Old Town Scottsdale

Known for its walkable streets, Western heritage, and lively energy, Old Town blends preserved Southwestern architecture with modern dining, art, and nightlife.

Welcome to Old Town Scottsdale

Historic charm meets desert nightlife in the heart of the city.

Old Town Scottsdale is the cultural and entertainment core of Scottsdale, located just east of Phoenix. Known for its walkable streets, Western heritage, and lively energy, Old Town blends preserved Southwestern architecture with modern dining, art, and nightlife. It’s where Scottsdale’s past and present come together, cowboy history on one block, rooftop cocktails on the next.

The district is organized into distinct “districts” like the Arts District, the Waterfront, and the Entertainment District, each offering its own personality. At the center is Old Town Scottsdale, where adobe-style buildings, shaded sidewalks, and public art create a uniquely walkable urban village feel.

Old Town’s roots trace back to early Scottsdale settlement in the late 1800s, when the area was built around agriculture and ranching. Today, remnants of that heritage remain in preserved storefronts, Western-themed saloons, and iconic landmarks, while the surrounding streets have evolved into one of the most vibrant urban cores in the Valley.

What to Love

  • Walkable streets filled with shops, bars, and galleries
  • Unique blend of Western history and modern nightlife
  • Constant energy with events, art walks, and festivals

Local Lifestyle

Life in Old Town Scottsdale is energetic, social, and highly walkable. Residents and visitors spend their days exploring galleries, boutique shops, and cafés, often on foot or by golf cart in true Scottsdale fashion.

Evenings transform the neighborhood into a buzzing social hub. Rooftop lounges, live music venues, and bustling patios fill with locals and visitors alike. Despite its energy, Old Town maintains pockets of charm and culture that make it more than just a nightlife district, it’s a true urban village in the desert.

Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping

Old Town Scottsdale is one of the Valley’s premier dining destinations, offering everything from casual bites to award-winning cuisine.

Local favorites include The Mission Old Town, known for modern Latin cuisine and its famous tableside guacamole, and Citizen Public House, a refined gastropub with a strong craft cocktail program.

For iconic nightlife energy, Rusty Spur Saloon delivers classic Western saloon vibes with live country music in a historic setting. Meanwhile, AZ88 is a longtime staple for stylish cocktails and people-watching in the heart of Old Town.

Shopping ranges from Western wear boutiques and artisan galleries to high-end fashion and home décor. The walkable streets make it easy to hop between storefronts, patios, and art spaces in a single afternoon.

Things to Do

Explore the cultural side of Old Town at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, which showcases modern art, architecture, and design exhibits in a striking minimalist building.

Spend time along the scenic Scottsdale Waterfront, a beautifully designed area perfect for strolling, dining, and enjoying public art installations.

Catch live music, seasonal festivals, or gallery walks throughout the year, Old Town is especially lively during art events and weekend evenings.

For a taste of Old Town’s historic-meets-modern vibe, visit the nearby Hotel Valley Ho, a mid-century modern icon that blends retro design with contemporary luxury.

Schools

Old Town Scottsdale is served by the highly regarded Scottsdale Unified School District, with additional access to nearby charter and private schools. Notable options include:

  • Navajo Elementary School, PK-6
  • Mohave Middle School, 6-8
  • Saguaro High School, 9-12
  • BASIS Scottsdale, 5-12
  • Xavier College Preparatory, 9-12

Old Town Scottsdale remains one of the most dynamic neighborhoods in the Valley, offering a rare combination of history, walkability, nightlife, and culture, all set in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.

Overview for Old Town Scottsdale, AZ

66,936 people live in Old Town Scottsdale, where the median age is 41 and the average individual income is $68,278. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

66,936

Total Population

41 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$68,278

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for Old Town Scottsdale, AZ

Old Town Scottsdale has 35,379 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Old Town Scottsdale do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 66,936 people call Old Town Scottsdale home. The population density is 6,674.349 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

66,936

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

41

Median Age

49.57 / 50.43%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
35,379

Total Households

2

Average Household Size

$68,278

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Around Old Town Scottsdale, AZ

There's plenty to do around Old Town Scottsdale, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

66
Somewhat Walkable
Walking Score
72
Very Bikeable
Bike Score
45
Some Transit
Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Atlas Wines, Iron Rose Boutique, and BJJ Social Club.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 0.56 miles 16 reviews 5/5 stars
Shopping 1.26 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 1.15 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 3.01 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 0.3 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 0.95 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars

Schools in Old Town Scottsdale, AZ

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Old Town Scottsdale. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating

Properties In This Neighborhood

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