Arizona has long attracted citizens from all over the world due to its mild climate, affordable home prices and high Quality of living. Best known for its views of the Grand Canyon, its "painted" desert landscape and colorful sunsets, Arizona is one of the Four Corner states in the U.S. southwest, bordering New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and Southern California.
Phoenix, the Capital of Arizona, recently became thefifth-largest city in the us. Historically, the main point of departure for people moving into Arizona was California, and the emigrants were either job seekers, retirees or folks cashing out of their expensive residences in places like Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County and moving to Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa where homes were half the price of where they left.
As the bubble burst in the US, Arizona has gotten a new No. 1 source of home buyers: Canadians. Canadians have supplanted Californians as the biggest buyers of Arizona residential real estate. According to Jed Smith, the managing director of quantitative research for the National Association of Realtors, Canadians accounted for 11 percent of foreign buyers of U.S. homes in 2007, but over the last three years the numbers jumped -- and that's an understatement! From 2007 to 2010, that number has increased to well over 20 percent.
Americans who knew little of Canadians are quickly learning they're very savvy about real estate. And they're flocking to Arizona, where the buyin' is cheap and the weather is warm.
If you are a Canadian and looking to relocate, buy a second home or invest, then you have come to the right place. Below you will find a compilation of articles and information on what you need to know before you begin your Real Estate Search here in Arizona. And as always, if I can be of any assistance please don't hesitate to contact me.
In these articles I will cover the basics for Canadians looking for Real Estate in Arizona. Learn how to begin your search, apply for a home loan if needed, and the overall buying process from an offer to inspections to ultimately Closing Escrow!
Narrowing down your Search Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
GET A TAX ID OR SSN- Before you even begin your home search it is important to know what exactly you are getting yourself into. If you are Canadian buying in Arizona and DON'T have a TAX ID# or Social Security Number, and have to sell, you are subject to a surrender penalty of 10% of your SALE PRICE (regardless if there is a gain)! I strongly urge you to talk to a Tax Professional before you get to far into your search. Don't get discouraged, there are many ways to obtain a Tax ID# (Open a LLC), and it's actually fairly easy, but I always advise my foreign clients to Consult with a Tax Attorney before moving forward. You can get some more information on this law here: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf.
Fire Sale: Arizona Real Estate Market - BNN Video
Canadians become top out-of-state homebuyers in Ariz. - USA Today
Arizona home sales propped up by investors - AZCental.com
Arizona finding hotspot with Canadians in Cooling Market - canadianrealestatemagazine.ca
Canada Arizona Business Council
Canada Connection - Cross Border Business Ties (pdf)
Canada Arizona Connection - History and Future (2008 pdf)
I hope you found this page helpful and that you were able to gather some useful information to help in your search. I would love the opportunity to work with you in finding a home. Please contact me if I can be of any assistance at all.
If you are looking to relocate to Scottsdale, Arizona, I have written a few posts which I hope you will find helpful as you are researching the Scottsdale area. Being a Realtor in Scottsdale I have tried to cover the main issues, questions and concerns I receive most frequently as a real estate broker working with buyers who are relocating from other cities and states. I will continue to expand this posting so make sure to check back soon
As you research the area and view my blog and website, feel free to contact me anytime with any additional questions you may have. You can reach me on cell phone at 602-708-0296 or email me at chadt@selling2arizona.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon and hope you find this site informative and useful.
SCOTTSDALE BASICS - LEARN ABOUT ME AND MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are You Considering Relocating to Scottsdale Arizona? An Introduction - I would recommend reading this one first.
High Prices, Heat, and Property Taxes? Why would I want to move to Scottsdale, Arizona? - This covers the basics and answers some common questions and concerns when it comes to Scottsdale, while also providing a LOT of good reasons to make Scottsdale your new home.
Top Employers in Scottsdale Arizona – If you are looking for a Job these may be worth considering - Relocating to Scottsdale and need to find a job? Here are a list of the top employers in Scottsdale and Phoenix.
Scottsdale Arizona School Districts – How are the schools in the Scottsdale area? - This includes information on public and private schools and their ratings.
