View source for Scottsdale, Arizona

{{about|the city in Arizona|other uses|Scottsdale (disambiguation)}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Scottsdale, Arizona
| settlement_type    = [[List of municipalities in Arizona|City]]
| named_for          = [[Winfield Scott (chaplain)|Winfield Scott]]
| image_skyline      = {{Photomontage
 | photo1a                 = Scottsdale_waterfront.jpg{{!}}Downtown Scottsdale waterfront
 | photo2a                 = Taliesin West, Scottsdale (8226715372).jpg{{!}}Taliesin West
 | photo2b                 = Old_town_scottsdale_sign.jpg{{!}}Old Town Scottsdale
| position                = center
| color_border            = white
| color                   = white
| size                    = 290
 | foot_montage            = Clockwise from top: Downtown Scottsdale waterfront, Old Town Scottsdale, and [[Taliesin West]]
}}
| image_seal         = Seal of Scottsdale (Arizona).svg
| image_blank_emblem = City of Scottsdale Script Logo.svg
| nickname           = "The West's Most Western Town" (official)
| image_map          = File:Maricopa County Arizona Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Scottsdale Highlighted 0465000.svg
| mapsize            = 200x200px
| map_caption        = Location in Maricopa County, Arizona
| mapsize1           = 
| map_caption1       = 
| pushpin_map        = USA Arizona Maricopa County#USA Arizona#USA
| pushpin_label      = Scottsdale
| pushpin_map_caption = 
| coordinates        = {{coord|33|29|35|N|111|55|34|W|region:US-AZ|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = United States
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Arizona]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of counties in Arizona|County]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Maricopa County, Arizona|Maricopa]]
| established_title  = Founded
| established_date   = 1894
| established_title1 = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
| established_date1  = June 25, 1951
| government_type    = [[Council–manager]]
| leader_title       = [[List of mayors of Scottsdale|Mayor]]
| leader_name        = Lisa Borowsky (R)<ref>{{cite web |title=Mayor Lisa Borowsky |url=https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/council/mayor-lisa-borowsky |publisher=City of Scottsdale |access-date=21 January 2025}}</ref>
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2021">{{cite web |title=2021 U.S. Gazetteer Files: Arizona |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2021_Gazetteer/2021_gaz_place_04.txt |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=May 10, 2022}}</ref>
| area_total_km2     = 477.70
| area_total_sq_mi   = 184.44
| area_land_km2      = 476.57
| area_land_sq_mi    = 184.00
| area_water_km2     = 1.14
| area_water_sq_mi   = 0.44
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_ft       = 2165
| population_footnotes = <ref name="Census 2020">{{Cite web| url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=&g=1600000US0465000&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P1| title=Scottsdale city, Arizona: 2020 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| access-date=May 10, 2022}}</ref>
| population_total   = 241361
| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_rank    = US: [[List of United States cities by population|94th]]
| pop_est_footnotes  = 
| population_est     = 
| pop_est_as_of      = 
| population_density_km2 = 506.46
| population_density_sq_mi = 1311.72
| timezone           = [[Mountain Standard Time Zone|MST]] (no [[Daylight savings time|DST]])
| utc_offset         = &minus;7
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP code]]s
| postal_code        = 85250–85264, 85266-85269, 85271
| area_code          = [[Area code 480|480]]
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info         = 04-65000
| blank1_name        = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS ID]]
| blank1_info        = 2411845<ref name=gnis>{{Cite GNIS|2411845|Scottsdale}}</ref>
| website            = {{URL|www.scottsdaleaz.gov}}
| unit_pref          = Imperial
| image_flag         = Flag of Scottsdale, Arizona.svg
| native_name        = Vaṣai S-vaṣonĭ
| native_name_lang   = ood
}}

'''Scottsdale''' is a city in eastern [[Maricopa County, Arizona]], United States, and is part of the [[Phoenix metropolitan area]]. Named Scottsdale in 1894 after its founder [[Winfield Scott (chaplain)|Winfield Scott]], a retired [[Chaplain Corps (United States Army)|U.S. Army chaplain]], the city was incorporated in 1951 with a population of 2,000. At the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population was 241,361,<ref name="Census 2020"/> which had grown from 217,385 in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scottsdale, Arizona Population History {{!}} 1990–2021 |url=https://www.biggestuscities.com/city/scottsdale-arizona |access-date=October 10, 2022 |website=www.biggestuscities.com}}</ref> Its slogan is "The West's Most Western Town".<ref>{{Cite web |title=City of Scottsdale – About Scottsdale |url=https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about |access-date=October 30, 2022 |publisher=City of Scottsdale}}</ref> Over the past two decades, it has been one of the fastest growing cities and housing markets in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hadden |first=Joey |title=Step inside Scottsdale, Arizona, where migrating millionaires have created one of the hottest housing markets in the country |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/scottsdale-arizona-millionaires-moving-what-its-like-photos-2024-4 |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref>

Scottsdale is {{convert|31|mi}} from its northern to southernmost edge, and covers {{convert|184.5|sqmi}}. The city is bordered by the [[Phoenix, Arizona|city of Phoenix]] to the west, [[Tonto National Forest]] to the north, the [[McDowell Mountains]] to the east, and the [[Salt River (Arizona)|Salt River]] to the south.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 31, 2022 |title=City of Scottsdale – About Scottsdale |url=https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about |publisher=City of Scottsdale}}</ref>

==History==
===Early history===
Scottsdale was originally an [[Akimel O'odham]] village known as {{lang|ood|Vaṣai S-vaṣonĭ}}, meaning {{gloss|rotting hay}}.<ref>Saxton, Dean, Saxton, Lucille, & Enos, Susie. (1983). ''Dictionary: Tohono O'odham/Pima to English, English to Tohono O'odham/Pima''. Tucson, Arizona: The University of Arizona Press</ref> Some Akimel O'odham remain there today. Until the late 1960s, there was a still-occupied traditional dwelling on the southeast corner of Indian Bend Road and Hayden Road. The Akimel O'odham who live in Scottsdale today reside in modern houses, not traditional dwellings. Many Akimel O'odham and Maricopa people live in the [[Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community]], which borders Scottsdale to the south and east.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thebestofscottsdale.org/anoceanofsky/About.html|title=The Best of Scottsdale|access-date=January 5, 2014|archive-date=January 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106034526/http://thebestofscottsdale.org/anoceanofsky/About.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Early history and establishment===
[[File:Winfield & Helen Scott, 1900.jpg|thumb|right|Winfield & Helen Scott, 1900]]
In the early to mid-1880s, [[U.S. Army]] Chaplain [[Winfield Scott (chaplain)|Winfield Scott]] visited the Salt River Valley and was impressed with it and its potential for agriculture.<ref name=ScotHist>{{cite web|url=http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/history|title=The West's Most Western Town|publisher=Scottsdaleaz.gov}}</ref> Returning in 1888 with his wife, Helen, he purchased {{cvt|640|acre}} where historic Old Town is now, for $3.50 an acre (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|3.5|1888|2015|r=0}}}} as of 2015) {{Inflation-fn|US}}. Another landowner in the Southern part of town, Albert G. Utley, filed plans with Maricopa County for a city named "Orangedale", using Scott's Field as a border. When the newspaper, then called the ''Arizona Republican'', published an article about the plan, they erroneously called the town "Scottsdale". The article drew some publicity for the town, and ultimately this convinced Utley to change his filing and officially name the town "Scottsdale".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Messinger |first=Paul |title=Scottsdale got its name through newspaper error |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/scottsdale/2014/08/01/scottsdale-got-name-newspaper-error/13462809/ |access-date=February 7, 2023 |website=The Arizona Republic}}</ref>

[[File:First Schoolhouse 1896.jpg|thumb|First schoolhouse in Scottsdale]]
In 1896, the Scottsdale Public School system was established,<ref name=ScotHist /> and opened the first schoolhouse, which was followed by the opening of the first general store by J.&nbsp;L. Davis, which also housed the first post office for Scottsdale in 1897.<ref name="Exp">{{cite web |title=History of Scottsdale |url=http://www.experiencescottsdale.com/history-of-scottsdale/ |publisher=Scottsdale Convention & Visitor's Bureau}}</ref><ref name="Insider">{{cite web |title=About Scottsdale |url=http://www.insider-scottsdale.com/Scottsdale_History.htm |publisher=InSider Scottsdale}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Scottsdale's History in Pictures |url=http://azmemory.azlibrary.gov/cdm/singleitem/collection/splimage/id/25/rec/26 |url-status=dead |publisher=Scottsdale Public Library |access-date=January 5, 2014 |archive-date=January 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106031624/http://azmemory.azlibrary.gov/cdm/singleitem/collection/splimage/id/25/rec/26 }}</ref> In the early 1900s the community supported an artists and writers culture,<ref name=ScotHist /> culminating in the opening of the region's first resort in 1909, the Ingleside Inn, just south of the Arizona Canal and west of the Crosscut Canal (Indian School Road at about 64th Street) in what is today Scottsdale.<ref>{{Cite book| title = Phoenix City Directory| publisher = Arizona Directory Company| page = 3| year = 1912}}<br>- {{cite web|url=http://azmemory.azlibrary.gov/cdm/ref/collection/splimage/id/41|title=Scottsdale's History in Images|publisher=Scottsdale Public Library}}</ref> Also in 1909, Cavalliere's Blacksmith Shop opened in downtown Scottsdale, and the original schoolhouse was replaced by the much more expansive Little Red Schoolhouse, which stands to this day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azmemory.azlibrary.gov/cdm/singleitem/collection/splimage/id/19/rec/20|title=Scottsdale's History in Images|publisher=Scottsdale Public Library}}</ref> While not in its original building, Cavalliere's has been in continuous operation since that time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/Public+Website/historiczoning/SHRrptCavalliersI.pdf |title=Scottsdale Historic Register |publisher=Scottsdale |access-date=January 5, 2014 |archive-date=July 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702151333/http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/Public+Website/historiczoning/SHRrptCavalliersI.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 1912, both the [[Phoenix Street Railway]] Company and a competitor, the Salt River Valley Electric Railway Company, proposed building [[streetcar]] lines to Scottsdale,<ref>{{Cite web| title = Electric Railway Journal articles archived by the Phoenix Trolley Museum| url = http://phoenixtrolley.com/2010/06/09/the-salt-river-valley-electric-railway/| access-date = July 11, 2011}}</ref> but due to an economic downturn, neither was built. Between 1908 and 1933, due to the construction of the Granite Reef and Roosevelt dams (in 1908 and 1911, respectively), Scottsdale's population experienced a boom, growing steadily during those years. It became a small market town providing services for families involved in the agricultural industry.<ref name=ScotHist />

