Looking for Scottsdale homes for sale? The city offers a range of housing options, including master-planned communities, golf course properties, and affordable single-family homes. Whether you're interested in new construction homes or charming resale properties, Scottsdale has it all.

Events and things to do December 2025 in Scottsdale

Popular Neighborhoods in Scottsdale:

Old Town Scottsdale – Lively downtown hub with shops, restaurants, galleries, and nightlife.

McCormick Ranch – Established master-planned community with lakes, greenbelts, and golf.

Gainey Ranch – Upscale gated golf community with resort-style amenities and central location.

DC Ranch – Luxury master-planned community at the base of the McDowell Mountains with village-style centers.

Grayhawk – North Scottsdale community featuring golf courses, parks, and convenient freeway access.

McDowell Mountain Ranch – Scenic hillside neighborhood with mountain views, trails, and community amenities.

Troon North – Desert golf community known for custom homes, dramatic boulders, and panoramic views.

Desert Mountain – Guard-gated luxury enclave with multiple private golf courses and high-desert scenery.

Scottsdale Ranch – Lake-centered community offering parks, recreation, and a variety of home styles.

Kierland (Scottsdale area) – Mixed-use area with condos, golf, and walkable access to Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter.

Annual Events in Scottsdale, Arizona

WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale - Often called “The Greatest Show on Grass,” this PGA Tour event brings huge crowds, top golfers, and a week-long party to Scottsdale every winter.

Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction - Each January, car enthusiasts from around the world flock to WestWorld of Scottsdale to bid on classic, exotic, and one-of-a-kind vehicles.

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show - This world-famous show brings top Arabian horses, trainers, and breeders to WestWorld every February for competitions, exhibitions, and family-friendly fun.

Scottsdale Arts Festival - Held each spring in Old Town Scottsdale, this multi-day festival features fine art, live music, food, and interactive experiences in a walkable, vibrant setting.

Scottsdale Culinary Festival - A long-running food and drink festival that showcases local restaurants, chefs, and breweries with tastings, demos, and live entertainment.

Canal Convergence - Each fall, the Scottsdale Waterfront comes alive with large-scale public art installations, light displays, performances, and interactive experiences along the canal.

Scottsdazzle Holiday Events - From late November through December, Old Town Scottsdale hosts festive light displays, holiday markets, themed ArtWalks, and family events.

Scottsdale International Film Festival - This annual fall film festival screens independent, foreign, and award-winning movies at local theaters, attracting film lovers from across the Valley.

Celebration of Fine Art - A seasonal art show where you can watch more than 100 artists create and display their work on-site in an open, gallery-style setting.

Scottsdale Ferrari / Luxury Art & Auto Events - Select weekends throughout the year spotlight high-end art, exotic cars, and luxury lifestyle experiences—often based at WestWorld or nearby venues.

Top-Rated Schools:

Scottsdale has access to a wide range of education options, including highly regarded public, charter, private, and special needs schools. Availability, ratings, and boundaries change over time, so buyers should always verify details directly with schools and districts.

Public Schools (Scottsdale Unified & Nearby)

Desert Mountain High School (9–12) – Known for strong academics, advanced programs, and solid college preparation.

Chaparral High School (9–12) – Established Scottsdale high school with a long track record in academics, arts, and athletics.

Cherokee Elementary School (K–5) – Neighborhood elementary with an active parent community and strong academic reputation.

Sequoya Elementary School (K–5) – Well-regarded for its supportive environment and consistent performance.

Redfield Elementary School (K–5) – STEM-leaning campus with a focus on math, science, and technology.

Copper Ridge School (K–8) – K–8 option in north Scottsdale offering a “traditional” academic structure and community feel.

Charter Schools

BASIS Scottsdale (4–12) – College-prep charter school recognized for its rigorous, STEM-focused curriculum.

Scottsdale Preparatory Academy (6–12) – Great Hearts charter with a classical, liberal arts model and seminar-style classes.

Great Hearts Cicero Prep (6–12) – Classical charter emphasizing critical thinking, literature, and philosophy.

Mission Montessori Academy (K–8) – Public charter using a Montessori approach with multi-age classrooms.

Candeo North Scottsdale (K–8) – Smaller charter school known for high academic expectations and a close-knit campus.

Private Schools

Rancho Solano Preparatory School (PK–12) – Independent college-prep school with IB options and a focus on individualized learning.

Pardes Jewish Day School (K–8) – Private day school combining general studies with Judaic education and community life.