Scottsdale Arizona Area Hospitals – An Overview - Interested in the medical facilities in Scottsdale Arizona. This covers some of them including the world renowned Mayo Clinic and Phoenix Children's Hospital.
Scottsdale Golf Courses - FOUR!! Scottsdale and the surrounding area offers over 200 courses for you to choose from. I have complied a list of some of my local favorites hat are sure not to disappoint.
SCOTTSDALE "MOST LIVABLE CITY"! SEE RECENT RECOGNITION AND RANKINGS THAT SCOTTSDALE HAS RECIEVED
Scottsdale No. 1 City for Babies - Starting a family? See why Scottsdale was ranked the number 1 city for babies
Scottsdale named one of the nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People Yet another top ranking for Scottsdale and it's family friendly community.
Other Scottsdale Arizona Recognition and Rankings - From the arts, to top world ranking for golf location. Check out where Scottsdale falls in numerous other rankings.
SCOTTSDALE AREAS
Old Town Scottsdale. Where the action is - Take a walk through the historic Old Town Scottsdale and get a real flavor of the old west.
The Shea Corridor, Gainey Ranch, McKormick Ranch - There are a number of communities in this central region of Scottsdale that remain among the most highly-desired residential areas in the metropolitan area. See Why!
North Scottsdale – Dream Big - Considered one of the most expensive areas in Scottsdale, this is a great location to live if you love the game of golf.
DON'T GO TO SCOTTSDALE WITHOUT EXPERIENCING...FAMILY FUN AND STUFF TO TRY
Fun for the whole family in Scottsdale- Scottsdale offers a ton of activities for families that both you and your children will enjoy.
Scottsdale Arizona Events you cannot afford to miss - Scottsdale plays hosts to many events annually that attract visitors from all over the world. These are just a few you can't miss!
BIG fun on a Little Budget in Scottsdale- Looking for a good time but you don't want to break the bank? .
SCOTTSDALE PLACES TO EAT
Scottsdale Arizona Restaurant Review -Local Favorites - Scottsdale Arizona has over 800 restaurants serving the local clientele and tourists alike.Here are my favorites!
Scottsdale Arizona Restaurant Review - Fox Restaurant Concepts -New restaurants seem to open weekly here but there is one company that has undoubtedly stolen the show.
Scottsdale Arizona Restaurant Review- Marcellinos (Best Italian) - Hands down best Italian food in Scottsdale.
As you can see from the above articles, Scottsdale provides a ton of opportunities, entertainment, and lifestyle choices and is the perfect place to call home. I hope you decide to join me here! If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to contact me. I hope to have the opportunity to help you with all of your Real Estate needs when the time comes.
In a recent poll (October 2010) America's Promise Alliance ranked Scottsdale Arizona as one of the top 100 communities for young people.
America's Promise Alliance goes on to say:
Scottsdale is home to over 38,000 youth, and offers opportunities to grow, learn, play and work, all in an effort to enhance the quality of life. Scottsdale Unified School District is Arizona's top district, with 22 schools earning the state's highest rating. Scottsdale serves 27,000 students and employs 1,700 highly qualified teachers. An exemplary Student Service Learning component combines classroom studies with volunteerism promotes civic responsibility through community service. Scottsdale is a special community with excellent resources, progressive leadership, a commitment to collaboration, a dedication to enhancing the lives of all people, and many really incredible kids. Scottsdale is now a four time 100 Best winner.
Collaboration is the cornerstone of the Scottsdale community. A Multi-disciplinary Team coordinated by the City of Scottsdale’s Youth and Family Services has met monthly since 2000. Participants meet to create inter-agency connections and to enhance coordination for hard-to-serve families in Scottsdale. The team includes approximately 40 community representatives from schools, behavioral health agencies, probation, after-school and recreation programs, police and City Human Services.
The most significant challenge is preparing youth for the world of work. Scottsdale Unified School District’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides education for careers in current or emerging employment sectors. Courses are offered in 13 areas, such as Healthcare, Information/Technology, Engineering and Graphic Design. Last year, over 2,000 students attended CTE classes. Arcadia High School’s offers an award-winning media communications program. For computer science fields, Scottsdale School District partnered with Arizona State University, receiving a $600,000 three-year grant to teach a process called "service oriented computing" at Coronado High School. Also Project CORE operates a critical program for ninth graders at Coronado High School. Eighth graders are assessed based on academic scores and behavioral indicators. At-risk students are identified for Project CORE upon entrance into high school. Project CORE students are provided with a number of key supports including smaller classes, continuity with the same five academic teachers, support groups, speakers, and follow-up by counselors. Students are provided services and tracked until graduation.
