As Scottsdale enters its busy fall season, residents are preparing for a packed calendar of community events, increased traffic, and an active real estate market. But with more people returning to the Valley, it’s also a good time to review your insurance coverage, brush up on safety, and understand what’s happening in the local housing market.

On this episode of Scottsdale Vibes, host Alicia Haygood sits down with sponsors Jeremy Mueller of State Farm Insurance and Shawn Shackelton of The Shackelton Group to discuss pedestrian safety, teen drivers, homeowners insurance, rising interest rates, and what buyers and sellers should know about the Scottsdale real estate market.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a longtime Scottsdale resident, or considering a move to the Valley, these conversations offer practical insights to help you prepare for the season.

Pedestrian Safety in Scottsdale: What Drivers and Residents Should Know

Fall is one of Scottsdale’s busiest times of year. With seasonal residents returning, more community events taking place, and popular destinations drawing larger crowds, pedestrian safety deserves extra attention.

Alicia and Jeremy discuss the importance of staying alert around pedestrians, electric bikes, scooters, and other vehicles, particularly in heavily traveled areas such as Old Town Scottsdale.

Drivers should remain aware of their surroundings, pay attention at intersections, and take extra care when making turns. Pedestrians and people using electric bikes or scooters should also understand the potential risks of sharing busy streets and pathways.

The conversation also touches on medical coverage and the importance of understanding your insurance before using an electric bike or scooter, including when traveling. Coverage can depend on the circumstances and the policy involved, so it’s worth reviewing your options with your insurance professional.

The takeaway: As Scottsdale gets busier, staying alert and understanding your insurance coverage can help you make more informed decisions about safety.

Teen Drivers: Training, Safety, and Insurance Discounts

Fall also brings a new wave of teenage drivers. For parents, that means preparing young drivers for the responsibility of being behind the wheel while managing the added expense of auto insurance.

Jeremy emphasizes the value of professional driver training. While parents play an important role in helping their teenagers learn, structured instruction provides another voice, additional practice, and an opportunity for young drivers to build confidence and develop safe driving habits.

Alicia and Jeremy also discuss ways families may be able to reduce the cost of insuring a teen driver. Depending on the insurance carrier, completing an approved driver training program may qualify a young driver for a discount.

Because discounts and eligibility requirements vary, parents should check directly with their insurance provider to learn which programs are available.

Their discussion also highlights the importance of taking traffic violations seriously and understanding how tickets and driving records may affect insurance costs.

For Scottsdale parents: Start researching driver training options before your teen gets a license, ask your insurance agent about available discounts, and make safe driving a priority from day one.

First-Time Homebuyer Tips: Don’t Wait Until Closing to Review Insurance

Buying a home is a major financial commitment, and first-time homebuyers need to consider more than the purchase price and monthly mortgage payment.

Jeremy explains that homeowners insurance should be researched as soon as a buyer has a contract on a property. Waiting until the last minute can create unnecessary stress, particularly when coverage availability and affordability need to be confirmed.

Before moving forward, buyers should consider:

• Homeowners insurance costs: Request quotes early so insurance expenses can be included in your budget.
• Coverage availability: Confirm that an appropriate policy is available for the specific property.
• Roof condition: Work with your real estate agent to understand the condition of the roof and whether repairs or other considerations should be addressed during negotiations.
• Emergency savings: Plan for unexpected expenses, including a broken air conditioner, water heater, or other major home repair.
• Ongoing ownership costs: Remember that insurance, maintenance, and repairs all contribute to the true cost of owning a home.

In Scottsdale, where buyers may be considering both established neighborhoods and newer properties, understanding a home’s condition is an important part of making an informed purchase.

Jeremy also encourages homeowners to review their existing coverage before the end of the year to make sure their policies continue to fit their needs.

Scottsdale Real Estate Market Update: What Buyers and Sellers Should Expect

What is happening in the Scottsdale housing market as the fall season begins?

According to Shawn Shackelton, the market experienced a busy first half of the year before slowing during the summer months. Activity has begun to pick up again, although she describes the pace as somewhat slower than usual.

Interest rates and the broader cost of living are influencing buyers’ decisions, and some homes are taking longer to sell than they did during the exceptionally competitive markets of recent years.

