Scottsdale is the town that many people think of when someone mentions Arizona. It has been referred to as the “Miami South Beach of the west” by the New York Times, and it certainly has a lot going for it.
Everything is readily available in this town – but what would it be like to retire in Scottsdale? Here’s what you should know.
1. Scottsdale has an average of 314 sunny days
Who doesn’t see themselves grilling meat on the barbeque and soaking up the sun in their back yard when they retire? If you retire to Scottsdale, you’re in luck, as you get sun in this region nearly every day of the year. The weather isn’t so good for gardeners, though – only around seven inches of rain falls per year.
2. Scottsdale’s is said to be “The West’s Most Western Town”
Scottsdale is well-known for its cattle ranches and ranch operations. The official seal for the city calls Scottsdale “The West’s Most Western Town”, so you’ll love this place if you’re fascinated by western culture. There’s even a huge rodeo festival hosted in Scottsdale every year, called the Parada del Sol.
3. The cultural scene is thriving
For culture-lovers, Scottsdale is heaven on earth. Scottsdale Community College and the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture are two famous higher learning institutions in the area, while the Scottsdale Center for the Arts has got you covered if you’re a fan of plays and musicals. Oh, and if you like art, there are more than 125 art galleries to explore.
4. There’s virtually no crime
One of the few things that don’t come down to opinion is crime – if it’s there, it’s a bad thing. You’ll be happy to know that crime in Scottsdale is consistently lower than the national average, so you won’t need to be on alert for break-ins and such.
5. Scottsdale is surprisingly affordable
Living in Scottsdale can be expensive – but it can also be surprisingly affordable if you find the right community. There are plenty of active adult communities in the area, too, so you’ll fit right in if you retire here.
6. There are plenty of medical facilities
It’s not something we want to think about, but knowing that Scottsdale has two hospitals is pretty reassuring. Because there’s such a high population of affluent retired people in the region, Scottsdale certainly isn’t short on doctors.
7. It’s a beautiful place to live
Scottsdale is just east of Phoenix, east of Paradise Valley and south of newer Carefree. Depending on where in the area you choose to live, you can witness some beautiful scenery if you’re close enough to the McDowell Mountains.
8. Transportation is decent
If you plan to travel throughout your retirement, you’ll appreciate Scottsdale’s good airport links. It’s a short drive to the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, which is just 15 miles away. For shorter journeys around town, you could easily ditch your car and use the Metro bus service instead.
9. There’s a lot of tourism
Because Scottsdale’s economy is driven largely by tourism, you can guarantee that there are plenty of things to keep you entertained in the local area. From one-off events to regular local happenings, you’re going to want to get involved – because who said you can’t be a tourist in your own town?
10. Not a lot grows in Scottsdale…
But the plants you can find are seriously unique. Most of the plants have adapted to be able to live without much water. The Saguaro cactus is particularly unique, reaching 25 feet in height. The longest ever recorded was 59 feet tall!
There’s plenty to keep you busy if you choose to retire in Scottsdale. You can check out Top Retirements to learn more about what people are saying about this thriving town.
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