During the [[First World War]], Scottsdale and its environs supported a large cotton farming industry, due to the creation of Long Staple Egyptian Cotton, developed by the [[US Department of Agriculture]]. Cotton is still grown in southern Arizona, but Scottsdale's cotton boom ended with the loss of government contracts at the end of the war.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jandatri.com/pdfs/history-of-cotton-in-arizona.pdf | publisher=Jandatri.com | title=History of Cotton in Arizona: A Timeline | access-date=January 27, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150127114811/http://www.jandatri.com/pdfs/history-of-cotton-in-arizona.pdf | archive-date=January 27, 2015}}</ref>
[[File:Jokake Inn 1926.jpg|thumb|right|Jokake Inn, Scottsdale]]

In 1920, a second resort was opened on {{cvt|12|acre}} of property owned by the artist [[Jessie Benton Evans]]. Called the Jokake Inn, meaning "mud house", the structure still stands on the grounds of the Phoenician Resort.<ref name=ScotHist /><ref name=Exp /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thephoenician.com/history/|title=Jokake Inn History|publisher=The Phoenician Inn}}</ref>

[[Great Depression in the United States|The Depression]] years saw an influx of artists and architects to Scottsdale, which included, in 1937, [[Frank Lloyd Wright]]. Wright and his wife purchased {{cvt|600|acre}} acres of desert at the foot of the [[McDowell Mountains]] and established [[Taliesin West]], his winter home and his architectural firm's southwestern headquarters.<ref name=ScotHist /><ref name=Exp /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.taliesin.edu/history.html|title=Taliesin Historical Legacy|publisher=Taliesin}}</ref> Scottsdale and the rest of Phoenix have seen an everlasting influence from Wright. Many buildings throughout the region were designed by him. His influence on the regional architecture is commemorated by a major street bearing his name and a {{convert|125|ft|m|adj=on}} spire memorial designed by Wright in North Scottsdale.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://livebetterinscottsdale.com/2012/02/things-to-see-in-scottsdale-az-the-frank-lloyd-wright-spire/|title=The Frank Lloyd Wright Spire|publisher=Live Better in Scottsdale|date=February 14, 2012}}</ref>

===World War II===
Among the more significant events during the years of World War II was the opening of Thunderbird II Airfield in 1942 (it later became Scottsdale Airport),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/airport/history|title=Scottsdale Airport History|publisher=Scottsdaleaz.gov}}</ref> where 5,500 pilot cadets received their primary flight training before the war's end. Scottsdale was the site of a German POW camp at the intersection of Scottsdale and Thomas Roads in what today is Papago Park.<ref name=ScotHist /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.brazilbrazil.com/powcamp.html|title=Papago Park POW Camp|accessdate=March 21, 2023}}</ref>

===Development of Indian Bend Wash, 1950s–1970s===
In 1950, the town continued to grow as [[Motorola]] became the first of many technology companies to build a plant in Scottsdale. It built a second plant in 1956.<ref name=ScotHist /> With a population of approximately 2,000, the city was incorporated on June 25, 1951. It appointed its [[List of mayors of Scottsdale|first mayor]], Malcolm White, and adopted the motto "The West's Most Western Town".<ref name=ScotHist /> The seal, depicting a mounted cowboy surrounded by a 64-pointed starburst, was designed by Gene Brown Pennington.<ref>{{Cite book| first = Patricia Seitters | last = Myers| title = Scottsdale: Jewel in the Desert}}{{full citation needed|date=April 2025}}</ref> The city also became a tourist destination with the opening of the city's first modern resorts, the [[Hotel Valley Ho]] and the [[Safari Hotel]], in 1956.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/126125382/ |title=Swinging Safari, Valley Ho were happening in the 1950s |first=Dan|last=Nowicki|date=July 26, 2004 |website=Arizona Republic}}</ref>

The town began a period of rapid population growth after its incorporation in 1951, growing from 2,000 to 10,000 residents during the 1950s.<ref name=ScotHist /> This growth necessitated development into the floodplain known as the [[Indian Bend Wash]]. Floodplains throughout history have been enticing locations for development due to their flatness, ease of building and inexpensiveness. This is even more tempting in a desert, where flooding so rarely happens. As Scottsdale expanded, the north-south Indian Bend Wash virtually bisected the city. In the late 1950s, the problem became more and more pronounced, until in 1959 the Arizona State Legislature formed the Maricopa County Flood Control District (MCFCD). The MCFCD became the lead player in developing a comprehensive flood plan for the entire county.<ref name=IBW>{{cite web |url=http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/Public+Website/parks/IndianBendWashBook.pdf |title=Indian Bend Wash Book |publisher=Scottsdale |access-date=January 5, 2014 |archive-date=July 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702141821/http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/Public+Website/parks/IndianBendWashBook.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

At the same time, the [[United States Army Corps of Engineers]] began to look into flooding in Maricopa County. Over the next several years, it presented several plans, which all revolved around constructing concrete canals and levees to channel and divert the floodwaters, as well as building bridges over the canal, similar to the storm drains of Los Angeles. But during MCFCD meetings between 1961 and 1963, a different course of action was developed. This plan became known as the multi-use, or Greenbelt, concept. The two concepts were at odds with one another until the canal plan was defeated in a bond referendum in 1965. In 1966, a study was commissioned that validated the Greenbelt concept as a way to prevent flood damage. After a major flood in 1972, work on the Greenbelt project began in earnest. It was completed in 1984, although minor projects continue.<ref name=IBW /> Today, the {{convert|12|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} Scottsdale Greenbelt<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.scottsdaletrails.com/2011/11/14/from-ditch-to-diamonds/ | title=From Ditch to Diamonds |website= Scottsdale Trails | date=November 14, 2011 }}</ref> connects four city parks—Vista del Camino Park, Eldorado Park, Indian School Park and Chaparral Park—through a {{convert|25|mi|adj=on}} bike path.

===Further expansion and development, 1970s–1980s===
[[File:Scottsdale-Scottsdale Spire-1957-2007.JPG|thumb|right|upright|Scottsdale Spire]]
The city continued to grow in the 1960s and 1970s, the population reaching almost 68,000 by 1970.<ref name=Museum>{{cite web |url=http://www.scottsdalemuseum.com/index.php/history/key-events-in-the-history-of-scottsdale |title=Key Events in the History of Scottsdale |publisher=Scottsdale Museum}}</ref> Most of the unused property within the city limits was to the north, so that was the direction in which the city expanded. The city, which in 1959 had spanned {{cvt|5|sqmi}}, expanded its borders to encompass {{cvt|62|sqmi}}.<ref name=ScotHist /> Large ranch tracts covered huge areas in the northern part of the city. One of the largest of these was the McCormick ranch, a {{cvt|4236|acre|adj=on}} ranch serving much of the eastern boundary of Scottsdale owned by Fowler and Anne McCormick. Fowler's paternal grandfather was [[Cyrus McCormick]], the inventor of the grain reaper, and his maternal grandfather was [[John D. Rockefeller]].<ref name=AZOdd>{{cite web|url=http://arizonaoddities.com/2009/12/the-stories-behind-scottsdales-mccormick-ranch-gainey-ranch/|title=The Story Behind Scottsdale's McCormick Ranch|date=December 22, 2009|publisher=Arizona Oddities}}</ref> When Anne died in 1970, the property was sold to Kaiser-Aetna for $12.1&nbsp;million.<ref name=RR>{{cite web|url=http://www.therailroadpark.com/history-ranch|title=History of McCormick Ranch|publisher=McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park}}</ref> This started a series of large-scale, master-planned communities within Scottsdale's borders, including Scottsdale Ranch (1978),<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.scottsdaleranch.org/history-summary| title=Scottsdale Ranch History| access-date=January 5, 2014| archive-date=January 6, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106032820/http://www.scottsdaleranch.org/history-summary| url-status=dead}}</ref> Gainey Ranch (1980),<ref name=AZOdd /> McDowell Mountain Ranch (1992),<ref>{{cite web | url=http://scottsdaleindeed.com/MMR_History.html|title=McDowell Mountain Ranch History}}</ref> Desert Mountain (1986),<ref>{{cite web | url=http://desertmountain.com/become-a-member/history/|title=Desert Mountain History}}</ref> and DC Ranch (1990s).<ref name=DCR>{{cite web | url=http://www.dcranch.com/For_Residents/Community_Overview/DCRanchHistory.htm|title=History |publisher=DC Ranch }}</ref>

In 1975, the city annexed the "east Shea" section, bordering [[Fountain Hills]], expanding its area from {{cvt|62.2 to 88.6|sqmi}}. This was followed by a four-year period from 1981 to 1984 during which the city annexed an additional (almost) {{cvt|80|sqmi}}.<ref name=Museum />

Faced with this rapid expansion and growth, many residents became concerned about losing their southwestern scenery. The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy was born in 1991.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/content/pages/history#sthash.o3BD6SOK.dpbs|title=What Trail Led Us Here|publisher=McDowell Sonoran Conservancy|access-date=January 5, 2014|archive-date=January 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106032135/http://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/content/pages/history#sthash.o3BD6SOK.dpbs|url-status=dead}}</ref> Teaming with developers, a plan was developed to set aside the McDowell Mountains and adjoining areas in a huge preserve. In 1995, Scottsdale's citizens voted to implement a sales tax to purchase acreage for this purpose. When completed, the {{cvt|36,000|acre}} planned for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve will be nearly one-third of Scottsdale's land area, equal in size to [[Bryce Canyon National Park]].<ref name=ScotHist /><ref name=DCR />

