As an expert in the field, I have often been asked about the relationship between Scottsdale and Phoenix. While Scottsdale is technically an independent city, it is considered part of the Phoenix metropolitan area. This means that while it has its own unique identity, it is also closely connected to the larger city of Phoenix. Stretching from Carefree in the north to Tempe in the south, Scottsdale covers a distance of over 20 miles. The Phoenix metropolitan area is unique in that it is hundreds of miles away from any other metropolitan area with a similar population.
For example, the nearest metropolitan area with a comparable population size is the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, California metropolitan area, which is over 300 miles away. One interesting aspect of the Phoenix metropolitan area is its major highways. These highways are drawn on a regular grid, following the section lines established in the Public Land Surveying System. This means that major highways in cities that were once geographically separated may now have different names while occupying the same stretch. As the area has grown and expanded, these roads have merged into a single road, while retaining their original names in certain sections.
This can result in abrupt name changes for roads, such as Dunlap Avenue in Phoenix becoming Olive Avenue west of 43rd Avenue in Glendale. While many people may think of air travel as the primary mode of transportation for long distances, Amtrak also serves the Phoenix metropolitan area with its Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle trains. These trains stop at Maricopa, located about 40 miles south of downtown Phoenix. Additionally, Amtrak's Stagecoach Express offers Thruway service from Maricopa Station to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Tempe Station. For those traveling to Flagstaff, there is also a Thruway bus service from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Flagstaff Station, served by the Southwest Chief. Interestingly, Amtrak's Los Angeles-New Orleans Sunset Limited used to serve the city of Phoenix directly from 1971 until it was diverted on June 2, 1996 to a more southerly route between Tucson and Yuma, Arizona.
This change was made to accommodate the Union Pacific Railroad's desire to abandon part of its western line from Phoenix to Yuma. As a result, Phoenix became one of the largest cities in the country without direct passenger service. While there are several municipal and regional airports in the Phoenix metropolitan area, many of them are not used for commercial passenger flights. These include Glendale Airport, Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, Phoenix Goodyear Airport, Scottsdale Airport, Falcon Field, Chandler Municipal Airport, Buckeye Airport, Phoenix Regional Airport, Pleasant Valley Airport, Estrella Sailport Airport, Stellar Air Park, Skyranch at Carefree, Gila River Memorial Airport, and Pegasus Air Park. As an expert in the area, I can attest to the fact that Scottsdale is a popular destination for both tourists and residents alike. Located in Maricopa County and just a 20-minute drive from downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale is the fifth largest city in Arizona by population.
It is no surprise that the real estate sector in Scottsdale has experienced immense growth due to its diverse housing stock, access to parks and urban services, and close proximity to Phoenix. The Phoenix metropolitan area is vast and encompasses over 500 square miles of the Sonoran Desert. It is made up of a total of 24 municipalities, each with its own unique features and attractions. This offers visitors a diverse and unique view of the fifth largest city in the country. Scottsdale itself is located in the beautiful Sonoran Desert, at the foot of the picturesque McDowell Mountains. It is bordered by Phoenix to the west, the Tonto National Forest to the north, the McDowell Mountains to the east, and the Salt River to the south.
Interestingly, Scottsdale was once home to a German prisoner of war camp at the intersection of Scottsdale and Thomas highways, which is now part of Papago Park. For those looking to explore Scottsdale and its surrounding areas, there are several transportation options available. The downtown streetcar runs through downtown Scottsdale, while the neighborhood streetcar connects downtown Scottsdale to neighborhoods across South Scottsdale. This streetcar also connects to the city of Tempe's free public transportation network, known as the Tempe orbit, at Roosevelt and Scottsdale Road. One of the most popular events in Scottsdale is the annual month-long Scottsdale Jaycees Sun Parade, which has been held since 1954. For those interested in shopping, Scottsdale Fashion Square is a must-visit destination. With approximately 2 million square feet of luxury retail space, it features the Old Town Scottsdale lifestyle and is among the 30 largest shopping centers in the country.
Other notable regional centers include Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter in north Scottsdale. In 1999, a second campus for Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School of Business was opened at Scottsdale Airfield. This allowed the school to better serve the business community and residents north of Scottsdale.
When it comes to art, there are several districts in Scottsdale that offer a diverse range of styles and genres. These include the largest and most diverse collection in the Scottsdale Main Street Arts District, as well as the more contemporary Marshall Way Art District and touristy Old Town district, which is home to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.
