What Is It About Scottsdale, AZ?

I overheard (some might call it eavesdropping but “eh” I’m a REALTOR it’s my business to keep my ears open and my mouth shut…at times) a couple asking a waitress, “What is it about Scottsdale, Az that makes people go crazy?” Mind you it took E.V.E.R.Y ounce of my will power to not jump into their conversation and explain Scottsdale to them.

Every year vacationers from around the world head to Scottsdale to experience the night life, the luxury feels the city has to offer, the nostalgic beginnings of Old Scottsdale, the 5-Star restaurants that set the city aglow at night, the artistic culture, the nightclubs for the young (and the young at heart), the resorts, and the scenic VIEWS. That’s what it is about Scottsdale, Az.

But few know the humble beginnings of what we know as Scottsdale. In 1888, retired Army Chaplain Winfred Scott and his wife purchased around 640 acres of land for $3.50. The REALTOR in me is reaching for my calculator to scrunch numbers but I just can’t…

And during its early beginnings this parcel of land underwent several name changes. Originally it had been named by the Pima Indians ‘Vaṣai S-vaṣonĭ’, which means “rotting hay”. So, it must have seemed fitting to Winfred to rename his parcel “Orangedale” after the vast amount of orange trees he had planted (and respectfully, it sounds more pleasant and smells much better). Her final name change came in 1894 when the city was renamed after her founder.

So, she has certainly come a long way, from the 2000 residents that lived within her boundaries in 1894, to the formidable and elegant city of more than 255,000 residents in 2022.

So, I ask you, what is it about Scottsdale, Az?

And, why aren’t you calling, texting, or on a plane right now to meet me so I can show you your dream home?

~Tina