Shawn makes an important distinction: Scottsdale’s housing market is not necessarily experiencing the extreme conditions buyers and sellers became accustomed to during the pandemic-era boom. Instead, she describes a more normal market in which buyers and sellers have opportunities to negotiate.

For buyers, that can mean more time to evaluate a property, negotiate a purchase price, or discuss seller concessions and contingencies when appropriate.

For sellers, realistic pricing and an understanding of current buyer expectations remain important.

How Interest Rates Affect Different Parts of Scottsdale

Not every Scottsdale neighborhood responds to market conditions in the same way.

Shawn explains that South Scottsdale buyers may feel the effects of higher interest rates more directly because purchases in that area are more likely to depend on financing. In some higher-priced segments of Central and North Scottsdale, cash purchases are more common, meaning those buyers may be less directly affected by mortgage rates.

She also notes that higher borrowing costs can influence purchasing decisions among buyers who might otherwise finance homes in the million-dollar to $2 million range.

Mortgage rates are difficult to predict, and buyers should evaluate their options based on current financing terms rather than relying on forecasts about future rate changes.

The most important consideration is affordability. As Shawn explains, buying may make sense when the numbers work comfortably for your situation. If purchasing a home would stretch your finances too far, waiting may be the more appropriate choice.

Is Scottsdale Still a Strong Real Estate Market?

Despite a slower pace, Shawn describes Scottsdale’s real estate market as strong, with inventory still relatively limited.

She encourages buyers and sellers to look beyond the unusually competitive conditions of the pandemic years when evaluating today’s market.

A more balanced market does not necessarily mean homes are selling for dramatically reduced prices. Instead, buyers may have more opportunities to negotiate, while sellers may need to be more flexible depending on the property and circumstances.

Negotiations can vary widely. Some transactions come together after an initial offer and one counteroffer, while others require several rounds of discussion before both parties reach an agreement.

Shawn’s advice is to understand the other side’s perspective and work toward a realistic solution.

For buyers, this can mean identifying which terms matter most and recognizing opportunities beyond the listing price. For sellers, it means considering the full offer, including contingencies, concessions, and other terms.

Moving to Scottsdale? Consider Renting Before You Buy

Scottsdale continues to attract seasonal residents and people relocating from other parts of the country and beyond.

Shawn says many of the buyers she works with are looking for single-family homes. Others prefer condominium living or want to rent before deciding where to purchase.

For newcomers, renting first can provide an opportunity to explore Scottsdale’s different neighborhoods, understand commuting patterns, and decide which area best fits their lifestyle.

However, finding a seasonal or furnished rental can be challenging. Shawn shares examples of clients who struggled to find suitable short-term housing during the busy season and ultimately considered apartments as a more practical temporary option.

Prospective residents should plan ahead, compare rental terms carefully, and consider whether a temporary apartment or longer-term rental would offer the best balance of cost and flexibility.

What About Scottsdale Schools?

For families relocating to Scottsdale, school options can be an important part of the home search.

Shawn explains that Scottsdale’s open-enrollment options give many families flexibility when choosing where to live and which school their children attend. This can allow buyers to prioritize a home’s location and lifestyle without assuming that their children must attend the school nearest their home.

Families should still research individual schools, admissions policies, enrollment availability, and transportation requirements before making a decision.

Practical Advice for Scottsdale Homeowners This Fall

As the busy season gets underway, both guests offer reminders that apply whether you’re buying a home, selling a property, or staying put.

Review your insurance. Take time to check your auto, home, life, and other relevant coverage with your insurance professional.

Plan for unexpected expenses. Home repairs and maintenance can add up quickly, so make room in your budget for emergencies.

Make decisions based on your finances. Whether you’re purchasing a home or considering a move, focus on what you can comfortably afford.

Understand the current market. Buyers and sellers should work with experienced professionals who understand the differences among Scottsdale’s neighborhoods and price ranges.

Stay involved in the community. Scottsdale’s fall calendar brings opportunities to connect with neighbors, attend events, and support local organizations.

Listen to Scottsdale Vibes for More Local Insights

Scottsdale is constantly evolving, and staying informed can help residents make better decisions about their homes, finances, and community.

On this episode of Scottsdale Vibes, Alicia Haygood talks with Jeremy Mueller of State Farm Insurance and Shawn Shackelton of The Shackelton Group about the issues that matter to Scottsdale residents this fall.

From pedestrian safety and teen driver training to homeowners insurance, mortgage rates, and real estate negotiations, this episode offers a useful look at what to consider as the season gets underway.

Connect with the guests:

• Jeremy Mueller, State Farm Insurance: Visit jeremymuller.com or call 480-515-5223 for insurance questions and coverage reviews.
• Shawn Shackelton, The Shackelton Group: Visit theshackletongroup.com or call 480-734-7277 for Scottsdale real estate guidance.

Listen to Scottsdale Vibes for more conversations about Scottsdale real estate, local businesses, community news, and the people shaping life in our city.

Water is something most of us in Scottsdale use every day without thinking much about it. We turn on the faucet, take a shower, water the yard and go about our day.

But with ongoing headlines about the Colorado River, drought and water shortages across the Southwest, it is understandable that Scottsdale residents may have questions about where our water comes from and whether our supply is secure.

On the latest episode of Scottsdale Vibes, Alicia Haygood sits down with Thyra Ryden Diaz, Scottsdale’s Senior Director of Water Resources, for a conversation designed to separate fact from assumption and explain how Scottsdale manages its water supply.

And one of the biggest takeaways from the conversation?

Scottsdale is not running out of water.

Where Does Scottsdale Get Its Water?

One of the first questions Alicia asks is also one of the simplest: When you turn on your faucet in Scottsdale, where does that water actually come from?

The answer is more complicated than many residents might realize.

Scottsdale has a diversified water portfolio that includes Central Arizona Project surface water, wells, Salt River Project allocations and water from Roosevelt. The city also stores water underground as part of its long term water management strategy.

Scottsdale has legal rights to approximately 81,000 acre feet of Central Arizona Project water. According to Ryden Diaz, the city has also been saving approximately 25 percent of that water by putting it into the ground for future use.

She compares that underground storage to a savings account that can be used as part of Scottsdale’s drought planning.

What About the Colorado River?

The Colorado River has become one of the biggest sources of concern when it comes to water in the Southwest, and Scottsdale is often mentioned in conversations about potential shortages.

But Ryden Diaz says residents should understand that Scottsdale’s water supply is much more diversified than the headlines might suggest.

Scottsdale does receive Colorado River water through the Central Arizona Project, but that is only one part of the city’s overall water portfolio.

The city has been preparing for drought conditions for decades and has plans for different scenarios involving changes to its Colorado River supply.

Even if additional cuts occur, Scottsdale has other sources it can use and stored water that can help fill gaps.

As Ryden Diaz explains during the episode, Scottsdale has been planning for these possibilities for decades. The city has run numerous scenarios to determine how it can continue providing water under different conditions.

Scottsdale Has Been Saving Water for Decades

One of the most important points in the conversation is that Scottsdale’s water planning did not begin when the most recent headlines about the Colorado River started appearing.

The city has been preparing for drought and changing water conditions since the early 2000s.

Scottsdale has been storing water underground for decades, creating reserves that can be used when needed. The city also has a highly flexible distribution system that allows water from different sources to be moved throughout the community.

That means residents in different parts of Scottsdale aren’t simply receiving one specific type of water based on where they live.

Water from different sources becomes part of the overall distribution system and is blended throughout the city’s network.

Scottsdale Is a Leader in Water Recycling

Another fascinating part of the conversation is Scottsdale’s Advanced Water Treatment facility.

Scottsdale has been recycling water for more than 30 years. The city’s Advanced Water Treatment facility uses multiple treatment processes, including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, ultraviolet light and ozone.

The facility has attracted attention from outside Scottsdale as well. According to Ryden Diaz, international groups have visited the facility to learn about Scottsdale’s approach to water treatment and conservation in the desert.

The facility was also developed with significant participation from Scottsdale’s golf courses. The golf courses helped fund the expansion because they wanted to become better water stewards while continuing to maintain the courses that are such an important part of Scottsdale’s tourism and recreation landscape.

What About “Toilet to Tap”?

The phrase “toilet to tap” has become one of the most recognizable and controversial phrases in discussions about recycled water.

