Scottsdale is a distinct city, but it is part of the Phoenix metropolitan area. It stretches from Carefree in the north to Tempe in the south, covering a distance of more than 20 miles. Located in the stunning Sonoran Desert, at the foot of the McDowell Mountains, Scottsdale is bordered by Phoenix to the west, the Tonto National Forest to the north, the McDowell Mountains to the east, and the Salt River to the south. Phoenix is situated in central Arizona, in the middle of the Sonoran Desert.
With a population of over 1.5 million people, Phoenix is the fifth largest city in America. It shares its borders with many towns and cities, including Scottsdale and Paradise Valley.