===Modern===
From its official incorporation in 1951 with a population of 2,000, Scottsdale has grown to a 2020 census count of 241,361. It is now the state's seventh-largest city. Scottsdale is commonly defined by its high quality of life, and in 1993 was one of several cities to receive a "Most Livable City" award from the [[United States Conference of Mayors]].<ref>"[http://www.scottsdalecvb.com/about/index.cfm?action=history Scottsdale History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060427053122/http://www.scottsdalecvb.com/about/index.cfm?action=history |date=April 27, 2006 }}." ''[http://www.scottsdalecvb.com/ Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830103546/http://www.scottsdalecvb.com/ |date=August 30, 2012 }}.'' Retrieved on June 1, 2006.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://usmayors.org/citylivabilityawards/ |title=The U.S. Conference of Mayors : City Livability Awards |access-date=January 6, 2017 |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108232809/http://usmayors.org/citylivabilityawards/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Scottsdale Airpark, surrounding the city's airport, became a hotspot for a variety of large and small businesses, ranging from light industry to luxury auto sales. The Airpark in the 2000s emerged as one of the top employment centers in the Phoenix metro area.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scottsdale History |url=https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/history/ |last1=Arizona |first1=Scottsdale |website=scottsdaleaz |access-date=May 10, 2020 |archive-date=June 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200602164957/https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/history |url-status=dead }}</ref> The airport supported 3,462 jobs, which boosted the Scottsdale economy.<ref>{{cite web|title=Scottsdale Airport History|url=https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/airport/history/|publisher=Scottsdale|access-date=May 10, 2020|archive-date=October 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020075952/https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/airport/history|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Sonoran Desert in Scottsdale, AZ.jpg|thumb|[[Sonoran Desert]] in Scottsdale just outside of Taliesin West]]
The city is in the Salt River Valley, or the "Valley of the Sun", in the northern reaches of the [[Sonoran Desert]]. Scottsdale, {{cvt|31|mile}} long and {{cvt|11.4|mile}} wide at its widest point, shares boundaries with many other municipalities and entities. On the west, Scottsdale is bordered by [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]], [[Paradise Valley, Arizona|Paradise Valley]], and unincorporated [[Maricopa County]] land. [[Carefree, Arizona|Carefree]] is along the eastern boundary, as well as sharing Scottsdale's northern boundary with the [[Tonto National Forest]]. To the south Scottsdale is bordered by [[Tempe, Arizona|Tempe]]. The southern boundary is also occupied by the [[Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community]], which extends along the eastern boundary, which also borders [[Fountain Hills, Arizona|Fountain Hills]], the McDowell Mountain Regional Park and more unincorporated [[Maricopa County, Arizona|Maricopa County]] land.<ref name="Over">{{Cite web |title= |url=https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/System/404.htm?aspxerrorpath=/assets/public+website/about/fy_2013-14_scottsdale_overview.pdf |website=www.scottsdaleaz.gov}}{{Dead link|date=October 2022|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> The highest point is Butte Peak at an elevation of {{Convert|4,890|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.surgent.net/highpoints/az/range/buttepeak.html|title=Butte Peak AZ|website=www.surgent.net}}</ref>

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has an area of {{convert|184.4|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|0.4|sqmi}}, or 0.24%, are water.<ref name="CenPopGazetteer2021"/>

===Environmental issues===
From the 1950s to the 1970s, several large manufacturing companies in the Scottsdale and [[Tempe, Arizona|Tempe]] areas used the [[solvent]] [[trichloroethylene]] (TCE) in their manufacturing and operating processes.<ref name="EPA">"[https://archive.today/20121212112124/http://www.epa.gov/region9/waste/sfund/indianbend/index.html Indian Bend Wash: Construction Complete]." ''[[United States Environmental Protection Agency]].'' Page last updated on February 16, 2007. Retrieved on February 28, 2007.</ref> In 1981, TCE began to show up in two Scottsdale drinking wells, and in 1983, the [[Indian Bend Wash Area|Indian Bend Wash superfund]] site was listed on the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|Environmental Protection Agency]]'s National Priorities List.<ref name="EPA"/> Physical construction of [[environmental remediation]] systems was completed by 2006, with soil cleanup expected to be completed in five years and groundwater cleanup in 30 years.<ref name="EPA"/>

The city developed one of the first automated garbage trucks in 1969, replacing crews who dumped cans into a train of open trailers pulled by a truck, with a single operator sitting in an air-conditioned cab.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.scottsdalecvb.com/about/index.cfm?action=history |title=Scottsdale Arizona CVB : Hotels, Golf and Vacation Planning for Scottsdale AZ<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=June 2, 2006 |archive-date=April 27, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060427053122/http://www.scottsdalecvb.com/about/index.cfm?action=history |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Classic Refuse Trucks – City of Scottsdale |url=http://www.classicrefusetrucks.com/albums/albumpool/CS.html|website=www.classicrefusetrucks.com|access-date=May 30, 2020}}</ref>

===Cityscape===
[[File:Bronze Horse Fountain in Scottsdale, AZ.jpg|thumb|Bronze Horse Fountain]]
The city is loosely divided into four areas: South Scottsdale (McKellips Road north to Thomas Road),<ref name="south scottsdale">Koeppel, Geri. "[http://www.azcentral.com/realestate/articles/2008/12/01/20081201biz-re-southscottsdale1130-ON.html Older area of Scottsdale has built-in value]." ''[[Arizona Republic]].'' November 30, 2008. Retrieved on December 3, 2008</ref> Old Town (Downtown) Scottsdale, Central Scottsdale (also known as the Shea Corridor,<ref name="shea corridor">City of Scottsdale Shea Area Plan."[https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/planning-development/long-range-planning/character-area-plans/shea-area City of Scottsdale – Shea Area Plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203045209/https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/planning-development/long-range-planning/character-area-plans/shea-area |date=December 3, 2019 }}.''Retrieved on December 2, 2019</ref> extending from Camelback Road north to Shea Boulevard), and North Scottsdale.

South Scottsdale has for many years been the working-class neighborhood. The median resale home price is US$291,500, compared to $667,450 in North Scottsdale.<ref name="medianhomeprice">Butler, Jay; Lambrakis, Christine. "[http://www.poly.asu.edu/news/2005/09/14/ Greater Phoenix August Resale Market Housing Price Increases Slow]." ''[[Arizona State University]].'' September 14, 2005. Retrieved on August 9, 2006.</ref> Part of McDowell Road in South Scottsdale used to be known as Motor Mile, having at one time 31 dealerships on the street. The strip at one time generated over $10&nbsp;million in sales tax revenue each year and was one of the most profitable auto-miles in the United States. In recent years, many of these dealerships have left the city, including 6 in 2008 alone.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.azcentral.com/business/abg/articles/2009/02/26/20090226abg-sr-automalls0226.html|title=Auto dealerships get new purpose|website=archive.azcentral.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/2009/03/21/20090321biz-sr-cardinale0321.html|title=Airpark loses GM dealership|website=archive.azcentral.com}}</ref> South Scottsdale is the home to a new research center for [[Arizona State University]] known as ''SkySong'', a collaboration between the university, local business, and global companies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysong.com/|title=SkySong Center – The ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center|website=www.skysong.com}}</ref> The development has attracted the research and development arms of a number of international corporations.<ref name="skysong">"[http://www.skysongcenter.com/news/020107_overview.pdf SkySong: Project Overview] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070418165339/http://www.skysongcenter.com/news/020107_overview.pdf |date=April 18, 2007 }}." ''[http://www.skysongcenter.com/ skysongcenter.com].'' February 2007. Retrieved on April 29, 2007.</ref>

Old Town Scottsdale is an area with many streets, old-fashioned stores, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and art galleries. It contains the major nightlife for the area and is a major art center of metro Phoenix. Scottsdale's main cultural district is also in this area, which includes the high-end [[Scottsdale Fashion Square]], one of the country's 20 largest malls.<ref>"[http://www.easternct.edu/depts/amerst/MallsLarge.htm Largest Shopping Malls in the United States (2004)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221020832/http://www.easternct.edu/depts/amerst/MallsLarge.htm |date=February 21, 2009 }}." ''American Studies, [[Eastern Connecticut State University]].'' December 17, 2005. Retrieved on August 9, 2006.</ref> The district has{{when|date=March 2017}} seen a revival, with new condominiums and hotels under construction.

The Shea Corridor is so named because it is in close proximity to the east-west Shea Boulevard. The houses in this region were generally built during the 1970s. Real estate in the Shea Corridor (Central Scottsdale) has increased during the 1990s, and overall, the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale real estate market [[United States housing bubble|saw the largest gain in house prices in the nation]] during the mid-2000s with a 38.4% increase in value.<ref>Christie, Les. "[https://money.cnn.com/2006/05/15/real_estate/NAR_firstQ2005_home_prices/ Real estate cools down]." ''[[CNN]]  Money.'' May 16, 2006. Retrieved on July 6, 2006.</ref> A number of communities in this central region of Scottsdale remain among the most highly desired residential areas in the metropolitan area, including Gainey Ranch and McCormick Ranch. A large portion of Scottsdale Road in the Shea Corridor has been dubbed the ''Resort Corridor'' for the high number of resorts on the street. The second [[Ritz Carlton]] in the Phoenix metropolitan area will be along this corridor.<ref>{{cite news| title = Ritz-Carlton to build $400 million Scottsdale resort-residential complex| newspaper = USA Today| date = June 22, 2006| url = https://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2006-06-22-ritz-scottsdale_x.htm| access-date = September 1, 2008}}<br>- {{cite news|title=Ritz-Carlton developer won't appeal ruling |url=http://www.azcentral.com/community/scottsdale/articles/2008/07/15/20080715neritz0716-ON.html|first=Diana|last=Balazs|newspaper=The Arizona Republic|date=July 15, 2008 |access-date=September 1, 2008}}</ref>
[[File:Scottsdale SW012.jpg|thumb|Lakeside community on the Shea Corridor]]

Scottsdale was recently named the top spot for Millionaires to move.<ref>{{cite web |last=Glicksman |first=Michelle |title=Scottsdale Nabs Top Spot in U.S. for Millionaires |website=Scottsdale.com |date=June 6, 2025 |url=https://scottsdale.com/blog/post/scottsdale-nabs-top-spot-in-u-s-for-millionaires/ |access-date=August 11, 2025}}</ref> North Scottsdale is the most actively developed area of Scottsdale, as it was historically the least built up. This part of the city also claims many of the most expensive houses in Arizona, with many exceeding $5&nbsp;million in value.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hadden |first=Joey |title=What It's Like to Visit the Most Expensive Neighborhood in Scottsdale |work=Business Insider |date=May 18, 2024 |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/dc-ranch-scottsdale-arizona-most-expensive-neighborhood-2024-4 |access-date=August 11, 2025}}</ref>

The city's borders are rapidly expanding to the east and west in this area, containing the McDowell Mountain range. Much of the residential boom in North Scottsdale is driven by available land to build coupled with the fast growth of ''Scottsdale Airpark'', the second largest employment center in the Phoenix metropolitan, as of 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scottsdalechamber.com/eoffice/taf/_sacc2.taf?_menu=page&mnid=saccpage&smid=1200930061&vurl=scottsdalechamber|title=Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce<!-- Bot generated title -->|access-date=March 8, 2008|archive-date=March 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319013723/http://www.scottsdalechamber.com/eoffice/taf/_sacc2.taf?_menu=page&mnid=saccpage&smid=1200930061&vurl=scottsdalechamber|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Scottsdale Airpark, home to over 55,000 employees, 2,600 businesses and {{convert|23000000|sqft|m2}} of office space is expected to continue growing by over 3,000 employees per year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/1201biz-airpark1201.html|title=50,000 work in airpark area<!-- Bot generated title -->|access-date=March 8, 2008|archive-date=February 25, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070225050355/http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/1201biz-airpark1201.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Many important companies are headquartered or have regional headquarters in the park, including [[Acronis]], [[AXA]], [[GE Capital]], [[DHL Express|DHL]], [[Discount Tire Company]], [[Fidelity Investments]], [[Blue Yonder]], [[The Vanguard Group]] and [[Quicken Loans]].

