Updated September 2026: Scottsdale is not one uniform housing market. South Scottsdale, Old Town, central Scottsdale, north Scottsdale, and the far-north desert communities offer different combinations of home styles, walkability, commute patterns, views, lot sizes, and community rules.
The best place to begin is not with a ranking. Start with how you want to live, where you need to travel, what type of home you prefer, and the total monthly cost you are comfortable carrying. Then compare specific neighborhoods and properties against those priorities.
Where to live in Scottsdale: the quick answer
Choose the part of Scottsdale that solves your most important tradeoffs:
- South Scottsdale: Compare established homes and convenient access toward Tempe, Old Town, and Loop 101.
- Old Town: Compare condos, townhomes, and nearby single-family pockets when restaurants, events, and a more walkable daily routine matter.
- Central Scottsdale: Compare established master-planned communities, the greenbelt, golf, and access to both Old Town and north Scottsdale.
- North Scottsdale: Compare newer master-planned communities, golf options, desert views, and proximity to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
- Far north Scottsdale: Compare custom homes, gated or golf communities, larger desert settings, and longer drives to other parts of the Valley.
Area | Housing and setting | Questions to verify |
|---|---|---|
South Scottsdale | Established homes, mid-century properties, condos, townhomes | Renovation quality, traffic, flight-path awareness, commute |
Old Town | Condos, townhomes, luxury condominium buildings, nearby single-family homes | Noise, parking, events, HOA budget, walkability from exact address |
Central Scottsdale | Established planned communities, patio homes, condos, single-family homes | HOA rules, golf or lake proximity, greenbelt access, renovation history |
North Scottsdale | Master-planned communities, golf properties, newer homes, desert views | Commute, HOA structure, view protection, wildfire and wash conditions |
Far north Scottsdale | Custom homes, gated communities, larger lots, desert and mountain settings | Drive time, utilities, septic where applicable, private roads, desert maintenance |
Five Scottsdale areas to compare
1. South Scottsdale
South Scottsdale generally offers older housing stock than the city’s northern communities, including single-story homes built in the mid-20th century along with condos and townhomes. Some properties have been substantially renovated; others may still need updates. That range makes inspection quality and renovation documentation more useful than a broad claim about affordability.
Access toward Tempe, Old Town, Arizona State University, Papago Park, and Loop 101 can be practical from many locations. Walkability varies sharply by block, so map actual sidewalks and destinations rather than relying on an area label.
For an older home, review the roof, HVAC, electrical panel, plumbing or sewer line, windows, insulation, additions, permits, and any evidence of prior remodeling. Compare a lower initial purchase price with the cost and disruption of future improvements.
2. Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town is a collection of districts rather than a single neighborhood. Housing can range from older condos and nearby single-family homes to newer luxury condominium buildings. Restaurants, galleries, shopping, nightlife, events, and civic destinations are concentrated in the area, but the experience changes based on how close a property is to busy streets or entertainment venues.
If walkability is important, test the route from the exact building. Review shade, crossings, summer comfort, parking, delivery access, event traffic, and nighttime activity. Condo buyers should study the HOA budget, reserves, insurance, pending assessments, rental rules, pet rules, parking allocation, and responsibility for building systems.
The city’s Old Town Scottsdale Character Area Plan provides official context about the area’s boundaries, districts, and planning framework.
3. Central Scottsdale
Central Scottsdale includes established communities such as McCormick Ranch and Scottsdale Ranch, along with smaller subdivisions and condo or patio-home options. Many buyers compare this part of the city for access to the Scottsdale greenbelt, golf, shopping, medical services, and routes toward both Old Town and north Scottsdale.
Community design and HOA structures vary. A home may back to a greenbelt, golf course, lake, arterial road, or another property, and each setting brings different benefits and maintenance questions. Verify membership requirements, course or lake responsibilities, paths, flood or drainage context, view corridors, and the rules governing exterior changes.
Scottsdale’s paths and trails information can help you understand the public network, but confirm access from the individual home.
4. North Scottsdale
North Scottsdale contains communities such as Grayhawk, DC Ranch, and McDowell Mountain Ranch, plus golf, gated, and non-gated neighborhoods with a wide range of home types. Desert and mountain views become a larger part of many searches, while trips to Old Town, Phoenix, or the airport may take longer.
