April has a way of sneaking up with a little bit of everything—and this month’s newsletter is no exception.
Right outside our window, we’ve been watching something pretty special unfold in our rose bush. What started as a quiet little nest has turned into a daily reminder to slow down and appreciate the small, fleeting moments that are so easy to miss. It’s amazing how something so tiny can bring so much joy—and perspective.
Of course, April also means getting out and enjoying everything happening around town. From local events to can’t-miss activities, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the season here in Scottsdale. Whether you’re looking for something festive, active, or just a reason to enjoy the beautiful weather, I’ve rounded up a few highlights to help you make the most of it.
On a broader note, we’re also taking a look at where happiness is thriving across the country—and what makes certain cities stand out. It’s always interesting to see how lifestyle, community, and opportunity all come together to shape where people feel their best.
Closer to home, the Scottsdale Scoop is packed with quick, helpful updates to keep you in the know on what’s happening locally. And finally, there’s an interesting shift happening when it comes to cash transactions—specifically how Arizona is handling pennies. They’re not disappearing, but the way we use them may be changing more than you think.
So whether you’re here for the feel-good moments, local insights, or just a quick catch-up, I’m glad you’re here.
Here's the April lineup:
Tiny Miracles in Our Rose Bush
April Activities
Happiest Cities in America
The Scottsdale Scoop
The End of the Penny?
Tiny Miracles in Our Rose Bush
We've had dove nests on our patio columns and have seen the parade of cute little quail chicks following their mommy. We love watching the hummingbirds visit our feeder. But this year, we discovered our very first hummingbird nest tucked into one of our rose bushes.
The nest is so incredibly tiny that when my husband pointed it out to me, I thought it was some kind of insect nest. We've been tiptoeing around, trying not to scare them or their parents while still getting peeks at their progress.
One day when I went outside to check the tiny eggs, I saw 2 little beaks sticking out from the nest. I ran to my husband with a huge smile and exclaimed, "We've got babies!"
We were sad when they were ready to leave (one of them flew the coop a day before the second one), but what a privilege it's been to witness this up close. This is the first time I've truly felt like an empty-nester. But then I think of my 42-year-old son who lives in the basement...
April Activities
April 3-5 and 9-12 - Maricopa County Fair
AZ Exposition & State Fairgrounds
1826 West McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85007
April 4 - 5 pm to 9 pm - Uncorked Wine Festival
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
7555 North Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
- April 4 - 6 pm-10 pm - Scottsdale Jazz Festival Premiere Party
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa - April 11 - 9th Annual Yrefy Scottsdale Jazz Festival Premier Party
The Talking Stick Resort - 9800 E Talking Stick, Scottsdale, AZ 85256 - April 25 - 11 am-7 pm - 15th Anniversary International Jazz Day Festival in Arizona - Civic Space Park in downtown Phoenix
April 8-12 - Arizona Bike Week
Westworld of Scottsdale
16601 North Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
April 11 - 11 am-7 pm - Masters Viewing Party
Goldwater Brewing Company
3608 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251
April 17-26 - Scottsdale Fair & Festival
Westworld of Scottsdale
16601 North Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
April 24-26 - Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market
WestWorld of Scottsdale
North Hall, 16601 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
April 25 - 2 pm-7 pm - Goldtown Beer Fest
Goldwater Brewing Company
3608 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251
April 25-26 - Spring Soiree 2-Day Merchantile Market
Scottsdale Civic Center
3939 N Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Is Scottsdale Making You Happy?
Where you live might have more of an impact on your happiness than you think. Researchers have long studied what makes people tick, and while money, health, and relationships all play a role, there's growing evidence that your zip code matters more than you'd expect.
WalletHub recently analyzed over 180 of the largest U.S. cities to find out where Americans are happiest — and Scottsdale, Arizona landed at number three on the list. So what makes Scottsdale so special?