===Climate===
Scottsdale's climate is [[desert climate|arid]]. Winters are mild to warm and summers are extremely hot. The lowest temperature ever recorded in the city is {{convert|16.0|°F|°C|abbr=on}}, on January 7, 1913, and the highest was {{convert|122|°F|°C|abbr=on}}, on June 26, 1990.<ref name="weather_records">"[http://weather.yahoo.com/climo/USAZ0207_f.html Scottsdale Weather: Records & Averages] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070303123553/http://weather.yahoo.com/climo/USAZ0207_f.html |date=March 3, 2007 }}." ''[[Yahoo!]]'' Retrieved on April 30, 2007.</ref>

{{Weather box
|location = Scottsdale, Arizona ([[Scottsdale Municipal Airport]]), 1991–2020 normals, extremes 2000–present
|single line = Yes

|Jan record high F = 83
|Feb record high F = 86
|Mar record high F = 97
|Apr record high F = 103
|May record high F = 110
|Jun record high F = 118
|Jul record high F = 117
|Aug record high F = 115
|Sep record high F = 113
|Oct record high F = 105
|Nov record high F = 96
|Dec record high F = 83

|Jan avg record high F = 76.9
|Feb avg record high F = 80.9
|Mar avg record high F = 88.8
|Apr avg record high F = 97.3
|May avg record high F = 103.1
|Jun avg record high F = 111.4
|Jul avg record high F = 112.4
|Aug avg record high F = 111.1
|Sep avg record high F = 106.7
|Oct avg record high F = 98.3
|Nov avg record high F = 89.0
|Dec avg record high F = 76.9
|year avg record high F = 114.1

|Jan high F = 66.5
|Feb high F = 68.7
|Mar high F = 75.7
|Apr high F = 82.8
|May high F = 92.8
|Jun high F = 102.0
|Jul high F = 104.1
|Aug high F = 102.9
|Sep high F = 98.2
|Oct high F = 87.3
|Nov high F = 74.8
|Dec high F = 64.6
|year high F =

|Jan mean F = 54.9
|Feb mean F = 57.3
|Mar mean F = 63.7
|Apr mean F = 70.6
|May mean F = 79.3
|Jun mean F = 89.1
|Jul mean F = 93.4
|Aug mean F = 92.3
|Sep mean F = 86.7
|Oct mean F = 75.0
|Nov mean F = 62.7
|Dec mean F = 53.6
|year mean F =

|Jan low F = 43.4
|Feb low F = 46.0
|Mar low F = 51.7
|Apr low F = 58.3
|May low F = 66.7
|Jun low F = 76.2
|Jul low F = 82.6
|Aug low F = 81.8
|Sep low F = 75.3
|Oct low F = 62.7
|Nov low F = 50.6
|Dec low F = 42.5
|year low F =

|Jan avg record low F = 32.1
|Feb avg record low F = 35.5
|Mar avg record low F = 41.7
|Apr avg record low F = 48.1
|May avg record low F = 55.5
|Jun avg record low F = 67.4
|Jul avg record low F = 74.0
|Aug avg record low F = 73.3
|Sep avg record low F = 65.3
|Oct avg record low F = 51.4
|Nov avg record low F = 40.1
|Dec avg record low F = 32.0
|year avg record low F = 30.0

|Jan record low F = 25
|Feb record low F = 27
|Mar record low F = 33
|Apr record low F = 40
|May record low F = 51
|Jun record low F = 63
|Jul record low F = 70
|Aug record low F = 68
|Sep record low F = 57
|Oct record low F = 40
|Nov record low F = 31
|Dec record low F = 28

|Jan precipitation inch = 1.11
|Feb precipitation inch = 1.24
|Mar precipitation inch = 1.10
|Apr precipitation inch = 0.34
|May precipitation inch = 0.16
|Jun precipitation inch = 0.05
|Jul precipitation inch = 0.90
|Aug precipitation inch = 0.83
|Sep precipitation inch = 0.60
|Oct precipitation inch = 0.62
|Nov precipitation inch = 0.79
|Dec precipitation inch = 0.99
|year precipitation inch =

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 4.2
|Feb precipitation days = 3.9
|Mar precipitation days = 2.9
|Apr precipitation days = 1.5
|May precipitation days = 0.9
|Jun precipitation days = 0.4
|Jul precipitation days = 4.1
|Aug precipitation days = 3.9
|Sep precipitation days = 2.4
|Oct precipitation days = 2.5
|Nov precipitation days = 2.4
|Dec precipitation days = 4.6

|Jan snow inch = 
|Feb snow inch = 
|Mar snow inch = 
|Apr snow inch = 
|May snow inch = 
|Jun snow inch = 
|Jul snow inch = 
|Aug snow inch = 
|Sep snow inch = 
|Oct snow inch = 
|Nov snow inch = 
|Dec snow inch = 
|year snow inch =

|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 
|Feb snow days = 
|Mar snow days = 
|Apr snow days = 
|May snow days = 
|Jun snow days = 
|Jul snow days = 
|Aug snow days = 
|Sep snow days = 
|Oct snow days = 
|Nov snow days = 
|Dec snow days =

|source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USW00003192&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Scottsdale MUNI AP, AZ
|access-date = April 19, 2023
}}
</ref>
|source 2 = National Weather Service (mean maxima/minima 2006&ndash;2020)<ref name = NOWData>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=psr
|publisher = National Weather Service
|title = NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Phoenix
|access-date = April 19, 2023
}}
</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1920= 1047
|1930= 2761
|1950= 2032
|1960= 10026
|1970= 67823
|1980= 88622
|1990= 130075
|2000= 202705
|2010= 217385
|2020= 241361
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2016}}</ref>
}}

===2020 Census===
At the 2020 [[census]], there were 241,361 people. The racial make-up of the city was 78.5% [[Non-Hispanic White]], 2.0% [[African American]], 0.8% [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]], 5% [[Asian people|Asian]], 0.1% [[Pacific Islander]] and 9.8% [[Hispanic or Latino]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Census 2020 |url=https://data.statesmanjournal.com/census/total-population/not-hispanic-white/scottsdale-city-arizona/160-0465000/#cmap |access-date=November 5, 2022}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+'''Scottsdale, Arizona – Racial and ethnic composition'''<br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small>
!Race / Ethnicity <small>(''NH = Non-Hispanic'')</small>
!Pop 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Scottsdale city, Arizona|url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALSF12000.P004?g=160XX00US0412000|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
!Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Scottsdale city, Arizona|url=https://data.census.gov/table?g=160XX00US0412000&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
!{{partial|Pop 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Scottsdale city, Arizona|url=https://data.census.gov/table?g=160XX00US0412000&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
!% 2000
!% 2010
!{{partial|% 2020}}
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] alone (NH)
|178,462
|182,011
|style='background: #ffffe6; |189,510
|88.04%
|83.73%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |78.52%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] alone (NH)
|2,398
|3,484
|style='background: #ffffe6; |4,601
|1.18%
|1.60%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |1.91%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] alone (NH)
|1,039
|1,462
|style='background: #ffffe6; |1,477
|0.51%
|0.67%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.61%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] alone (NH)
|3,919
|7,128
|style='background: #ffffe6; |11,949
|1.93%
|3.28%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |4.95%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] alone (NH)
|161
|189
|style='background: #ffffe6; |214
|0.08%
|0.09%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.09%
|-
|[[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|Some Other Race]] alone (NH)
|209
|276
|style='background: #ffffe6; |1,117
|0.10%
|0.13%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.46%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed Race or Multi-Racial]] (NH)
|2,406
|3,610
|style='background: #ffffe6; |8,960
|1.19%
|1.66%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |3.71%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race)
|14,111
|19,225
|style='background: #ffffe6; |23,533
|6.96%
|8.84%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |9.75%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''202,705'''
|'''217,385'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''241,361'''
|'''100.00%'''
|'''100.00%'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%'''
|}

===2010 Census===
At the 2010 census, the population was 217,385, of whom 69,967 lived in owner-occupied housing and 32,306 in renter occupied, a total of 101,273 households in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1,181.4|/sqmi}}. There were 124,001 housing units at an average density of {{cvt|673.9|/sqmi}}. The racial make-up of the city was 89.3% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 1.7% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.8% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 3.3% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.1% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 2.5% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]] and 2.3% from two or more races. 8.8% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/ScottsdaleAZ/About+Scottsdale/Demographics_2019.pdf/|title=Demographics{{!}} Scottsdale AZ Demographics |publisher=Scottsdale |access-date=October 31, 2019|archive-date=December 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230022505/https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/ScottsdaleAZ/About+Scottsdale/Demographics_2019.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

There were 101,290 households, of which 20.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them. According to the 2010 census, 51.7% of Scottsdale's population was female, while 48.3% was male. 17.7% of the population were under the age of 18, 5.0% from 20 to 24, 32.6% from 25 to 49, 22.8% from 50 to 64 and 19.9% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years.

According to a 2007 estimate, the [[median household income]] was $90,533 and the median family income for a family was $122,289. The [[per capita income]] was $59,158. About 3.4% of families and 5.8% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 5.4% of those under age 18 and 5.9% of those age 65 or over.

===Religion===
Scottsdale is home to a large number of [[church (building)|churches]], [[chapels]], [[temples]], [[synagogues]], [[mosques]], and other places of religious worship. Though the majority of Scottsdale residents consider themselves of, or practicing, the [[Christianity|Christian]] faith(s) – including [[Protestant]] and [[Roman Catholic]] – the city's high population growth over the years has resulted in a more diverse population, particularly [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox]] Christians and [[Jews]]. Though smaller in number, [[Hindu]], [[Sikh]], and [[Buddhist]] communities also exist within Scottsdale. There is also a small population of members of [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]], as is common throughout Phoenix, Arizona, and the Western United States.

