Hello to 2026: Homes, Headlines & What’s Ahead in Scottsdale

New year, new newsletter.

I haven't sent a newsletter in years, so I’m bringing it back as a simple way to share practical, local insight about Scottsdale and the surrounding areas - things I’d want to know if I lived here or was thinking about a move.

This was sent out as an email newsletter, and I've converted it to a blog post with some extra features and information.

Here's the January lineup:

A New Year's story featuring my crabby Grampa

Things to do in and around Scottsdale in January

It's an even drier heat (aka, the thermostat wars)

2026 Housing Vibes: No Wild Swings, Just a Smoother Ride - Or So the Experts Say

Free subscription to azcentral and more from The Phoenix Public Library

Market Trends for Carefree, Cave Creek, and Scottsdale Real Estate

A New Year's Story

Many years ago, for reasons I still can’t explain, I volunteered to host New Year’s dinner. Don’t ask me why—I’ve always considered myself the "hostess with the leastest". And I lived up to that title.

My parents brought my grandfather along that year. He was a cranky old guy who lived with them at the time, and he never missed a chance to share his opinions.

I don’t remember the entire menu, but I do remember the scalloped potatoes. No matter how long they cooked, they stayed stubbornly hard. They were boiling away in the casserole dish, yet somehow refused to soften.

While we waited (and waited) to eat, my young daughter entertained herself by sneaking up behind Grampa and popping balloons near his head. Each time, she’d duck and hide when he turned around. He finally grumbled in his trademark crabby Grampa voice, “You might as well go to McDonald’s if you want anything to eat around here!” He had a point.

Dinner was already late, everything else was getting cold, and the potatoes clearly weren’t going to cooperate. So we ate them anyway.

Now, let’s rewind a few days to Christmas. Every year, without fail, Grampa complained about gifts. He said Christmas cards were a waste of money and repeatedly asked, “Why did you get me a present? You know I'm dying soon!”

That year, I bought him a shirt. He looked at it and said, “Why did you buy this? I’ll never get to wear it. You know I'll be dying soon!”

He passed away two days after New Year’s. The family jokingly blamed my cooking—but at least I can say this: he wore that darn shirt!

Scottsdale Scene

Here are some of the happenings for January 2026 in and around Scottsdale

ZooLights - is still going on at the Phoenix Zoo, it started in December and will be ending Jan. 16, 2026, with millions of twinkling lights, glowing trails, and a 170-foot immersive light tunnel. 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix

Maricopa Home & Garden Show - This one is over folks, it ran from January 9th-11. Hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. 1826 W McDowell RD, Phoenix

16th Cave Creek Fine Art & Wine Festival located in Stagecoach Village will be happening from January 9-11 and January 16-28, 2026. Hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. 7100 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek

The Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction takes over WestWorld Jan. 17–25, 2026, showcasing thousands of coveted collector cars, celebrity sightings, heart‑pounding thrill rides in the latest models, and a huge exhibitor marketplace. Lots of cool vintage cars, including my favorite - a Volkswagon bus - that usually go for over $100,000! 16601 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale

Scottsdale Western Week, (photo above of the Arizona Indian Festival from a prior year) January 24–February 1, 2026, celebrates the city’s rich Western heritage with favorite events like the Pony Express arrival, Gold Palette ArtWalk, Parada del Sol Parade & Trail’s End Festival, and the Arizona Indian Festival. It’s a great time to experience Old Town’s history and explore cultural exhibits at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West and the Old Town Scottsdale Rodeo Museum. The festivities sweep through Old Town along Scottsdale Road, Drinkwater Boulevard, Brown Avenue and Indian School Road. We're going to try to make it again this year.

It’s an Even Drier Heat: aka The Thermostat Wars

I love Arizona’s dry heat. I moved here from a southwest suburb of Chicago, where summer humidity was relentless and winters were… well, everything I try to avoid: cold, ice, and snow. None of it suited me.

I’ve also always been cold. No matter how hot it is outside, I usually have a jacket nearby. Part of that is just me—but part of it is hypothyroidism, where being cold is a common symptom. So while others are perfectly comfortable, I’m often reaching for another layer.

Recently, I read an article about the ideal thermostat setting for winter. The World Health Organization recommends keeping homes at about 64 degrees most of the year, and 68–70 degrees in winter.

I had to reread that. Twice.

Are they kidding?

According to my oldest son—who still lives in Illinois—they are not. To his credit, when I visit in winter, he kindly lets me turn the thermostat up to 72. (Full disclosure: when he’s at work and I take a shower, I may accidentally bump it up to 74+. Temporarily. For health reasons.)

This thermostat issue also follows me on Girls’ Weekends Away. I’ve learned that quietly turning the heat up is risky business. Once my friends start sweating, they immediately know what happened—and the thermostat gets turned right back down. I’ve since learned to pack warmer pajamas and sweaters instead of fighting a losing battle.