For starters, Scottsdale residents are genuinely healthy. The vast majority of adults there report being in good or better health, and nearly as many say they regularly stay active with physical exercise. But it's not just about physical health — mental well-being is strong there too, with Scottsdale ranking among the lowest in the country for adults struggling with poor mental health days each month.
And yes, finances play a role as well. A large portion of Scottsdale households earn above that $75,000 sweet spot that researchers say tends to maximize happiness, and the city has a relatively low poverty rate compared to much of the country.
Put it all together — healthy bodies, healthy minds, and financial stability (and I'm going to add blue skies and sunshine) — and it starts to make sense why Scottsdale residents are among the happiest in America.
Do you agree with WalletHub's take? Could where you live be affecting your happiness more than you realize? We'd love to know what you think!
The Scottsdale Scoop
Get Ready for Garbage and Water Rate Hikes:
It’s nearly official: at its March 3 meeting, Scottsdale City Council voiced no opposition to staff-recommended increases for water, wastewater, garbage collection, and other service rates. But Scottsdale doesn't have the highest rates in the Valley.
Three Schools in Scottsdale Get A+ ratings:
Here's some good news. On Feb. 18, the Arizona Educational Foundation announced that 48 public schools across Arizona earned the prestigious A+ School of Excellence Award. Three of those schools are in Scottsdale.
Why the Scottsdale mayor’s chief of staff was abruptly fired:
The mysterious “Whitmergate” saga came to an abrupt end on March 20 with the firing of R. Lamar Whitmer, who had served as Mayor Lisa Borowsky’s chief of staff since Oct. 6.
Scottsdale goes round and around on projects:
Is Oldtown getting another parking garage? What is happening with road construction on North Scottsdale Road? Is the roundabout at Scottsdale and Dynamite really getting squashed? I recently got stuck in that construction zone and have to remind myself not to go that way ever again! Not sure I'll be alive when it gets finished...
The End of the Penny? Arizona Adapts
Arizona is preparing for a world with fewer pennies. Katie Hobbs recently signed HB 2938, allowing businesses to round cash transactions to the nearest 5 cents when pennies aren’t available—bringing clarity to a growing issue for both retailers and consumers.
Here’s how it will work: totals ending in 1, 2, 6, or 7 cents are rounded down, while 3, 4, 8, or 9 cents are rounded up. Totals ending in 0 or 5 cents remain unchanged. The policy only applies to cash transactions, so card payments will still be exact.
The shift follows Donald Trump’s move to halt penny production after costs climbed to 3.7 cents per coin in 2024. That decision led to noticeable shortages last year, making exact change increasingly difficult for businesses.
While the penny isn’t disappearing overnight—billions remain in circulation and must still be accepted—this new law gives Arizona businesses a simple, consistent way to keep transactions moving smoothly.
Did you ever stash pennies in a jar, then take them to the bank to have them counted and exchanged for larger bills? Now I find myself wanting to hang onto mine - maybe even watch for older ones - but realistically, they won’t be worth much in my lifetime, and I doubt my kids or grandkids will want to save them either.
March Market Trends For Carefree, Cave Creek, and Scottsdale
Top 5 Market Trends in Carefree, Arizona/March 2026
Carefree Real Estate - the Market Trends graph above is for single-family residences
1. Explore Inventory Shifts
Carefree's market shows a 9.86-month supply of inventory, signaling ample options for buyers, with an 8% increase in inventory just this month.
2. Watch New Listings Emerge
This February, Carefree saw 19 new listings with a median list price of $1,465,000, providing fresh opportunities for prospective buyers.
3. Assess Active Listing Prices
Currently, there are 69 active listings on the market, with a median list price of $1,699,000, reflecting a competitive pricing environment.
4. Monitor Pending Sales Dynamics
With 8 new pending listings at a median price of $1,522,500, buyers face a median of 58 days in RPR before closing, indicating a balanced market pace.
5. Understand Sold Price Trends
The median sold price soared to $1,718,750, marking a 64% month-over-month increase, while the median days in RPR dropped by 30%, enhancing buyer confidence.