The first church founded in Scottsdale was the First Baptist Church of Scottsdale, which was built by Scott and his family. The church has named a small non-profit coffee shop on the corner of their campus after Scott, called Winfield's.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fbcscottsdale.church/media/tell-the-story|title=First Church{{!}} First Scottsdale Church|website=www.fbcscottsdale.church/ |access-date=June 12, 2020}}</ref>
[[Congregation Beth Israel (Scottsdale, Arizona)|Congregation Beth Israel]], the oldest [[Reform Judaism]] congregation in the [[Phoenix metropolitan area]] is in Scottsdale,<ref name=HistoryofCBI>[http://www.cbiaz.org/content.php?sub=2 History of CBI] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622201721/http://www.cbiaz.org/content.php?sub=2 |date=June 22, 2008 }}, Synagogue website, Our Community. Accessed December 4, 2008.</ref> and is the largest congregation in [[Arizona]].<ref name=Ettenborough2003p25>Ettenborough, Kelly. ''Arizona's Sanctuaries, Retreats, and Sacred Places'', Big Earth Publishing, 2003, {{ISBN|9781565794382}}, p. 25.</ref> In North Scottsdale, there is the Jewish Community Center of Phoenix and the New Shul. The community center was originally in central Phoenix, it had eventually outgrown the location and was looking to relocate and build a more expansive campus.

In 2009, a new [[Armenian Apostolic]] church was built in the city, representing the larger numbers of Armenians in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Crandall |first1=Sean |title=Armenian church to open first Arizona sanctuary |url=http://archive.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/09/19/20090919armenian0920.html#ixzz37Ly0uEZU |website=AZ Central |access-date=July 17, 2019}}</ref>

==Economy==
{{See also|List of major corporations in Phoenix}}
The [[tourism]] industry is Scottsdale's primary employer, accounting for 39% of the city's workforce. In 2005, Scottsdale attracted over 7.5&nbsp;million visitors to the city, providing an economic impact of over $3.1&nbsp;billion.<ref name="tourism_numbers">"[http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/listserve/ViewMessage.asp?MsgID=41814 Headline News]." ''Downtown Scottsdale Bulletin.'' November 7, 2006. Retrieved on April 18, 2007. {{dead link|date=August 2020}}</ref>

The city of Scottsdale is tied with Atlanta for fourth, after New York City, Las Vegas, and Chicago respectively, as having the most [[American Automobile Association|AAA Five-Diamond]] hotels and resorts in the United States. In 2015, AAA bestowed four such properties in Scottsdale with the highest honor: The Phoenician and The Canyon Suites, part of [[The Luxury Collection]], [[Four Seasons Hotels]] Scottsdale at Troon North, and the [[Fairmont Hotels and Resorts]] Princess Resort and Spa.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.aaa.biz/Travel_Information/Diamonds/Awards/2015/January%202015%20-%205D%20Hotels.pdf | publisher=AAA | title=AAA/CAA Five Diamond Hotels – January 16, 2015 | access-date=February 27, 2015 | date=January 16, 2015 | archive-date=January 19, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119082845/http://www.aaa.biz/Travel_Information/Diamonds/Awards/2015/January%202015%20-%205D%20Hotels.pdf | url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2016, Scottsdale had the highest number of [[destination spa]]s per capita of any city in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://money.com/collection-post/scottsdale-arizona/|title=50. Scottsdale, Ariz.|website=Money}}</ref>

The region's year-round warm weather and abundant sunshine is a major factor in Scottsdale's tourism appeal. In particular, during the winter, thousands of tourists and retirees from the Midwest, the northeast, and as far away as Canada (known locally as [[Snowbird (people)|snowbirds]]) flood the area with visits from brief to long term. Those who practice the same migration routine annually often end up purchasing winter homes in the area.<ref name="snowbirds">Roxborough, Shannon. "[http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk3NDAmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTcxMDk1MzImeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyMQ== Tourists often wind up buying second homes]." ''[http://www.northjersey.com/ northjersey.com].'' April 15, 2007. Retrieved April 18, 2007.</ref>

The [[Mayo Clinic]] has one of its three major campuses in Scottsdale.<ref name="mayo">"[http://www.mayoclinic.org/scottsdale/ Mayo Clinic Scottsdale (website)]." Retrieved April 29, 2007.</ref> This and its resulting effects have made Scottsdale an attractive destination for medical care.<ref name="Medscape">[http://www.medscape.com/features/slideshow/public/best-places-to-practice-2016 Best places to practice] Retrieved February 23, 2017.</ref>

The [[aviation]] industry has also grown in Scottsdale, with the construction of [[Scottsdale Airport]] in North Scottsdale, in the 1960s. Today, it is one of the busiest single-runway airports in the United States in terms of aircraft operations. However, there is little to no commercial air service; nearly all operations are corporate or [[general aviation]].

The immediate area surrounding the Scottsdale Airport, known locally as the Airpark, has developed rapidly as a regional center of commerce. By 2004, the Airpark had grown to become the second-largest employment center in the [[Phoenix Metropolitan Area]], with over 50,000 people being employed within a few-mile radius of the airport itself&nbsp;– notably in financial, retail, service, technological, design and manufacturing fields.

Among the companies headquartered in Scottsdale are [[Cold Stone Creamery]], [[Carlisle Companies]], [[Discount Tire]], [[Discovery Land Company]], [[Edgenuity]], [[Fender Musical Instruments Corporation|Fender]], [[Blue Yonder]], [[Kahala Corp.|Kahala]], [[Kona Grill]], [[Liveops]], [[Magellan Health]], [[Meritage Homes]], [[Nextiva]], [[Advisor Group]], [[Paradise Bakery & Café]], [[P.F. Chang's China Bistro]], [[Rural Metro]], [[Axon (company)|Axon]], and '''[[Vitalant]]''' .<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/business/2015/06/five-arizona-companies-land-in-fortune-500.html|title=Five Arizona companies land in 'Fortune' 500
|website=Phoenix Business Journal|access-date=September 30, 2019}}</ref>

===Top employers===
According to the city's 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,<ref name="cafr">{{Cite web |date=October 26, 2022 |title=Annual Comprehensive Financial Report |url=https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/ScottsdaleAZ/Finance/CAFR/Annual+Financial+Report+2022.pdf |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=City of Scottsdale |archive-date=May 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508173450/https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/ScottsdaleAZ/Finance/CAFR/Annual+Financial+Report+2022.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> the top employers in the city are:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! #
! Employer
! # of employees
|-
| 1
|Honor Health
|7,131
|-
| 2
|[[The Vanguard Group|Vanguard]]
|2,770
|-
| 3
|[[General Dynamics Mission Systems]]
|2,700
|-
| 4
|City of Scottsdale
|2,612
|-
| 5
|[[Scottsdale Unified School District]]
|2,093
|-
| 6
|[[Mayo Clinic]]
|1,917
|-
| 7
|[[Axon Enterprise|Axon]]
|1,600
|-
| 8
|[[Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company|Nationwide Specialty Insurance]]
|1,407
|-
| 9
|[[CVS Health]]
|1,345
|-
| 10
|[[The Hartford]]
|785
|-
|}

===Retail===
[[File:Old Town Scottsdale 01.jpg|thumb|right|Boutiques in Old Town Scottsdale]]
The city has several corporate retail outlets as well as independent boutiques.

There are many shopping areas within the City of Scottsdale, ranging from small districts to large centers. The most notable regional centers include [[Scottsdale Fashion Square]] in Old Town Scottsdale, a major destination for high-end shoppers, as well as Scottsdale Quarter in North Scottsdale and across the road from Scottsdale Quarter is [[Kierland Commons]] on the Phoenix side of Scottsdale Road. These shopping centers (and others), in Scottsdale claim dozens of marquee brands that are unique to both Phoenix and the Southwestern region.

As of 2016, Scottsdale Fashion Square was ranked in the top 25 most visited malls in the country by ''[[Travel + Leisure]]'' magazine.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2016/08/07/scottsdale-fashion-square-maintains-its-shopping.html | newspaper=Phoenix Business Journal | title=Scottsdale Fashion Square maintains its shopping stronghold with new retailers | last=Totten | first=Steven | date=August 7, 2016 | access-date=December 18, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812001203/http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2016/08/07/scottsdale-fashion-square-maintains-its-shopping.html | url-status=live | archive-date=August 12, 2016}}</ref> It has consistently been one of the most profitable malls in the United States, being ranked in 2016 as the second highest [[sales per square foot]] mall in the country,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.theapplepips.com/two-more-apple-stores-to-open-in-arizona-and-washington-d-c/ | publisher=The Apple Pips | title=Two More Apple Stores To Open In Arizona And Washington D.C. | date=December 14, 2016 | access-date=December 18, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220213721/http://www.theapplepips.com/two-more-apple-stores-to-open-in-arizona-and-washington-d-c/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=December 20, 2016}}</ref> The center is anchored by [[Nordstrom|Neiman Marcus]], [[Macy's]], [[Neiman Marcus|Nordstrom]], and [[Dillard's]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://phoenix.about.com/od/malls/p/ScottsFashSq.htm | publisher=About Travel | title=Scottsdale Fashion Square  | date=August 31, 2016 | access-date=December 18, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070217045159/http://phoenix.about.com/od/malls/p/ScottsFashSq.htm | url-status=live | archive-date=February 17, 2007}}</ref>

One Scottsdale, a multi-use development by DMB Associates, aims to be the next luxury retail center serving the North Scottsdale area.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vanek |first=Corina |date=October 16, 2023 |title=More than 1,000 apartment, condo units underway at 120-acre One Scottsdale development |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/real-estate/2023/10/16/north-scottsdale-development-planning-apartments-resort-near-loop-101/71173222007/ |access-date=December 21, 2023 |website=AZ Central |language=en-US}}</ref> In a {{convert|3|mile|spell=in|adj=on}} radius, the center sees an average household income of $110,292, and its {{convert|10|mi|km|adj=on}} zone has more households earning over $100,000 than several famous retail destinations, including [[Bal Harbour]], [[Naples, Florida|Naples]], [[Aspen, Colorado|Aspen]], and [[Hamptons|The Hamptons]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/|title=Yahoo Finance - Business Finance, Stock Market, Quotes, News|website=finance.yahoo.com}}{{better source needed|date=March 2023}}</ref>

