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When you think of Arizona, what do you think of? Probably if nothing else, you think of almost unbearable, intolerable heat.
Arizona is one of the hottest states on record, there’s no doubt about that. It’s been a favorite destination for retirees and others hiding from cold, dry air during the winter months in other areas.
The golf-obsessed have been flocking to Arizona for decades, drawn to its constant sunshine and warmth.
And because of the favorable climate, Arizona has seen its economy grow steadily. A healthy environment means a strong workforce, and many major cities of Arizona have just that.
Phoenix
The capital city of Phoenix is the most populous city in the state of Arizona, and in 2006 it was estimated to be the fifth largest city in the United States. At 515 square miles, its city proper covers an area larger than those of New York City, Philadelphia, and Miami combined, making it the biggest state capital and the 10th largest land area for a city in the United States.
The economic condition of Phoenix is a strong one. It is currently home to three major Fortune 1000 companies: electronics corporation Avnet, Apollo Group (which operates the University of Phoenix), and mining company Freeport McMoRan.
Honeywell hosts many factories for the building of military-grade engines, as well as their company network gateway in Phoenix. Intel has one of their largest sites in Arizona, employing about 11,000 employees and 3 chip manufacturing fabs, including the $3 billion dollar state of the art 300mm, 45nm Fab 32.
American Express hosts their financial transactions, customer information, and their entire website in Phoenix. The area is also home to US Airways Group, a Fortune 500 company located in Tempe. Nearby Scottsdale is also home to Allied Waste Industries, Inc. (also listed on the Fortune 500), the second largest non-hazardous solid waste management company in the United States. Phoenix is also home to the headquarters of U-HAUL International.
The military has a significant presence in Phoenix with Luke Air Force Base located in the western suburbs.
Whatever your field of endeavor, you’re likely to find a supporting business in and around the area of Phoenix.
The city is also home to the Arizona Cardinals football team, and the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team, along with many other major league and minor league sports.
The night seems to come alive in Phoenix, no doubt due to the climate as well. Warm, humid nights lend themselves to being outside, and many locals and tourists alike enjoy roaming the streets of the big city, or keeping cool in one of it’s many bars and other hotspots. Nightclubs regularly offer stand-up comics, musical concerts, and other big-ticket events.
Home prices in Phoenix have surged well beyond the national average, some even up to 34% or more, no doubt due to the appreciation that people have for the city and its natural and economic climate. If you care to purchase a luxury home in the Phoenix area, you are sure to find something to please your taste, whether it’s in the heart of the city or built nearby, even on one of the many golf courses in the area.
The townhouse/condo sector is very strong in Phoenix, especially in the middle of the city. Most are built with amazing, panoramic views that encompass the entire horizon, as Arizona’s sunsets are without rival. Additionally, many up-and-comers want to see as much of the beautiful city skyline as possible, and are happy to pay for that view.
Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe
When most people speak of Phoenix, Arizona, they are really speaking of the city and its surrounding areas, included in which are Scottsdale, Glendale, and Tempe, just to name a few.
For years, Scottsdale has had a reputation as a retreat for golf-obsessed retirees. However, there are a wealth of job opportunities, along with great school and fantastic recreational activities in and around the city. The warmer weather does lend to a more laidback lifestyle in Scottsdale than in other cities, of course. However, this doesn’t mean that the economic pace has slowed. Scottsdale is home to major companies including Cold Stone Creamery, the Dial Corp. and General Dynamics C4 Systems.
The Scottsdale Airpark, surrounding the city airport, hosts 2,400 businesses, small and large, in more than 100 industries. The strong economic base has been a boon for Scottsdale’s 33 public schools, most of which rank among the state’s top schools by test scores.
Scottsdale has its share of multimillion dollar neighborhoods, and the place is no bargain. But you can find $300,000 fixer-uppers in the up-and-coming southern part of the city.
The real estate market has cooled from this time a year ago, when speculators turned every deal into a bidding war. Today three- and four-bedroom houses in established neighborhoods hover around $500,000 - that’s with a (much needed) pool.
All of the areas in and around the capital city of Phoenix are known for their available luxury when it comes to homes. Because the population is so much less dense than in other cities such as New York or Miami, residents have much more room on which to build. Spanish-style bungalows abound, but with many upgrades and modern amenities. It’s not uncommon to import real Spanish tile for a home in Phoenix, and to have it designed custom just for the buyer.
Of course, there is the heat to think about when considering Arizona, regardless of what area. Summer days see temperatures reach well over 100°, although the humidity remains relatively low. Many residents admit that you have nine months of really good weather, and then three months of tremendous. However, many residents find ways to keep themselves cool and to endure the heat, or make sure they do something to keep themselves from it, such as take a dip in that pool. They do this because they appreciate the fine standard of living that’s available in virtually any area of Arizona, with its amazing scenery, outstanding nightlife, and strong economy.
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