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Select from one of the following sections:

• Scottsdale, AZ

• Cave Creek, AZ

• Carefree, AZ

Scottsdale

Scottsdale was originally inhabited by the ancient civilizations of the Hohokam and the Anasazi, descendents from the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations of the Mayans and the Aztec. From circa 300 BC to 1400 AD, these ancient civilizations farmed the area and built some of the most ingenious irrigation canals the world has ever known. The name Hohokam translates as "vanished," as the civilizations mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

The Hohokam's unbelievable legacy was in their creation of more than 125 miles (200 km) of canals to provide water for their agricultural needs. The remnants of this ancient irrigation system were adapted and improved upon in 1868 by the first Anglo company to stake a claim in the Valley of the Sun, when Jack Swilling set up the Swilling Irrigation Canal Company.

Twenty years later Scottsdale's future would turn sharply upwards, when a U.S. Army Chaplain, Winfield Scott, paid the paltry sum of $2.50 an acre for a 640 acre stretch of land where the city is now located. Winfield's brother, George Washington Scott, was the first resident of the town that was then known as Orangedale and later changed to Scottsdale in 1894.

In 1937, internationally renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright set up his "winter camp" at the foot of the McDowell Mountains, creating what is now known as Taliesin West. Scottsdale, and the rest of Phoenix, have seen a huge influence from Frank Lloyd Wright. Many buildings throughout the area were designed by the famous architect. Today, there is a Frank Lloyd Wright memorial in Northern Scottsdale.

In 1951 the Town of Scottsdale was officially incorporated with a population of 2000. Since then it has grown to a 2004 Census estimation of 220,000. It has grown to become Arizona's fifth-largest city, and one of its most celebrated. Today, Scottsdale is routinely defined by its high quality of life, and was named the "Most Livable City" in the United States by the United States Conference of Mayors. It is continually ranked as one of the premier golf and resort destinations in the world, with a sizable portion of tax revenue being derived from tourism. It is also home to the FBR Open Golf Tournament held at the Tournament Players Club, which carries the distinction of the best-attended event on the PGA Tour. The city continues to see rapid growth, mainly in the northern areas of the city.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 477.7 km² (184.4 mi²). 477.1 km² (184.2 mi²) of it is land and 0.6 km² (0.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.12% water.

The city is loosely divided these areas: South Scottsdale, Old Town/Downtown Scottsdale, Civic Center/Fashion Square, Shea Corridor, and North Scottsdale.

South Scottsdale This area has been known for many years as a less affluent region of Scottsdale, but more recently is transforming into a dynamic urban core. Many foodbanks and homeless shelters are located in South Scottsdale, as well as several strip clubs and check cashing stores. This contradicts the overall stereotype of Scottsdale being a bastion of wealth. For many years, South Scottsdale ranked among the nation's cheapest real estate with a median home resale value at $100,000. Many homes in South Scottsdale are much smaller and older than their Northern counterparts. However, in recent years, South Scottsdale has seen a drastic turn of events. According to The Arizona Republic, the average home resale value in South Scottsdale has skyrocketed to $205,000. Many deteriorating buildings are being destroyed and rebuilt. South Scottsdale will also soon be home to the new research center for Arizona State University. Although South Scottsdale's geophraphic boundaries are the subject of frequent debate, South Scottsdale extends from McKellips Road at the city's southern border, north to Osborn Road, where Old Town/Downtown appears to begin.

Old Town/Downtown Scottsdale/Civic Center/Fashion Square has many streets emulating the cowboy era, stores and primarily western art galleries. Scottsdale's number of art galleries is second only to New York City. This area includes many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Streets are usually filled with walking traffic after 10:00pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, as Downtown Scottsdale has one of the highest concentrations of bars and nightclubs in the country. It has also seen a renaissance of sorts in the last five years as city living is sweeping many areas in the nation. The Scottsdale Waterfront will soon anchor the once desolate Arizona Canal banks, and no less than five new ultra-luxury condo towers have been approved, and premium one-bedroom units routinely exceed $1 Million. The condos are estimated to cost between $1-4 million. Tourism has also shot up, with new trendy hotels coming to the area such as The James Hotel, and the revived Valley Ho. Recently accounced was the new W Scottsdale Hotel and Residences, taking a spot in Scottsdale's prime nightclub district. Also nearby is the high-end Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, one of the ten largest malls in the nation, anchored by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy's, Robinsons-May, and Dillard's. Loosely, this area extends from Osborn Road north to Chaparral Road.

