Scottsdale

Scottsdale is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States, part of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Known for its resort hotels, golf courses, upscale shopping, and a growing arts scene, it attracts visitors year-round and is a common destination for winter residents.

Indigenous peoples inhabited the region for centuries before non-Native settlement. In 1888 Winfield Scott, a land investor, established a resort community and the settlement was named Scottsdale after him. The town grew through irrigation and tourism, and it was incorporated as a city in 1951.

Scottsdale lies at the eastern edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area in the Sonoran Desert. It has a hot arid climate with very hot summers and mild winters. The landscape features desert foothills and mountain views, with the McDowell Mountains to the east.

The local economy emphasizes hospitality, tourism, and leisure services, with resorts, golf courses, and event venues. Old Town Scottsdale serves as a historic district with galleries, shops, and restaurants. The city hosts notable events such as the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and Barrett-Jackson auto auctions. Cultural institutions include the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and various performing arts venues.

Scottsdale is served mainly by the Scottsdale Unified School District, with portions in the Paradise Valley Unified School District. Scottsdale Community College is part of the Maricopa County Community College District. Transportation includes the Route 101 freeway, local streets, and the Scottsdale Airport; the Valley Metro public transit system serves the city, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport provides regional air service.