Moving to Scottsdale: 7 Things to Know First

Over the past five years, Scottsdale, Arizona, has grown at a steady annual rate of 0.44%, which makes it one of the 10 largest cities in Arizona. But why are so many people moving to Scottsdale? The answer is simple: Fore most, Scottsdale has just about all you could want in a Southwest oasis. 

With its prime Sonoran Desert location in the shadow of Camelback Mountain, along with a dynamic entertainment scene full of upscale retailers, eateries, and cultural attractions, there’s so much to look forward to about living in Scottsdale. Does this scenic urban village on the outskirts of Phoenix meet the criteria for your future home? 

Let’s unpack what to know about moving to Scottsdale — from the climate and housing market to the employment forecast and cost of living — so you can embrace this next chapter with confidence.

Fast Facts About Living in Scottdale

• Current Population: 247,245

• Land Mass: 184 square miles  

• Median Age: 49 years old

• Median Household Income: $107,372  

• Average Home Value: $829,785

• Average Cost of Rent: $2,068 per month

• Fun Fact: You can earn a degree as a professional cowboy here. It’s true—Scottsdale is home to the Arizona Cowboy College, which trains students in various disciplines, such as how to operate a ranch, shoe a horse, brand a cow, or use a lasso.

What To Know About Living in Scottsdale Before Moving to Scottsdale

Whether you’re moving out of state or relocating from another part of Arizona, living in Scottsdale can be a big change and it’s important to consider if moving to Scottsdale makes sense for your particular situation. To make your decision easier, here’s all you need to know about Scottsdale before you start loading up those boxes.

1. Brace yourself for Scottsdale’s intense heat exposure

Living in Scottsdale means you’ll have to acclimate to an arid climate with about 300 days of sunshine and just 11 inches of rainfall per year. Summer is brutally hot, with temperatures between 95 to over 100 degrees (the locals will inform you, it’s a “dry heat”). Meanwhile, the winter months are mild, with temperatures rarely lower than 40 degrees.

Along with this extreme desert heat comes a few other regional weather quirks to account for when moving to Scottsdale. In the Phoenix Valley — where Scottsdale is located — monsoon season takes place from June to September. These heavy rains often spawn haboobs, a climate phenomena in which high winds cause massive dust storms. Haboobs can blow at speeds of 60 miles per hour and reach up to 10,000 feet in height.          

Most of the time, however, Scottsdale faces persistent drought conditions. This places the city at a moderate risk of wildfires over the next 30 years. While most Arizona wildfires have historically occurred up north in the denser forest terrain, this potential threat is still something to keep in mind if you plan on moving to Scottsdale.

2. The cost of living in Scottsdale is considerably high

There’s no way to sugarcoat it. The cost of living in Scottsdale, AZ, is expensive — to the tune of 14% above the national average. A family of four moving to Scottsdale will spend about $11,520 each month on basic expenses, while a single person with no children will spend about $6,300. 

With that said, here’s how Scottsdale’s cost of living compares to other cities:

• Cost of living in Scottsdale, AZ vs. Dallas, TX: 2.1% higher

• Cost of living in Scottsdale, AZ vs. Salt Lake City, UT: 1.8% higher

• Cost of living in Scottsdale, AZ vs. Denver, CO: 12.3% lower

Cost of living in Scottsdale, AZ vs. Los Angeles, CA: 23.4% lower

3. The Scottsdale housing market has begun to stabilize

As of 2025, the median home price in Scottsdale will set you back $829,785. Granted, that’s substantially more than the national average of $360,727 — but it’s also 0.9% below the cost of a home in 2024. 

The Scottsdale housing market primarily caters to an affluent demographic, who can afford luxury homes. But a recent forecast indicates potential movement to a balanced real estate market with more inventory and stable mortgage rates. 

If you’re not quite ready to purchase a home after moving to Scottsdale, renting can be a solid option too. The average one-bedroom apartment in Scottsdale will cost about $1,805 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment will cost around $2,237. Of course, exact prices will fluctuate based on the area you choose. For instance, renting in Downtown Scottsdale costs $2,514 per month versus a cheaper neighborhood like Monteray, which costs $1,592.

4. Scottsdale offers strong and lucrative job opportunities

According to a recent comparison of 180 cities across the U.S., Scottsdale is the number-one place to find a job. Scottsdale boasts a 3.5% unemployment rate (considerably lower than the national average of 4.4%) and a robust economy where numerous industries flourish — his city is a booming hub for tourism, wellness, healthcare, technology, finance, retail, hospitality, and marketing. Some major companies also have regional offices here (think: HonorHealth, Vanguard, Axon, Carvana, GoDaddy, Wells Fargo, and more). 

Moving to Scottsdale means your earning potential will be relatively on par with other metro areas across the Southwest. So what is a good salary in Scottsdale? The average professional here can expect to earn an annual base salary of $79,000, which is comparable to cities like Phoenix, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, Las Vegas, and Albuquerque. 

5. Living in Scottsdale means below-average crime rates

With a crime rate 4% below the national average, Scottsdale consistently ranks among the safest places to live in metro Phoenix and Arizona as a whole. You have about a one in 605 chance of encountering a violent crime in Scottsdale, versus the statewide average of one in 245. 

But of course, no area is entirely devoid of crime — there are certain pockets of Scottsdale you’ll want to exercise at least basic caution in. 

