Arizona Real Estate Notebook

Second homes: Rain, rain stays away almost every day in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Scottsdale has a lot to offer the second-home owner, but much of the appeal can be summed up in one word: sunshine. That is the forecast for as many as 330 days each year, coupled with famously low humidity — which, combined with easy air access, attracts buyers from all over the country. “Everyone is escaping winter somewhere,” notes real estate agent Terry Ray, owner of the Ray Group.

The natural beauty of the mountainous Sonoran desert offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Biking, hiking and especially golf are very popular here. Less strenuous activities include a vast array of spas, abundant shopping and dining, and a high concentration of cultural activities, art galleries and an extensive charity event circuit.

It’s nuts that Encanterra is mentioned in an article about Scottsdale. Encanterra is a very nice retirement golf community, but bloody hell, it’s about an hour’s drive from Scottsdale in far east Queen Creek, on the edge of civilization. Someone who is interested in buying a second home in Scottsdale is not likely to also have Encanterra on their short list. Obviously, Encanterra’s PR firm struck press release gold.