Shea Corridor is an area where many shows and movies, such as Silk Stalkings, Beverly Hills 90210 and Clueless have come to shoot neighborhood scenes. Real estate in central Scottsdale is certainly booming, ranked as one of the "Top 10 Hot Spots" by Fortune Magazine. According to CNN World Report, the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale real estate has boomed, seeing a 75% increase in value — the greatest change in the nation. Encompassing areas such as McCormick Ranch have seen real estate values jump from $4-500,000 to $700,000. Central Scottsdale routinely sees the demolition of older homes and new million-dollar ones constructed. Some areas, such as Gainey Ranch, remain very expensive and highly desirable in the Phoenix area real estate market; homes in this area see median values in the $1.5-2 million range with many exceeding $5 million. This area extends from Chaparral Road north to approximately Shea Blvd. This area shares many similarities with the neighboring community of Paradise Valley.

North Scottsdale is where most new home construction takes place. North Scottsdale is by far the most expansive area in Scottsdale. The city's borders rapidly expand to the east and west in this area, occupying the McDowell Mountain range, now preserved from development by the city. Most of the city's dozens of golf courses are located in North Scottsdale, utilizing the varied desert mountain terrain to create some of the most beautiful courses in the country. Homes in North Scottsdale see median values in the $750,000 range, with a good majority in the newer areas sky-rocketing above $3 and $4 million. This area is also famous for hosting the world-renowned Barrett-Jackson Auto Show, a collector's auction with many automobiles sold over $1 million a piece. In addition to the auction, North Scottsdale attracts car-enthusiasts from all over the world for its collection of luxury car dealerships including Maybach, Spyker, Panoz, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Saleen, Lotus, McLaren, Aston Martin, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Maserati.

Scottsdale is the premiere shopping destination of the southwest, home to many upscale and high-end boutiques and shops. With more than 15 shopping centers (with the most popular being Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Fashion Square, and Biltmore Fashion Park), Scottsdale is home to myriad designers, from some of the most popular such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton, to rarer luxuries such as Stuart Weitzman, Juicy Couture, Dana Buchman and Escada.

Due to the recent merger between Federated Department Stores and May Department Stores, the vacant space left at Scottsdale Fashion Square may bring the first Barneys New York to the Arizona market. Barneys representatives have stated they hope to open in Scottsdale by 2008.

Scottsdale continues to expand its plethora of shopping destinations. The current Scottsdale Waterfront project is intended to bring many new high-end luxury retail stores unique to Arizona. City officials hope that current re-development projects, such as the Scottsdale Waterfront, in downtown Scottsdale will heighten Scottsdale's already strong reputation to a new degree. The Waterfront will bring more luxury, high-end local boutiques to the Fashion Square area. The popular Mahsa boutique and Estilo boutique both opened their second stores in the valley here, offering selections such as Stella McCartney, Michael Kors, and others.

Westcor, the major Arizona shopping giant, has announced plans to begin construction for Palisene, a luxury mall in north west Scottsdale/Phoenix. This outdoor shopping and residential area is claimed to be different from all previous centers in Arizona. Current planned retailers include Prada, Hermès (both new to Arizona), and Scottsdale's second Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany's. The shopping mall will include select lower-end retailers, including Banana Republic, Coach, and Abercrombie and Fitch. More luxury retailers are yet to be named. This mall will be anchored by four department stores, including Nordstrom. Westcor is also looking at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Barneys Co-Op for the area.

Directly next to the Palisene land is the planned Phoenix CityNorth, which hopes to bring two boutique hotels and high-end, renowned designers and eateries to the area. Though located in Phoenix, the success of the planned site is dependent on the Scottsdale population. CityNorth hopes to bring many new designers to the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, targeting Movado, BVLGARI, Ermenegildo Zegna and others.

In addition to a mall, the Palisene estate would include a boutique hotel, golf course, nightlife, and exclusive eateries.

Besides shopping, Scottsdale is the location for hordes of night clubs and bars. There are more than 80 night clubs and bars, and Scottsdale has one of the highest concentrations clubs and bars in the United States. Rated as one of the "Top 10 Cities for Best Nightlife" by the Travel Channel, downtown Scottsdale becomes a sea of young people after 10 PM. Many of these clubs and bars are filled with college students from the nearby Scottsdale Community College and Arizona State University.

Cave Creek

The Town of Cave Creek is named for Cave Creek, the small stream that originates in the hills to the northeast and flows southwesterly for 25 miles before reaching the vicinity of Paradise Valley. The stream derives its name from a high, overhanging bluff along its west bank that forms a wide open-mouthed cavern about two miles north of the present-day town.

