With 185 square miles of desert terrain, golf courses, lakeside paths, and a walkable Old Town core, Scottsdale offers renters a range of lifestyles across the Phoenix metro area. Scottsdale is a fully functioning city with strong employment corridors including one of the largest business parks in the nation, Scottsdale Airpark, as well as proximity to Tempe, Mesa, and Downtown Phoenix.
Whether you’re looking for a walkable stretch of homes or a high-rise apartment with vast desert views, we’ve chosen the best places to rent in Scottsdale based on the following factors:
- Rental availability
- Average rent relative to other neighborhoods in the city
- Proximity to points of interest like work hubs, universities, downtown areas, shopping centers, or major parks
- Niche.com’s neighborhood report cards
The five best neighborhoods in Scottsdale for renters are:
Chaparral
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Scottsdale: $1,845/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Chaparral: $1,529/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Chaparral: 739 sq. ft.
Why Chaparral is good for renters
Chaparral is home to Chaparral Park, one of Scottsdale's most popular parks, featuring a lake, fishing pier, tennis and pickleball courts, a dog park, and walking paths. The area sits just south of Camelback Road near Scottsdale Road, keeping renters close to dining, fitness studios, and retail options without the high price tag that comes with convenient downtown living. Its central location makes commutes to Phoenix, Tempe, and the Scottsdale Airpark straightforward via the Loop 202 and Scottsdale Road.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Very Bikeable |
60Chaparral has a walkability score of 60 out of 100 |
30Chaparral has a transit score of 30 out of 100 |
100Chaparral has a drivability score of 100 out of 100 |
80Chaparral has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Like most of Scottsdale, Chaparral is best navigated by car, and Camelback Road can experience heavy traffic during peak hours in the afternoon.
Downtown Scottsdale
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Scottsdale: $1,845/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Downtown Scottsdale: $2,284/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Downtown Scottsdale: 814 sq. ft.
Why Downtown Scottsdale is good for renters
Downtown Scottsdale, known locally as Old Town, is the most walkable and active part of the city. Art galleries, rooftop bars, Scottsdale Fashion Square, and the weekly Thursday ArtWalk keeps renters busy. The free Old Town Trolley runs every 15 minutes during business hours, making it easy to get around without a car for dining, shopping, and entertainment. With Scottsdale Waterfront and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art nearby, renters downtown find themselves at the center of Scottsdale’s social scene.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Some Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Exceptionally Bikeable |
70Downtown Scottsdale has a walkability score of 70 out of 100 |
50Downtown Scottsdale has a transit score of 50 out of 100 |
90Downtown Scottsdale has a drivability score of 90 out of 100 |
90Downtown Scottsdale has a bikeability score of 90 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Because of Downtown Scottsdale’s popularity and convenience, rent prices run higher than the city average.
McCormick Ranch
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Scottsdale: $1,845/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in McCormick Ranch: $1,628/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in McCormick Ranch: 744 sq. ft.
Why McCormick Ranch is good for renters
McCormick Ranch is built around the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, an 11-mile chain of parks, lakes, and paved paths that runs directly through the neighborhood. The area has a relaxed residential feel with well-maintained apartment communities, easy access to Scottsdale Road, and a short drive to both Old Town and the Scottsdale Airpark employment center. Renters also benefit from proximity to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park and the Shops at Gainey Village, which offer dining, retail, and shopping options nearby.
|
Fairly Walkable |
Very Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
40McCormick Ranch has a walkability score of 40 out of 100 |
80McCormick Ranch has a drivability score of 80 out of 100 |
70McCormick Ranch has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
While the greenbelt is walkable for recreation, most errands and commutes in McCormick Ranch require a vehicle. Renters without a car may find the area less convenient than neighborhoods closer to Downtown Scottsdale.
Pinnacle Peak
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Scottsdale: $1,845/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Pinnacle Peak: $1,442/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Pinnacle Peak: 726 sq. ft.
Why Pinnacle Peak is good for renters
The Pinnacle Peak neighborhood is located at the base of the Pinnacle Peak mountain preserve, giving renters immediate access to a popular hiking destination in Phoenix. Pinnacle Peak Park has a 3.5-mile trail that offers renters views of the Sonoran Desert, just a short drive away from most apartment communities in the area. The neighborhood is also close to Scottsdale Airpark and upscale retail and dining at DC Ranch Crossing and Market Street, also in DC Ranch.
|
Somewhat Walkable |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Somewhat Bikeable |
20Pinnacle Peak has a walkability score of 20 out of 100 |
90Pinnacle Peak has a drivability score of 90 out of 100 |
20Pinnacle Peak has a bikeability score of 20 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Pinnacle Peak is a largely car-dependent neighborhood due to limited walkability and public transit options.
Arcadia
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Scottsdale: $1,845/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Arcadia: $1,885/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Arcadia: 759 sq. ft.
Why Arcadia is good for renters
Arcadia lies on the border of Scottsdale and Phoenix, giving renters a unique combination of neighborhood calm and easy access to both cities’ downtown areas. Arcadia is home to local favorite restaurants like Postino, The Henry, and Snooze, each drawing crowds from across the Scottsdale area. Renters in Arcadia are also close to Camelback Mountain, Echo Canyon, and Cholla, some of the most popular hiking routes in the Phoenix area. Arcadia strikes a strong balance between outdoor recreation and access to downtown amenities.
|
Fairly Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Very Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
40Arcadia has a walkability score of 40 out of 100 |
30Arcadia has a transit score of 30 out of 100 |
80Arcadia has a drivability score of 80 out of 100 |
60Arcadia has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Arcadia’s rental stock is small and in high demand, so available units tend to move quickly.
Ready to Make the Move?
If Scottsdale has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find the perfect place. Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine and use our filters to narrow down your search by price, amenities, and floor plan.
Wherever you are and wherever you’re going, the options are endless with Apartments.com.
Methodology
Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.
FAQs
Is Scottsdale a good place to live?
Scottsdale is one of the most desirable cities to live in Arizona and the broader Southwest. The city offers year-round sunshine, a low crime rate relative to state and national averages, strong public schools, an active outdoor culture, and a well-developed dining and arts scene. Its proximity to other major metros like Phoenix and Tempe and major employment centers make it a practical and appealing place to rent.
Is Scottsdale an expensive place to live?
The cost of living in Scottsdale is 15% higher than the national average, making it more expensive than many other big cities. On average, rentals in Scottsdale are 12% higher than the national average, while groceries, transportation, and healthcare are more expensive.
If you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of affordable neighborhoods in Scottsdale to start your search.
What's the average rent in Scottsdale?
The average rent in Scottsdale is $1,845/month as of May 2026. This is 12% higher than the national average rent of $1,643/month.
What salary do you need to live in Scottsdale?
According to our cost of living data, a comfortable salary for a single adult with no dependents to cover housing, utilities, groceries, and goods and services in Scottsdale would be around $84,000 before tax.
