Scottsdale is technically a separate city, although it is considered part of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Scottsdale stretches from Carefree in the north to Tempe in the south, a distance of more than 20 miles. Surrounded by mountain ranges, the Phoenix metropolitan area encompasses more than 500 square miles of the Sonoran Desert and is comprised of 24 municipalities in total, each with a distinct set of features, attractions and flavors that offer visitors a unique view of the country's fifth-largest city. The Phoenix metropolitan area is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States, with approximately 5 million people living here.
Unlike some magazines and newspapers, we don't include Scottsdale in any definition of East Valley. Yes, it's east of Phoenix. Still, like Phoenix, Scottsdale is an internationally known destination that is large and diverse enough to stand on its own.
