Despite an uneasy Real Estate market at large, the mass exodus from other parts of the country to sunny Scottsdale, Arizona continues unabated. Having swapped the title of fastest growing population back and forth with Nevada over the last several years, Arizona welcomed a net gain of 173,066 residents from July 1, 2006 - July 1, 2007. While lagging Nevada's rate of growth by .1% for this period (2.8 versus 2.9%), Arizona added over 100,000 more total residents than its northern neighbor. *
Scottsdale's population has grown from 202,705 in 2000 (US Census) to an estimated 240,410 in 2007.
So what exactly is it that keeps the one-way conveyor belt full? What intrinsic value of the Arizona lifestyle keeps folks coming in droves to the Valley of the Sun? Why does the city still nostalgically known as "The West's Most Western Town" continue to add labels such as the nation‘s "Most Livable City" and be amongst the "Top 100 Cities for Young People?"
Young people? In Arizona? Bet you didn't see that coming!
Let's examine why Scottsdale might appeal to people of all walks of life.
Is it the 330 days of crystal blue skies and sunshine? The sky so open that the occasional passing cloud is quickly chased away like tumbleweed through the desert? The average high temperatures of 85 degrees, and mere 7 & a half inches of annual rainfall?
Possibly.
Is it the Scottsdale Unified School District which routinely ranks atop the state in performance and outpaces local and national averages by a wide margin in critical categories such as SAT and ACT scoring? Which boasts an off the charts percentage of schools categorized as "excelling?"
Possibly.
Is it the vibrant nightlife and fine dining that boasts an inordinate amount of upscale eating establishments, wine bars and the like? Where you can't fall down without landing on the finest Fillet Mignon or Prickly Pear Margarita you have ever tasted? The more than 125 art galleries which make Scottsdale a bastion of high culture? Is it Taliesin West, the former winter home and school of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright which now serves as a popular tourist attraction?
Possibly.
Is it the golf? The more than 40 courses which can be found within Scottsdale‘s city limits alone? From Par 3 executive courses to PGA venues, there is something for every skill level. You are moving to Scottsdale, Arizona. It has to be for the golf, right?
Possibly.
Is it the strong local economy? The one with the ultra low unemployment figures and strong median income levels (median family income of $95,361 per 2006 estimates)? The one powered by tourism (39% of city workforce), convention revenue, 2ndhome buyers, strong aviation industry presence centered around the Scottsdale Airpark, medical field stalwarts such as the Mayo Clinic, etc? Notable businesses include the Fortune 500 company, Allied Waste, as well as Rural Metro (private fire protection), Go Daddy, Cold Stone Creamery and TASER International. Is it the strong job market and sought after Real Estate? **
Possibly.
Is it the shopping? The spender's paradise which boasts Kierland Commons, Fashion Square Mall, The Promenade, Old Town, Gainey Village, The Borgata, just to name a few? Where you will find that perfect something that you can't live without in every shop?
Possibly.
Is it the unbelievable location and access to the rest of the Valley? Minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport, Scottsdale is connected to the rest of the greater Phoenix area by freeway. Bisected by the Loop 101, previously distant reaches of the Valley such as Chandler/Mesa/Gilbert to the south and Glendale/Peoria to the west are now readily accessible. Could the prime central location be the reason for Scottsdale's popularity?
Possibly.
Is it the resorts? After all, being a resort town is what put Scottsdale on the map in the first place. With over 70 resorts and hotels, half of the Valley's resorts are located in Scottsdale. Might the lure of an afternoon at the Hyatt Regency's pool or the Westin Kierland's spa be the source of enticement? Is it afternoon tea and relaxation at The Phoenician? Reaching out to touch the mountains at The Four Seasons in Troon?
Possibly.
Is it the immediate access to escape from the daily grind? The ability to trade the heat of a July day for an afternoon in the high mountains with only an hour and a half's drive north as payment? Or to dip toes in the Pacific Ocean by making the 6 hour drive to San Diego? Heck, less distance than that puts a traveler on a lazy beach in Rocky Point, Mexico. Is it these convenient getaways that attract all of these new Scottsdale residents?
Possibly.
These are all very strong possibilities, but I think it boils down to something far more simple. Most people move to Scottsdale, Arizona for the very reasons that I have never left. Those reasons are hard to describe in words. Here is why this native son continues to call Scottsdale home after 33 years.
* Phoenix Business Journal
** Wikipedia
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Considering relocating to Scottsdale, Paradise Valley or Phoenix, Arizona? I would love to be of assistance. As a Valley native and 2nd generation Scottsdale Real Estate Agent, there is nothing I enjoy more than showing off the land that I love. For more information regarding any facet of your move, please feel free to visit my site, send me an email or call me today!
Paul Slaybaugh: proudly serving Scottsdale, Phoenix and Paradise Valley home buyers and sellers since 1999.
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