Palmeraie, a {{convert|300000|sqft|m2|adj=on}}, outdoor mixed-use project planned for the SWC of Indian Bend and Scottsdale Rds, has already received commitments from [[Hermès]], [[Yves Saint Laurent (brand)|Yves Saint Laurent]], and [[John Varvatos]].<ref>{{cite web | date = September 23, 2008 | author = Sharon Edelson | url = http://www.wwd.com/retail-news/the-palmerai-heats-up-luxury-retail-competition-in-arizona-1793133 | title = Palmeraie Heats Up Luxe Retail Competition in Arizona | publisher = Penske Media Corporation | access-date = October 9, 2017 |url-access=subscription}}<br>- {{cite news| url=http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2008/10/27/story7.html | title=Save the date ... for a really long time | date=October 26, 2008}}</ref>

==Arts and culture==
[[File:20080409-ScottsdaleAZ-ArtsDistrict.jpg|thumb|right|Scottsdale Arts District, adjacent to Old Town, showcasing Ed Mell's sculpture ''Jack Knife'']]
[[File:Scottsdale SW09.jpg|thumb|Love by Robert Indiana 1969]]

The city has an annual Scottsdale Arts Festival.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://americanstyle.com/ |title=AmericanStyle Magazine |access-date=March 4, 2022 |archive-date=July 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721004704/http://www.americanstyle.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The highest concentrations of galleries, studios and museums that are open to the public are in Downtown Scottsdale. Its Scottsdale Arts District can be segmented into three distinct districts. The largest is the Scottsdale Main Street Arts District, home to the largest and most diverse collection of styles and genres, the more contemporary Marshall Way Arts District, and the more touristy and western-themed Old Town district, which has the [[Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art]] (also known as SMoCA). The popular Scottsdale Artwalk is held weekly, every Thursday evening.

Scottsdale's affluent culture has been depicted by shows such as [[MTV]]'s ''[[My Super Sweet 16]]'', which filmed an episode in the area in 2006, and by the short-lived [[CBS]] reality show ''[[Tuesday Night Book Club]]''.<ref>Scharnberg, Kirsten. "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0607040221jul04,1,6443175.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed A new sin city: 'Snottsdale']", ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'', July 4, 2006. Retrieved July 6, 2006.<br>
Rose, Jaimee. "[http://www.azcentral.com/ent/tv/articles/0426marissa0426.html Welcome to Marissa's world] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060502095319/http://www.azcentral.com/ent/tv/articles/0426marissa0426.html |date=May 2, 2006 }}", ''[[Arizona Republic]]'', April 26, 2006. Retrieved July 6, 2006.</ref>

===Annual cultural events and fairs===
"The West's most western town" prides itself in its rich Western history, preserving while heavily promoting its plethora of "western" activities and events. The [[Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show]] has taken place since 1955. Today, the show attracts thousands of visitors and tourists, to see nearly 2000 purebred Arabian and Half-Arabian horses competing for various prizes and recognition. The show also features over 300 vendors and exhibitions, and over 25 demonstrations and shows.<ref>cpcomapreable, Judy. "[http://phoenix.about.com/od/sportsrodeo/a/scottsarabian.htm Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060508193605/http://phoenix.about.com/od/sportsrodeo/a/scottsarabian.htm |date=May 8, 2006 }}." ''[[About.com]].'' Retrieved on August 9, 2006.</ref>

The Scottsdale Jaycees Parada del Sol, an annual month-long event that has been held in Scottsdale since 1954. Originally named The Sunshine Festival, the PRCA Rodeo was added in 1956. Cowboys and cowgirls from across the nation converge in Scottsdale to participate in this cultural and historical event. The event begins each year with the ''Parada del Sol Parade'', the world's largest horse-drawn parade with over 150 entries in any given year.<ref>"[http://www.scottsdalejaycees.org/paradadelsol/history.htm Scottsdale Jaycees Parada del Sol – History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060818014438/http://www.scottsdalejaycees.org/paradadelsol/history.htm |date=August 18, 2006 }}." ''[http://www.scottsdalejaycees.org/ Scottsdale Jaycees].'' Retrieved on August 16, 2006.</ref>
[[File:Scottsdale SW03.jpg|thumb|Hashknife Pony Express members in Parada del Sol parade]]

Since 1971, Scottsdale has been home to the [[Barrett-Jackson|Barrett-Jackson Auto Show]]. Due to the success of this week-long event held every January, the organizers behind it have more recently inaugurated similar but smaller shows in [[Palm Beach, Florida]] and [[Las Vegas, Nevada]]. Now held at the expansive West World exhibition complex in North Scottsdale, the event is an auto enthusiast's and collector's spectacle. The show is known for featuring both exotic, luxury automobiles and historic vehicles which have been expertly restored to mint condition.

Since 2007, Scottsdale has been hosting low and high fashion shows in the annual Scottsdale Fashion Week,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scottsdalefashionweek.com/|title=Scottsdale Fashion Week &#124; Scottsdale, Arizona|accessdate=March 21, 2023}}</ref> including popular department store line fashion designers and some higher end ones during the month of November.

The Scottsdale Culinary Festival is held annually during April. Though many of its individual events are held citywide, they concentrate in the downtown area. Entirely, it is estimated the week-long festival draws over 40,000 people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scottsdalefest.org/|title=Homepage|website=Scottsdale Culinary Festival}}</ref> The most heavily attended such event is the festival's Great Arizona Picnic, an outdoor fair-like showcase of both well-known local and national chefs and restaurants. It is held on the lawn of the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall.

The annual Scottsdale International Film Festival concentrates on the use of film to foster of the world's cultures, lifestyles, religions, and ethnicities.

===Museums and art galleries===
[[File:Scottsdale SW04.jpg|thumb|Museum of the West]]
[[File:Taliesin West Complex DSCN2137.jpg|right|thumb|[[Taliesin West]], architect [[Frank Lloyd Wright]]'s winter home and school in Scottsdale]]
Scottsdale is home to more than 125 professional art galleries and studios, one of the highest per-capita anywhere in the nation.<ref>"[http://www.scottsdalecvb.com/listings/index.cfm?action=showListings&catID=1572&subcatID=61&navID=2 Listings of Scottsdale Art Galleries] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060711045021/http://www.scottsdalecvb.com/listings/index.cfm?action=showListings&catID=1572&subcatID=61&navID=2 |date=July 11, 2006 }}." ''[http://www.scottsdalesvb.com/ Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau].'' Retrieved on July 6, 2006.</ref> The city has quickly become a center for art in the United States. Scottsdale is renowned for its vibrant art scene, featuring numerous galleries and hosting major art events that contribute significantly to its economy.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scottsdale Arts District Gallery Guide 2025 |website=Scottsdale Galleries |url=https://scottsdalegalleries.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Scottsdale-Arts-District-GalleryGuide2025-CompleteBook-2025.pdf |access-date=August 11, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Scottsdale Art Auction |website=Scottsdale Art Auction |url=https://scottsdaleartauction.com/ |access-date=August 11, 2025}}</ref>

Its galleries and studios are noted for their western- and Native American–themed art, with a growing interest in contemporary arts over the past couple of decades&nbsp;– an element most visible by the large number of modern art galleries which have opened along the Marshall Way Arts District, and the opening of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art in 1999. Both are in Downtown Scottsdale.<ref name="thingstodo">Staff Writer. "[http://www.azcentral.com/travel/arizona/phoenix/articles/phxthingstodo-CR.html Things to do in Phoenix]." ''[[The Arizona Republic]].'' June 7, 2006. Retrieved on December 7, 2006.</ref> Located in the Old Town district of Downtown Scottsdale, the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall is home to the two-theater Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, the Scottsdale Historical Museum, as well as the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. SMoCA is the only permanent museum dedicated solely to the contemporary arts in the state of Arizona. Also in Old Town, Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West opened in January 2015, featuring historical and cultural exhibits from 19 states of the American West, including Arizona.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://scottsdalemuseumwest.org/|title = Scottsdale's Museum of the West|date = February 17, 2015|access-date = February 17, 2015|website = Scottsdale's Museum of the West}}</ref>

[[Taliesin West]], architect Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and school from 1937 until 1959, is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Arizona. The complex is in the northeast fringe of the city, at the base of the McDowell Mountains.

===Nightlife===
[[File:HotelValleyHo-at-dawn.jpg|thumb|The [[Hotel Valley Ho]] caters to both day and night entertainment.]]

Scottsdale is home to a variety of nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, lounges and bars most notably in the Old-Town district.
This is evident by the growing number of style-conscious hotels that have opened up throughout Downtown Scottsdale which equally cater to the nightlife crowds.

The majority of nightlife is concentrated in Downtown Scottsdale, between Camelback and Osborn roads. This is the most active and popular nightlife destination in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Similar to well-known nightclub districts in other major cities, much like [[Atlanta]]'s [[Buckhead (Atlanta)|Buckhead]] district and [[Miami]]'s [[South Beach]], most of Downtown Scottsdale's major bars and clubs are generally within walking distance. Crowds of over 40,000 are known to congregate in this area.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite news| url=https://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2007-12-13-scottsdale_N.htm | work=USA Today | title=Old West meets New West in Scottsdale, Ariz. | first=Jayne | last=Clark | date=December 20, 2007 | access-date=May 23, 2010}}</ref> Old Town Scottsdale consists of active night clubs, dive bars, entertainment restaurants and shopping around every corner. [[Scottsdale Fashion Square]] introduces the Old Town Scottsdale lifestyle with approximately 2&nbsp;million square feet of luxury retail space.

=== Attractions ===
There are several attractions within the city of Scottsdale. There is the newly built Great Wolf Lodge water park and hotel right off of the 101 freeway. The [[Talking Stick Resort]] is an attraction and a part of the Scottsdale night life with their 98,000 square feet casino. Within the same vicinity are the Butterfly Wonderland, [[OdySea Aquarium]] that holds over 6,000 animals in 2,000,000 gallons of water, iFly Zone and many shopping centers including Fashion Square, just north of Old Town Scottsdale. [[Scottsdale Fashion Square]] introduces Old Town Scottsdale being in the top 30 largest malls in the country and providing upscale shopping and luxury.

===Indian gaming===
[[File:Talking Stick Resort Scottsdale Arizona.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Talking Stick Resort]] offers Native American gaming.]]

