Scottsdale Arizona Lands $35 Million in Dementia Research

Real Estate Wins, Local News, and Market Insights

Welcome back to the Arizona Daily Update! Every day, I share proof of real estate success here in Arizona, highlight the latest local news, and wrap it up with a housing market update so you can stay informed whether you live here, are moving here, or just love keeping tabs on Arizona life.

Today’s update, comes with a mix of serious biotech breakthroughs, a quirky peacock problem, exciting new entertainment venues, and important real estate market shifts you’ll want to know about.

Scottsdale Biotech Raises $35M for Dementia Research

Big news out of Scottsdale: biotech company Jakcasta raised $35 million in Series A funding to advance dementia and Alzheimer’s treatments. Originally based in Illinois, the company relocated to Arizona earlier this year to be closer to top peers in San Francisco while benefiting from lower operating costs here in the Valley.

Their proprietary protein compound is still in early testing, but results in animal trials have shown promise for improving cognitive function in models of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. They plan to submit their application to the FDA by late 2026.

This hits close to home for many families (mine included), and it’s exciting to see Arizona playing a role in potentially life changing medical breakthroughs.

The Peacock Problem in Glendale

From biotech to birds, Glendale is facing a colorful, but costly, challenge. The city is home to about 300 peacocks, and while they’re beautiful, they’ve been causing tens of thousands of dollars in property damage.

The main issues?

• Scratched solar panels and city equipment (over $50K in repairs).

• Damaged cars, thanks to peacocks pecking at their own reflections.

While many residents want the birds protected, city officials are exploring ways to manage the growing population, including sending a portion to Texas A&M for research. It’s a tough balance between protecting wildlife and protecting property.

Mesa Riverview Gets Major Upgrades

If you’re looking for something fun to do, Mesa Riverview just opened several exciting new attractions:

1. Dink and Dine Pickle Park: 13 pickleball courts, both indoor and outdoor, located just south of Bass Pro Shop.

1. Slick City Action Park: A 42,000-square-foot facility with giant UV lit slides and action packed play areas.

1. Teruko Sports: A Taiwanese inspired baseball arcade with batting cages, darts, bowling, and more, making baseball fun for athletes and non athletes alike.

1. Fazoli’s: Returning to Arizona with a new Mesa location, joining its Phoenix Sky Harbor debut.

This cluster of venues turns Mesa Riverview into one of the Valley’s top destinations for families, athletes, and anyone looking for unique entertainment.

Pickleball and Padel Coming to Downtown Chandler

Downtown Chandler, a personal favorite of mine, is about to see a big change. The former Look Dine In Cinemas building which has struggled for years under different ownership is being transformed into Paddleland, an indoor venue combining:

• Pickleball and padel courts

• A full service brewery

• A wellness lounge with cold plunges, saunas, and recovery tools

At 35,000 square feet, this is one of the largest indoor activity spaces coming to the East Valley. While pickleball has exploded in popularity, padel is newer to the U.S. but already a hit in Europe and New York. It’ll be interesting to see if Chandler embraces it the same way.

Market Update: Cromford Report

Finally, let’s check in with the numbers.

The Cromford Market Index has shown steady, if small, improvements for four weeks straight. We’re currently at 77.2, moving slowly closer to a balanced market. That’s good news for both buyers and sellers, though buyers especially benefit right now with concessions averaging around $10,000 per deal.

The Contract Ratio (pending contracts vs. active listings) is another key metric. Higher ratios mean stronger demand. Right now, most of Arizona is in a balanced to warm zone, but some key differences include:

• Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and Arcadia: cooler markets with less demand.

• South Chandler, Mesa, and Gilbert: balanced to slightly warm.

• Certain zip codes like 85233 (The Islands in Gilbert): hot spots with stronger competition.

The takeaway? Where you buy in Arizona matters. Sometimes, moving just a zip code away can save you money and competition.

Final Thoughts

From biotech funding to peacock chaos to the rise of pickleball courts, Arizona is full of stories that show just how dynamic life here really is. And when it comes to the housing market, the key is knowing where demand is heating up and where opportunities exist.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Arizona, now’s the time to have a strategy. Whether it’s negotiating concessions, picking the right neighborhood, or finding off-market deals, having the right guide makes all the difference.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s update and let’s make this market work for you.

For a full video guide, make sure to check out my YouTube Video Here

And if you are looking to buy or sell in Arizona, we would love to earn your business! 

Cole@whitelabelaz.com or text us directly at 602-350-5624

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