I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thrilled that you’re considering a move to the desert! 🌵☀️
But let’s be real—choosing where to put down roots in Arizona can feel a little overwhelming. When my husband and I moved back eight years ago, we had many (many!) conversations about where to call home. It really came down to two places: Cave Creek vs. Scottsdale.
Both offer gorgeous desert living in the Phoenix metro area, but they couldn’t be more different in vibe, lifestyle, and overall feel. If you’re debating between the two, I’ve got you! Let’s break it down so you can confidently decide which one feels like home.
Cave Creek vs. Scottsdale: The Breakdown
In this post we’ll cover:
- Lifestyle & Vibe
- Housing & Real Estate
- Outdoor & Recreation
- Community & Amenities
- Commute & Accessibility
- Schools
- Cost of Living
Let’s get into it!
1. Lifestyle & Vibe: Small-Town Charm vs. City Buzz
The easiest way to describe the difference?
👉 Cave Creek = Small-town Western charm 🤠
👉 Scottsdale = Luxury meets city life ✨
Cave Creek is home to just 5,000 people, giving it a cozy, tight-knit feel with a fun cowboy culture. Think rustic restaurants, small local businesses, and a slower pace.
Scottsdale, on the other hand, is home to 233,000+ people and is what I’d lovingly call bougie. If you’re into upscale shopping, trendy restaurants, and a more bustling city vibe, Scottsdale might be calling your name.
2. Housing & Real Estate: Space vs. Selection
Both towns have stunning homes, but here’s what sets them apart:
🏡 Cave Creek: Larger lots, custom-built homes, horse properties, and desert retreats. You’ll get way more space for your money here.
🏙 Scottsdale: More high-end condos, golf communities, and contemporary desert homes. More variety, but,generally, at a higher price tag. Note: Scottsdale is HUGE and there are many different areas with varying price tags.
Let’s talk numbers:
- Cave Creek: Avg. home price = $899,300 (Feb 2025)
- Scottsdale: Avg. home price = $1,254,040 (Feb 2025)
Cave Creek’s smaller size means fewer homes on the market, but if space is a priority, it’s a great fit.
3. Outdoor & Recreation: Hiking, Horses & Golf Galore
Good news—whether you pick Cave Creek or Scottsdale, you’ll never run out of ways to soak up the Arizona sunshine.
🌄 Cave Creek: Incredible hiking, horseback riding, and open desert right outside your door. It’s paradise for nature lovers.
⛳️ Scottsdale: If golf is your thing, Scottsdale wins hands down with 50+ courses. Plus, you’ll have access to luxury resorts and top-rated spas for ultimate relaxation (please take me with you!).
4. Community & Amenities: Local Charm vs. Big-City Perks
Cave Creek is all about locally owned businesses and a Western-style charm. Think rustic steak houses, mom-and-pop cafe’s and shops, and fun events like rodeos.
Scottsdale? It’s got everything—from high-end shopping to world-class dining to major arts and cultural events. But since it covers a larger area, you might be driving 20-30 minutes to get where you’re going.
5. Commute & Accessibility: Peaceful but Remote vs. Centrally Located
🚗 Cave Creek: More remote, which means stunning desert views and tranquility. However, it’s worth noting there is no public transportation and longer commutes (unless you are lucky enough to WFH!).
🚦 Scottsdale: Closer to Phoenix, major events, the airport, and business hubs. If you need to be near the city, Scottsdale makes life easier.
Schools & Community Offerings
Both Cave Creek and Scottsdale offer a variety of schools and activities, but the overall environment differs:
🌵 Cave Creek: Known for its scenic desert setting, access to outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community. There are plenty of parks, trails, and even a splash pad in nearby Carefree!
🏙️ Scottsdale: Offers a wider selection of schools, including public, private, and charter options, along with a bustling selection of extracurricular activities and events.
7. Cost of Living: Where Does Your Money Go Further?
💰 Home prices? Scottsdale is more expensive.
💵 Property taxes? Cave Creek wins.
Want land? Cave Creek is the better deal. A one-acre lot here might be a few hundred thousand, while in Scottsdale, it could cost over a million.
So… Cave Creek or Scottsdale? Which One is Right for You?
✨ Choose Cave Creek if you want:
- Small-town charm with a slower pace
- More space and beautiful desert surroundings
- A tight-knit, friendly community
🏙 Choose Scottsdale if you want:
- City convenience with tons of amenities
- More housing variety, including condos and golf communities
- A vibrant, high-energy lifestyle
The truth? You can’t go wrong with either!
No matter where you’re leaning, I’d love to help you navigate your home search. Let’s chat about what’s best for you—shoot me a message or schedule a call!
Photo by Tyrel Johnson
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