July in Scottsdale: Celebrating 75 Years, America's 250th, and the Latest Real Estate News
July is here, and with it comes plenty of reasons to celebrate, explore, and maybe even be a little nostalgic. This month's newsletter converted to a blog post is filled with a little bit of everything - from saying a heartfelt goodbye to one furry friend while giving a warm welcome to another, to celebrating Scottsdale's 75th birthday and all the history that comes with it. And don't forget, this Fourth of July commemorates the 250th birthday of the USA!
I've also rounded up some fun local events to help you make the most of July, along with a few Scottsdale news stories that could affect our community. And just for fun, we'll take a look at Elon Musk's trillion-dollar fortune and see what it would actually take to spend that kind of money. (Spoiler alert: It's a lot harder than you might think!)
Whether you're a longtime Scottsdale resident, new to the area, or just enjoy keeping up with what's happening around town, I hope you'll find something that makes you smile, teaches you something new, or simply gives you a fun break from your day.
A Sad Farewell and a Warm Welcome
I have had to rehome two pets from home sellers. One was a sweet German Shepherd named Princess. Her owner had passed, and his sister couldn't take her. I did some work and found a new home for her.
Years later, I had a seller who was moving to Seattle, WA. She was taking her two dogs, but didn't want to take the cat, and asked for my help in finding a new owner. I took a photo of her and sent it to my husband. He said, "Bring her home." We named her Sugar.
We didn't know her age, and we were at least her 3rd owners. We were told that she had special needs. She vomited a lot, so we were told to feed her small amounts every 2 hours. She'd still have good days and bad.
Over the years, we took her to different veterinarians because of her issues, including the fact that she was so thin. Our current vet took one look at her and told us she was hyperthyroid. She was on meds from then on and lived many more years.
We promised her this was her last home, and we kept that promise. There is definitely a void without her.
We were considering adopting a Pomski puppy. I believe in rescuing a pet in need of a home.
His name is Poncho, and although he is supposedly 7 years old, he acts like a puppy. He is settling down, and you can't see it in the photo, but he is overweight and is on a diet.
He wasn't from a shelter or foster; he had to be rehomed because one of the owners' sons was allergic to him. They said he is a Pomeranian/American Eskimo mix, but he looks all Eskimo to me. Even though we have 3 adults in the house, Poncho is my shadow. That's about how it is with all of the pets we've had.
July Activities
July 3rd - 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm - Red, White, and Choo Choo
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Arizona 85250
Celebrate the 4th a day early. Activities, entertainment, and food.
July 4th - Westworld of Scottsdale hosts the largest fireworks display in Scottsdale history, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and fireworks starting at 9 p.m. This family-friendly event features live entertainment, indoor air-conditioned activities, a Parade of Heroes, backyard BBQ, and competitions like the Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers Summer Slider Eating Contest and Water Balloon Toss Championship. The venue is air-conditioned, which is ideal given Scottsdale’s July heat averaging 105°F.
16601 North Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
July 4th 6:00 pm to 2:00 am -W Scottsdale with our All American Glow event
An adult 4th of July celebration at the W Scottsdale
7277 E. Camelback Rd.Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Fireworks, night swim, DJ music, food, and drinks
July 11-12 - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm - Experience France
MIM (Musical Instrument Museum)
4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050
phone: 480.478.6000
July 17 - 6:00-8:00 pm - Bubble Disco
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Arizona 85250
Celebrate 75 years of Scottsdale with a splash! Visit on July 17 from 6:00–8:00 PM at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Splash Pad for an unforgettable evening featuring music by DJ Transl8r, foam cannons, giant bubbles, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Come cool off, dance, and commemorate this exciting milestone in our community's history.
July 18 - 10:00 am - Mah Jongg Party
Via Linda Senior Center
10440 E Via Linda, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
American Version of ancient Chinese game of skill and luck, using the current 2026 National Mah Jongg League Rule Card. Standard Rules of Play. Three rounds of four games each, with rotations to different tables, for points and prizes.
Check-in begins at 10 a.m., and tournament begins at 11 a.m. - $30(Resident)/$40(Non Resident)
July 18 - 10:00 am to 2:00 pm - Sip + Shop Summer Market Series
ZuZu
6850 East Main Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Kick off your weekend in foodie style. Shop local goodies, grab one of Pastry Chef Maria’s epic cookies, try some bites from the guest chef (available for purchase) and enjoy complimentary drink samples while listening to live music in our SoHo Ballroom. It's a vibe.
July 28 - 5:00 - Ladies Night @b Naked Chocolates
b Naked Chocolates
7375 E. Stetson Suite 102
Scottsdale, Az 85251
480-947-3900 - Click to go to their website page
Grab your gal pals and head to b Naked Chocolates for a casual night of inspired conversations & authentic connections over a scrumptious array of decadent desserts and market-fresh lite bites.
