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Things You Should Know Before Moving to Scottsdale, AZ

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Calling Scottsdale a playground in the Old West, the New York Times travel guide touts tons of top reasons why anyone would want to move to this southwestern town.

With an affluent class of visitors constantly coming through the area for it's high-class hotels, spas and clubs, residents in Scottsdale make a good living off others' luxurious vacation funds, with almost 40% of the workforce generated by tourism.

Though millions of visitors vacation in Scottsdale, more than 200,000 households make up the scenic location. Businesses, schools, and places of worship create a complex community of citizens who love to call the Arizona area home.

To find out more about Scottsdale, browse through this guide and see why the decadent love to drop in and why the residents really enjoy dwelling in the desert region.

Scottsdale Climate

Located in the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale is an arid region made up of hot, dry summers and barely, cold winters. The record high was 119-degrees in 1972, and the record low was 19-degrees in 1955. Though these extreme temperatures are not typical of Scottsdale climate, residents do experience a range of temperatures between the seasons. The average high in July, the hottest month of the year, is 104-degrees. The standard low in December, the coldest month of the year, is 40-degrees.

Scottsdale Neighborhoods

North, South, Central and Old Town Scottsdale sections divide up the 184-mile square region, giving new residents different types of neighborhoods to reside in. North Scottsdale features many plush places to live. From high-rise communities to upscale subdivisions, the location has prime real estate to pick from that is valued as high as $5 million dollars. South Scottsdale stretches from Thomas to McKellips Roads and is a bit more affordable than the north. With a median home price around $300,000, the area is home to thousands of working class residents who enjoy the region's beauty.

Central Scottsdale runs along Shea Boulevard and has been billed the Shea Corridor. Residential areas Gainey and McCormick Ranch are preferred places to live in the district. The desert location also has several swanky resorts along Shea Boulevard, making it a popular part of town. Old Town Scottsdale, also know as downtown, has a higher business ratable and less residential population. Though the community has some condominium complexes, it is mostly made up of stores, restaurants and nightclubs.

Registering Your Car

The Arizona Department of Transportation is located in Scottsdale, saving residents time and gas when frequenting the facility. If you move to Arizona for business, retirement or school, you must obtain a license immediately. The average cost of a teen or adult license is $25 and is slightly less for older adults.

By presenting any of the following forms of identification, you can obtain an Arizona license: previous state driver's license, birth certificate, marriage certificate, U.S. passport, social security card, credit and bank card or medical insurance ID. If you transfer one license for another, you will be exempt from both the written and driving tests; however, you are required to pass the vision test.

Receiving an Arizona title and plates for your car is an easy application process, costing around $15 and higher depending on the make, model and year of your vehicle. After filing out all necessary forms and presenting your out-of-state title and license plates, you must pass a vehicle inspection to have your car registered.

Scottsdale Schools

With 26,000 students educated in 33 separate schools, the Scottsdale Unified School District celebrates more than a hundred years of history. The 2 preschool and 19 elementary, 6 middle and 5 high schools offer specialized programs for students with special needs, as well as advanced placement programs for strong learners.

Scottsdale Community College provides an array of two-year academic degrees and occupational certificates and has the Academic and Career Advisement Center to assist students who are seeking a major. The University of Phoenix has a campus in Scottsdale so residents can attend the adjacent college while living locally. There are also more than 40 private schools in the area for new residents to research.

Scottsdale Employment

With a 5.35% unemployment rate, down from the American average of 7.7%, the local economy is supported by the strong tourism industry. With the most destination spas per capita in the United States and more than 70 resorts, many residents are employed at these establishments, making a good living off another's vacation fund.

With a Mayo Clinic branch and Scottsdale Healthcare local, thousands of residents work in the medical field. Other top employers include the school district, the city of Scottsdale, CVS Caremark, the Vanguard Group and Troon Golf.

Living Costs in the City

Being an affluent area with wealthy visitors and white-collar residents, the cost of living in Scottsdale is high. With living costs hovering at 12.4% greater than the national average and 10.5% higher than the Arizona average, the desert location can be a bit pricey. But Scottsdale salaries balance the high cost of living, with CNN Money showing Scottsdale's median family income at $107,503.

With a median home price at $272,000 the average apartment price is slightly higher than other Arizona areas. Though some one to three-bedroom apartments in Scottsdale cost $900, others run as high as $2,000.

The cost of utilities will greatly depend on how you personally use the services and how efficient your system is. If you run your air conditioner all day at a cool temperature, your electric bill will be more costly than a resident who turns off the air when they are not home. The same goes for gas and water costs, which also depend on resident usage.

Scottsdale Moving Resources

Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Scottsdale, whether you're moving from out of state or from another county in Scottsdale. Make sure you get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:

Scottsdale Transportation

Loop 101 conveniently carries motorists to and from Scottsdale. With easy freeway access in all areas of the city, most residents travel in their own vehicles. However, if you are thinking of taking public transportation to get around, Scottsdale's bus and light rail system Valley Metro offers many expedient routes to travel.

The city also offers a local trolley system to travel, conveniently taking residents downtown or along Miller Road to shop, dine and do a little sight seeing. And if you prefer private travel, you can always call a Scottsdale cab service to take you where you need to go.

Culture & Contemporary Life

The art scene in Scottsdale offers culture in every corner of town. With more than 100 area galleries exhibiting arrangements of gorgeous artwork all the time, residents thrive off openings, shows and art walks year round. The annual Scottsdale Art Festival is a venue many visitors and residents frequent for a fun educational experience. Other old school, annual events are the Arabian Horse Show, held since 1955, and the Jaycees Parada del So, a western rodeo held since 1954.

Downtown Scottsdale is a dynamic district, with decadent dining and disco dancing for residents to enjoy all year through. The New York Times branded the area as a “hip and happening” spot, calling some of the restaurants and clubs the finest in the southwest.

Scottsdale Relocation Tips

  • Scottsdale is a dry, hot area that will take some time to adjust to if you are moving from the east coast. Pack up several bottles of suntan lotion and lots of light clothing to wear while you conform to the high temperatures and sunny days.

     

  • Map out your move ahead of time. Take some time to research the Internet to find out where banks, businesses and shopping centers adjacent to your new place are located. This will make it easier for you to get around when you first arrive.

     

  • Research volunteer opportunities in the area. Serving a non-profit organization in the region is a great way to make new friends and create a sense of purpose in your new place.

Staff Writer  Posted by Staff Writer on March 3, 2013

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