Notre Dame Preparatory High School (9–12) – Catholic high school offering college-prep academics and competitive athletics.

Alpha School Scottsdale (K–8) – Mastery-based private school using tech-forward, individualized learning models.

Thunderbird Adventist Academy (9–12) – Faith-based boarding and day high school with a long-standing presence in the area.

(Many Scottsdale families also look just outside city limits to nearby private options that serve the greater Scottsdale/Phoenix area.)

Special Needs & Specialized Schools

Sierra School of Scottsdale – Serves students with academic, behavioral, and emotional needs with highly individualized instruction.

LEARN Academy (Scottsdale) – Autism-focused school using evidence-based approaches and individualized education plans.

The United School for Autism – Private school dedicated to students on the autism spectrum with tailored programs and supports.

Gateway Academy (nearby) – Specialized school for twice-exceptional and neurodivergent students, serving families across the Valley.

Scottsdale Unified Special Education & Early Childhood Programs – SUSD offers district-wide special education services, related therapies, and specialized preschool options for eligible students.

Quick Disclaimer:
School information, programs, and ratings change over time. This list is for general relocation and neighborhood research only and is not a guarantee of quality, fit, or availability. Buyers should confirm current boundaries, offerings, and performance directly with schools, districts, or the Arizona Department of Education.

Scottsdale Economy & 2026 Business Growth Outlook

Scottsdale is one of the strongest economic engines in Greater Phoenix, with population growth running about 3x the U.S. average, nearly 60% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a median household income around $86,000 (about 40% above the U.S. average). The city has an unusually high concentration of “knowledge businesses” and targets six core sectors: corporate headquarters, IT/software, financial & insurance services, healthcare innovation, logistics, and tourism. (ScottsdaleAZ)

Tourism will remain a major pillar in 2026. In 2024, Scottsdale welcomed more than 11 million visitors, generating roughly $3.7 billion in economic impact and supporting about 36,000 jobs in hospitality and related industries. A recent city report found that for every $1 the city spent on visitor-related services, it received about $1.42 in revenue, underscoring how events, resorts, golf, and Old Town nightlife continue to fuel local tax bases and service jobs. (Signals AZ)

Looking ahead, most forecasts point to steady but not explosive growth in 2026. The University of Arizona’s Economic & Business Research Center expects Arizona to see slow gains in 2025 with modest acceleration in 2026–27, assuming the U.S. avoids a recession. (Eller College of Management) Comerica’s 2026 Arizona outlook similarly calls for a rebound in state economic growth next year, driven by the AI and data-center boom and ongoing capital investment, even as employment growth cools slightly in mature sectors like healthcare, tourism, and government. (Comerica) State employment projections from the Office of Economic Opportunity still show Arizona adding roughly 450,000+ jobs between 2024 and 2034, implying low-to-mid single-digit annual job growth over the coming decade. (oeo.az.gov)

For Scottsdale specifically, the Phoenix–Mesa–Scottsdale metro just finished a run of solid performance: nonfarm employment exceeded 2.5 million jobs, adding about 33–40k jobs in 2024, with healthcare, government, transportation, education, and real estate leading gains. (GPEC) Inflation in the metro has cooled to about 1.4% year-over-year, well below the national average, which supports real income growth and consumer spending heading into 2026. (AZ Big Media)

What 2026 Likely Means for Businesses in Scottsdale

Barring a national recession or major policy shock, 2026 in Scottsdale will likely be characterized by:

Moderate job growth, above the U.S. average – Region-wide forecasts point to continued employment gains, but at a more sustainable pace than the post-COVID surge, with Greater Phoenix still ranking among the country’s healthier labor markets. (Analyst Resource Center)

Ongoing strength in tech, finance, and corporate HQ activity – Scottsdale’s 5-year economic plan explicitly prioritizes corporate headquarters, IT/services, fintech, and healthcare innovation; venture capital and startup activity around SkySong and the Cure Corridor should keep the city competitive for high-wage office jobs. (ScottsdaleAZ)

A stable but evolving tourism and events base – With tourism already generating billions in annual impact, 2026 is expected to see continued visitor demand anchored by events like the WM Phoenix Open, Barrett-Jackson, and Canal Convergence, even if hospitality hiring grows more slowly than in previous years. (ScottsdaleAZ)

