Ever since Scottsdale Arizona decided to lavish its 'waterfront' with time and attention, the West's most Western town has been experiencing a renaissance. In the works since the late 80s, Scottsdale's multi-million dollar plan to revitalize the historic canal that runs through it, is finally coming of age.
ARIZONA'S RIVER WALK
The 50 mile-long canal that cuts through Scottsdale's downtown core was built in the late 1800s for irrigation and flood control. Strictly utilitarian, it wasn't until the Waterfront revitalization project began to pick up speed that residents realized the potential the water-filled concrete ditch in the center of town offered them. Lined with empty lots and low-rent retail as recently as 1996, by one account all that was going on at the corner of Scottsdale and Camelback roads back then was a Christmas tree lot in December.
But times change. The banks of the once desolate waterway have since sprouted 500 shops, 75 restaurants, 50 salons and spas, miles of biking and jogging trails, a public amphitheater, and hundreds of condos, townhouses and lofts that sell out almost as quickly as they're built.
BUILDING A ?WALKABLE? COMMUNITY
Similar to San Antonio's successful River Walk, the Scottsdale Waterfront vision eschews cars and adores pedestrians. The project covers 11.3 acres and successfully links the Scottsdale Fashion Square to Old Town Scottsdale and the arts district. The city's Civic Center and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art are both within walking distance and a five million dollar pedestrian bridge now spans the canal. Residents that tire of walking can always hop onto one of Scottsdale's free downtown trolleys to get where they're going.
By making good use of the prime land they have in the downtown area, Scottsdale has created an invaluable resource for its residents. Primarily, they've done this by creating a ?walkable? community.
A walkable community is just what it sounds like ? a place where you can walk. It has sidewalks and safe places, parks and green spaces, benches to sit on and places to visit that you can get to within five minutes ? on foot. Though it's an ancient concept that Europeans take for granted, in America it runs contrary to the prevailing big box mentality and trends in suburban development. Too bad for us. According to Dan Burden, some of the offshoots of designing a community for pedestrians as opposed to cars, are the exact same things we all typically look for in a great community.
?Walkability is the ability to associate with others, the provision of your basic needs within a five minute walk and the accommodation of the disabled, children and seniors,? Burden told Scottsdale residents during a public lecture in 2000. ?A walkable community has the Five Golden Elements - Security, Convenience, Efficiency, Comfort, and Welcome. ?
It also produces healthier, more active and involved citizens and opportunities for both affordable housing and highly sought after luxury homes. No matter who you are, a walkable community is a desirable community.
DESIRING SCOTTSDALE
Scottsdale has evidently taken Burden's advice to heart and is now steadily reaping the benefits. Since 2003, public and private investors have poured more than 3.1 billion dollars into downtown development. Strong leadership and community involvement have given the city momentum and vision that show no signs of abating. The population is growing and real estate prices slowly rise even while the rest of the country experiences a downturn. Everything's on the upswing. For the real estate market in Scottsdale this is great news but for the people who call it home, it's even better.
Nc Waterfront Property For Sale
Many people dream of owning a home on the water, whether it be a lake, river, or bay. For many, views of sunrises and sunsets on a peaceful lake bring feelings of happiness, serenity, and calmness. If you think you may be ready to make this dream come true for yourself, there are a few considerations you may want to reflect upon before taking that first step.
Considerations Before You Buy Waterfront Real Estate
Firstly, address the exact reasons why you want to own a waterfront property. What kind of activities do you plan on doing? Boating, fishing, and swimming are common water activities, but cannot be accomplished on just any body of water. Be sure that the water on your prospective property can accommodate your needs and desires.
Decide if you want to have rural surroundings, or if you would like to live near more urban conveniences. Choose your prospects accordingly.
Be aware of any federal, state, and local laws that may affect you as a waterfront property owner. Research these laws before deciding if that waterfront home is really for you.
Know that, as an owner of waterfront property, you will have a responsibility to protect that environment for future generations. This practice is called stewardship and should never be taken lightly. Protecting the natural shoreline of your waterfront real estate will not only benefit the environment, but your investment as well.
Water Quality
You want to be sure that the quality of the water meets your personal standards. The water, wildlife, and lake bottom are just some of the important factors to consider. Remember, while the landscaping of your land may be altered to your specifications, the water is the one thing on your property that cannot be changed.
Ideally, you want your shoreline to be sandy. Mucky shorelines are not very pleasant to walk on. While there will almost always be some muck on the shore, less is better.
If you plan on fishing on your lake, be sure to research the native species of fish living within your body of water.
The lake bottom is another substantial factor to consider. As with the shore, you don't want an overly mucky bottom. Preferably, you will most likely want a sandy bottom or similar material.
The clearer the water, the better. ?A recent study of over 1,000 waterfront properties in Minnesota found, when all other factors were equal, properties on lakes with clear water command significantly higher property prices.?
Both Melissa Oconnell & Budda Oliver are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Melissa Oconnell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Finances, Real Estate and Home Management. For more information on townhomes, lofts and , contact Melissa O'Connell at Unique Scottsdale Homes. Melissa is a licensed broker a. Melissa Oconnell's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.
Budda Oliver has sinced written about articles on various topics from Business Plan, Home Improvement and Health. Budda Oliver is a marketing agent for Ken Smith Realty. Ken is a long time northern neck real estate agent. To see his listings please visit his. Budda Oliver's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.
