Scottsdale, Phoenix's Upscale Suburb
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3/26/2006
Of the cities in the Valley of the Sun, Scottsdale has the most going for it. It has an established identity, though that is now harder to find. The city is larger in area than Chicago and it's hard to keep that identity intact. South Scottsdale, near Tempe, is really indistinguishable from Tempe. It's very middle class. Downtown Scottsdale is charming with art galleries, pedestrian-friendly shopping areas and parks. North of downtown is where the brunt of the resort and golf communities lie as well as the most established "Scottsdale" neighborhoods are. The familiar grid of the Valley's streets give way to meandering roads and lusher vegetation. North of this area (north of Shea Blvd. approximately) Scottsdale's expansive growth is evident. Here the city loses its identity with confusing streets, disconnected neighborhoods, etc. Extreme far north Scottsdale is the haven of the very wealthy, those who've left the desert intact and whose homes line prestigious golf courses. But this area is so far away from the center of town, it might as well be another place altogether. Still, a very good community to live in, one where people are proud to call it home.
Michael | Phoenix, AZ