About the Scottsdale, Phoenix and Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, and Gilbert, Arizona Area 

Scottsdale 

As with much of the surrounding area, Scottsdale, too, was the home of the Hohokam Indians. A peaceful people, the Hohokam enjoyed a quiet prosperity for hundreds of years. The more than 200 miles of irrigation canals built by the Hohokam attracted settlers to the outlying regions of Phoenix. By the year 1888, the area now known as Scottsdale welcomed its first arrival one Winifred Scott a chaplain in the U.S. Army. Mr. Scott purchased several acres of land and invited his brother George to farm the area. As the region continued to develop, locals decided on the name Scottsdale in 1894. The beautiful weather and congenial climate were recognized as beneficial for those who suffered from asthma and other respiratory ailments thus making Scottsdale a popular destination for health retreats. To accommodate the visitors city officials began a plan of resort development that continues to this day. The city incorporated in 1951 and the Scottsdale community elected their first mayor. Known as “The West’s Most Western Town”, Scottsdale’s positive quality of life was celebrated in an article appearing in a 1956 issue of Life magazine. Proclaiming Scottsdale “one of the most desirable communities in the West”, this favorable review drew a significant influx of newcomers and the city’s popularity just continues to grow. In 1993 the U.S. Conference of Mayors honored the City of Scottsdale with the Most Livable City Award a further declaration of Scottsdale’s desirability.  

At the time of its incorporation, Scottsdale was a one square mile in size with 2000 residents. Today the city covers over 184 square miles and has a population of over 216,000 making it the fifth largest city in the state. The median resident age is 41 and the median household income is $57,000 with a local unemployment rate of 3.5%. The city of Scottsdale is a part of Maricopa County and is located within 13 miles of Phoenix, 14 miles from Tempe and 15 miles from Carefree. Both Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Scottsdale Municipal are less than 20 minutes away. 

The mild climate and ever changing patterns of light have always attracted artists to the southwest. Following the Second World War, many artists moved to Scottsdale and it became a dynamic center of creativity. Frank Lloyd Wright, forever drawn to the subtle beauty of the desert, set up his studio at Taliesin West and for the remainder of his life called Arizona his home. Today tours take visitors through the unique complex that was the matrix of Wright’s architectural wonders. Another fascinating artistic retreat is Cosanti, the studio of Paulo Soleri renowned architect and artist. Soleri is famous for his unusual wind-bells that sound throughout the building and his avant-garde interpretation of functional living space. For a fascinating glimpse into the Old West, a visit to the town of Rawhide in downtown Scottsdale is a must. Rawhide was painstaking recreated to provide an authentic feel of what life was like in small western town. For outdoor recreation nearby Bartlett Lake, Roosevelt Lake and Salt River are popular destinations for tourists and locals alike. The city of Scottsdale has so much to offer, natural beauty, engaging attractions, great restaurants and a lively nightlife and a quality of life that is rich and engaging. 

Phoenix 

Phoenix, the sun drenched capital of Arizona, has a unique and undeniable beauty all its own. Bathed in sunshine 300 days a year, Phoenix has come to be known as “The Valley of the Sun”. The city is 496 square miles in size and is cradled in a valley surrounded by several picturesque mountains. Camelback and Squaw Peak are the most prominent local landmarks and provide a beautiful backdrop to the city’s splendor. Permeated by the sublime quality of the preexisting Native American culture, Phoenix is imbued with a quiet presence that calms the spirit. At the same time, the capitol of Arizona is also a dynamic center of activity. Phoenix has worked hard to develop a rich cultural scene, excellent school system, and a strong economy. Characterized by wide-open spaces, soft muted earth tones and rock formations of enchanting beauty, Phoenix is truly a desert jewel.  

For over 1,500 years the area now known as Phoenix was home to the Hohokam Indians who established a peaceful community centered upon agriculture. The Hohokam developed an intricate network of irrigation ditches that drew water from nearby Salt River. This 200 mile system is made more impressive by the available materials at hand which were no more than sharp digging sticks, small hoes and hand shovels made of broken pottery. These well-constructed canals remained long after the Hohokam disappeared. In the mid 1800’s the first white settler to the area, John Y. T. Smith utilized the existing ditches as part of his farming venture. Shortly thereafter John had a visit from his friend Jack Swilling. Due to the lack of water in the region Jack immediately recognized the importance of the sophisticated irrigation system and quickly set in motion plans to restore the canals. With a dependable water supply now available, people began to settle the region in earnest. In 1872 the town of Phoenix was officially established and designated the territorial capital in 1889. Much as the mythological bird of lore rose from the ashes of decay with great power and strength, so too the abandoned desert land experienced a second incarnation and the name Phoenix seemed an appropriate title. With the arrival of the railroad in 1887 Phoenix began to expand and with the building of Roosevelt Dam and a secured source of water, the city’s population exploded. Finally in 1912, Arizona gained statehood, Phoenix became the state capitol and her future was secured. 