Over 450 students participate in Scottsdale Schools Service Learning program, incorporating over 50,000 hours of community service into the curriculum. The City's Summer Youth Corps gives work opportunities to approximately 500 youth, who provide 15,000 hours of service to City services. Rotary International mentors over 1000 youth through their Interact Clubs, Rotary Youth Leaders and Youth Salute teaching leadership skills and global citizenship. Scottsdale Prevention Institute's Youth in Action develops leadership skills for youth and opportunities for engaging in community service and impacting social change.
From its bunkhouse beginnings to its patio fire pits, Scottsdale’s Greasewood Flat bar and restaurant is steeped in Old West ambiance.
Now it’s also earned a place among America’s most unique drinking spots.
Endless Vacation magazine places Greasewood Flat at No. 5 on its list of the nation’s most “quirkiest and classic bars.”
Greasewood, located at 27375 N. Alma School Road, shares the spotlight with such iconic pubs as Bemelmans in New York City and the venerable Frolic Room at Hollywood and Vine in L.A.
To check out the magazine’s complete list and learn more about Greasewood Flat, visit: http://bit.ly/c7SMRA.
Scottsdale a Top Arts Destination
Readers of American Style magazine ranked Scottsdale among America’s Top 25 Arts Destinations. Readers voted for cities they visit to view, enjoy and shop for great art. Scottsdale was ranked No. 8.
Learn more.
Scottsdale a national leader in parks, preserve land
Scottsdale ranks among the nation's leading cities for parks and preserve land.
The city's 15,172 acres of parks place it fourth in per capita parkland behind Anchorage, Alaska, New Orleans and Virginia Beach, Va., according to a Trust for Public Land report issued earlier this month.
Learn more.
Parenting Magazine ranks Scottsdale in Top 10 “Best Cities for Families”
Parenting Magazine ranks Scottsdale No. 8 among its top 50 “Best Cities for Families.” The magazine rated cities based on the community’s health, safety, education, economy and recreation. Scottsdale was rated No. 1 in the nation for safety and No. 3 for recreation.
For more information, visit: Parenting Magazine rankings.
CNN Money magazine ranks Scottsdale among top places to live
CNN Money magazine ranks Scottsdale No. 71 on its “100 Best Places to Live.”
The magazine had this to say about Scottsdale: “Known for its zillions of golf courses (it's a stop on the PGA tour), upscale shopping, top-notch restaurants, and resort spas, Scottsdale has a lot to offer visitors and residents alike. Its hot, dry climate and proximity to the Sonoran Desert and McDowell Mountains make for terrific hiking; aging snowbirds flock here each winter. And its proximity to Phoenix means plenty of culture and a variety of jobs. . .”
For more information on the rankings, go to CNN Money
Scottsdale recognized as one of nation’s top travel spots
Scottsdale ranks as the sixth-most popular travel spot in the U.S. according to a recent survey by the Travel Leaders travel agency.
In the agency’s annual Travel Trends Survey, Scottsdale was ranked among the top five U.S. travel destinations by 19 percent of respondents -- just behind New York.
The rankings were based on responses from 547 of the company's travel agents surveyed between Nov. 20 and Dec. 15 2008. Las Vegas and Orlando, Fla., took the top two spots.
For more information on the survey and its rankings, visit Travel Leaders.
Magazine’s readers rank Scottsdale fourth best place to golf
Golf World magazine readers have ranked Scottsdale as the fourth best place in the world to golf.
Using a 10-point scale, readers were asked to evaluate 38 different destinations based on seven criteria, including quality of golf courses, accessibility of area, hotel accommodations, dining, friendliness, ambiance and overall value.
Listed in the top three spots were Charleston/Kiawah Island, S.C.; Hawaii; and Pinehurst,
More information on the rankings is available at Golf World.
