Median Home
$700,000
Rent (1BR)
$1,700/mo
Cost of Living
120 / 100
Unemployment
3.2%
Sunny Days
299/yr
Walkability
Car-Dependent
What It's Really Like in Scottsdale
A luxury desert city with world-class spas, golf courses, and Old Town nightlife. Scottsdale attracts retirees, snowbirds, and tech workers with upscale living and 300+ days of sunshine.
Neighborhood Guide
Where to live in Scottsdale based on your lifestyle and budget.
Old Town
trendyEntertainment district with restaurants, galleries, and Scottsdale's most walkable nightlife.
Avg Rent
$2,000
Home Price
$500,000
Walkability
High
McCormick Ranch
family-friendlyEstablished community with lakes, paths, and proximity to everything.
Avg Rent
$1,800
Home Price
$600,000
Walkability
Low
North Scottsdale
upscaleDesert luxury with custom homes, mountain views, and exclusive gated communities.
Avg Rent
$2,200
Home Price
$900,000
Walkability
Low
South Scottsdale
affordableMore affordable entry to Scottsdale with growing dining and nightlife.
Avg Rent
$1,400
Home Price
$400,000
Walkability
Medium
Cost of Living Breakdown
Compared to the national average (100). Below 100 = cheaper, above 100 = more expensive.
Groceries
102
2% above avg
Housing
165
65% above avg
Transportation
102
2% above avg
Healthcare
100
At average
Utilities
108
8% above avg
Best Neighborhoods By Situation
Best for Families
- McCormick Ranch — $1,800/mo rent
Best for Young Professionals
- Old Town — $2,000/mo rent
Most Affordable
- South Scottsdale — $1,400/mo rent
- McCormick Ranch — $1,800/mo rent
Most Walkable
- Old Town — walkability: high
Getting Around Scottsdale
Walkability: Car-Dependent
Scottsdale is primarily car-dependent. You'll need a vehicle for most daily activities including commuting, shopping, and entertainment.
Airport: PHX
Scottsdale is served by PHX airport, connecting you to major domestic and international destinations. This is important if you travel frequently for work or want to visit family back home.
Jobs & Economy
Median Income
$88,213
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
State Income Tax
2.5%
Cost of Living Index
120
Top Industries
Tourism/HospitalityHealthcareTechnologyFinancial ServicesReal Estate
Major Employers
HonorHealthGeneral DynamicsVanguardNationwideCVS Health
Popular Routes to Scottsdale
People are moving to Scottsdale from these cities.
Scottsdale, AZScottsdale
2,770 miles50.4hr driveI-20 East
Scottsdale, AZScottsdale
474 miles8.6hr driveI-20 West
Scottsdale, AZScottsdale
1,876 miles34.1hr driveI-20 East
Scottsdale, AZScottsdale
1,308 miles23.8hr driveI-20 East
Scottsdale, AZScottsdale
12 miles0.2hr driveI-20 West
Scottsdale, AZScottsdale
2,690 miles48.9hr driveI-20 East
Scottsdale, AZScottsdale
1,091 miles19.8hr driveI-20 East
Scottsdale, AZScottsdale
400 miles7.3hr driveI-20 West
Scottsdale, AZScottsdale
1,139 miles20.7hr driveI-20 East
Moving from Scottsdale to Other States
Route guides from Scottsdale, AZ to every US state.
Scottsdale → CaliforniaScottsdale → TexasScottsdale → FloridaScottsdale → New YorkScottsdale → PennsylvaniaScottsdale → IllinoisScottsdale → OhioScottsdale → GeorgiaScottsdale → North CarolinaScottsdale → MichiganScottsdale → New JerseyScottsdale → VirginiaScottsdale → WashingtonScottsdale → MassachusettsScottsdale → TennesseeScottsdale → IndianaScottsdale → MarylandScottsdale → MissouriScottsdale → WisconsinScottsdale → ColoradoScottsdale → MinnesotaScottsdale → South CarolinaScottsdale → AlabamaScottsdale → LouisianaScottsdale → KentuckyScottsdale → OregonScottsdale → OklahomaScottsdale → ConnecticutScottsdale → UtahScottsdale → IowaScottsdale → NevadaScottsdale → ArkansasScottsdale → MississippiScottsdale → KansasScottsdale → New MexicoScottsdale → NebraskaScottsdale → IdahoScottsdale → West VirginiaScottsdale → HawaiiScottsdale → New HampshireScottsdale → MaineScottsdale → Rhode IslandScottsdale → MontanaScottsdale → DelawareScottsdale → South DakotaScottsdale → North DakotaScottsdale → AlaskaScottsdale → District of ColumbiaScottsdale → VermontScottsdale → Wyoming
Moving from Scottsdale to Metro Areas
Route guides from Scottsdale to major metropolitan areas.
Scottsdale → New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJScottsdale → Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CAScottsdale → Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-INScottsdale → San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CAScottsdale → Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TXScottsdale → Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WVScottsdale → Trenton-Princeton, NJScottsdale → Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CTScottsdale → Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MDScottsdale → Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FLScottsdale → Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZScottsdale → Vallejo, CAScottsdale → Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TXScottsdale → Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WAScottsdale → Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MDScottsdale → Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WAScottsdale → Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NHScottsdale → Denver-Aurora-Centennial, COScottsdale → Kenosha, WIScottsdale → Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
Moving from Scottsdale to Major Cities
Route guides from Scottsdale to the largest US cities.
Scottsdale → New York, NYScottsdale → Los Angeles, CAScottsdale → Chicago, ILScottsdale → Houston, TXScottsdale → Phoenix, AZScottsdale → Philadelphia, PAScottsdale → San Antonio, TXScottsdale → San Diego, CAScottsdale → Dallas, TXScottsdale → Austin, TXScottsdale → San Jose, CAScottsdale → Jacksonville, FLScottsdale → Fort Worth, TXScottsdale → Columbus, OHScottsdale → Charlotte, NCScottsdale → Indianapolis, INScottsdale → San Francisco, CAScottsdale → Seattle, WAScottsdale → Denver, COScottsdale → Nashville, TNScottsdale → Oklahoma City, OKScottsdale → Washington, DCScottsdale → El Paso, TXScottsdale → Boston, MAScottsdale → Portland, ORScottsdale → Las Vegas, NVScottsdale → Memphis, TNScottsdale → Louisville, KYScottsdale → Baltimore, MDScottsdale → Milwaukee, WI
Your Scottsdale Newcomer Checklist
A 30-60-90 day plan to get settled in your new city.
30
First 30 Days
- Update your driver's license & vehicle registration
- Register to vote at your new address
- Set up utilities (electric, water, internet)
- Find a primary care doctor & dentist
- Open a local bank account if needed
- Explore your neighborhood on foot
60
Days 30–60
- Join a local gym, club, or meetup group
- Try restaurants in different neighborhoods
- Find your go-to grocery store & pharmacy
- Learn the best commute routes & shortcuts
- Attend a local event or festival
- Meet your neighbors — introduce yourself
90
Days 60–90
- Establish a weekend routine (parks, brunch spots)
- Build a professional network in your industry
- Find a favorite coffee shop to work from
- Explore day-trip destinations nearby
- Start feeling like a local — give directions!
- Invite friends & family to visit your new home