Is Scottsdale Really “All That”?
Short answer: yes… if you like sunshine, outdoor life, and a little bougie desert energy. Scottsdale consistently ranks as a top place to live for quality of life, outdoor amenities, and job growth.
You’ve got:
300+ days of sun
Clean, manicured streets and parks
Golf, hiking, dining, and resorts everywhere
But let’s keep it real: it’s not cheap, and summers are 🔥. The cost of living and home prices sit higher than the Arizona average, with median home prices in Scottsdale hovering in the high-$800s in 2025.
What About Cave Creek?
Cave Creek is Scottsdale’s slightly wild, Western cousin:
Smaller population, more rural feel
Old-West main street, saloons, bull riding, live music
More space, bigger lots, darker skies, and way more stars
Cost of living? Also higher than the U.S. average, with median home values north of $750k—similar to or slightly under many Scottsdale pockets.
Pros of Scottsdale & Cave Creek
Sunshine and outdoor life year-round
Strong job market (Scottsdale)
Highly rated schools in many areas
Tons of dining, shopping, and entertainment (Scottsdale)
Small-town, Old-West charm and community feel (Cave Creek)
Cons (Because I’m Not Here to Sugarcoat It)
Summer heat is legit—110°+ stretches are common
Higher housing and rental costs than many AZ cities
You need a car. This is not a subway-and-walk kind of place.
Who These Areas Are Perfect For
Relocating families wanting good schools + safe neighborhoods
Remote workers fleeing gray skies and wanting more lifestyle
Retirees who are “over” shoveling snow
Horse people, hikers, jeep people, and “give me my views” people
If you want the inside scoop from someone who literally moved here from Seattle 14 years ago and never looked back, that’s where I come in. I’m Farrell with Rebel Real Estate Group, and helping people relocate to Scottsdale, Cave Creek, and North Phoenix is my jam.
Is Scottsdale Really A Good Place to Live?