Scottsdale No. 2 in AmericanStyle magazine’s Top 25 Arts Destinations
Scottsdale placed No. 2 among all U.S. mid-sized cities in AmericanStyle magazine’s annual poll determining the nation’s Top 25 Arts Destinations for 2008.
“Scottsdale has the most beautiful art galleries in the country,” wrote AmericanStyle reader Linda Homonoff, of Barrington R.I., in casting her vote. It’s a “great art community and shows great contemporary art in a traditionally Western town,” wrote another reader.
Buffalo, N.Y., came in first among mid-sized cities. Santa Fe, N.M., held the No. 1 spot in the small cities category and New York City was tops among large cities.
Complete results of the annual readers’ poll and profiles of the top three cities in each category are featured at AmericanStyle.
As you travel around Scottsdale you will notice about as many restaurants as you do people. From the big chain restaurants to the little botique restaurants tucked back in a corner of a strip mall. New restaurants seem to open weekly here but there is one company that has undoubtedly stolen the show.
Fox Restaurant Concepts is the rapidly growing, privately held parent company of 13 progressive, on-trend restaurant concepts located in Arizona, Colorado, Texas and Kansas. Their award-winning restaurants are staffed with enthusiastic, energetic, hardworking professionals with the sole goal of offering warm, genuine hospitality in an atmosphere that buzzes with the latest styles and trends. Even though Fox Restaurant Concepts employ's more than 1,900 people, and they continue to develop new, unique, innovative concepts, and never seem to forget their small business roots.
Blanco - Tacos + TequilaTHE DISH...
Blanco Tacos + Tequila offers modern Mexican fare in a casual-chic setting. Updated classics like tacos, enchiladas, and queso crisps are reinterpreted with fresh, flavorful, and unique ingredients.
Guests of all ages enjoy Blanco’s upbeat and casual come-as-you-are atmosphere. The dramatic entry features a colorful mosaic tile wall. The clean, minimalist, modern dining room offers a striking wood relief paneled wall, weathered wood floors, dark wood table tops, sleek and comfortable deep sky blue banquette seating and stark white walls.
The bar is the focal point of the dining room offering one of Tucson’s finest selections of wine, beer and nearly 30 premium tequilas. Signature drinks made with fresh seasonal fruits include house made white and red sangrias, a wide variety of traditional and unique margaritas and refreshing signature cocktails.
The large glass wall on the south side of the dining room opens to the patio area boasting the best view of any outdoor eating venue in Tucson. Facing south and east, the climate controlled patio features an unobstructed panoramic view of the Tucson valley.
Blanco Scottsdale
The Borgata
6166 N Scottsdale Road
#601
Scottsdale AZ 85253
P: 480.305.6692
F: 480.305.6693
Bloom - New American CuisineTHE DISH...
Bloom, like its sister restaurant Wildflower, serves New American Cuisine with a seasonally changing menu. Featuring classic American favorites with influences from European and Asian cuisines, the menu at Bloom showcases the freshest, most delicious ingredients resulting in something for every palate.
Bloom is a popular meeting spot for local business people and shoppers alike, offering a full bar, extensive wine list, and indoor and outdoor seating. The sleek bar featuring a cuvee wine keeper system allows guests to choose from over 75 wines by the glass daily. Bloom has consistently received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its outstanding wine program.
Bloom in Broomfield, CO has an elegant second floor private dining room that can seat up to 60. The beautiful glass enclosed private dining room at Bloom in Scottsdale, AZ accommodates up to 20. Both are favorite spots for winemaker dinners, private parties, wedding receptions and business meetings.
Bloom Gainey
8877 N. Scottsdale Road
#402
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
P: 480.922.5666
F: 480.922.6556
THE DISH...
Culinary Dropout, our little gastropub “rebel child” breaks all the rules with its $20 or less menu, uniform-free staff and relaxed, soulful ambiance.
You’ll find amped-up pub-type appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrees, along with a unique Antipasti Menu showcasing delicious and hard-to-find meats, cheeses and vegetables.
