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Scottsdale is located in central Arizona in the heart of the lush Sonoran Desert. But don't let the term "desert" fool you! The Sonoran is the richest, most biologically diverse desert ecosystem in the Americas, and is home to thousands of species of plants and animals. This unique setting provides our city with a whole host of benefits including breathtaking scenic vistas, an abundance of outdoor recreation options, and indigo skies that glow with more than 330 days of sunshine each year. And this magnificent setting is just the beginning of Scottsdale's story. Read on and let us introduce you to our history, our cultural heritage and our way of life. Then, come visit and experience the magic of Scottsdale for yourself!
Many enjoy a morning bike ride through the trails of the McDowell Mountain foothills in the Sonoran desert. The peacefulness of the quiet morning, as the sun spreads warm color across the vegetation and rock formations, is a rejuvenating way to start the day. For a more wet and wild experience, locals take a raft down the Salt river or go boating at Saguaro Lake. Of course, golf is one of the most popular pastimes in the area, which benefits from world class courses. Click here to begin your search for Scottsdale Arizona real estate - homes, condos, townhomes, new construction, luxury real estate, golf course homes, and more!
Scottsdale was recently named "America's Best Place to Live for Golf" by the exclusive Robb Report. In Scottsdale alone, golfers can choose from nearly two hundred courses, ranging from traditional layouts to designs highlighting native plants and vegetation. In January, the region plays host to what was formerly the Phoenix Open, recently renamed the FBR Open. This tournament attracts over 40,000 visitors each year to watch top PGA players compete, and has been called "The Greatest Show on Grass" thanks to the caliber of players and the stunning scenery.
The region also enjoys world-class festivals throughout the year. The Scottsdale International Film Festival is held in fall, as is Smithsonian Magazine's Culture Fest. This event highlights the state's unique composition of Native American, Spanish, and Western Pioneer influences. In the winter, hundreds of artists show their work in 31 different studios to offer items for sale and showcase demonstrations of their artistic processes.
Sports fans can head to Sun Devil Stadium to catch the annual football championship Fiesta Bowl. The next week, runners and spectators alike enjoy the annual Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon. This unique event presents stages of live music throughout the course and a huge party at the finish line. Equestrians gather for the Arizona Sun Country Circuit Quarter Horse Show, drawing 1,500 athletes to compete for $200,000 in prizes. The Parada del Sol Parade offers a chance to see the world's longest horse-drawn parade, kicking off the month-long Parada del Sol festival, complete with its own professional rodeo.
From 800 to 1400 AD, the region of current-day Scottsdale was occupied and farmed by the Hohokam. More than 200 miles of canals were built to provide water to support their agricultural needs. It wasn't until 1888 that settlers began to permanently establish homesteads in the area. Army Champlain Winfield Scott and his wife were the first family to settle in the region to farm citrus, sweet potatoes and peanuts. In 1896, the first school house was opened and in 1897, J.L. Davis opened a general store with a post office.
The beautiful year-round weather made the town of Scottsdale a prime location for resorts. The Ingleside Inn was completed in 1909 and was one of Scottsdale's first winter resorts; many others followed. Scottsdale continued to grow with the addition of Cavalliere's Blacksmith Shop in 1910 and a cotton gin in 1920. In 1951, with 2,000 residents, Scottsdale was incorporated as a city and the newly elected mayor, Malcolm White, gave the city its slogan "The West's Most Western Town."
Scottsdale is truly beautiful with majestic mountains, lush vegetaion and many Master Planned Communities designed to preserve the natural vegetation and wildlife of the area. |