A Scottsdale house — for the resort-and-golf desert week the Sonoran does perfectly
Scottsdale is Arizona's desert-resort capital. Old Town vs North Scottsdale vs the McDowell Mountains vs Fountain Hills — each is a different Scottsdale.
Scottsdale runs 30 miles from Phoenix east to the McDowell Mountains, and it's organized into distinct districts with distinct feels. Old Town Scottsdale is the walkable historic core — restaurants, bars, art galleries. North Scottsdale is the newer luxury sprawl — gated communities, big houses, the Four Seasons Troon and W Scottsdale. The McDowell Mountains stretch has the golf and the hiking access. Fountain Hills is the eastern quiet suburb with the world's tallest fountain.
Four practical bases: Old Town Scottsdale (walkable historic, bachelorette-friendly), North Scottsdale (gated communities, golf, resort feel), Troon / McDowell Mountains (private residential, hiking, splurge houses), and Fountain Hills (quiet residential, value alternative).
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Vrbo rentals in Scottsdale
Arizona · category picks from Vrbo's own inventory
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Frequently asked
Which Scottsdale area is best for first-time visitors?
Old Town if you want walkable bars and restaurants (bachelorette parties gravitate here). North Scottsdale for the resort-adjacent feel and bigger houses. Troon or McDowell Mountains for a splurge week where the house is the point. Fountain Hills for a value alternative.
How does Scottsdale compare to Palm Springs?
Scottsdale is bigger, more sprawling, more resort-heavy, and has more variety at more price points. Palm Springs is smaller, denser, more style-forward (the mid-century aesthetic), and has a walkable downtown. For a straight golf-and-pool week, Scottsdale wins. For the design-and-culture trip, Palm Springs wins.
When should Scottsdale rentals be booked?
Peak is October through May (perfect weather). Waste Management Phoenix Open (early February) is a real mini-peak. Barrett-Jackson car auction (late January) fills North Scottsdale. Spring training (March) is the biggest overall peak. Summer (June-September) is 100-110°F+ and dramatically cheaper — pool weeks at 40-60% off.