Scottsdale Real Estate Blog - Areas

The Myth of the Expensive Desert: Why Phoenix's Cost of Real Estate is Misunderstood

Phoenix. The Valley of the Sun. A sprawling metropolis rising from the Sonoran Desert, known for its year-round sunshine, breathtaking landscapes, and… exorbitant cost of living? That last part might have you scratching your head, especially if you've been following the recent wave of articles and social media posts lamenting the rising costs in Phoenix.

Yes, it's true that Phoenix, like many cities across the US, has experienced an uptick in housing costs and other expenses. However, the narrative that Phoenix is somehow exceptionally expensive compared to other major metropolitan areas is a misconception, fueled by a narrow perspective and a lack of context.

Phoenix? Oh, it's gotten so expensive there!" Sound familiar? It's a phrase uttered by…

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Indian Village in Cave Creek, AZ

Have you ever experienced something truly one of a kind? Well, if not then I would surely recommend visiting Indian Village in Cave Creek, Arizona. It is also referred to as Bart's Indian Village, but you wouldn't know as it's not mentioned on any of the signage. They have been in business since 1972 although the building looks older than that!

We had driven past it many times and it always attracted my eye. We finally stopped in one day. This was before I saw the movie "More Than Frybread". We've been back many times since.

It's a Souvenir Shop and a Restaurant

If you go for the food because someone recommends it, you might be a bit confused when you first step inside. You'll walk through a rickety-looking screened-in front porch with…

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Cave Creek Museum

Cave Creek Mining Museum in Cave Creek Arizona is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about the history of this small mining town. The museum boasts both indoor and outdoor displays including exhibits showcasing Sonoran Desert life as well as the Golden Reef Stamp Mill. Take a step back in time with every visit!

This is your chance to learn about the astounding history and culture of Cave Creek, Arizona. Discover how gold drew prospectors from near and far who would go on to transform into miners and business owners - all through our detailed articles that provide you with resources that will help give an understanding of its past and growth over time. We also have snippets that outline various artifacts found in this area…

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A Guide to Understanding HOAs in Scottsdale

Are you ready to dive into the world of Homeowners Associations in Scottsdale, Arizona? Whether you're a prospective homebuyer or a curious resident, understanding them is essential for a harmonious living experience. We'll unravel these neighborhoods' mysteries, highlighting their purpose and function. From well-manicured lawns to shared amenities and lively social events, they have become integral to the Scottsdale lifestyle. But it's not all sunshine and roses—they also come with their fair share of rules, fees, and potential conflicts. Fear not, as we'll provide valuable insights on navigating the pros and cons of living in an HOA community. So, let's embark on this journey together and unlock the secrets of HOAs in Scottsdale, ensuring you make…

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El Encanto Restaurant and Cantina: A Culinary Journey through Authentic Mexican Flavors in Cave Creek, Arizona

El Encanto Restaurant and Cantina in Cave Creek, AZ, stands as a beloved culinary gem that captures the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine and warm Southwestern hospitality. With its vibrant atmosphere, delectable menu offerings, and exceptional service, El Encanto has become a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike.

This family-run eatery has been providing scrumptious traditional and modern Mexican dishes since 1989! When I was flying in from Illinois many years ago to visit our 2nd home in Scottsdale at the time, a lady on the plane gushed about El Encanto Restaurant in Cave Creek and told me I must try it out.

From its vibrant decor to its extensive menu, El Encanto provides a unique dining experience that will leave you happy and…

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Living in Scottsdale, Arizona: A Vibrant City with Endless Opportunities

I was introduced to Scottsdale the first time I visited my parents when they retired to Mesa, AZ. I fell in love with this beautiful city and dreamed about living there one day. This was the only place I would visit where I wasn't ready to go home.

Scottsdale, Arizona, is a city that offers an ideal mix of modern amenities and natural beauty. Located in Maricopa County, it is a part of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. With a population of just over 250,000, it is the sixth-largest city in Arizona. Scottsdale is renowned for its luxurious resorts, world-class golf courses, and vibrant nightlife. However, it's not just a vacation destination; it's also a great place to call home.

Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale is a beautiful…

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Exploring the Ghostly Remains of el Pedregal: A Journey Through Carefree, Arizona's Abandoned Mall

One of several of the mall entrances from the parking lot

I know I'm not the only one that has sentimental feelings for shopping malls that have changed or no longer exist as I've read about the memories people have had about these places. I come from the southwest suburbs of Chicago and I have many wistful memories of the two more famous malls I hung out at with my friends when we were teens. I'll mention them later since I know a lot of Arizonans are from the Chicago area.

El Pedregal Festival Marketplace, the Dead Mall

The large photo at the top of this page is of some of the boulders you'll pass before getting to the mall. I had read about el Pedregal mall located in Carefree, Arizona, the third highest priced town in all of Arizona, and also…

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Visiting Lake Pleasant Regional Park in Peoria, Arizona

We recently had friends in from Illinois and I couldn't wait to show them our hidden gem, Lake Pleasant Regional Park. Many people don't realize that Arizona has lakes, and some are an hour or less away from the greater Phoenix area. I've taken my friends to Canyon Lake when we visited Tortilla Flat (one of my favorite double-decker boat rides). I've also taken them on a boat tour of Saguaro Lake in Mesa. But this was our first group trip to Lake Pleasant in Peoria.

My husband and I took our first trip a while back since I was studying hiking trails and where to see wildlife. I read about the wild burros at Lake Pleasant so we took a trip when my son was out visiting and we saw a herd down on a dry waterway. We even got kind of close to a family of…

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Reasons You Should Move to Scottsdale After Retiring

Choosing which city or state to retire in can be pretty tricky today. There are many things to consider before choosing a location related to the city and the home. Quite a few factors go into this decision, and you must keep them all in mind. However, while there are plenty of great spots to retire in the US, some are better than others. This can be seen in the fact that many retirees choose the same locations to retire in. Arizona’s Scottsdale, for example, has 14% of its population as retirees. So, today we’ll be going over why so many retirees choose this city and the reasons you should move to Scottsdale after retiring.

The weather is warm year-round

A typical winter in Scottsdale will not have snow or freezing temps

Scottsdale is an…

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6 Reasons Cave Creek is the Perfect Place to Raise a Family

Are you considering moving to Cave Creek, Arizona?

If the answer is Yes, keep reading because we've prepared a list of 6 reasons Cave Creek is the perfect place to raise a family. Relocating to a new city is a significant decision. Hopefully, this blog post can help you make the final decision easier. Let's get going!

1. Cost of Living

When selecting a new home, the cost of living is an essential factor. Cave Creek has a cheaper cost of living compared to most other cities in the state and the nation.

On a state and federal level, certain places may have greater expenses than others. Still, on average, housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, health care, and other products and services are less expensive in Cave Creek.

The…

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