Rustic wood flooring and worn, overstuffed leather benches compliment deep purple and green chandeliers and patterned velvet chairs. Melt into the dusky, comfortable setting at the Scottsdale Waterfront and enjoy our outdoor patio and live music performed a few nights each week on our mini stage
Culinary Dropout is also a day-drinking and late-night destination with two-thirds of the menu dedicated to beer, wine and some pretty interesting cocktails. Be sure to check out these great tasting drinks: Bacon Infused Bloody Mary, The Simple Plan, El Matador, the Sauerkraut, Smashed Irishman, Between the Sheets, and Fuego!
Culinary Dropout
7135 E. Camelback Rd.
Suite 125
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
P: 480.970.1700
F: 480.970.1709
culinarydropout@foxrc.net
THE DISH...
While it is no secret that Scottsdale offers many quality steakhouse options, be prepared to discover an entirely new dining experience at Modern Steak.
We’ve taken all of the culinary elements one would expect to find in a traditional steakhouse – tantalizing appetizers, mouthwatering prime-aged beef and seafood dishes, exquisite sides and salads, irresistible desserts, creative cocktails and an outstanding wine selection – and have given them a unique, fresh and entirely “Modern” spin.
The setting is all about glamour. From the striking white metal sculpture that artfully shades the outside climate controlled patio and all throughout the beautifully appointed dining room, bar and three private dining rooms, Modern Steak offers comfortable, yet affordable elegance and Fox Restaurant Concepts’ signature hospitality.
Scottsdale Fashion Square
7014 E. Camelback Rd.
Suite 1433
Scottsdale AZ 85251
P: 480.423.7000
F: 480.423.7001
Private Dining: 480.423.7002
NoRTH - Modern Italian CuisineTHE DISH...
Taking its cue from an Italian trattoria, NoRTH offers a fresh new approach to Modern Italian cuisine. With sleek interiors, a sexy atmosphere, and a menu offering unique antipasti, gourmet pizzas, inventive pasta dishes and many wood roasted and grilled dishes, NoRTH is the perfect spot for any dining occasion. NoRTH appeals to a variety of guests seeking a casual, hip and upbeat venue with deliciously affordable fare.
For those seeking venues for private parties, business meetings or special occasions, NoRTH offers private dining rooms at several locations.
NoRTH Kierland
15024 North Scottsdale Road
#160
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
P: 480.948.2055
F: 480.948.2350
THE DISH...
Old World meets new at Olive & Ivy Restaurant & Marketplace, which blends the flavors and timeless elegance of the Mediterranean with contemporary California chic. Olive & Ivy brings a slice of a bustling Mediterranean neighborhood market to the Scottsdale Waterfront.
Olive & Ivy’s upscale casual restaurant showcases Fox Restaurant Concept’s trademark passion for craftsman cuisine. The menu celebrates the cooking techniques of the Mediterranean resulting in a menu that offers a fresh, updated selection of slow-cooked, flavor drenched Mediterranean classics.
At Olive & Ivy, discover an enticing selection of unexpected and familiar dishes in a rich, elegant, laid-back atmosphere. For special occasions or business meetings, the restaurant offers two private dining areas. Choose from the elegant White room which seats 12 guests, or the larger Stamp room which can accommodate 30.
For the wine connoisseur, Olive & Ivy offers over 45 wines by the glass featuring a selection of Old World wines from Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and France along with a Old World varietals from California and the Pacific Northwest.
For the late-night crowd, visit the bar where you can enjoy unique specialty drinks, fine wine and an enticing selection of small plates and decadent desserts.
In Olive & Ivy’s Marketplace enjoy an abundant variety of baked goods – scones, rustic loaves, and gourmet espresso and coffee, hand-crafted and poured northern Italian style by highly skilled baristas. Stop in for a light or hearty breakfast or tasty lunch where you can choose hot or cold specialty sandwiches, gourmet salads and house-made gelato.
Scottsdale
7135 E. Camelback Rd. #195
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
P: 480.751.2200
F: 480.751.2201
True Food KitchenAt True Food Kitchen, we celebrate simplicity. We practice sustainability. We believe that simple, fresh, pure ingredients create the most memorable and satisfying meals. And while our healthy menu is packed with nutritious, good-for-you vegetables, whole grain and proteins, we never sacrifice flavor. You may not notice the difference. But it’s there.
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