Area Information
Scottsdale is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona. It borders Phoenix to the west and the McDowell Mountains on the east. Located in the Sonoran Desert, in the Valley of the Sun, the city embraces its history, calling itself the 'West's most Western town.' Chili is the official food of Scottsdale.
Scottsdale features a number of distinct neighborhoods, including Old Town Scottsdale, a popular tourist destination. This one-block downtown neighborhood features original establishments from the late 1800s, and Old West-themed restaurants, shops and saloons. But downtown Scottsdale has also earned a reputation for its modern nightlife, boasting more than 80 bars, lounges and clubs.
Condos and apartments downtown support an urban lifestyle; residents enjoy more than 90 restaurants, 320 stores and more than 80 art galleries. North of downtown, central Scottsdale is home to some of the city's most desirable neighborhoods, including McCormick Ranch and Gainey Ranch, as well as a concentration of resorts along Scottsdale Road. Rural and high-end residential communities have dominated scenic North Scottsdale. But the area has grown rapidly, thanks to beautiful views of the McDowell Mountains and Pinnacle Peak, upscale shopping centers and spas, and employment opportunities at the airpark surrounding the Scottsdale Airport. Despite the urban amenities of Scottsdale, a whopping one-third of the city is preserved as natural open space. The 30,200-acre McDowell Sonoran Preserve, located in northern Scottsdale, is the largest urban wilderness area in the country and features 120 miles of multi-use trails.
Commuters in Scottsdale use three trolley routes, which provide free transportation throughout the seven downtown districts and to local schools, recreation sites, healthcare facilities and shopping destinations. The trolleys also connect to the Valley Metro light rail line, which runs to Phoenix, about 18 miles away, and , 6 miles away. The Scottsdale Airport also serves corporate jets and single-engine planes.
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