Scottsdale

by The Linguist

Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale is a city located in Maricopa County in the state of Arizona. With a population of over 250,000 residents, it is one of the most populous cities in Arizona and a major city within the Phoenix metropolitan area. Scottsdale has a rich history and vibrant local economy driven by tourism, healthcare, and business services.

Population

According to recent estimates from the US Census Bureau, the population of Scottsdale is 255,310 people as of 2019, making it the 6th largest city in Arizona. The city has seen steady population grown over the past several decades. Since 1990, Scottsdale’s population has increased by over 50%.

History

Scottsdale has its origins as a small farming community in the late 1800s. The city was officially incorporated in 1951 with just 2,000 residents. Development accelerated in the 1950s and 1960s as the wider Phoenix metro grew. Today, Scottsdale is known for its upscale amenities, thriving businesses, tourist attractions, and beautiful natural scenery.

To learn more about the history of Scottsdale, visit the Scottsdale Public Library’s Local History page.

Economy

Scottsdale has a diverse local economy supported by industries such as tourism, healthcare, finance, retail, technology, and aviation. Many major corporations have headquarters or regional offices located in Scottsdale. According to the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce, the top employers in Scottsdale are:

  • HonorHealth – 9000 E. Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, (480) 882-4000
  • General Dynamics – 8201 E. McDowell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85252, (480) 441-1000
  • GoDaddy – 14455 N. Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, (480) 505-8800
  • Discount Tire – 8181 N. Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258, (480) 970-2109
  • Axon – 17800 N 85th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, (800) 978-2737

Tourism and hospitality are also major contributors to the local economy. Over 7 million people visit Scottsdale annually, generating $1.5 billion in revenue. Scottsdale is home to more than 80 golf courses and numerous luxury resorts.

To learn more, visit the official website for the Scottsdale economy.

Museums and Attractions

Some of the most popular attractions and things to do in Scottsdale include:

  • Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art – 7374 E. 2nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, Phone: (480) 994-2787
  • OdySea Aquarium – 9500 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256, Phone: (480) 291-8000
  • Butterfly Wonderland – 9500 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256, Phone: (480) 800-3000
  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West – 12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, Phone: (480) 627-5340
  • McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park – 7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250, Phone: (480) 312-2312

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Scottsdale and the surrounding metro Phoenix area is managed by Valley Metro. Options include bus routes, light rail, and neighborhood circulators. Popular bus routes in Scottsdale include:

  • Route 72 – Scottsdale/Rural
  • Route 76 – Scottsdale/Hayden
  • Route 106 – Indian School/Scottsdale

There are also three light rail stations located in Scottsdale connecting to the wider regional light rail system:

  • Downtown Scottsdale station
  • Scottsdale Fashion Square station
  • Scottsdale Stadium station

Get full details on fares, schedules, and how to ride at ValleyMetro.org.

Major Landmarks

Here are some of the most notable landmarks in Scottsdale:

  • Old Town Scottsdale – Downtown district known for art galleries, shops, restaurants, and nightlife. GPS coordinates: 33.4941704, -111.9236226
  • Camelback Mountain – Popular hiking spot and landmark, the mountain is recognizable by its distinctive shape. GPS coordinates: 33.5222638, -111.9576251
  • Scottsdale Stadium – Home of the San Francisco Giants for Spring Training and Arizona Fall League baseball. GPS coordinates: 33.495388, -111.924361

Here is an embedded Google Map showing the locations of some popular Scottsdale landmarks:

County Information

Scottsdale is located in Maricopa County, the most populous county in Arizona. The county seat is Phoenix.

Maricopa County contact information:

301 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 506-3011
Maricopa County website

School Districts

Scottsdale is served by several public school districts, including:

In addition, there are many private and charter school options in the Scottsdale area.

Additional Local Resources

Here are some other useful resources for residents and visitors of Scottsdale: