Compared to most U.S. cities, Scottsdale, Arizona, is really young. Although archaeologists have uncovered evidence that hunters lived in the area as far back as 8,000 years ago, Scottsdale wasn't incorporated until 1951, when it served no more than 2,000 citizens in a 1-sq-mi/2-sq-km radius.
But don't be put off by its youth. The very best characteristics of youthfulness—energy, vigor, expectation, optimism, potential and forward-thinking—have long been its strength. The forefathers developed a city that not only continues to celebrate its Western roots (wearing jeans to fine-dining establishments is the norm in most cases), but also isn't afraid to embrace the urbanism that comes with a growing imported population. Today, millions live within the 184 sq mi/476 sq km that make up The West's Most Western Town.
Once a simple farm community and now one of the largest cities in Arizona, Scottsdale values a high quality of life centered around a very relaxed environment. It is also a city that continually reinvests in itself. An updated streetscape has been completed on Scottsdale RRead More ... oad to create a more pedestrian-friendly path through the city. The new Scottsdale Waterfront has seen shops, fine-dining restaurants and luxury condos open to bring new life to the city's canal areas, further enhanced by SouthBridge. SouthBridge is on the south bank of the canals and is aimed at being Scottsdale's version of New York's SoHo.Clean air, year-round warm weather, open spaces, great nightlife and the arts attract more than 7 million visitors annually. They visit to play golf, hike, climb mountains, relax at spas, shop at world-class stores and take part in the many outdoor festivals held there. As it continues its journey from dusty Western town to modern metropolis, Scottsdale is not likely to lose its attractive lure.
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