Here’s the Arizona twist: winter here may be mild, but it makes our homes even drier. That’s when the humidifier comes out. We bought a new one last year, and it made a noticeable difference—especially for dry skin, scratchy throats, and overall comfort. It hasn’t been very cold yet, but once it is (or if it is), we’ll be ready.

What temperature do you set your humidifier or thermostat at during the winter? Put it in the comment section.

I promise—I won’t contact you about it, and I definitely won’t name names.

2026 Housing Vibes

As we start rolling ahead to 2026, the Scottsdale and greater Arizona real estate market is shaping up to feel a little more balanced and a lot more predictable - less like a roller coaster ride. Home prices are expected to keep moving upward, but at a calmer, healthier pace than what we’ve seen in recent years. Mortgage rates should also level out, which helps buyers plan with more confidence instead of feeling rushed.

Buyer interest isn’t going anywhere. People are still drawn to our area for the lifestyle, weather, and long-term appeal, and that demand continues to support home values. The good news is that inventory is slowly improving, giving buyers more options and a bit more breathing room. Homes that are priced right, well-maintained, and in desirable locations will still stand out and attract attention.

If a move is on your radar, 2026 could be a very comfortable year to make it happen. Sellers who take a smart, realistic approach should see solid activity, while buyers may enjoy a market that feels less frantic and more manageable. As always, understanding what’s happening locally makes all the difference — and that’s where having the right guidance really pays off.

Read the full article

Free Subscription to azcentral!

Did you know that if you have a Phoenix Public Library card, you can get a free subscription to azcentral? That's a savings of around $25.00/month.

If you live in the Phoenix area (including surrounding towns like Scottsdale, Cave Creek, etc.), there’s a surprisingly generous free perk hiding in plain sight—and most people don’t realize they already have access to it.

With a free Phoenix Public Library card, you can get a digital subscription to azcentral at no cost. That means full access to local news, investigative reporting, sports coverage, and neighborhood stories without hitting a paywall.

But that’s just the beginning.

Your library card also unlocks a whole collection of free services, including:

• The New York Times (digital access)
• Streaming movies and documentaries. through platforms like Kanopy and Hoopla
• Audiobooks and eBooks you can read or listen to on your phone or tablet
• Magazines and newspapers from around the world
• Online learning tools for everything from personal finance to creative skills
• Music streaming and downloads
• Genealogy and local history resources (a favorite for longtime Valley residents)

You can also get culture passes for free admission to different local venues. Enjoy free general admission for two at participating Arizona museums, gardens, and cultural destinations through the Act One program. Just grab a pass from the library (they’re first-come, first-served) and redeem it within seven days. Note: the pass is valid for general admission only, not special exhibits.

In other words, it’s not just a library—it’s a full digital media hub you’re already paying for with your tax dollars. To be clear, we don't have a Phoenix address, but we were able to sign up for a library card.

If you don’t have a Phoenix Public Library card yet, you can sign up online in minutes. Once you’re in, activating azcentral and other subscriptions is simple, and suddenly your morning coffee comes with free news, movies, and reading material.

In a time when nearly everything seems to come with a monthly fee, this is one of the best no-strings-attached local perks around.

You can get similar benefits from the Scottsdale Public Library.

Sometimes the best deals aren’t advertised—they’re just waiting to be used.

Market Trends

The following are December 2025 market trends reports for single-family homes. If anyone would like a more detailed market trends report, or one prepared for attached properties, just let me know. I can even narrow it down to most subdivisions. These are my 3 main areas but I work in many Phoenix areas and towns, so if you'd like different stats give me a call at 480-906-1500 or use my Contact Form.

Carefree

With an 8.38-month supply of inventory and a median list price of $1,897,000, Carefree has opportunities for you to live here.

The median sold price has dropped to $1,099,000, providing a range of choices for discerning buyers.

With a median of 52 days on the market, buyers have more time to decide.

Cave Creek

Discover the Cave Creek market with 4.64 months of inventory, heading towards a more balanced opportunity for buyers seeking single-family residences.

With a median list price of $1,162,500 and a median sold price of $860,500, Cave Creek offers a diverse range of homes for every buyer's budget.

With homes spending an average of 50 days on the market, buyers have the chance to make thoughtful decisions in this vibrant market.

Scottsdale

With 4.7 months of inventory, Scottsdale offers a balanced market for homebuyers. The median sold price at $999,500 means your buying power can go further. Let's explore your options!

Active listings in Scottsdale stand at 2,490 with a median list price of $1,095,000. With properties spending a median of 42 days on the market, now is a strategic time to make a move.

With a 9% rise in median sold prices, investing in Scottsdale now could be a smart move for your future.

Contact Judy Orr for expert guidance! 480-906-1500