Scottsdale vs Other Cities: How It Compares for Families —…

Scottsdale vs Other Cities: How It Compares for Families

Families looking to relocate often weigh various factors when considering their options. Scottsdale, Arizona is a vibrant city known for its upscale living, outdoor activities, and commendable educational facilities. But how does it stack up against nearby cities like Tempe, Chandler, and Gilbert when it comes to family-friendly attributes? This article breaks down the key factors families should consider, including cost of living, school quality, safety, outdoor access, job market, and overall quality of life.

Cost of Living

When moving to a new city, families often look closely at the cost of living. In Scottsdale, the cost of living is higher than the national average, influenced by its reputation as an affluent oasis in the desert. Here’s how Scottsdale compares:

• Scottsdale: The overall cost of living index is approximately 75% higher than the U.S. average. Housing is the most significant factor, with the median home price around $750,000.
• Tempe: Offers more affordable options with a median home price around $445,000. As a college town, it has a vibrant rental market that families can leverage.
• Chandler: Similar to Scottsdale, Chandler has a median home price in the range of $500,000. It offers a balanced mixture of suburban living with city amenities.
• Gilbert: Recently, Gilbert has become one of the fastest-growing cities, and while its cost of living is still on the rise, it generally remains lower than Scottsdale, with a median home price around $493,000.

Tip: Families should factor in potential tax implications when considering these prices. Arizona has a state income tax that ranges from 2.59% to 4.5%, which can influence their overall budget.

School Quality

Education is crucial for families, and Scottsdale is renowned for its excellent school systems.

• Scottsdale Unified School District has consistently high ratings, with most schools scoring 8 out of 10 or higher on GreatSchools ratings. Notable schools include Saguaro High School and Mountain View Elementary.
• In Tempe, the Tempe Union High School District boasts several schools with strong academic programs, though they rank slightly lower on the overall ratings compared to Scottsdale.
• Chandler has achieved notoriety in recent years for its educational facilities, with Chandler High School and Basha High School showing above-average results.
• Gilbert schools perform robustly as well with the Gilbert Public Schools system, often recognized for its emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.

Recommendation: If school quality is a top priority, families should consider not only the district ratings but also specific school performance.

Safety

A key aspect of family life is the safety of the neighborhood. Scottsdale often leads in safety rankings in Arizona:

• Scottsdale: With a low crime rate, Scottsdale has a violent crime rate that is significantly below the national average, making it one of the safest cities in Arizona.
• Tempe: Has a moderate crime rate, which can be influenced by the student population. Families should focus on specific neighborhoods for safety.
• Chandler: Offers a safe environment, boasting crime rates lower than the national average.
• Gilbert: Known for its low crime rates, Gilbert generally provides a very safe living environment for families.

When evaluating safety, prospective residents should visit neighborhoods at various times to get a feel for the community.

Outdoor Access

Scottsdale is a paradise for families who enjoy the outdoors, presenting ample opportunities for recreation:

• Scottsdale: Known for its Sonoran Desert landscape, families can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding at places like Camelback Mountain and McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The city also has over 200 parks.
• Tempe: While smaller, it offers the beautiful Tempe Town Lake and Papago Park, which are great for picnics and activities.
• Chandler: Features a variety of parks and recreational facilities but lacks the rugged desert landscapes common in Scottsdale.
• Gilbert: Has numerous parks and trails but is not as expansive in outdoor options compared to Scottsdale.

Job Market

For families considering relocation, a robust job market is essential. Scottsdale is known for certain industries:

• Scottsdale: The job market is primarily driven by tourism and hospitality, healthcare, and technology sectors. Companies like GoDaddy and Discount Tire have their headquarters here.
• Tempe: Offers a diverse job market thanks to Arizona State University, with opportunities in education, technology, and design.
• Chandler: Boasts a strong presence in the tech industry, with companies like Intel and NVIDIA located in the area.
• Gilbert: Also showcases a growing job market focusing on healthcare innovations and retail, but at a slower rate than Chandler.

Final Thought: Consider job flexibility and remote work options when assessing the job market and housing stability.

Overall Quality of Life Trade-Offs

When considering these factors, families may have to make trade-offs depending on their priorities:

• Scottsdale offers higher costs but exceptional outdoor access and educational quality, making it ideal for families prioritizing lifestyle and schooling.
• Tempe provides affordability and a vibrant community atmosphere, but may lack some of the safety and school quality seen in Scottsdale.
• Chandler balances both affordability with quality education and safety, ideal for middle-income families.
• Gilbert is family-friendly with a good cost-to-quality ratio but may lack in some outdoor options compared to Scottsdale.

Deciding where to relocate is a deeply personal choice that balances lifestyle preferences, finances, and family needs. Weighing each city's pros and cons can help ensure families land in a place they can truly feel at home.

FAQs

Q: What is the safest suburb in Scottsdale?

A: Scottsdale is generally considered very safe, but neighborhoods like Gainey Ranch and McCormick Ranch are known for their low crime rates and family-friendly atmosphere.

Q: Are there good child care centers in Scottsdale?

A: Yes, Scottsdale offers a variety of high-quality child care options, including private preschools and daycare centers, many of which have excellent ratings.

Q: How does Scottsdale's weather impact family living?

A: Scottsdale has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters, allowing for year-round outdoor activities, but families must prepare for extreme temperatures.

For more tailored information to make your decision easier, explore our [Scottsdale city guide](/az/scottsdale), find helpful suggestions in our [Scottsdale guides](/az/scottsdale/guides), and dive into more [Scottsdale articles](/az/scottsdale/articles).