Happy 75th Birthday, Scottsdale!
This year marks a big milestone for Scottsdale as the city celebrates its 75th anniversary. While Scottsdale officially became a city on June 25, 1951, its story began long before that.
For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples, including the ancestors of today's O'odham and other Native communities, lived, farmed, and traveled through this part of the Sonoran Desert. They were the area's first residents, long before settlers arrived in the Valley.
The modern story of Scottsdale began in 1888, when Army Chaplain Winfield Scott and his wife, Helen, purchased 640 acres of land in what was then open desert. Scott believed the area had excellent farming potential because of its fertile soil and access to irrigation from the Arizona Canal. Before long, other families followed, and a small agricultural community began to take shape.
In those early years, Scottsdale looked very different from what it does today. Farming and ranching were the backbone of the local economy, with crops like citrus, cotton, alfalfa, and vegetables growing throughout the area. Life moved at a much slower pace, and neighbors depended on one another in what was truly a small-town community.
As the years passed, Scottsdale began developing its own identity. The town became known for its Western charm, guest ranches, art community, and beautiful desert scenery. Visitors from around the country came to experience the sunshine, horseback riding, and relaxed lifestyle that made Scottsdale unlike anywhere else.
Following World War II, growth accelerated rapidly. More families moved to Arizona, attracted by the warm climate, expanding job opportunities, and wide-open spaces. Recognizing that the community was growing quickly, residents voted to incorporate Scottsdale as a city in 1951.
At the time of incorporation, Scottsdale was home to just 2,032 residents and covered only about half a square mile. Today, Scottsdale has grown into one of Arizona's most desirable places to live, work, and visit. The city is now home to approximately 243,700 residents and spans about 184.5 square miles, stretching roughly 31 miles from its southern border near Tempe to the communities bordering Carefree and Cave Creek in the north.
Despite all that growth, Scottsdale has worked hard to preserve the qualities that made people fall in love with it in the first place. Its stunning desert landscapes, extensive trail systems, thriving arts scene, world-class golf courses, vibrant Old Town, and commitment to preserving open space continue to set it apart. In fact, Scottsdale has protected more than 30,000 acres within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, ensuring future generations can enjoy the Sonoran Desert much as it has existed for centuries.
To celebrate its 75th birthday, the city is hosting special events, historical exhibits, public art installations, educational programs, and community celebrations throughout the year. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Scottsdale's past while celebrating everything that makes the city special today.
Whether you've lived here your entire life, moved here recently, or are thinking about making Scottsdale your home, this anniversary is a reminder of just how much this community has accomplished in just 75 years. From its humble beginnings as a farming settlement to its reputation as one of the country's premier desert destinations, Scottsdale has come a long way, and its story is still being written.
Happy 75th Birthday, Scottsdale! Here's to the next 75 years.
The Scottsdale Scoop
The Lakefront at Scottsdale Redevelopment Project Moves Forward:
Diversified Partners has acquired Scottsdale's landmark waterfront property and plans to transform it into The Lakefront at Scottsdale, a mixed-use destination featuring dining, retail, and community gathering spaces.
As Colorado River Talks Drag On, Scottsdale Builds Its Own Backup Plan:
As Colorado River rules are negotiated, Scottsdale says it is studying cuts and preparing additional recommendations.
Curve Development Officially Launches Sales at Quarter at Palm Scottsdale:
A collection of 25 luxury single-family homes located at the corner of Palm Lane and 74th Street in Scottsdale, Arizona is listed on the MLS now. Prices start at $875,000.
Gov. Hobbs signs $18B Arizona Budget After Months of Negotiations:
The wait is over! Find out what that $18 billion will go towards.
IKONIC Scottsdale Luxury Rental Tower Gets Financed:
At 14 stories and 245 luxury rental units, this is truly going to be a tower!
Elon Musk Is a Trillionaire. But Can Your Brain Even Picture a Trillion Dollars?
On June 13, Elon Musk reportedly crossed a milestone no one has ever reached before: a net worth of $1 trillion.
Not a billionaire. A trillionaire.
Now, I'll be honest, I don't think most of us have any idea what a trillion dollars actually looks like. We hear the word all the time when people talk about government spending or the national debt, but it's such an enormous number that it almost loses its meaning.
So, let's have a little fun putting it into perspective.
How Many Homes Could a Trillion Dollars Buy?
Since I spend my days talking about real estate, my first thought was simple, how many homes could you buy with $1 trillion?
Using the current average U.S. home price of about $370,000, the answer is roughly 2.7 million homes.
Of course, we all know Scottsdale isn't exactly an average housing market. Using Zillow's May average home value of $859,406, a trillion dollars would "only" buy about 1.16 million Scottsdale homes.
It's funny how a trillion dollars can make a million sound small.