Southeast Scottsdale borders the [[Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community]]. For several years, the Scottsdale Pavilions, a major outdoor [[shopping center]], marked the only commercial property operating on tribal lands. In 1998, the tribe opened the first permanent casino in the Scottsdale area, [[Casino Arizona]], at [[Arizona State Route 101|Loop 101]] and McKellips Road. The success of Casino Arizona led to the construction of a second location, [[Talking Stick Resort|Casino Arizona at Indian Bend]], in a temporary facility less than {{convert|8|mi|km}} north.

The passage of Proposition 202 in November 2002 redefined casino gaming in Arizona, permitting "Vegas-style" blackjack and poker, expanded number of slot machines and wider food and beverage service options.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cardplayer.com/cardplayer-poker-magazines/47-casino-arizona-15-25|title=Casino Arizona Vol. 15, No. 25 Card Player Magazine|website=www.cardplayer.com}}</ref> Both casinos underwent significant expansions following the passage of Proposition 202, with Casino Arizona at Indian Bend more than doubling in size.

In 2010, the temporary tent facilities hosting the {{convert|120000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} Casino Arizona at Indian Bend were deconstructed following the opening of Casino Arizona at Talking Stick Resort. The {{convert|240000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} casino is adjoined to the newly constructed 15-story Talking Stick Resort & Spa, which features the Talking Stick golf course, a 36-hole [[golf course]] designed by [[Ben Crenshaw]] and [[Bill Coore]]. Today, the two casinos collectively have over 2,000 slot machines and 100 table games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldcasinodirectory.com/arizona/scottsdale|title=Scottsdale, Arizona Casinos|website=www.worldcasinodirectory.com}}</ref>

===Historic properties in Scottsdale===
{{Main|List of historic properties in Scottsdale, Arizona}}
There are numerous properties in the city of Scottsdale which are considered to be historical and have been included either in the [[National Register of Historic Places]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/az/Maricopa/state.html|title=National Register of Historical Places – Arizona (AZ), Maricopa County|website=nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com}}</ref> or the Scottsdale Historic Register.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/System/404.htm?aspxerrorpath=%2F404.htm|title=|website=www.scottsdaleaz.gov|access-date=September 21, 2020|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001220823/https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/System/404.htm?aspxerrorpath=%2F404.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> The gallery contains images of properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places with a short description of each.

====Gallery of historic properties on National Register of Historic Places====
<gallery>
File:SD-Scottsdale Grammar school 1909.jpg|Scottsdale Grammar School, also called The Little Red Schoolhouse, built in 1909
File: Scottsdale-George_Ellis_House-1925.jpg|George Ellis House, built in 1925
File:Scottsdale-Louise_Lincoln_Kerr_House-1925.jpg|Louise Lincoln Kerr House, built in 1925
File:Scottsdale-Frank_Tilus_House-1875.jpg|Frank Tilus House, built in 1875
File:Scottsdale-Valley Field Riding and Polo Club-1924-3.JPG|The Valley Field Riding and Polo Club of Scottsdale, built in 1924
File:SD-Roald Amundsen Pullman Private Railroad Car 1928.jpg|Roald Amundsen Pullman private railroad car
</gallery>

==Sports and recreation==
The city is the [[spring training]] home of the [[San Francisco Giants]], who practice at [[Scottsdale Stadium]] in Downtown Scottsdale.<ref name="sfgiants">"[http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/stadium/default.asp Scottsdale Stadium]." ''City of Scottsdale (website)''. Retrieved on April 18, 2007.</ref> Scottsdale Stadium also hosts the [[Scottsdale Scorpions]], a [[minor league]] [[baseball]] team in the [[Arizona Fall League]]. In February 2011 the [[Colorado Rockies]] and [[Arizona Diamondbacks]] began sharing a new spring training facility, [[Salt River Fields at Talking Stick]], located on the city's eastern border with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

Though none play specifically in the city of Scottsdale, three of the "Big Four" [[Major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada|North American major league sports]] organizations have franchises and play within the Phoenix Metropolitan Area – the [[Phoenix Suns]] (NBA), the [[Arizona Cardinals]] (NFL), and the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]] (MLB), as well as the [[Phoenix Mercury]] (WNBA).

[[Phoenix Rising FC]], a member of the [[United Soccer League]], played their home matches at [[Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex]], a temporary stadium near [[Arizona State Route 101|Loop 101]] and [[Arizona State Route 202|Loop 202]].
[[File:Scottsdale SW12.jpg|thumb|Chaparral Park - on the Greenway flood plain]]

Since 2010, the historic WM [[Waste Management, Inc|Waste Management]] Phoenix Open Golf Tournament&nbsp;– formerly the ''[[FBR Open]]'' and ''Phoenix Open'', which originally began in 1932 – is now held annually each January at the Tournament Players Club (or "TPC") in [[TPC of Scottsdale|North Scottsdale]]. The TPC is adjacent to the large Fairmont Scottsdale Resort. It is the largest-attended stop of the annual [[PGA Tour]], attracting well over 500,000 people to the four-day event alone.

[[Hiking]], [[rock climbing]] and other similar [[outdoor activities]] are enormously popular<ref>{{cite web|title= Scottsdale Sports|url=https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/sports/|last1=AZ|first1=Scottsdale|website=scottsdaleaz|access-date=June 19, 2019}}</ref> throughout the Phoenix area, in large part to the immediate accessibility of mountain areas within or very near the city limits. Citizens flock ritually to local favorite [[Camelback Mountain]], in the eastern section of Phoenix, just adjacent to Scottsdale, as well as the [[McDowell Mountains]] in the [[McDowell Sonoran Preserve]], at the city's northeastern fringes.
[[File:Scottsdale SW02.jpg|thumb|Landscape near Granite Mountain (facing east) in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve]]

On January 19, 2013, the [[Talking Stick Resort]] hosted [[King of the Cage]]'s televised [[mixed martial arts]] event, ''Regulators''. The show, now owned by the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]], featured future UFC talent like Cody East, [[Jordan Johnson (martial artist)|Jordan Johnson]] and flyweight championship contender [[Ray Borg]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ufc.tv/category/kotc-regulators|title=UFC® FIGHT PASS™ -KOTC: Regulators|website=www.ufc.tv}}</ref>

===Golf===
Scottsdale is a noted golf and resort destination,<ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-courses/2010-11/photos-best-golf-states#slide=1 | title=Best Golf States | magazine=Golf Digest}}</ref> with a sizable portion of tax revenue being derived from tourism. It is also home to the [[Phoenix Open]] Golf Tournament held at the [[Tournament Players Club]] every year and the Barrett-Jackson car show held at WestWorld.

In all, the city is home to more than 200 area courses offering layouts that range from the rolling green fairways of traditional courses, to desert golf designs. In 2006, the ''[[Robb Report]]'' cited Scottsdale as "America's Best Place to Live for Golf."<ref>Bennett, Liam. "[http://www.scottsdalecvb.com/static/index.cfm?contentID=221 Scottsdale's Fantasy 18] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113002513/http://www.scottsdalecvb.com/static/index.cfm?contentID=221 |date=January 13, 2009 }}." ''[http://www.scottsdalecvb.com/ Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830103546/http://www.scottsdalecvb.com/ |date=August 30, 2012 }}.'' Retrieved on June 1, 2006.</ref> The [[Wyndham Hotels & Resorts|Boulders Resort & Golden Spa]] and [[Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts|Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North]] were selected in 2005 as the second and fourth best golf resorts in the nation by ''[[Travel + Leisure Golf]]'' magazine.<ref>Staff Writer. "[http://www.travelandleisure.com/tlgolf/worldsbest/top10us.cfm 2005 World's Best Golf Resorts]." ''[[Travel + Leisure Golf]].'' Retrieved on July 6, 2006.</ref> Other golf courses in the area include FireRock, Troon North, The Phoenician, Desert Highlands, Silverleaf, and Desert Mountain.

Scottsdale National Golf Club is a private golf club in the [[McDowell Mountains|McDowell Mountain Range]], the course itself is a par 72 on {{convert|290|acre|km2}}. In the past, it has received awards from Golf Digest and Golfweek.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.golflink.com/golf-courses/course.aspx?course=1686056|title=Scottsdale National Golf Club, Scottsdale, AZ|website=GolfLink |access-date=December 19, 2017}}</ref> It hosts an 18-hole course as well as a nine-hole course called "The Bad Little Nine".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikmatuszewski/2017/04/19/the-baddest-nine-holes-in-golf-has-pxg-ties-and-a-1000-offer-to-break-par/#2479bb17278f|title=The Baddest Nine Holes In Golf Has PXG Ties And A $1,000 Offer To Break Par|last=Matuszewski|first=Erik|work=Forbes|access-date=December 19, 2017 }}</ref> The club also hosts the "Wild West Invitational," a tournament including a final round where competitors must contend with loud distractions.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikmatuszewski/2017/09/19/has-billionaire-bob-parsons-created-golfs-wildest-member-guest-tournament/#6332f96a6113|title=Has Billionaire Bob Parsons Created Golf's Wildest Member-Guest Tournament?|last=Matuszewski|first=Erik|work=Forbes|access-date=December 19, 2017 }}</ref> It has also been mentioned as a possible location for future [[PGA Championship]]s.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.golfdigest.com/story/pga-championship-2017-11-venues-that-could-now-host-a-major-in-may|title=PGA Championship 2017: 11 venues that could now host a major in May - Golf Digest|last=Hennessey|first=Stephen|work=Golf Digest|access-date=December 19, 2017 }}</ref>

===Additional===
<!---♦♦♦ Only add to this list if there is already an article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦---> 
*[[Scottsdale Gun Club]] (2004)

==Government==
[[File:20080409-ScottsdaleAZ-001.jpg|thumb|right|Scottsdale City Hall, designed by [[Bennie Gonzales]]]]
[[File:Scottsdale SW11.jpg|thumb|Scottsdale Justice Center]]

Scottsdale is governed by a [[List of mayors of Scottsdale|mayor]] and [[city council]], all of whom are elected "at large" to represent the entire city rather than districts within the city. A [[city manager]] is responsible for the executive leadership of the city staff, as well as implementing council policies, developing programs and budgets to respond to council goals, and ensuring citizens receive effective and efficient city services. The city manager also serves as the city treasurer.

{{As of|2025|}}, the current mayor is Scottsdale native Lisa Borowsky.<ref>{{cite web |title= Mayor Lisa Borowsky|url=https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/council/mayor-lisa-borowsky |website=City of Scottsdale website |access-date=January 25, 2025}}</ref>
Scottsdale is part of [[Arizona's 1st congressional district]].