Ryden Diaz’s explanation is straightforward: all water is treated.

Scottsdale’s water goes through treatment processes before it reaches residents, regardless of its original source.

The water produced through Scottsdale’s Advanced Water Treatment process is treated through multiple stages. According to Ryden Diaz, the resulting water is drinking water quality.

One of the interesting things Scottsdale is evaluating is whether that highly treated water could eventually be used more directly as part of the city’s water supply rather than being put into the aquifer and pumped back out later.

That is part of a larger conversation about how Scottsdale can continue making the most efficient use of every drop of water available to the community.

Is Scottsdale’s Growth Putting Pressure on the Water Supply?

Scottsdale continues to grow, particularly in areas of North Scottsdale, and that naturally raises questions about how new development affects water.

Ryden Diaz explains that Scottsdale’s distribution system is highly integrated and that water from different sources is distributed throughout the city.

She also discussed the city’s consideration of how to manage very large new water users.

For example, what happens when a new development wants to use hundreds of thousands of gallons of water each day?

Scottsdale is looking at questions such as how much water a proposed development would use, what benefit it would bring to the community, what infrastructure would be required and what conservation measures could be incorporated.

The conversation reflects a larger challenge for a growing desert community: finding ways to accommodate economic development while remaining thoughtful about the resources required to support that growth.

What Can Scottsdale Residents Do?

While Scottsdale has extensive systems and reserves in place, residents still play an important role in water conservation.

Ryden Diaz says one of the simplest things residents can do is pay attention to how much water they are using, particularly outdoors.

She points out that many people water more than they need to and encourages residents to be conscious of outdoor water use.

Scottsdale also offers conservation programs, classes and resources to help residents understand their water use and find ways to conserve.

The city provides information about conservation through its website, and residents can also participate in the Scottsdale Water Citizens Academy to learn more about where Scottsdale’s water comes from, how it is treated and how the city’s water system works.

So, Do We Have Enough Water?

Alicia asks the question many Scottsdale residents probably want answered most directly: Do we have enough water?

Ryden Diaz’s answer is yes.

She says Scottsdale has enough water for the coming year and the next two year period and has the ability to adjust how it uses different sources if conditions change.

That doesn’t mean Scottsdale can ignore conservation or assume water will always be unlimited.

It means the city has been planning, saving, recycling and preparing for different scenarios for decades.

As Ryden Diaz puts it, the goal is not to panic. It is to be conscious of the resource we have and be good stewards of it.

The People Behind Scottsdale’s Water System

One of the most interesting parts of the conversation isn’t actually about infrastructure. It is about the people who operate it.

Ryden Diaz says Scottsdale’s Water Resources department has an extremely knowledgeable and dedicated staff, including employees who have spent years working on the city’s water system.

She also points out that Scottsdale’s water expertise has attracted interest from other parts of the world.

For residents, that means there are people behind the scenes working every day to make sure water continues flowing when we turn on the faucet.

And if residents have questions, Scottsdale has made it possible to ask them directly.

The Water Resources department can be reached at questions@ScottsdaleAZ.gov.

Learn More About Scottsdale Water

The conversation with Thyra Ryden Diaz is a reminder that there is a lot more to Scottsdale’s water system than the headlines about the Colorado River.

Scottsdale has multiple water sources, underground reserves, recycling and treatment systems, a sophisticated distribution network and long term planning designed to prepare for changing conditions.

That doesn’t mean water conservation isn’t important. It is.

But it does mean Scottsdale residents can stay informed without panicking.

To hear the full conversation, listen to the latest episode of Scottsdale Vibes with Alicia Haygood and Thyra Ryden Diaz.

And if you want to learn more about Scottsdale’s water system firsthand, consider checking out the Scottsdale Water Citizens Academy and the city’s water conservation resources.

Fashion, creativity and Scottsdale come together once again as Scottsdale Fashion Week returns October 4 through 11, 2026. What began as a small fashion showcase has grown into a week long experience featuring designers, models, local boutiques, entertainment, unique venues and plenty of Scottsdale style.

On the latest episode of Scottsdale Vibes, Alicia Haygood sits down with Jamie Levine and Sheree Hartwell, the women behind Scottsdale Fashion Week, to talk about how the event has evolved over the past decade and what guests can expect this year.

