Scottsdale
has grown from a collection of cattle ranches and citrus
farms into a cosmopolitan community of young up-and-comers,
financially comfortable middle-agers and retirees enjoying
their just reward. The population today is around
210,000 and the median age is 39. Scottsdale supports
a resort lifestyle. Besides 63 expansive hotels,
many housing developments feature golf courses and recreational
complexes, with shopping and other amenities just a
bike ride away. Vast multi-development neighborhoods
such as McCormick Ranch and Gainey Ranch include a mix
of residential offerings, including condominiums, town
homes, patio homes and single-family homes.
Scottsdale
students' scores on standardized tests are consistently
among the highest in the state and are also well above
national averages. Although scores on standardized
tests are only one measure, the continued outstanding
results on national testing programs gives evidence
of the strength and potential of the district.
Approximately 90% of last years graduates are continuing
their formal education compared to 53% nationally.
The community has supported the district financially
by approving four budget overrides and holding four
bond elections in the last eight years. This financial
support has allowed the district to build new schools
in areas experiencing growth and to renovate and upgrade
existing facilities.
Scottsdale
hosts 7 million visitors annually. Over 63 hotels
and luxury resorts and over 500 restaurants serve travelers
and convention goers year-round. Much of Scottsdale's
development caters to this crowd and is retail oriented.
Old Town Scottsdale streets are lined with clothing
boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and retail stores,
many of which have operated on their sites for decades.
North of Fifth Avenue and Old Town is Scottsdale Fashion
Square, a 3-level retail shopping mall.
Scottsdale
is a city which loves its art galleries--more than 120
of them. The Scottsdale
Gallery Association hosts an ArtWalk every Thursday
evening from 7p to 9p. The ArtWalk features special
exhibits, artist's receptions and demonstrations in
participating galleries. The Scottsdale
Center for the Arts is home to the Scottsdale Museum
of Contemporary Art and also has an active public art
program. The Center hosts an eclectic mix of intimate
classical and modern concerts and live performances
in its performing arts theater. Indian Bend Wash
is the centerpiece of Scottsdale's recreational activity.
The wash is a miles long greenbelt that extends down
the middle of the city and is bordered by several parks
that feature bike paths, small fishing lakes and recreational
complexes. Scottsdale has 58 miles of bike paths
and 174 golf courses.
Scottsdale
is bordered by Phoenix on the west, Tempe on the south
and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community to
the east. Scottsdale continues to expand towards
its northern city limits. The area is served by
two airports--Sky Harbor International and Scottsdale
Municipal Airport. Local freeways are the Red
Mountain Loop 202 to the south and the Pima Loop 101
to the north and east.
