Recently, local Phoenix real estate blogger Jonathon Dalton wrote an article that described some reasons why Scottsdale might be considered overrated.  I’m not going to pick apart his points.  You can read them yourself and decide which, if any, you feel have merit.

I will, however, highlight a few details Jonathon failed to discuss about the city I live in.  Details that just might run contrary to the notion that Scottsdale is overrated.

1. If your #1 priority in selecting a city to live in, was how much return on investment you would get by investing in your own home, then Scottsdale is the hands down winner.  John Wake of HomeSmart, has an excellent table that shows median price increases from 2002 to 2007 for every major sector of the Valley.  Scottsdale ranks #1.  And North Scottsdale blows away the rest of the valley with a median price increase of 108% from 2002 to 2007.  Those are stunning numbers.
2. Whether it’s true, or simply urban myth, many people choose to move to Scottsdale because of their belief the schools are better.  Test scores show that Scottsdale students do perform well.  There are many well regarded school districts throughout the greater Phoenix metropolitan, but based on test scores, Scottsdale’s schools cannot be considered overrated.
3. The system of golf courses and parks that were built through Indian Bend wash were truly historic and visionary in nature.  Rather than build an ugly cement canal system (as Los Angeles did with its storm drains), Scottsdale chose to build the system of golf courses and parks in the wash that resulted in the creation of the Scottsdale lifestyle.  At the time of its construction, nearly every home in Scottsdale was within bicycle distance of the greenbelt, which offers lakes, parks, fields, dog runs, and many other recreation opportunities for residents.
4. Scottsdale developed one of the first and largest master planned communities in the United States with the creation of McCormick Ranch. 
5. The resort industry has turned Scottsdale into one the premier winter destinations in the United States. 
6. Scottsdale is indeed known for its arts and culture society.  Scottsdale has more than 125 art galleries, world class restaurants, along with bars and night clubs that my single friends and clients tell me are outstanding (in this regard, I’ll have to take their word for it…as I’ve been out of the night club scene for 14 years now).
7. Scottsdale plays host to the FBR Open every year, which is the best attended PGA event of the year, each and every year, even years when the weather isn’t absolutely spectacular.
8. The Arabian Horse Show and the Barrett-Jackson auction also cannot be overlooked as world class events that take place each year in Scottsdale.
9. Oh, and did I forget to mention that home values do better in Scottsdale than any other city?  Sure, the cost of admission starts higher, and for good reason, but the exit price is likely to be higher as well.

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