Phoenix is at the heart of the state less than ten miles from both Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. A part of Maricopa County, Phoenix has a population of over 1.3 million and is soon to be the fifth largest city in the U.S. The median age of the population is 30, the median household income is $41,000 and Phoenix has an unemployment rate of 5.6%. Over 77% of adults have graduated high school and over 23% have earned a bachelor’s degree. The Sky Harbor International Airport is just three miles from downtown Phoenix making air travel a breeze. 

Ask any local and you will hear that Phoenix is an exciting area in which to live. With so much to enjoy in and around the city, life here is never dull. Cultural activities abound, The Heard Museum being one of the more popular attractions. Dedicated to the preservation of the history of our Native Americans, the museum provides an in depth look into the lives of the first people to inhabit the area. Through thoughtful exhibits and educational programs, the Heard Museum makes available the spirit of a rich and resilient culture. For an exploration of history in another context, a visit to the Arizona Biltmore Hotel takes a step back into the glamour of yesteryear. Since the 1920’s the Biltmore has been a Phoenix landmark hosting such famous celebrities as Marilyn Monroe, Howard Hughes and Clark Gable. The Biltmore is a perfect spot to stop for a drink, to enjoy afternoon tea or to shop at one of the many intriguing boutiques. With over 200 professional golf courses, Phoenix is known as the “Golf Capital of the World” luring golfing buffs from throughout the world to test their skill and enjoy the great outdoors. Nearby Papago Park is a natural wonderland of deep red rock formations that dominate the landscape. For a completely different scenic experience, the rich vegetation and flowing streams threaded throughout Encanto Park in downtown Phoenix offer a welcome respite from the intense summer heat.  

Phoenix is a thriving city that keeps on getting better. Rich in history and culture, steeped in the natural beauty of the South West and dedicated to the needs of its ever- growing population, to live in Phoenix is to have it all. 

Paradise Valley 

The town of Paradise Valley is a peaceful and friendly community situated among the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Characterized by affluent, well ordered neighborhoods, sprinkled with spas and resorts, art galleries and Native American specialty shops, the town promotes an easy living life style that is greatly prized by its citizens. Community services are abundant and comprehensive with clean parks, an excellent school system and plenty of recreational activities for residents of all ages. 

Paradise Valley was founded in the early 1880’s by the Rio Verde Canal Company. In an attempt to further develop the land to the northeast of Phoenix, the company decided that the area would be an ideal locale for farming. Inspired by the natural beauty of the countryside, Rio Verde named the area Paradise Valley. However, the future of the valley was not to be found in agricultural development. Instead the land became reserved for affluent homes outside of the state capitol. With the construction of upscale homes and expensive resorts, population growth began in earnest. In 1961 Paradise Valley became incorporated in order to avoid annexation with neighboring Phoenix preventing the potential risk of over development.  

The exclusive community of Paradise Valley is 16 miles in size and is located in central Arizona five miles from Scottsdale and 8 miles northeast of downtown Phoenix. It is within easy access of the nearest airport, a mere nine miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International. It has a population of over 14,102 residents with a median age of 46 years, an annual household income of over $150,000 and a low 2% rate of unemployment. Education is of paramount importance to the community and is reflected in the 98% high school graduate rate. In addition over 70% of the adult population hold a bachelor’s degree and over 32% hold a graduate or professional degree.  

One of the many attributes of Paradise Valley is the predominance of attractive, large parcels sprinkled throughout the elegant neighborhoods. Many residences are situated on spacious lots that are safe and secluded, beautifully landscaped and well maintained. The residents of Paradise Valley take pride in their charming community and work hard to protect it from over development and poor planning. Much energy and attention is given to beautifying the natural splendor of the area, and visitors will enjoy the plentitude of wild flowers and cactus gardens prolific throughout the valley. The rugged silhouette of both Camelback and Mummy Mountains gives the valley a natural protection and a lovely backdrop. Paradise Valley is predominantly residential with only the necessary amount of local businesses to cater to the needs of its residents. As with the surrounding area, Paradise Valley enjoys seemingly endless days of clear skies and perfect weather. The boundless sunshine is a boost to the spirits and a goad to good health. The median year round temperature is a balmy 72% with summer highs in the low 100’s and winter lows in the 40’s. With an average of 7 inches of rainfall a year, there is barely need for an umbrella. 

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