Given this city’s reputation as a nightlife destination, property crimes tend to be more common here. As such, your chances of encountering a non-violent criminal offense is one in 45, versus the statewide average of one in 56. 

Below are the three safest neighborhoods in Scottsdale, plus three neighborhoods where crimes are most likely to occur.

Safest neighborhoods in Scottsdale

• McCormick Ranch

• Arcadia

• North Scottsdale

Highest crime areas in Scottsdale

• South Scottsdale

• Downtown

• Old Town

6. The best places to live in Scottsdale are full of character

Scottsdale is home to 62 neighborhoods, which makes it the seventh largest community in all of Arizona. But which Scottsdale enclave feels right for you? Is it a walkable urban corridor with bustling entertainment options, or a quiet suburban locale with access to deluxe amenities and sweeping nature views? No matter which scenario fits your vibe, here are three of the best places to live in Scottsdale — each with their own irresistible charm.

McCormick Ranch: Best for Families

McCormick Ranch is one of the most family-centric neighborhoods in Scottsdale, thanks to low crime rates and top-notch schools like Cochise Elementary or Cocopah Middle School. Parents will enjoy the serene village ambiance with safe master planned communities, while kids will love exploring the 25 miles of nearby recreational trails. Families can also bond over a picnic at Lake Marguerite or an outing at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. 

Downtown: Best for Young Adults

An 81 walk score and an eclectic mix of coffee shops, eateries, art galleries, and retailers make Downtown Scottsdale a perfect choice for young adults. Culture buffs can peruse the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, while foodies can savor the trendy brunch spots such as Morning Squeeze or stock up on local produce at the Old Town Farmers Market. Downtown also attracts professionals with creative agencies, tech startups, and co-working spaces—all within minutes of hip nightlife venues, from casual rooftop bars to classy wine lounges.

Arcadia: Best for Retirees

If you’re searching for an idyllic environment to step into those “golden years,” look no further than Arcadia. This affluent suburban community, three miles west of Downtown Scottsdale, is a retiree’s dream. Here you’ll find mesquite tree–lined streets, panoramic views of Camelback Mountain, an excellent healthcare system, and quaint farm-to-table cafés like Chelsea’s Kitchen. Arcadia is also home to the Arizona Country Club, featuring a pristine golf course, seven tennis courts, an aquatic center, wellness spa, and other lavish amenities.  

7. There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Scottsdale

From bold culinary innovations and lush outdoor recreation to a trendy creative scene and luxe wellness destinations, moving to Scottsdale will place so many unforgettable attractions on your doorstep. These are just a few of the most fun activities to do in Scottsdale:

Fun Things to Do in Scottsdale for Adults

• Indulge in a self-care afternoon at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Well & Being Spa, which offers luxurious treatments and amenities.

• Savor the fine dining culinary scene at Café Monarch, known for its seasonal four-course menu, curated wine list, and elegant ambiance.

Fun Things to Do in Scottsdale with Kids

• Get up close and personal with marine life at OdySea Aquarium, featuring 12 immersive exhibits and three interactive animal encounters. 

Discover 60 species of butterflies in a tropical rainforest habitat at Butterfly Wonderland, the largest conservatory of its kind in North America.

Best Free Things to Do in Scottsdale

• Peruse the eclectic art galleries in Old Town, while enjoying live music performances at the Scottsdale Artwalk each Thursday evening.

• Explore over 230 miles of picturesque desert terrain in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which offers 11 hiking trails for all experience levels.

How Much Does Moving to Scottsdale Cost?

Is living in Scottsdale worth it? If your priorities include lively entertainment, scenic nature vistas, upscale amenities, lucrative job opportunities, and low crime rates, the answer is likely yes. Still, it’s important to factor in certain drawbacks such as the expense that comes with living in Scottsdale. 

This brings us to the next question: How much does moving to Scottsdale cost? This amount will fluctuate based on when you move, where you relocate from, and which moving service you choose. Here are some estimates to help you budget.

Moving from Los Angeles to Scottsdale

Angelenos who are ready to leave behind the concrete jungle’s nonstop traffic and persistent crowds — without sacrificing that perennial sunshine — will feel right at home in Scottsdale. If you’re relocating here from LA, expect to set aside around $3,700–$4,700.

Moving from Dallas to Scottsdale

Texans are loyal to the soil, but Dallas isn’t known for outdoor recreation. So if you’re a nature enthusiast who wants to trade the urban sprawl for desert trails and mountain vistas, Scottsdale just makes sense. It’ll cost you around $3,500–$4,500 to make this move.

Moving from Brooklyn to Scottsdale

Brooklynites who need an escape from the congested streets, inflated rent prices, and long, harsh winters of NYC will find a more laidback change of scenery in Scottsdale. Earmark around $5,200–$6,200 when moving to Scottsdale from Brooklyn.

Moving to Scottsdale with Colonial Van Lines

If you love the idea of access to spectacular nature and phenomenal entertainment — and you’re not turned off by a steep cost of living or potential weather extremes — then moving to Scottsdale is probably the right move for you.

When it’s time to take the leap, Colonial Van Lines can help. With over 50 years of long-distance moving experience, our reliable team will ensure a smooth transition to your new Scottsdale home. Reach out for a free quote today!