Ten Years of Scottsdale Fashion Week

It is hard to believe that Scottsdale Fashion Week is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Jamie and Sheree remember the early days when it was a small, scrappy operation with the two of them running around trying to make everything happen.

Ten years later, the event has grown dramatically. It has been sold out for several years, the caliber of designers has continued to increase and the team has built a reputation for creating something different every year.

That evolution is intentional. Rather than simply presenting a runway show, the goal has always been to create an experience that guests will remember.

Every Night Has a Different Scottsdale Vibe

One of the things that makes Scottsdale Fashion Week different is that there isn’t just one runway and one location.

This year’s schedule moves throughout Scottsdale, with each evening offering its own atmosphere.

The week kicks off October 4 at Scottsdale Quarter with Core & Couture, combining a yoga experience with a private shopping opportunity at Lululemon.

Opening night brings fashion to Roca Core with The First Course, combining dinner, cocktails and a runway show.

Friday night moves poolside to Hotel Adeline for Pool Club, featuring swimwear designers, pop up shopping, entertainment and synchronized swimmers.

Saturday returns to Mercedes Benz of Scottsdale for a couture focused evening featuring designer Cyril Verdivain, who recently received the Fashion Group International Rising Star Award.
Sunday brings the Sunday Soiree to Scottsdale Quarter with an outdoor brunch style experience featuring two designers.

The variety is part of the point. Guests can attend different nights and have a completely different experience each time.

Fashion That Reflects Scottsdale

Scottsdale Fashion Week isn’t only about bringing in designers from outside the Valley. Local businesses and boutiques are becoming an increasingly important part of the event.

This year, Friday night’s swimwear lineup includes Australian brand Kulani Kinis, along with Scottsdale boutique Izzy & Ivy and Ivy Swimwear. The event also gives guests opportunities to shop some of the looks they see on the runway.

For Jamie and Sheree, that local connection reflects a larger change happening in Scottsdale. Designers are increasingly seeing Scottsdale as a place where they want to build their businesses and be part of the fashion community.

It’s About More Than the Runway

Perhaps the biggest difference between Scottsdale Fashion Week and a traditional fashion show is the emphasis on creating an experience.

Guests aren’t simply coming in, watching models walk a runway and leaving. There are entertainment elements, pop up shops, unique venues, food, drinks and unexpected surprises throughout the week.

The organizers deliberately change things every year so returning guests aren’t seeing the same show they saw the year before.

That philosophy has helped turn the event into something of a Scottsdale tradition.

Opening the Runway to the Community

Another important part of Scottsdale Fashion Week is its casting process.

The organizers have opened casting calls to the public, giving people in the community an opportunity to audition to walk in the shows. The casting events have drawn close to 100 people at a time, and some participants have gone on to receive additional opportunities in the modeling industry.

It is another example of how the event has expanded beyond simply watching fashion. People can actually become part of it.

Ten Years Later, the Vision Continues to Grow

Looking back at the first Scottsdale Fashion Week compared with what exists today, the growth is significant.

The organizers say one of their goals from the beginning was to do something different. Each year brings new designers, new venues and new experiences. This year, there is even a Scottsdale Fashion Week first: every show takes place along Scottsdale Road, stretching from Mercedes Benz of Scottsdale to Scottsdale Quarter.

For the organizers, one of the most rewarding parts of the event isn’t necessarily seeing the runway themselves. It is watching the audience experience it.

That moment when everyone is seated, the lights are about to come up and the anticipation starts building is one of Jamie’s favorite parts of the entire week.

And that may be what Scottsdale Fashion Week has become after 10 years: not just a series of fashion shows, but an experience people look forward to sharing with friends, family and the Scottsdale community.

Get Ready for Scottsdale Fashion Week

Scottsdale Fashion Week takes place October 4 through 11, 2026.

Tickets are available at scottsdalefashionweek.com.

To hear more about the history of Scottsdale Fashion Week, the designers coming to Scottsdale, the new venues and what goes into creating an event of this scale, listen to the latest episode of Scottsdale Vibes with Alicia Haygood, Jamie Levine and Sheree Hartwell.

Come for the fashion. Stay for the experience.