Welcome to sunny Scottsdale, Arizona.
Yes, you there.
In the t-shirt, shorts and sandals. Applying 50 SPF sunscreen in the middle of November.
You're not from around here, are you?
Didn't think so.
See, I'm a native of Scottsdale. Want to know how you can tell?
I'm wearing three layers of clothing and a ski cap. It's 68 degrees today, and I'm freezing.
You have obviously come down with your northern brethren to escape the ice and snow.
You could not have picked a more ideal place to visit than McCormick Ranch.
Are you staying at one of our wonderful resorts? The Hyatt Regency, perhaps?
Perhaps a little golf is on the agenda? Fortunately, McCormick Ranch offers two gorgeous 18-hole courses.
How about a stroll or bike ride along the miles of greenbelts that this amazing planned community offers?
You've heard about the superb dining in the area? Well, you heard right. From Buster's On the Lake to The Charthouse and The Village Tavern, there are nearly limitless choices.
Did you bring the family with you? You did? Well, the little ones are in luck. They will love Mountain View Park, Rotary Park, and of course, the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Haven't heard of the Railroad Park? It boasts a fully operational 5/8ths-scale railroad engine, carousel, playgrounds, model train center, railroad museum, open green areas, live mini steamers, and more. You absolutely must check it out!
Do you like shopping? On second thought, never mind. Your wife would love me, but you would hate me if I mentioned the nearby shops at Gainey Village. There are so many terrific boutique stores that your credit cards will take an absolute pounding if you aren't careful. Trust me on this.
I'm sure you are looking forward to hiking Camelback Mountain, which is 5 minutes away in Paradise Valley. That is, if you are into 360 degree panoramic views of the entire Phoenix metroplex ...
Feel like launching a boat or dropping a fishing line in one of the several lakes? Well, you have to either be a property owner or a guest to take advantage of this amenity ... which leads me to a great idea.
Have you ever considered a second home in Scottsdale?
I know this is very forward of me to ask, but there are some amazing opportunities right now in McCormick Ranch. I happen to be an agent with Realty Executives who grew up and specializes in McCormick Ranch Real Estate. With the current buyer's market, there are more properties currently for sale than typical, and prices have actually declined slightly in the last 6 months. As you know, interest rates are still staggeringly low, making conditions ideal for buying the second home that you previously thought was out of reach.
I couldn't help but notice your accent. You don't happen to be visiting from Canada? Alberta, maybe? Wow, lucky guess! Well, in that case, the news is even better. The Canadian dollar has never been stronger against the US dollar than it is right now. Many of us never thought we would see the day, but your money actually goes further south of the border.
So in a nutshell, we have a perfect storm on our hands. Ample inventory, sagging prices, low interest rates, a comparatively weak US dollar, and one of the most desirable winter destinations in the United States.
McCormick Ranch offers housing for almost any budget. From modest condos to extravagant multi-million dollar lakeside estates, I'm sure the right vacation home is out there for you.
I know this is a lot to think about. I'm not asking you to hop in my car this very instant to go look at houses.
Here's my card. Just give me a call if I can be of any assistance.
And please enjoy your stay in Scottsdale!
Paul Slaybaugh is your source for McCormick Ranch Real Estate. Scottsdale, Phoenix and Paradise Valley AZ Real Estate: A Slaybaugh family tradition since 1974.
Your source for Scottsdale Real Estate since the dawn of time ... or thereabouts.
Launch your Scottsdale Home Search now!
Love the golf course. Here in Florida we have beautiful courses with all the water and tropical foliage,but the mountains add that extra touch to the Arizona courses.
"Three layers and a ski cap", hmmm.
My grandmother lived in Phoenix and I enjoyed visiting her there. She would take me to different places, Scottsdale being one. The pictures you used are really beautiful - I remember her pointing out Camelback Mountain on my first trip.
I used to work with a girl from St. Thomas, VI and she would do just like you! It was 65 one day and she came to work with a hat, scarf around her neck and gloves! She was shivering. I thought it was funny, but she told me that when you're used to temperatures that don't get below 80 then 65 was freezing! $500 for sweaters at the bookstore...what did you get..One sweater! LOL..that place is pretty expensive!
Exorbitantly so, Jason. Right up your alley. Don't ask about the roof either.
Done.
Go ahead, mock my ski cap, Adam. I'm not ashamed. At these prices, your fellow New Yorkers will think they are committing a robbery! Ha!
I can help you with that, Roberta. Check out this post I did about the Railroad Park a while back. Lots of pictures. It is one of the coolest parks you will ever see!
http://activerain.com/blogsview/221371/The-McCormick-Stillman-Railroad
Paul- I want to steal this line:
So in a nutshell, we have a perfect storm on our hands. Ample inventory, sagging prices, low interest rates, a comparatively weak US dollar, and one of the most desirable winter destinations in the United States.
That is a great line for Canadians. We have Canadians and Europeans move here too. Great post on your area and some of the highlights for those wondering if Scottsdale is the place for them. Katerina
Isn't it amazing, Roberta? I was just there this past weekend with my sons. We try to go every week or two. In fact, every time we drive by on our morning Starbucks run with the kids, my toddler goes crazy. All he'll say for the next 20 minutes is "Choo choo! Choo choo!" It's about the neatest place for kids that I have ever seen.
Thanks for reading my post, Roberta. I really appreciate it.