Are Phoenix and Scottsdale Different?

Comparing safety & crime rates between Phoenix & Scottsdale? Learn about their differences & similarities: size, suburban vs urban areas & more.

Are Phoenix and Scottsdale Different?

If you take a look at a map of Arizona, you'll notice that Phoenix and Scottsdale are right next to each other. But, that's probably one of the only things they have in common. Comparing the safety and crime rates between Phoenix and Scottsdale is a bit unfair due to the various factors that come into play. Most people would tell you that Scottsdale is much safer.

To begin with, Phoenix covers a much larger area than Scottsdale. With more people living in this city, crime rates naturally increase. It's also less suburban than Scottsdale, and suburban areas usually have lower crime rates than urban areas. There are fewer businesses in the suburbs, fewer people, and they usually serve families.

All of this adds up to a formula for a lower crime rate. Additionally, it's easier to get to Scottsdale than you might think. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is just a 20-minute drive away, which means you can get to Scottsdale quickly from almost anywhere in the world. The Valley of the Sun, also known as Metro Phoenix, has plenty to offer in terms of shopping, outdoor activities and nightlife.

The best of the latter can be found in Scottsdale and the East Valley, with its trendy clubs, old-fashioned lounges and exclusive wine bars. Scottsdale Fashion Square presents the Old Town Scottsdale lifestyle with approximately 2 million square feet of luxury retail space. The Scottsdale Jaycees Parada del Sol is an annual month-long event that has been held in Scottsdale since 1954. Scottsdale Fashion Square is one of the 30 largest malls in the country and offers exclusive retail and luxury. In 1999, the school opened a second campus at Scottsdale Airpark that allowed it to serve the business community and north of Scottsdale.

Since Phoenix, Arizona and Scottsdale, Arizona are in the same time zone, you can call someone during your normal hours and it will be the same time in Phoenix as it is in Scottsdale. Scottsdale is ready for millennial travelers thanks to its dining scene, great nightlife and quirky features like golf cart taxis operating in Old Town Scottsdale. There's also a downtown trolley running through downtown Scottsdale, as well as a neighborhood trolley from downtown Scottsdale to South Scottsdale neighborhoods connecting to Tempe Orbit on Roosevelt and Scottsdale Road. This runs from 7am to 11pm since Phoenix and Scottsdale are in the same time zone. Notable regional hubs include Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter in North Scottsdale, and Scottsdale Fashion Square in downtown Scottsdale - a major destination for high-end retailers. The largest is the Scottsdale Main Street Arts District, home to the largest and most diverse collection of styles and genres; the more contemporary Marshall Way Arts District; and the more touristy Western-themed Old Town district with the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.

Evan Winzenried
Evan Winzenried

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