Smack dab in the middle of central Arizona's Sonoran Desert one will discover Scottsdale, with its mountain preserves surrounding the city and giant saguaro cactus guarding the mountains. Winfield Scott, its founding father, arrived in 1888 and purchased 600 acres just outside Phoenix. When Scott arrived there were approximately 3,000 people in the Phoenix area along with seven hotels, eight restaurants and probably some bars. He set out to attract more people to the "Valley of the Sun", and his plan worked. Even today the city continues to grow with an influx of new people, new ideas, and new developments. Scottsdale boasts everything from Arabian Horse Shows to Native American Casinos (Casino Arizona ).
Scottsdale was first incorporated in 1951 which makes it a relatively new city. It really came into its own when the U.S. Conference of Mayors named Scottsdale one of the nation's "Most Livable Cities" in 1993. It has been called "The Most Western Town" and in 2002, the Robb Report cited Scottsdale as " America 's Best Place to Live". We already know it's a great place to live with everything sparkling clean, manicured and landscaped. You'll see no billboards here, which totally set it apart from any other city! The building height is regulated, so that no matter where you are, you have a great view of the nearby mountains. The spanish and western architecture is very appealing, along with the mark left by Frank Lloyd Wright. A visit to Taliesin West in north Scottsdale will show his unique architecture style.
Just as in the past people are looking for their quiet spot in the sun to live and work in a relaxed environment. With a population of 200,000 and growing daily, Scottsdale offers an upscale area, complete with the finest hotels, spas, shopping and, of course, restaurants. Deborah Knight, chef and owner of the acclaimed restaurant, Mosaic, opened in 2001. She was honored as "Best New Chef 2002" by Food & Wine, and Mosaic has received "Best New Restaurant" recognition from Phoenix Magazine and the "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator. For a special option, there is Medizona for extraordinary and unique Mediterranean inspired cuisine (artichoke rubbed pan-fried salmon, grilled pimento-honey glazed veal chop, rabbit fig and peanut baklava). Or why not try The Navajo at Camelback Inn, which offers frontier-inspired foods prepared in rustic and contemporary ways, from cast-iron cooking to the bountiful flavors of chutneys.
Shopping in Scottsdale holds great variety with more than 2,500 boutiques, shops, malls and attractions. Special occasion gifts can remind you of the beauty discovered in the Sonoran Desert. Check out the Borgata and Fashion Square for a truly unique shopping experience.
Unique activity surrounds the Scottsdale area. The Arizona Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Show and the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show are exciting events to attend. The Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is billed as one of the largest horse shows in the world. Each year the event draws over 2,000 of the world's finest Arabian horses and their owners to the upper Sonoran desert to compete for the coveted title of "Scottsdale Champion". Other main event activities include the Scottsdale Art Festival and the Scottsdale Art walks, Barrett Jackson Car Show & Auction and Parada Del Sol Rodeo & Parade.
Scottsdale is home to more than eighteen nationally known golf courses, 200 excellent resorts, and private courses designed by some of the best golf architects in the business. Mosaics of color, these desert courses include the world-renowned Troon, and are cut completely out of the desert. Others, like Kierland Golf Course, combine a desert look with a more traditional design. Whatever the choice may be for golfing each course will hold special beauty and a challenge to play your best shots. The city also claims the best golf schools in the country and some of the world's most incredible holes.
The beautiful desert of Arizona offers a wide array of spectacular real estate in many cities and settings. Amidst the unique natural terrain, residents enjoy exceptional home values and home prices in cities such as Scottsdale or small, safe and beautiful suburbs such as Paradise Valley. Arizona real estate listings include everything from stunning desert landscape homes to luxury estate houses, from modern single-family homes to trendy condominiums. Land is available if you prefer to have your home custom built to your unique taste.
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