Scottsdale, Arizona, is one of the most popular suburbs in the Phoenix Metro Area. Considered to be one of the best places to raise a family, living in Scottsdale offers residents all the charm of “The West’s Most Western City,” along with safe streets, beautiful views, great places to eat and shop, and countless ways to get out and enjoy the beautiful Arizona sunshine. As a Phoenix local, we want you to know that there are different areas within Scottsdale that warrant a good look for prospective residents. Most have heard of Old Town Scottsdale, as that’s where the action is at. But let’s look at what it’s like living in Central Scottsdale Arizona.
All About Living in Central Scottsdale, Az:
What Types of Housing Will You Find in Central Scottsdale?
This sometimes overlooked part of Scottsdale has absolutely beautiful neighborhoods lying just outside of the hustle and bustle of the rest of Scottsdale. The property lots tend to be slightly bigger in the Central Scottsdale area, but by no means are they cheap. At a minimum, you might be lucky to find a barrier to entry around $500,000 to purchase a home in Central Scottsdale.
These homes are generally free standing dwellings, as opposed to apartments or condos. Because the houses are a bit bigger and you get a little bit more space, this price tag still doesn’t deter many who are looking for that family atmosphere while living in Scottsdale.
Master Planned Communities in Central Scottsdale:
As beautiful as Scottsdale is, it didn’t end up that way by accident. The lovely neighborhoods that dot Central Scottsdale vary from midcentury homes, all the way to new construction. But you would struggle to find a neighborhood in Scottsdale that looks old and run down. Even the older neighborhoods are extremely well kept.
Some of Central Scottsdale’s most popular neighborhoods are actually master-planned communities, such as McCormick Ranch and Gainey Ranch. McCormick Ranch, an area that was truly a ranch once upon a time, is now an extremely well established community with attractive housing, well maintained sidewalks, and a bustling little town-within-a-town, so to speak. Newer than McCormick Ranch, Gainey Ranch spans more than 560 acres, and has many smaller neighborhoods within it. The residential areas of master-planned communities are often gated, making them both quiet and private.
Learn More: Pros & Cons of Living in Scottsdale, Arizona
Central Scottsdale Parks and Recreation:
One of the greatest family friendly attributes of Central Scottsdale is McCormick Stillman Park. This park isn’t your average swing set and monkey bars park, either. Within this park nestled in the heart of Scottsdale, you can ride the Paradise & Pacific Railroad (a fun, interactive train ride fit for the whole family), or take a ride into history on one of the beautiful carousel animals rotating about in the park’s real, vintage 1950s carousel.
Hartley’s General Store serves concessions throughout the day for those who have worked up an appetite adventuring around the park, and year round McCormick Stillman Park hosts a variety of events such as summer concerts and fireworks displays. Be sure to not miss the beautiful festive decorations around Halloween and Christmas!
Golfing and Other Outings available in Central Scottsdale
With all this mention of family fun, grown-ups will need some activities too, right? Scottsdale is known for its great golfing opportunities, and Central Scottsdale really has it all. Within a three mile area, you can find many of the best golf courses the valley has to offer, such as the McCormick, Camelback and Silverado courses.
The Scottsdale Plaza Resort is another fantastic adult-centric place for a lovely little staycation. With five swimming pools, and hundreds of guest rooms, it’s easy to lose yourself in this desert oasis between the mountains. Take advantage of the full service day spa to help unwind, and top it off with some of the resorts to-die-for southwestern cuisine.
Learn More: Where Should You Live in Scottsdale, Arizona?
Restaurants in Central Scottsdale:
From a Brazilian steakhouse, to sushi, to casual café wraps, you can find just about anything in Central Scottsdale when it comes to delicious dining. Once again, don’t overlook this part of town for more well known food hubs, like Old Town Scottsdale. Yes, it’s great there, and there are a lot of options, but there’s plenty here as well!
Central Scottsdale is full of unique dining experiences, such as Pomo Cucina and Pizzeria, the only pizzeria in Arizona to serve truly authentic (certified, nonetheless!) Neapolitan pizza, baked right there in the giant pizza oven!