Nestled in the Sonoran Desert, Carefree offers attractions such as the Carefree Desert Gardens and the iconic Sundial, enriching the community’s cultural landscape. For homebuyers, these trends highlight opportunities for entering the market strategically. Connect with Judy Orr of HomeSmart at judyorr@judyorr.com for expert guidance on navigating Carefree's real estate market.
Top 5 Real Estate Trends in Cave Creek, Arizona/March 2026
Cave Creek Real Estate - the Market Trends graph above is for single-family residences
1. Monitor Inventory Levels
Cave Creek's housing market currently has a 5.06-month supply of inventory, reflecting a stable environment for potential buyers. The town's western charm is enhanced by the renowned Cave Creek Regional Park, offering recreational trails and scenic views.
2. Track New Listings
In February, there were 75 new listings with a median list price of $970,000, suggesting an array of options for those looking to invest in this vibrant community. Cave Creek's historic downtown with its unique shops and eateries continues to draw visitors and residents alike.
3. Evaluate Active Listings
With 248 active listings at a median price of $1,268,750, buyers can anticipate diverse opportunities in the market. The proximity to major employers in nearby Phoenix makes Cave Creek an attractive location for professionals seeking a tranquil yet accessible lifestyle.
4. Analyze Pending Sales
The median price for new pending listings is $945,000, and these homes typically spend 59 days on the market, indicating a competitive landscape. Cave Creek's artistic culture is highlighted by the annual Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour, which showcases local talent.
5. Review Sold Listings
The median sold price is $787,500, a 22% decrease from the previous month, offering potential cost savings for buyers. The town's commitment to preserving its natural beauty is evident in the Desert Foothills Land Trust, which protects local landscapes.
Homebuyers in Cave Creek, Arizona can benefit from understanding these market trends to make informed decisions. Connect with Judy Orr of HomeSmart at judyorr@judyorr.com for expert guidance on navigating the Cave Creek housing market.
Top 5 Market Trends for Scottsdale, Arizona/March 2026
Scottsdale Real Estate - the Market Trends graph above is for single-family residences
1. Explore Inventory Uptick
Scottsdale's housing market currently has a 5.85-month supply of inventory, with a notable 9% increase from last month and a 10% rise over the past year. Scottsdale is home to the stunning McDowell Sonoran Preserve, offering over 30,000 acres of pristine desert landscape.
2. Assess New Listings Surge
In February 2026, there were 785 new listings with a median list price of $1,300,000, providing a broader range of options for potential buyers. Scottsdale boasts a vibrant arts scene, including the renowned Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.
3. Consider Active Listings Stability
The market features 2,490 active listings, with the median list price sitting at $1,344,500, indicating stable pricing trends for buyers. Scottsdale's Old Town offers a bustling hub with shops, dining, and cultural attractions that enrich the community experience.
4. Evaluate Pending Listings Dynamics
With 435 new pending listings at a median price of $1,175,000 and a typical timeframe of 38 days, buyers have a promising window to make decisions. The city's proximity to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport ensures convenient travel options.
5. Analyze Sold Listings Trends
The median sold price has slightly decreased by 4% to $1,150,000, with homes typically spending 39 days in the market, reflecting a 33% reduction in days compared to last month. Buyers can enjoy recreational opportunities at the popular Camelback Mountain, a favorite among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
With a stable market and diverse opportunities, the Scottsdale real estate scene remains promising. Connect with Judy Orr of HomeSmart at judyorr@gmail.com for expert guidance on navigating this dynamic market.
See It First Next Time
Thanks so much for spending a little time with me this month—I never take your attention for granted.
If you’re reading this after some of the April events have already come and gone, that’s exactly why the newsletter is worth getting delivered straight to your inbox. You’ll have everything—from local happenings to helpful insights and a few feel-good moments—right when it’s fresh and most useful.
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Until next time…
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