Choosing the best place to live in the Scottsdale area can be difficult. There are so many amazing neighborhoods and communities to choose from. Finding the ideal neighborhood or zip code takes time and research. And, once you’ve found the right neighborhood for you and your family, there are other questions to consider too, if you want to build. While there are a lot of different criteria to think about when deciding the best places to live in Scottsdale, we can get you started with some suggestions. We’ve worked in each of these areas and know the community very well. If you’re new to Scottsdale, this list is for you! 

In no particular order, here are 4 neighborhoods in and around Scottsdale that are worth considering for you and your family.

Old Town Scottsdale

People around Scottsdale might have a few different ideas of what “Old Town” really is. For the sake of this post, we’re talking about the 85251 zip code! Depending on what you and your family are looking for as you move to the Scottsdale area, this neighborhood has a lot to offer.

The first, and biggest, incentive to consider living in this neighborhood is simple: there’s a lot going on. It’s not an exaggeration to say that Old Town Scottsdale is one of the most hip and happening places in town. In addition to tons of shops and restaurants, this neighborhood is very walkable too. You can leave the car at home for a night out or a quick trip to the grocery store. If you’re a young professional, active individual, or a single person, Old Town could be the best fit for you.

On the other hand, all that hustle and bustle can make for some noise after-hours. There are also few parks within walking distance and the ones within walking distance are on the smaller side. If you’re interested in Old Town Scottsdale and have a family, that can be tough too. Zoning in this neighborhood favors multi-family and commercial development. If you want a single-family home, you may actually consider nearby Woodshire or Villa Arcadia, just north of Old Town. You can always take the short walk across the canal!

North Scottsdale

If hustle and bustle doesn’t suit your needs, maybe you’d prefer something more remote. In that case, the best place to live in Scottsdale for you and your family could be North Scottsdale. We’re talking about zip codes 85262, 85266, and 85263.

There are big benefits here for the outdoorsy family. North Scottsdale offers lots of room for outdoor recreation, with McDowell Mountain as the highlight. Lost Canyon and DC Ranch, both neighborhoods within North Scottsdale, have some of the best access to hiking trails. There are many golf courses in the area too. Nearby Grayhawk is a great neighborhood for the golfer in your family. Another big plus? The lots for sale in the area are generally bigger than what you’ll find elsewhere around Scottsdale. You have the freedom to really spread out, if you choose to build. And, even if you don’t, the houses here are generally made for big families.

Of course, North Scottsdale is not without downsides. You’ll probably have a longer commute to work, which can cause frustration. In addition, there’s not much in the way of shopping or dining. You might end up spending more time in your car, in other words. And, while those big lots are appealing for families with kids and pets, they often come with big price tags too. If you’re moving to Scottsdale and thinking of building a custom home, then North Scottsdale offers an opportunity to think about your budget vs your vision.

South Scottsdale

If the best neighborhood for you and your family isn’t in the north, why not give the south a try? South Scottsdale, the 85257 zip code, is an up-and-coming neighborhood that might be what you’re looking for.

The big advantage of South Scottsdale is that it’s inexpensive compared to other neighborhoods around town. At the same time, prices are rising. When we talk about heat here, we don’t just mean the weather; prices have risen almost 30 percent in the last year. If you’re looking to invest in your home, then this neighborhood could be a good fit. There’s plenty of shopping and dining options in South Scottsdale too. For families who enjoy spending time outdoors, you might consider landing in Papago Parkway, which offers easy access to the Desert Botanical Gardens, or Vista Del Camino, which sits up against El Dorado Park. There are lots of smaller parks with tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and more. South Scottsdale offers a good blend of urban living and recreational opportunities. 

Is South Scottsdale one of the best places to live in Scottsdale? That depends on you and your family’s priorities. It’s not as walkable as some other neighborhoods, which is one downside. Plus, as prices in this area continue to rise, there could be a lot of ongoing construction depending on where you buy. This could lead to some noise and crowded streets!

Paradise Valley

Scottsdale purists may disagree on where Paradise Valley belongs. It’s not quite Phoenix, not quite Scottsdale, but it is probably the most exclusive neighborhood around. 

The exclusivity is one of the things that make this neighborhood one of the best places to live in the Scottsdale area, or to build a custom home. With great schools, a low crime rate, and quiet streets, Paradise Valley can be an oasis for you and your family, away from the busyness of the city. At the same time, it offers easy access to top-shelf recreation, with the Phoenix Mountains Preserve in your backyard. Those interested in hitting the trails from their backyards might consider landing in Clearwater Hills or Tatum Canyon. Golfers have potential access to five different country clubs, ranging from the Phonecian on the south end of the valley to Camelback on the north. There’s also world-class dining and shopping available close by, such as Steak 44 and El Chorro.

Of course, the natural beauty and great restaurants come with a price, and we’re not just talking about money. Lots of tourists come through Paradise Valley, sometimes hoping to catch a glimpse of celebrities with homes in the area, others taking the wrong turn on their way to those gorgeous mountain trails. The price tag can also be a sticking point. Exclusive living can demand an exclusive price.You may also face a longer commute, especially to the grocery store. If you’re willing to handle some downsides, Paradise Valley could just be one of the best places to live in and around Scottsdale. 

Once you’ve decided on the best place to live in Scottsdale, that’s one step down! If you’re interested in building a custom home or remodeling the space you’re moving into, you might consider giving ArDan a try. Thankfully, folks here at ArDan have the skills you’re looking for in a custom home contractor or a remodeler. We have experience building custom homes and a long history of remodeling work in the Scottsdale area. These neighborhoods are all places where we’ve worked before. Lastly, our design-engineering approach lets us make your dreams come true. Learn more about our process here!