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NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE
Scottsdale, Arizona · 85251 · 85257
South Scottsdale
Scottsdale’s most attainable, most walkable corner. Old Town at your doorstep, midcentury homes with real upside, and an energy the rest of the city is chasing.
$600K–$880K
+16%
~52
Old Town
Median by pocket
SPRING 2026
Prices year over year
Days on market
At your doorstep
FAST APPRECIATION
WALKABLE SCOTTSDALE
COMPETITIVE
Medians vary by zip and home type, spring 2026 (Redfin, MLS). South Scottsdale ranges from condos to renovated single-family, contact us for a specific snapshot.
The overview
Where Scottsdale is youngest and most walkable.
South Scottsdale is the southern end of the city, stretching from the Old Town and downtown core through the residential streets east toward Tempe. It covers the 85251 and 85257 zip codes, and it is where Scottsdale is at its youngest, most walkable, and most attainable.
It is also one of the most talked-about pockets in the Valley right now. As Old Town’s dining, nightlife, and arts scene keeps expanding, that energy is pushing east into blocks of 1950s and 60s ranch homes, many being renovated into modern gems. The result is fast appreciation, real renovation upside, and a Scottsdale address and school district at a fraction of North Scottsdale prices, which is why first-time buyers, young professionals, and investors all keep landing here.
Why South Scottsdale is having a moment
Attainable prices, an Old Town address, and upside the rest of the city already priced in.
The entry point to Scottsdale
The most attainable way into a Scottsdale zip code, with single-family homes and condos at prices the rest of the city left behind.
Walk to Old Town
Dining, nightlife, the arts district, and Fashion Square, many homes are a short walk or bike ride from all of it.
Midcentury character
1950s and 60s ranch homes, many beautifully renovated, with great bones and real charm.
Appreciation upside
One of Scottsdale’s fastest-appreciating areas, up around 16% year over year as Old Town’s energy pushes east.
Investor appeal
Strong rental and short-term-rental demand near Old Town makes it a longtime favorite for investors.
Younger energy
SkySong, ASU nearby, and a walkable, urban feel draw a younger, professional crowd.
Schools
Scottsdale schools, open-enrollment options.
South Scottsdale is served by Scottsdale Unified, an A-rated district. Attendance is by exact address, and families widely use open enrollment to reach top-rated schools, so verify boundaries and apply early.
Public · SUSD flagship
Coronado High School
The area’s flagship high school, serving all of 85257 within Scottsdale Unified.
Public · A-rated
Saguaro High School
An A-rated SUSD high just north, widely requested by South Scottsdale families through open enrollment.
Public · Elementary
Hohokam & Yavapai
Neighborhood elementary options, with open-enrollment access to higher-rated SUSD schools nearby.
Life in South Scottsdale
Old Town energy, walkable streets, and a real sense of place.
Old Town Scottsdale
The Valley’s premier entertainment district: dining, nightlife, galleries, and Fashion Square, all minutes away.
The Arts District
Scottsdale’s galleries, the weekly ArtWalk, and a genuine creative scene at the edge of the neighborhood.
SkySong & ASU
Spring training
The SkySong innovation hub and nearby ASU bring jobs, energy, and a steady rental base.
Scottsdale Stadium, spring home of the Giants, plus parks and the Crosscut greenbelt.
Walk & bike
Flat, connected streets and canal paths make this one of Scottsdale’s most walkable, bikeable areas.
Central access
Minutes to Tempe, ASU, Sky Harbor airport, and both the 101 and 202.
Why work with us
We know it block by block.
South Scottsdale is a block-by-block market. Condition swings wildly from one street to the next, renovation scope makes or breaks value, and short-term-rental rules and open-enrollment school strategy take local know-how. This is not a spot to buy off a map.
Whether you’re buying your first Scottsdale home, hunting a renovation project, or adding an investment property near Old Town, we know which streets are turning, which listings are priced right, and how to market a home to the buyers moving in.