Scottsdale (O'odham : Vaai S-veon) is a city located in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA. Named by the New York Times as "The Beverly Hills of the Desert" and by Travel Channel as one of the most luxurious destinations in the nation, Scottsdale has become internationally recognized and regarded as one of the most expensive and posh areas in the United States and a premiere tourist destination.
As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 202,705 (nation's 82nd largest city), while a July 1, 2004 Census estimate put the city's population at 221,130--a 9.1% growth rate.
Scottsdale is located at 33°35'27" North, 111°53'46" West (33.590709, -111.895985).
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.
As of the census of 2000, there are 202,705 people, 90,669 households, and 54,492 families residing in the city. The population density is 424.9/km2 (1,100.4/mi2). There are 104,974 housing units at an average density of 220.0/km2 (569.9/mi2). The racial makeup of the city is 92.19% White, 1.23% Black or African American, 0.61% Native American, 1.96% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 2.27% from other races, and 1.65% from two or more races. 6.96% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 90,669 households out of which 22.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.6% are married couples living together, 7.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 39.9% are non-families. 30.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.7% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.22 and the average family size is 2.79.
In the city the population is spread out with 19.3% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 26.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 41 years. For every 100 females there are 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $57,484, and the median income for a family is $73,846. Males have a median income of $51,204 versus $34,739 for females. The per capita income for the city is $39,158. 5.8% of the population and 3.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 5.4% of those under the age of 18 and 5.9% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
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," for one day they 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.
Source:
Scottsdale-USA.com
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