When I started putting together this list of 20 things I love about Scottsdale it was to mark our two year anniversary of moving here. While I was writing this post my husband accepted a new job that will relocate our family back to California. The list is still all the reasons I love Scottsdale, but now it’s become more of an ode to Scottsdale and the 20 reasons I will be back in the future, at least as a visitor and maybe a full time resident again. Here’s my list of 20 things I love about Scottsdale (in no particular order).
- The Landscape: I fell in love with the lush Sonoran Desert landscape the first time I saw it. The saguaro cacti and beautiful mountain sunsets still take my breath away.
- Sunshine: If you cannot get enough of sunny and clear days, you’re in luck. I read a study that Phoenix has an average of almost 300 days of full or partly sunny days.
- Accessible Local Hiking Trails: I love hiking and enjoy hiking as a family. Click here for a post I wrote offering pointers on local hikes and hiking with children.
- Education: There are a variety of highly rated schools, programs and colleges in Scottsdale and the surrounding area including preschools, public schools, charters and private schools.
- Local Parks and Splash Pads: There are so many local parks and splash pads where children can have fun and make memories.
- Outdoor Running: I love running outdoors here. The landscape soothes my soul, the sunrises are gorgeous, and there are a lot of local races for motivation.
- Shopping: Whether it’s big merchants or local shops, the shopping here cannot be beat.
- Major Annual Events: Including The Waste Management Phoenix Open, MLB Cactus League Spring Training, The Arabian Horse Show and so much more.
- Staycations: The highly rated hotels, resorts, golfing, and spas makes you want to staycation in Scottsdale. (or in my case now, come back for a vacation)
- Indoor Play Places: When it’s just too hot to go outside there are so many places to take the kiddos. Click here for some suggestions.
- Restaurants: Too many to name, but here are SMB’s suggestions for date night and this one for families.
- Holiday Events: From Easter Brunches to The Enchanted Pumpkin Garden in Carefree and holiday light displays across the valley, you will find lots of local celebrations.
- Nearby Escapes: The Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, San Diego, Las Vegas, Rocky Point, Pinetop, and Sedona to name a few.
- Scottsdale Public Library: There are 5 locations, all of the branches are extremely child friendly, offer free events, programs, and classes for a variety of ages
- Airports: Small and international that are nearby make it much easier to travel for business or pleasure.
- Healthcare: Accessible and specialized healthcare is within driving distance.
- Big City with a Small Town Feel: There are a plethora of amenities and attractions in Scottsdale, yet the traffic is manageable and it’s not overly crowded.
- Nearby Stadiums and Concert Venues: It’s a short drive to professional sporting events, concerts, comedy shows, etc.
- Visitors: Friends and family will come to Scottsdale to visit you, but all of the amenities, attractions, major events and wonderful weather will entice them to come more often.
- The People: Oh, sappy tears alert!!! When I first wrote this it was coming from a place where I assumed I was still going to be living here and it was very general. I was going to write that the people I meet here are so friendly, kind, and full of positive energy, many locals and many like myself, not from Arizona. But, now that I’m moving and saying our farewells, I’m going to get personal. The people I’ve met here are all of those things and they are also people that cheer on my kiddos at games and musical performances. They are people we celebrate birthdays and holidays with, people who welcome us into their homes. People that I read books with and laugh with and see on a regular basis. These people, these families, have become our friends, our community and we will miss them so much. They are the most important thing I Love About Scottsdale.
I am thrilled to be near our families and dance among Oak trees, but I will truly miss Scottsdale. It will always hold a special place in my heart.
Wonderful picks. There are so many reasons to love living here. I think it would be great to make a list of 20 and then do all those things as a little cross off list.
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