Here's Where Things Get Really Crazy
Home prices are one thing, but some other comparisons make your head spin even more.
Imagine stacking one trillion one-dollar bills.
That pile would stretch nearly 68,000 miles into the sky - high enough to reach more than a quarter of the distance to the moon.
Lay those same dollar bills end to end, and they'd travel millions of miles beyond the sun.
Still hard to picture?
Try thinking about time instead.
One million seconds ago was just a few weeks ago.
One billion seconds ago takes you back to the mid-1990s.
One trillion seconds ago? Humans hadn't invented writing yet. You'd be standing somewhere around 30,000 BC, during the last Ice Age.
Suddenly, "a trillion" doesn't sound like just another really big number.
It's Almost Impossible to Imagine
That's really the point. Once money reaches this scale, it stops feeling like something our brains can understand. We know a million is a lot. A billion sounds enormous. But a trillion is on an entirely different level.
It's the difference between taking a walk around the block and walking across the country. The numbers may only be separated by a few zeros, but those zeros change everything.
Can You Spend a Trillion Dollars?
If you've ever wondered what it would be like to have unlimited money, there's actually a website that lets you try.
It's called Spend Elon Musk's Fortune, and it starts you off with his estimated net worth.
At first, spending the money seems easy. Buy a mansion. Add a yacht. Throw in a private jet, a fleet of Ferraris, a few private islands, or even a professional sports team.
But after a few minutes, something surprising happens. You realize you've barely made a dent.
The website is entertaining, but it also makes a fascinating point: a trillion dollars is so much money that it's almost impossible to spend, even when you're buying some of the most expensive things imaginable. If you have a few spare minutes, give it a try.
My guess is you'll run out of shopping ideas long before you run out of money. And the next time someone casually mentions a trillion dollars, you'll have a much better appreciation for just how enormous that number really is.
One quick note: Net worth isn't cash sitting in a checking account. It's mostly the estimated value of investments, company ownership, and other assets. Since stock prices change every day, Elon Musk's estimated net worth can fluctuate by billions of dollars in a single trading session.
Carefree, Cave Creek, and Scottsdale Real Estate Market Data For June 2026
Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or simply keeping an eye on the market, staying informed is always a smart move. Below are the latest housing statistics for Scottsdale, Cave Creek, and Carefree. If you'd like to know what these numbers mean for your neighborhood or your home's current value, I'd be happy to help. Call me at 480-906-1500, or fill out my Homefinder Form or Home Evaluation Form to get started.
Carefree Real Estate
Carefree's real estate housing market remained steady in June, with luxury homes continuing to dominate the landscape. The median list price declined 12.4% from June to $1.1 million, while the number of active listings fell 9.4% to 58 homes. Properties are taking a bit longer to sell, with the median days on market increasing 4.9% to 108 days, reflecting the more deliberate pace that is common in the luxury market. One new listing was reported during the past five days, highlighting the limited inventory available in Carefree. As always, market conditions can vary significantly based on a home's location, price point, and condition, so buyers and sellers should consider local trends when making real estate decisions.
Cave Creek Real Estate
Cave Creek's housing market showed a mix of rising home values and tightening inventory in July. The median list price climbed 23% from June to $1.1 million, reflecting continued strength in the luxury and custom home market. At the same time, active listings declined 27.8% to 208 homes, giving buyers fewer properties to choose from. Homes sold a bit faster as the median days on market fell 3.5% to 70 days, suggesting that well-priced homes continue to attract interest. With just five new listings added over the past five days, inventory remains relatively limited. As always, real estate trends can vary by neighborhood, price range, and property type, so buyers and sellers should look beyond the overall statistics when making their next move.
Scottsdale Real Estate
Scottsdale's housing market continued to shift toward a more balanced pace in July. The median list price dipped to $933,595, down 18.8% from the previous month, while active inventory decreased 8% to 2,050 homes. Homes are taking a bit longer to sell, with the median time on market increasing slightly to 77 days, up 1.7% from June. Meanwhile, 69 new listings came on the market over the past five days, giving buyers fresh opportunities while sellers continue to compete for attention. Overall, today's market offers more choices for buyers than we've seen in recent years, but well-priced, well-presented homes are still attracting strong interest. As always, real estate is hyper-local, so conditions can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood and price range.
Have a Safe and Fun 4th of July
As we wrap up this month's newsletter blog post, I hope you found something helpful, interesting, or even a little surprising. Whether you're celebrating Scottsdale's 75th birthday, enjoying summer around the Valley, or keeping an eye on the real estate market, I appreciate you taking the time to stay connected. If you have questions about buying, selling, or your home's value, I'm always just a phone call or email away - 480-906-1500 - judyorr@judyorr.com. If you know someone who would enjoy these monthly updates, please send them the link to this post.
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