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Planning a Move?
Overview of Greater Phoenix Area
Phoenix is a truly modern city -- it didn't really boom until after World War II. Nonetheless, mixed among the office towers and the abundance of resorts, spas and restaurants are museums dedicated to pre-Columbian, Native American and pioneer history. The explosive, sprawling growth of the metropolitan area -- which includes Glendale, Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa and Tempe -- is due in part to its attractive desert location (cacti and mountains are never far from view) and in part to the city's refusal to respect the limitations a desert imposes. Visitors may be surprised by the size and population but the heat, should not be a shock. It is the desert, after all, and temperatures routinely top 100 F/38 C in summer and can reach the 90s F/32-37 C even in late spring and early fall. Despite the heat, people come to Phoenix for year-round outdoor activities, as the area is home to hundreds of golf courses. Plus, most days are cloudless, with 300+ clear days.
Valley Overview
Phoenix is one of the top three fastest growing areas in the country. Newcomers are drawn to the region's warm, dry climate that receives less than eight inches of rain annually. Aside from the occasional dust or thunderstorm during the winter and summer monsoon seasons, the weather allows golf, swimming and patio dining year-round.
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Saguaros are cast in shadows as clouds dot the sky over Phoenix.
Recreation
With nearly 200 golf courses dotting the landscape, golf rules in the recreational department. But amidst all that thirsty greenery still sits the Sonoran Desert's most obvious amenity - the naturally rugged, yet beautiful terrain.
Thousands of acres of dry mountain preserve and cacti-enriched hillsides offer challenging trails for the Valley's hikers, bikers and horseback riders. During the spring, this same rugged terrain transforms into a colorful palette of wildflower-packed scenery that is frequently captured on photograph and canvas.
Although the dry heat of the desert can feel brutal to some, Phoenix is not without water to soothe parched skin. In fact, seven lakes surround the area, each one bustling with boating activity all summer long.
Tubing down the Salt River also offers a surprisingly cool diversion from the summer heat. The state's Urban Fishing Program provides yet another diversion - fishing inside city parks - and the Valley's resorts offer a splashing good time poolside.
Diversity of People
A population of many cultures and backgrounds, as well as a multitude of industries, means Phoenix offers a diversity that appeals to people of all walks of life, young and old. Twenty-three communities, including four of the oldest - Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe - offer a wide range of activities, dining, shopping and cultural events. And with the ever-expanding freeway system, most locations can be reached within 30 minutes.
Industry
Greater Phoenix has evolved from a tourism mecca to a major center for high-tech manufacturing of semiconductors, electronics and aerospace parts. Additionally, the 400-square-mile metro area is touted as a great place for small business start-ups and women-owned businesses and has one of the lowest costs of living compared to other major metropolitan areas.
Tourism, culture
Scottsdale, long described as the West's Most Western Town, ranks as one of the top tourist destinations in America. While Tempe, home to Arizona State University - the country's third largest university - has the highest concentration of technology firms in the Valley.
Culturally, Greater Phoenix has grown tremendously. The area hosts museums that feature everything from bugs to Zuni pottery, and art galleries that showcase everything from contemporary sculpture to Russian impressionism. Wildlife parks and zoos, botanical gardens, theaters, historic sites and neighborhoods, and a growing nightlife round off the list of things to see and do.
Major Sports
Sports also play an important role in the Valley's development. The Phoenix Suns NBA franchise arrived first. Then professional hockey, soccer, arena football, and NFL football followed. The most recent arrival was the Arizona Diamondbacks. The team, which plays at a state-of-the-art baseball stadium called BOB (Bank One Ballpark), brought tremendous media attention to the state when it won the World Series in 2001.
Phoenix is also home to several annual sporting events including the PGA's Phoenix Open, Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in Tempe and Scottsdale's Parada del Sol rodeo. Also, nine Major League Baseball teams conduct spring training here, including the two latest additions: Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers.
As the Valley continues to expand, so will its amenities - and the quality of life.
Phoenix and the surrounding area offers a diversity that appeals to people of all walks of life, young and old.
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