There are several compelling reasons to consider buying a second home in Scottsdale, not the least of which is sunshine. That is the forecast for as many as 330 days each year, combined with the city's famously low humidity.
In addition to the ideal climate, Scottsdale affords relatively low costs of real estate ownership compared to other popular second home locations. The city also offers a wide variety of types of homes, as well as a vibrant mix of cultures.
Indeed, when most people think of escaping to Arizona on vacation, Scottsdale comes to mind. With over 170 golf courses, Scottsdale is rated one of the best places to live for golf enthusiasts. Then there's the rest of the outdoor recreation. Hiking, rafting, kayaking, bicycling are all readily accessible in the nearby Sonoran desert and McDowell Mountains.
In addition to sports and activities, vacation homeowners have access to an enormous variety of theater, music, and contemporary and Native American art. There are also hands-on workshops for almost every artistic endeavor imaginable.
The Arizona desert itself is a magnificent yet delicately balanced ecosystem that is home to a diverse population of plants, animals, reptiles and birds. The recognizable Saguaro cactus is the largest in the country, growing as high as 25 feet, offering its short-lived flowers to those who are there at the right time in June.
Scottsdale definitely has a resort-style feeling. From golf to art, from celebrating Native American life to honoring its cowboy roots, the interests of people in Scottsdale reflect the same diversity and hardiness found in the desert. In fact, it's safe to say that without a kind of deep passion for living, it would be hard to remain here. The hot, dry climate shapes the lifestyle here, where one has to be discriminating about when to be outdoors and when to opt for a cooler, air-conditioned environment.
The complex interplay between life and nature in the desert is a fascinating study in the adaptability and resourcefulness of the people who make Scottsdale their second home. It also serves as a lure for those who are considering Scottsdale as a prospective vacation home destination.