Scottsdale is a distinct city, but it is part of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Spanning over 20 miles, the Phoenix metropolitan area covers 500 square miles of the Sonoran Desert and is home to 24 municipalities. With a population of 5 million people, it is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States. Although Scottsdale is located east of Phoenix, it is not included in any definition of East Valley.
Scottsdale is a renowned destination that is large and diverse enough to stand on its own.