Construction and real estate tied to AI, chips, and data centers – Statewide forecasts call for about 50,000 housing units added in 2026 as mortgage rates ease, and Greater Phoenix is emerging as a national hub for semiconductors and AI-related infrastructure—benefiting contractors, professional services, and higher-income housing demand across the Valley, including Scottsdale. (Comerica)

Risks & Constraints to Watch

Key headwinds for 2026 include:

Housing and land-use debates – High-profile projects such as Axon’s proposed corporate campus and apartments highlight local tensions over density, housing supply, and “highest and best use” of remaining sites—factors that can influence where future employers choose to expand. (Axios)

Water and infrastructure – Long-term Arizona outlooks assume water does not become a binding constraint, but concerns about resource availability and infrastructure funding remain part of any serious business-growth discussion. (Eller College of Management)

National policy and interest rates – State and metro forecasts hinge on the U.S. avoiding a recession and seeing gradual rate cuts; sharper-than-expected slowdown or policy shocks could dampen tourism, in-migration, and corporate investment. (reuters.com)

Scottsdale enters 2026 with a diversified, high-income, knowledge-driven economy, a tourism sector that’s “firing on all cylinders,” and regional forecasts calling for steady, above-average growth—tempered by local debates over housing, land use, and long-term infrastructure.

Axios

Axios

The Verge

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Outdoor Recreation & Parks in Scottsdale

Scottsdale is built for outdoor lovers, with sunny weather most of the year, easy-access desert trails, and a long string of green parks running through town.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve – A permanently protected desert preserve with 11+ trailheads and over 230 miles of shared-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, all set against classic Sonoran Desert scenery. (ScottsdaleAZ)

Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt – An 11-mile “emerald corridor” of parks, lakes, paths, and golf courses stretching through central Scottsdale, ideal for biking, jogging, dog walks, and family time. (ScottsdaleAZ)

Chaparral Park & Lake – One of Scottsdale’s most popular city parks, with a large lake, walking paths, sports fields, dog park, and playgrounds along the greenbelt. (Experience Scottsdale)

Scottsdale Civic Center – A redesigned downtown park space with lawns, public art, splash features, and walkable access to Old Town’s shops, galleries, and restaurants. (Experience Scottsdale)

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park – A unique family park featuring a vintage railroad, miniature train rides, museum exhibits, playgrounds, and open green space. (Experience Scottsdale)

Thompson Peak & Neighborhood Parks – Smaller community parks like Thompson Peak, Cactus Park, Sonoran Hills, and others offer ball fields, playgrounds, splash pads, and open turf for everyday play. (Experience Scottsdale)

Beyond parks, residents enjoy golf, desert hiking, mountain biking, hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, and river experiences on nearby stretches of the Salt and Verde rivers—making Scottsdale a great fit for active lifestyles year-round. (Experience Scottsdale)

If you want, I can also draft a quick safety / heat-warning sidebar for desert hiking that you can reuse on other city pages.

Real Estate Market Trends in Scottsdale, AZ

5 Strategies to sell your home fast (blog)

Scottsdale remains one of the higher-priced, in-demand markets in Greater Phoenix. As of late 2025, the median sold price is around the mid-$800s, with a median listing price near $1.1M, putting Scottsdale well above the Arizona average. Redfin+2Realtor+2

After several years of rapid appreciation, prices have mostly flattened out. Recent data shows Scottsdale’s median sale price around $860,000, down roughly 1–2% year-over-year, while Zillow’s home value index sits around $830,000, off less than 1% from a year ago. Redfin+1 Homes are still selling, but with a bit more breathing room: typical days on market now run about 40–65 days, a touch longer than in 2024. Redfin+1

Inventory has climbed compared with last year, and many Scottsdale and metro-Phoenix reports show active listings up around 20% year-over-year, while median prices are roughly flat and price-per-square-foot still edges higher by about 1%. Live Better in Arizona+2lessfeesmorevalue.com+2 On average, homes in Scottsdale sell a few percent below asking price, which points to a more balanced market where buyers have a bit more leverage, but well-priced homes still move. Realtor+1

The market is very neighborhood-driven. Luxury areas in North Scottsdale often see median prices around or above $1M and have softened more on a percentage basis, while some South Scottsdale / central areas have held steady or posted modest gains. Zillow+3Redfin+3Redfin+3 At the same time, Scottsdale continues to attract high-net-worth buyers, and the upper-end/luxury segment remains an important driver of sales activity. MySA

What This Means for Buyers & Sellers

For buyers: You’ll see more choice and a little more negotiating power than a couple of years ago, especially if you’re flexible on location or features.

