 |
| |
Introduction:
Since its founding in 1888 by United States Army Chaplain Winfield
Scott, Scottsdale has grown from a collection of cattle ranches and
citrus farms into a cosmopolitan community of young up-and-comers,
financially comfortable middle-agers and retirees enjoying their just
rewards. The city's resort lifestyle extends far beyond the grounds
of its expansive hotels. Many housing developments feature golf courses
and recreational complexes, with shopping and other amenities just
a bike ride away.
Although cattle ranching in the area is long gone, vast multi-development
neighborhoods, such as McCormick Ranch and Gainey Ranch still bear
the names of the early newcomers, primarily wealthy Midwesterners,
who amassed the land holding which they are built.
For a city in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale is remarkably
green. Contributing to this verdant landscape are lush, nationally
acclaimed golf courses and Indian Bend Wash, the centerpiece of Scottsdale's
extensive recreational amenities. This miles long ribbon of greenbelt,
which extends down the middle of the vertically drawn city, is bordered
by several parks that feature bike paths, small fishing lakes and
recreational complexes.
Interest in culture and the arts is especially strong in Scottsdale.
The Scottsdale Center for the Arts host an eclectic mix of intimate
classical and modern concerts and other live performances.
With a median age of 39, Scottsdale's demographics reflect a significant
segment of residents over age 45 (40 percent). This has helped build
a burgeoning medical community that includes the western campus of
the Mayo Clinic.
Because Scottsdale borders Phoenix to the west, Tempe to the south
and the Salt River Pima Indian Community to the east, new commercial
and residential construction continues to expand rapidly towards Scottsdale's
northern city limits. Here, the cactus studded Sonoran Desert is dominant,
Harris hawks circle the blue sky and the McDowell Mountains provide
a picturesque backdrop to one of the southwest most sophisticated
cities.
|