When a view is important, examine the lot orientation and surrounding parcels; never assume an open view is permanently protected. Review washes, drainage, wildfire awareness, native desert maintenance, roof and exterior exposure, and community design rules. For gated or amenity-rich communities, understand exactly what the HOA fee covers and whether club access requires a separate membership.
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve encompasses more than 30,500 acres and over 230 miles of trails, according to the City of Scottsdale. Trailhead proximity can be a meaningful benefit, but it can also affect weekend traffic and parking near certain locations.
5. Far north Scottsdale
Areas around Pinnacle Peak, Troon, Terravita, Desert Highlands, and Desert Mountain can offer custom architecture, gated or golf-community options, larger lots, and broad desert or mountain views. The distance from central Scottsdale is part of the lifestyle and should be measured against the places you visit most.
Custom and semi-rural properties may have more complex due diligence. Confirm water and wastewater arrangements, private-road responsibilities, security or gate procedures, club and golf membership terms, hillside or wash conditions, and maintenance expectations for extensive desert landscaping. Some homes may use septic systems, and ownership costs can vary greatly with home size and amenities.
How to choose the right Scottsdale area
Start with the trips you make most
Test realistic drive times to work, schools or childcare if relevant, medical appointments, the airport, and your most frequent destinations. Scottsdale’s north-south shape means two homes within the same city can create very different daily routines. The city’s Transportation Action Plan and map center provide useful official context.
Compare total cost, not just asking price
Include mortgage, property taxes, insurance, HOA dues, utilities, pool and landscape care, club membership if desired, and expected repairs. Condos require close attention to association finances and insurance. Larger luxury homes may involve multiple HVAC systems, extensive roofs, pools, gates, elevators, or specialty equipment.
Define the view and outdoor experience you want
“Mountain view” can mean a distant view, a partial view between homes, or direct proximity to desert open space. Visit at different times of day, check sun orientation, review nearby parcels, and understand that a view may change unless protected by ownership, easement, or regulation.
Review the neighborhood rules
Scottsdale includes communities with detailed architectural standards as well as neighborhoods without an HOA. Review parking, rental, remodeling, landscaping, solar, pet, and amenity rules before the applicable deadlines. The city’s neighborhood-planning resources add public context but do not replace HOA documents or title review.
Frequently asked questions about where to live in Scottsdale
What part of Scottsdale is closest to Tempe and Phoenix?
South Scottsdale generally provides the most direct access toward Tempe and central Phoenix, but the best route depends on the exact address and destination. Test it during your normal travel hours.
Which Scottsdale area is most walkable?
Old Town contains Scottsdale’s strongest concentration of restaurants, shops, events, and civic destinations, while some central communities connect to paths and neighborhood services. Walkability still varies by property, crossings, shade, and the destinations you use.
Where can I find newer homes in Scottsdale?
Much of the city’s newer master-planned development is in north Scottsdale, although renovated homes and newer condo projects appear elsewhere. Always compare construction date with actual condition and improvement quality.
Where should I look for desert and mountain views?
North and far north Scottsdale offer many desert-edge and mountain-view opportunities. Views are lot-specific, so inspect the orientation, elevation, nearby parcels, and any applicable easements or development plans.
Do all Scottsdale neighborhoods have HOAs?
No. Some have no HOA, while others have master and sub-associations or separate club memberships. Fees, services, reserves, and restrictions differ, so review each community individually.
Is Old Town only condos?
No. Old Town and the surrounding area include condos, townhomes, luxury condominium buildings, and nearby single-family neighborhoods. The mix changes by district and block.
How should I research future development near a Scottsdale home?
Start with the City of Scottsdale’s official maps, planning pages, and case information. Identify the parcel and status of any proposal, and remember that an application or plan is not the same as a completed project.
Compare Scottsdale with a local relocation strategy
If you are deciding where to live in Scottsdale, I can help you narrow the search to the areas that match your commute, home style, views, amenities, and ownership budget. Start with the Scottsdale community guide, read the pros and cons of living in Scottsdale, explore the Phoenix-area city guide, or visit the relocation page to plan a focused tour.
Sources reviewed: City of Scottsdale Old Town Character Area Plan, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Transportation Action Plan, maps, paths and trails, and neighborhood-planning resources. Plans, rules, projects, fees, and access can change; verify current details with the appropriate city department, HOA, provider, or property professional.
