When Death Finds Me, Let it Find Me Living…..in Scottsdale

A favorite client, in her eighties, still working as a therapist, a world traveler and weekend kayaker at nearby lakes, when asked what motivates her active life, answered with the quote, ‘When death finds me, let it find me living.”

I could not agree more and have decided to fully live and explore my community of Scottsdale and why it is frequently ranked as a top 10 city to live in for 2026.
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Scottsdale was ranked the 3rd happiest city in the US and named the #1 city for jobs in 2026 due to low unemployment and high quality of life. 
Whether living in Scottsdale or visiting, there is much to enjoy in one of the happiest cities in our country. Here is a short list of Scottsdale and surrounding areas to explore and enjoy: 

OUT & ABOUT in SCOTTSDALE - FREE (or Nearly Free)
Scottsdale ArtWalk Old Town — Thursday evenings strolling galleries, wine in hand, totally free and social. 
McDowell Sonoran Preserve Trails — 200+ miles of scenic desert hikes from easy to inspiring. 
Pinnacle Peak Park Sunset Walks — Gentle hike with spectacular golden-hour views. 
Scottsdale Waterfront Walk — Easy stroll with public art, canal views, and cafés nearby.
Old Town Scottsdale Wandering — Western charm, shops, and people-watching in a walkable district. 
SEASONAL FAVORITES
Old Town Farmers Market (Oct–May) — Fresh produce, artisan goods, lively morning outing. 
Scottsdazzle Holiday Events (Dec) — Lights, markets, and festive performances. (Old Town Scottsdale)
Spring Training (Feb–Mar) — Baseball + sunshine = classic Arizona experience.
Desert Botanical Garden Free Day (2nd Tuesday monthly) — Stunning desert blooms at no cost. (Experience Scottsdale)
Full Moon Hikes (various parks) — Guided evening hikes under desert skies. (Scottsdale)
ARTS & CULTURE
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) — Modern art + free entry times weekly. 
Taliesin West (Frank Lloyd Wright) — Iconic desert architecture and guided tours.
Scottsdale Arts District Galleries — Rotating exhibits and artist receptions.
Public Art Walking Tour Old Town — Self-guided discovery of sculptures and installations.
HIDDEN GEMS 
Penske Racing Museum — Free, beautifully curated racing history experience. 
Arizona Canal Path (early morning) — Peaceful walk or bike ride with desert serenity.
Arcosanti Originals Foundry — Watch bronze bells being made in a surreal setting.
Scottsdale Civic Center Park — Recently redesigned green space with art and fountains.
MUSEUMS (Free days or modest entry)
Phoenix Art Museum (Free Wed afternoons) — Major collection without the price tag. 
Heard Museum (Free First Fridays) — Deep dive into Indigenous culture and art. 
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West — Engaging storytelling of the American West.
Musical Instrument Museum (Phoenix) — Surprisingly fascinating global collection.
Museum of Illusions (Arizona Boardwalk) — Interactive, fun, and conversation-starting. 
GREAT WITH KIDS / GRANDKIDS
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park — Train rides, playgrounds, and nostalgia. 
OdySea Aquarium (Arizona Boardwalk) — Immersive marine exhibits and experiences. (Arizona Boardwalk)
Butterfly Wonderland — Walk among thousands of butterflies indoors. (Arizona Boardwalk)
Pangaea: Land of the Dinosaurs — Animatronic dinos = instant grandparent hero status. (Arizona Boardwalk)
Family Wildlife Programs (local parks Scottsdale) — Live animal education pop-ups and events.
EASY DAY TRIPS (≤ 2.5 HOURS)
Sedona Red Rock Scenic Drive — Jaw-dropping views + lunch + light hiking.
Prescott Historic Whiskey Row — Western charm, boutiques, and cafés.
Tonto National Monument — Cliff dwellings + short hikes + history.
Jerome Ghost Town — Artsy, quirky hillside town with galleries and views.
Salt River Tubing (seasonal) — Float, relax, and maybe spot wild horses.
SOCIAL & “GO WITH FRIENDS” IDEAS
Wine Tasting Rooms (Old Town) — Walkable, relaxed, and easy to turn into an afternoon.
Scottsdale Quarter / Kierland Commons Stroll — Outdoor shopping + dining vibe.
Outdoor Yoga in the Park Scottsdale— Often free or donation-based community classes. 
Local Vintage Markets (Phoenix area) — Treasure hunting + people watching. (Homes and Gardens)
Free Concerts & Community Events (Eventbrite rotation) — Constantly changing local lineup. 

I hope you are inspired to enjoy your surroundings, whether in Scottsdale or any other community where you have chosen to live. There are good, talented people everywhere, creating, maintaining and excited to share the beauty of our cities. Hope to see you out and about generating happiness. 

With love,
Hilda