Scottsdale : Arizona

What Scottsdale is like for active adults

When many affluent people think of Arizona, the first town that comes to mind is Scottsdale. The New York Times referred to it as the Miami South Beach of the west. This fast-growing and well-to-do town was one of the first suburban outgrowths of Phoenix. Its setting in the desert by the McDowell Mountains is spectacular. So is the infrastructure that has been built up - everything from luxury hotels to green golf courses to world class art and shopping is readily available.

There are many active adult communities in the area, including neighboring Paradise Valley. Average home prices have fallen since 2006, according to trulia.com the median selling price is about $355,000 in September 2008. That compares to the median price in the greater Phoenix area of $178,600 in September, 2008; down from $264,100 in mid 2006.

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What is special about this retirement community

Scottsdale is an extremely affluent community with low crime rate and every kind of cultural and recreational attraction. Shopping and hotels are world-class. The Arizona Biltmore Hotel is a tourist attraction, and so is Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's former winter home, studio, and school.

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What is not special about this retirement community

It is very expensive, and ungodly hot in summer

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What kinds of people like retiring here

For the most part, very affluent people live here, including many retirees. People who like the arts, shopping, and golf and tennis will find much to like here.

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Local economy is driven by

Tourism is a major driver of the Scottsdale economy.

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Climate and Physical Environment

Scottsdale is northwest of Phoenix, north of Paradise Valley and south of newer Carefree. It is in the McDowell Mountains and the desert scenery is wonderful.

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Cultural environment

Scottsdale Junior College and the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture are just 2 of the institutions of higher learning in Scottsdale, let alone the Phoenix metro. Wright's Taliesin (home and studio) is one of the top cultural tourist attractions in the West. Scottsdale's performing arts district features the Scottsdale Center for the Arts, which hosts musicals and plays. There are more than 125 art galleries in Scottsdale. The Scottsdale Gallery Association sponsors a weekly Art Walk. Scottsdale celebrates its cowboy heritage with the Scottsdale Jaycees Parada del Sol.

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Medical facilities

There are at least 2 hospitals in Scottsdale (Scottsdale Healthcare has 2 locations) and dozens of others in the metropolitan area. Scottsdale's concentration of well-off retired people means that the area has been a magnet for doctors, every specialty is amply represented.

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Transportation

Scottsdale is about 15 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. There is metro bus service

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Valuable Links

Taliesin West
Arizona retirement guide
Wikipedia for Scottsdale

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Facts about SCOTTSDALE

State: AZ
Environment: Suburban,Mountains,Desert,
City Population: 100,001+
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 41-60
Median HH Income: 60,001-80,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $300,001-$500,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 81-90 (low)
Cost of Living Index: 111-120 (high)
Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: Boomer1

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