Scottsdale is one of the best know cities surrounding Phoenix, Arizona in the Salt River Valley. Although the population of the city is only about 244,000 residents, its influence far out shadows its relatively small size. In addition, its real estate, even despite the downturn in the economy, is among the most expensive in the U.S.
The above panorama was taken from the Pinnacle Peak trail, looking towards the west. Contrary to most promotional shots of Scottsdale, the above photo is not enhanced, the haze and the color are about what you would expect to see. The area shown in the picture is considered to be north Scottsdale and is filled with very expensive subdivisions, many with view lots. When I was a teenager, I lived just west of the Scottsdale City limits in Phoenix. Since we lived just a block or so from the border between the cities, we considered ourselves part of Scottsdale. At that time, the City did not extend much north of Shea Boulevard. To the East, is the Salt River Indian Reservation, which marks most of the eastern boundary of Scottsdale then, as well as now. In those days, most of the roads across the Reservation were unpaved. Scottsdale had a very small business district, centered around the intersection of Main and Scottsdale Road. Although a few of the original businesses are still open, the area around downtown Scottsdale has grown considerably and many of the old landmarks are long gone.
The above panorama was taken from the Pinnacle Peak trail, looking towards the west. Contrary to most promotional shots of Scottsdale, the above photo is not enhanced, the haze and the color are about what you would expect to see. The area shown in the picture is considered to be north Scottsdale and is filled with very expensive subdivisions, many with view lots. When I was a teenager, I lived just west of the Scottsdale City limits in Phoenix. Since we lived just a block or so from the border between the cities, we considered ourselves part of Scottsdale. At that time, the City did not extend much north of Shea Boulevard. To the East, is the Salt River Indian Reservation, which marks most of the eastern boundary of Scottsdale then, as well as now. In those days, most of the roads across the Reservation were unpaved. Scottsdale had a very small business district, centered around the intersection of Main and Scottsdale Road. Although a few of the original businesses are still open, the area around downtown Scottsdale has grown considerably and many of the old landmarks are long gone.
Having grown up in a town with a population of less than 3000 people, it's sort of interesting to read that the population of Scottsdale is "only" 244,000. That's more than Boise.
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