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Scottsdale has become internationally recognized as a premiere and posh tourist destination, while maintaining its own identity and culture as "The West's Most Western Town." However, despite this motto, in the 1970s, most construction of new horse corrals was prohibited. What had, in the twentieth century been vacant desert, was converted to either urban and suburban environment. As of the 2000 census, the city is the 83rd largest city in the United States, with a population of 202,705. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 231,127, moving Scottsdale in to the 79th position on the 100 largest cities list.
Public education in Scottsdale is provided for by the Scottsdale Unified School District. There are 5 major high schools in Scottsdale:
• Arcadia High School
• Chaparral High School
• Coronado High School
• Desert Mountain High school
• Saguaru High School
The primary institution of higher education is Scottsdale Community College. Many students also commute to nearby Arizona State University in Tempe.
The tourism industry is Scottsdale's primary employer, accounting for 39% of the city's workforce. In 2005, 7.5 million visitors stayed in the city, providing an economic impact of $3.1 billion. The city is home to more than 70 resorts and hotels, with four of them listed as AAA Five-Diamond hotels in 2005 (The Phoenician, Scottsdale Camelback Inn, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, and the Fairmont Princess Resort and Spa). Scottsdale also boasts the highest number of resort spas per capita of any city in the U.S, earning the city a national recognition as an ideal destination for relaxation. The city's year-round warm weather is a great factor in its appeal, as many tourists from the midwest (known locally as "snowbirds") flood the community during the winter season, and many also purchase second homes in the area.
Several popular restaurant chains are also headquartered in Scottsdale, including Cold Stone Creamery, In-n-Out Burger, Peter Piper Pizza, Kona Grill, and P.F. Chang's China Bistro. Movie theater chain Harkins Theatres is also based in Scottsdale.
The city is also home to several technology firms, such as Motorola Research and Development and Medical Operations, General Dynamics C4 Systems, Taser International, and internet company Go Daddy. Mayo Clinic also has one of its three major locations in Scottsdale, as well as a hospital.
The aviation industry has also grown in Scottsdale, with the Scottsdale Airport, which opened in the 1960s. By 2004, the airpark area around the airport employed nearly 50,000 people, and housed 2,200 businesses with a combined economic impact of $3 billion annually.
Cultural Attractions
The West's Most Western Town prides itself in its rich Western cowboy history, preserving while heavily promoting its plethora of "western" activities and events. The renowned Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has been a Scottsdale tradition since 1955. Today, the show attracts thousands of visitors and tourists, hoping to catch a glimpse of nearly 2000 purebred Arabian and Half-Arabian horses competing for various prizes and recognition. The show also features over 300 vendors and exhibitions, and over 25 demonstrations and shows.
Museums and Art Galleries
Scottsdale is home to more than 125 art galleries, The city has quickly become a center for art in the United States. Its galleries are most famous for western and Native American themed art. The Scottsdale Gallery Association sponsors a weekly Art Walk on Thursday evenings, featuring many prominent artists.
Located in Old Town is Scottsdale's performing arts district. The Scottsdale Center for the Arts hosts musicals and plays, with several open-ended performances including the nationwide Menopause: The Musical and Arizona's longest running show, The Late Night Catechism.
Also in this district since 1971 is the Scottsdale Arts Festival. Held every March, the Festival draws more than 40,000 visitors over a three-day weekend. It is Scottsdale's oldest arts festival, with proceeds supporting the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts' arts education and community outreach programs.
*City of Scottsdale Information – www.scottsdaleaz.gov