Scottsdale is a city of 221,789 people that is just east of Phoenix in the Salt River Valley in the Sonaran Desert. It is often described as a “desert version of South Miami Beach” with less of an overt gay population. A dry riverbed that used to serve surrounding ranches divides this sprawling suburban metropolis. The city is home to many lush green golf courses.
There are not a lot of gay bars in Scottsdale but there is a very well-known one in Old Town Scottsdale called BS West; a video bar with an attached gallery and a boutique. Most of the gay bars are in nearby Phoenix and include Kobalt, Nu Towne Saloon, Icepics Video Bar and Charlie’s.
Old Town Scottsdale is also the most artsy and where you are likely to find the most LGBTQ citizens. It is the center of nightlight and it also has many fashion, antique stores and galleries. A lot of it is themed after the Wild West. It is home to many old mansions that have been refurbished into luxury condos.
One of the most highly desirable places to live in Scottsdale is in the Shea Corridor that is also known as the Resort Corridor to the locals. The poshest mansions and ranches tend to be in the area of what used to be Gainey Ranch and McCormich Ranch. In the latter patter of the 2,000’s homes here gained in value by as much as 38.4%.
South Scottsdale is known as the less expensive working class area of Scottsdale. Many LGBT individuals also own and rent here as it is very close to the Sky Song Center, which is a new research center for Arizona State University.
North Scottsdale is the most suburban area of the city and is backed by the McDowell Mount range. This area is also home to many different company headquarters including Fidelity Investments, GoDaddy.com and GE Capital.
Scottsdale is well-known for its arts community and its very famous Scottsdale Arts Festival. The Main Arts District has expanded over the years into the more contemporary Marshal Way Arts District. It is also home to the Scottsdale Museum of Modern Art. The city is one the country’s largest art markets ranking with New York City and Santa Fe in terms of being an income-earning town for artists.
As of the week of October 13, 2013 the average listing price for a home for sale in Scottsdale was $813, 213.00. There are short sales to be had as there are 1,196 homes in the stages of foreclosure.
When you are looking to live in Scottsdale keep in mind that it is one of the most expensive in the United States and known for its glamorous luxury and “Motor Mile” a stretch of McDowell Road in Scottsdale home to 31 luxury car dealerships. Consulting with a Scottsdale gay realtor is a good way to familiarize yourself with the area and find the most affordable living situation
For more information about Scottsdale, Arizona you can visit the city’s Chamber of Commerce site at http://scottsdalechamber.com.