The distinctive Scottsdale City Hall was designed by architect [[Bennie Gonzales]] in 1968, and was designed with an interior [[kiva]] for community meetings.<ref name=evt>{{cite news |first=Mark|last=Scarp|title=Gonzales left his creative imprint on Scottsdale |url=http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_316c4db2-da60-5305-bd60-b466349b59af.html?login_success=true |work=[[East Valley Tribune]]|date=December 4, 2008 |access-date=January 4, 2009}}</ref>

=== Politics ===
{| class="wikitable" style="float:center; margin:1em; font-size:95%;"
|+ '''Scottsdale Presidential Election Results'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://davesredistricting.org/maps|title=DRA 2020|website=Daves Redistricting|accessdate=March 21, 2023}}</ref>
!Year
![[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
![[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
![[Third party (United States)|Third Parties]]
|-
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |[[2020 United States presidential election in Arizona|2020]]
| align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |47.62% ''74,540''
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''51.17%''' ''79,877''
| align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}} |1.21% ''1688''
|-
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |[[2016 United States presidential election in Arizona|2016]]
| align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |43.16% ''53,996''
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''50.78%''' ''63,533''
| align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}} |6.06% ''7573''
|}

==Education==
{{See also|List of school districts in Phoenix, Arizona}}
Public education in Scottsdale is provided for by multiple school districts. [[Scottsdale Unified School District]] (SUSD)<!--UNI 07570--> serves most of Scottsdale, most of the town of Paradise Valley, as well as parts of Tempe and east Phoenix.<ref name="SUSD">{{cite web|title=Scottsdale Unified School District: About Us.|url=http://susd.schoolfusion.us/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=100420&sessionid=61deedaee5bc58f295db9fd3812877e1&sessionid=61deedaee5bc58f295db9fd3812877e1|publisher=Scottsdale Unified School District|access-date=January 24, 2014}}</ref> The [[Paradise Valley Unified School District]] (PVUSD),<!--UNI 05930--> serves northeast Phoenix and North Scottsdale. SUSD serves 25,668 students in 33 schools and employs 3,862, including 1,551 teachers.<ref name=SUSD /> SUSD's 33 schools include five high schools: [[Arcadia High School (Arizona)|Arcadia High School]], [[Coronado High School (Scottsdale)|Coronado High School]], [[Chaparral High School (Arizona)|Chaparral High School]], [[Desert Mountain High School]], and [[Saguaro High School]]. PVUSD is the 7th largest school district in the state, with approximately 30,000 students and 3,800 employees.<ref name=PVUSD1>{{cite web | url=http://www.pvschools.net/Description.htm | title=Paradise Valley Unified School District Description | publisher=Paradise Valley Schools | access-date=January 24, 2014 | archive-date=January 27, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140127061941/http://www.pvschools.net/Description.htm | url-status=dead }}</ref> It contains 47 schools, including 7 high schools. The high schools which serve portions of Scottsdale are [[Horizon High School (Scottsdale, Arizona)|Horizon High School]] and [[Pinnacle High School]].<ref name=PVUSD2>{{cite web | url=http://www.pvschools.net/Schools.htm | title=Paradise Valley Unified School District Schools | publisher=Paradise Valley Schools}}</ref> Other portions of Scottsdale are in the [[Cave Creek Unified School District]],<!--UNI 00001--> the [[Fountain Hills Unified School District]],<!--UNI 03040--> and the [[Balsz Elementary School District]]<!--ELM 01050--> and [[Phoenix Union High School District]]<!--SEC 06330-->.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st04_az/schooldistrict_maps/c04013_maricopa/DC20SD_C04013.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st04_az/schooldistrict_maps/c04013_maricopa/DC20SD_C04013.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Maricopa County, AZ|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|pages=3, 7 (PDF pp. 4, 8/11)|access-date=2024-09-12}}</ref>

The primary institution of higher education in the city is [[Scottsdale Community College]], which opened in 1970 on the [[Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Reservation]]. In 1999, the school opened a second campus in the Scottsdale Airpark allowing it to serve the business community and north Scottsdale. Other institutions of higher education with locations in Scottsdale include the [[Mayo Clinic School of Medicine]], [[University of Phoenix]], [[Gateway Seminary]], and the Scottsdale Culinary Institute.<ref name="Fudala_Joan">{{cite book|last=Fudala|first=Joan|title=Historic Scottsdale: A Life from the Land.|year=2001|publisher=Historical Publishing Network|location=[[Singapore]]|isbn=1-893619-12-5|pages=77|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oSiRm6fUk4IC}}</ref> Many students at nearby Arizona State University in Tempe live in Scottsdale and commute.

Scottsdale has a main branch and four branches within the [[Scottsdale Public Library]] System.<ref>[http://library.scottsdaleaz.gov/location.cfm Scottsdale Public Library Locations and Hours]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scottsdalepublicart.org/development/AppaloosaLibrary.php|title=The Appaloosa Library|access-date=March 21, 2009|archive-date=July 5, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705082933/http://www.scottsdalepublicart.org/development/AppaloosaLibrary.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==
===Transportation===
====Freeways====
[[Arizona State Route 101|State Route 101]]&nbsp;– locally known as Loop 101&nbsp;– provides convenient [[Roads and freeways in metropolitan Phoenix|Metropolitan Phoenix Freeways]] access.

====Air====
The city is home to [[Scottsdale Municipal Airport]] {{Airport codes|SCF|KSDL}}, a single-runway airport in North Scottsdale. While the airport serves some tour and commuter flights, the plurality of aircraft operations are corporate and transient general aviation traffic.

Commercial air travel is served by [[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport|Sky Harbor International Airport]] {{Airport codes|PHX|KPHX}} in [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]] and [[Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport]] {{Airport codes|AZA|KIWA}} in [[Mesa, Arizona|Mesa]].

[[File:Autocarro em Scottsdale.jpg|thumb|right|Scottsdale Trolley]]

====Public transit====
Public bus service for Scottsdale and the Phoenix Metropolitan Area is provided by [[Valley Metro]].

The city of Scottsdale runs a network of local neighborhood circulators, labeled the "Scottsdale Trolley". Using [[Tourist trolley|trolley-replica bus]]es, the public service is free to riders. {{As of|2021|}}, there are two circulating "routes", known individually as the Downtown Trolley and the Neighborhood Trolley. These connect at the Loloma Station transit center in downtown Scottsdale.

The Downtown Trolley circulates through downtown Scottsdale, and the Neighborhood Trolley circulates from downtown Scottsdale to neighborhoods throughout South Scottsdale, connecting with the city of Tempe's own free public circulator, the Tempe Orbit at Roosevelt and Scottsdale Road. From there, riders can transfer onto the Tempe Orbit, and travel to Tempe, including Arizona State University's main campus, and the downtown Tempe, or [[Mill Avenue]], area.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/trolley.asp|title=City of Scottsdale - Trolley|website=www.scottsdaleaz.gov|access-date=September 30, 2019|archive-date=September 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930145511/https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/trolley.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Between December 2007 and 2009, Scottsdale was a member of the board of [[Valley Metro Rail]] line which connects the neighboring cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa.<ref>{{cite news|last=Powell |first=Brian |title=City opts for seat at Valley light-rail planning table |work=East Valley Tribune |date=December 13, 2007 |url=http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/104382 |access-date=February 1, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727021549/http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/104382 |archive-date=July 27, 2009 }}</ref> There was a study in 2001, and some discussion since, of extending the light rail line into Scottsdale. The city's Transportation Master Plan<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/System/404.htm?aspxerrorpath=/traffic/transmasterplan.asp|title=|website=www.scottsdaleaz.gov}}{{Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> identifies Scottsdale Road as the city's high-capacity corridor, which could be light rail, modern streetcar service, or bus rapid-transit (BRT).

A street railway interurban line was proposed to connect Scottsdale with Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa as early as 1913<ref>{{cite news
| title = Interurban Line Proposed
| work = Phoenix Gazette
| date = June 20, 1913}}</ref> but was never built; Scottsdale is the largest American city that has never had a rail line.<ref>{{Schwieterman-Leaves-Western | page=xxiv}}</ref>

==Notable people==
{{Main|List of people from Scottsdale, Arizona}}

==Sister cities==
{{SisterCities|Scottsdale|eight}}<ref name="SCI">{{cite web|title=Interactive City Directory: Scottsdale, Arizona|url=http://www.sister-cities.org/interactive-map/Scottsdale,%20Arizona|publisher=Sister Cities International, Inc.|access-date=March 28, 2013|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235201/http://www.sister-cities.org/interactive-map/Scottsdale,%20Arizona|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagdeco|Mexico}} [[Álamos]], [[Sonora]], Mexico
* {{flagdeco|Australia}} [[Cairns, Queensland|Cairns]], [[Queensland]], Australia<ref name="asiamattersforamerica.org">{{Cite web|url=https://asiamattersforamerica.org/asia/data/sister-partnerships|title=Data Visualizations – Asia – Sister Partnerships – Asia – Asia Matters for America|website=Data Visualizations – Asia – Sister Partnerships – Asia – Asia Matters for America}}</ref>
* {{flagdeco|Switzerland}} [[Interlaken]], Switzerland
* {{flagdeco|PRC}} [[Haikou]], [[Hainan]], China<ref name="asiamattersforamerica.org"/>
* {{flagdeco|Canada}} [[Kingston, Ontario|Kingston]], [[Ontario]], Canada
* {{flagdeco|Morocco}} [[Marrakech]], Morocco
* {{flagdeco|Kenya}} [[Uasin Gishu]], Kenya
* {{flagdeco|Ireland}} [[Killarney]], Ireland

==See also==
* [[Arizona Canal]]
* [[Central Arizona Project]]
* [[List of people from Phoenix]]
* [[List of films shot in Arizona#Scottsdale|List of films shot in Scottsdale]]
* [[List of historic properties in Scottsdale, Arizona]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{sister project links|voy=Scottsdale (Arizona)}}
* {{Official website|www.scottsdaleaz.gov}}
* [http://www.scottsdalechamber.com/ Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce]
* [http://www.scottsdalecvb.com/ Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830103546/http://www.scottsdalecvb.com/ |date=August 30, 2012 }}
* {{Commons category-inline|Scottsdale, Arizona}}
* {{osmrelation-inline|110826}}

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[[Category:Scottsdale, Arizona| ]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1894]]
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[[Category:Cities in Maricopa County, Arizona]]
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