For move-up and luxury buyers: Softer prices in some $1M+ segments can create opportunities that didn’t exist during the peak frenzy.

For sellers: Homes still sell, but strategy matters—accurate pricing, presentation, and concessions (when needed) are key in a more balanced market.

For investors/relocating buyers: Scottsdale’s long-term fundamentals (jobs, lifestyle, wealth migration) remain strong, even if short-term price growth is modest.

Market stats change quickly—this is a late-2025 snapshot. Anyone planning a move should request an up-to-date Scottsdale market report for their specific price range and neighborhood.

Commuting & Transportation: Easy Access to the Phoenix Metro Area

Scottsdale is mostly a drive-first city, but it’s still pretty commuter-friendly. The average one-way commute is about 21–22 minutes, noticeably shorter than the national average of 27+ minutes. (Data USA)

Driving & Freeways

Most residents drive alone to work, and key routes make it easy to reach the rest of the Valley: (Data USA)

Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) runs right through Scottsdale, connecting to Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and I-10. Recent widening between Princess Dr and Shea Blvd added new lanes in each direction to help improve traffic flow. (Wikipedia)

Major surface streets like Scottsdale Rd, Hayden, Shea, Pima, and Indian Bend/Frank Lloyd Wright give multiple north–south and east–west options.

Airport Access

The closest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), about 7–10 miles from downtown/Old Town Scottsdale—typically 15–25 minutes by car, depending on traffic and where you live in the city. (Experience Scottsdale)
Scottsdale also has Scottsdale Airport (SDL) for private and corporate aviation. (Experience Scottsdale)

Public Transit & Trolley

Scottsdale’s transit options are more limited than big metro cities, but there are still useful choices for getting around without a car:

The Scottsdale Trolley offers free neighborhood circulator routes that connect key areas of the city and link into Valley Metro bus lines. (ScottsdaleAZ)

Valley Metro provides regional bus service, light rail, paratransit, and park-and-ride options that connect Scottsdale to downtown Phoenix, Tempe, the airport, and other cities across the metro. (Valley Metro)

Biking & Greenbelts

For local trips, many residents use the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt and connected multi-use paths—an 11-mile corridor of parks, lakes, and trails that runs through the heart of Scottsdale and links several neighborhoods. (Rome2Rio)

Overall, Scottsdale offers easy freeway access, quick airport connections, and short average commute times, with just enough transit and bike options for those who want alternatives to driving.

Dining, Shopping & Entertainment

Scottsdale is a legit lifestyle city – big on food, fashion, and fun – with everything from Old Town wine bars and art walks to luxury malls, casinos, and spring training baseball.

Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town is the heart of it all: a walkable mix of restaurants, bars, art galleries, boutiques, museums, and public art packed into a few dense districts. (Experience Scottsdale)

On the northeast side of Old Town, the Entertainment District turns into a nightlife hub after dark, with a tight cluster of bars, lounges, and nightclubs that stay busy most nights of the week. (Old Town Scottsdale)

Shopping Hotspots

Scottsdale Fashion Square – Arizona’s largest and most upscale mall, with 200+ stores, luxury brands (Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Cartier, Gucci, etc.), a 14-screen Harkins theatre, and a long list of restaurants like Nobu, Ocean 44, Elephante, and more. (Scottsdale Fashion Square)

Kierland Commons & Scottsdale Quarter – North Scottsdale’s open-air lifestyle centers, built around a “Main Street” vibe with national brands, boutiques, patios, and popular spots like Mastro’s Ocean Club, Postino Winecafé, North Italia, and Tommy Bahama. (kierlandcommons.com)

Old Town Boutiques – South of Fashion Square, Old Town’s smaller shops offer Western wear, art, jewelry, and local makers for a more local, walkable shopping feel. (Experience Scottsdale)

Entertainment, Casinos & Spring Training

Just east of Scottsdale in Salt River is the Talking Stick Entertainment District – a major destination with Talking Stick Resort & Casino, Talking Stick Golf Club, shopping, dining, festivals, and family attractions. (Talking Stick Resort)

Baseball fans head to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, spring-training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies, with games, events, and fan experiences every Cactus League season. (Visit Phoenix)

Between Old Town nightlife, luxury shopping, resort dining, and the Talking Stick district, Scottsdale easily checks the boxes for dining, shopping, and entertainment for both locals and out-of-town visitors.

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