Cave Creek can trace its history back 100 years, but Native Americans were living in these hills long before any Europeans came. Various tribes of prehistoric Indians came into the area periodically to hunt game and gather wild foods. The Hohokam settled permanently in small villages along Cave Creek to grow crops. These villages used the waters of Cave Creek and nearby springs to irrigate their fields. These original inhabitants occupied the land from about 800 A.D. until 1400 A.D. and then disappeared. They left behind the crumbling remains of their irrigation ditches and the foundations of their small houses.

After the departure of the Hohokam, the Tonto Apaches claimed the land. The Tontos did not build villages, but roamed central Arizona in small groups from their homeland in the Tonto Basin east of the Verde River. Their dominance over the land was ended by events elsewhere.

The discovery of gold in California in 1848 brought thousands of miners to the West. In 1863 central Arizona had its turn at gold rush days. As prospectors explored farther eastward, the Tontos resisted their efforts of expansion and also raided their mining camps. To combat these raiders, the US Army established Fort McDowell, on the west bank of the Verde River in 1865. The actual Town of Cave Creek can trace its beginnings to the Army’s decision. In 1870, following an Indian trail through the Cave Creek area, the military forces built the first wagon road across the land, which connected Fort McDowell with Fort Whipple, near Prescott. In 1873, Cave Creek Road was built from the small village of Phoenix northward to join the Army's road near the flowing springs on the east bank of Cave Creek. When the Apaches became less menacing, prospectors traveled the new roads into unexplored land.

In 1874 William Rowe located a rich gold mine on Gold Hill, northwest of Cave Creek. His discovery touched off a gold rush to the area. Tales of great riches to be had soon circulated through mining camps and saloons. As the miners came and went, the land began to attract more permanent settlers. Jeriah Wood, a young cattleman from Missouri, established a ranch on the east bank of the Cave Creek. By 1877 he had built a home that was called Cave Creek Station. He sold goods to miners and travelers. A small post office, called Overton, was maintained at his ranch. When mining went into one of its periodic slumps, the Overton Post Office closed and Jeriah Wood moved to Phoenix. Another Missouri cattleman, Andrew Jackson Hoskin, took over the Cave Creek Station. Hoskin moved his family to Cave Creek to live and soon other families moved in.

A lively community grew up around the Hoskin Ranch. By 1886 there was a need for a one-room schoolhouse, and this was built beside Cave Creek. Mining activity declined around 1894, although it never stopped completely.

Around 1900, James D. Houck, a sheepman from eastern Arizona, bought Cave Creek Station and turned it into a sheep shearing camp. Open rangeland surrounded the station in every direction. This, along with the post office, school, and house suited Houck perfectly. He added a rock building to house a store, the first in Cave Creek, and a saloon. He also began regular stage services to Phoenix.  Houck's shearing camp was a huge success for about ten years, then a series of misfortunes beset him. Stricter grazing laws, drought, and personal problems took their toll and Houck died by his own hand in 1921. In 1924 Cave Creek Road was rerouted eastward, bypassing Houck Ranch, and Cave Creek Station slid into oblivion. Only a few traces of the old station remain today. The same conditions that led to the demise of Houck’s sheep business also affected the cattlemen along the creek. Not all of them gave up: some stayed for generations. Remnants of mining and cattle raising are still present today and a few prospectors even pick away at old claims in these hills.

The Cave Creek School reopened in 1930. Around this time period, some former cattle ranches became dude ranches. From 1935 to 1939, the building of Bartlett Dam on the Verde River brought increased activity to the village of Cave Creek. From 1940 to 1943, Horseshoe Dam, also on the Verde River, was cause for another boom for the village.
In 1946, electricity and telephones came to Cave Creek, and in 1952, Cave Creek Road was finally paved all of the way from Phoenix. In 1986, The Town of Cave Creek was incorporated.

Carefree

Carefree was first conceived in the mid-1940's by K.T. Palmer and Tom Darlington as a planned community. Land purchases were made beginning in 1955 and the first buildings went up in 1958. The emphasis was on leisure with names such as Easy Street, Tranquil Trail, and Ho and Hum Roads. The town’s motto is "Home of cowboys and caviar, where the Old West meets the new."

Carefree has the world's largest sundial. It stretches 62 feet and points to the North Star.

source:  Wikipedia, May 2006 (http:www.wikipedia.com)