantly to Scottsdale's economy.
The average sales price for a single family home or condo in February 2010 was $432,704. This information is gleaned from MLS data, and while deemed reliable, is not guaranteed.
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