Living in Scottsdale and Phoenix Arizona
Why I Love Living Here...and You Will Too!

Being a native Californian and joining the US Air Force at the age 18, I've lived in many different places around the world. From the Philippines to Colorado, Texas, Florida and Virginia, I've seen first hand what different states and countries have to offer. But none of them compare to the place I now call home (by choice, not assignment). Scottsdale, Arizona.

I've lived here now for 15 years and coming from cold winters that Virginia (DC) offered, I'll take a hot summer over a snow storm any day! After all, a dip in the pool and an air conditioner can work wonders to beat the heat and it's a heck of a lot better than shoveling snow or scraping ice off your car!

If there's any downfall to living here it's that I can't seem to shake the feeling, even after 15 years, that I'm somehow on vacation. Blame it on the weather, the sunsets, the peaceful way of life...just don't anyone pinch me 'cause I don't want to wake from this wonderful dream!

There are so many things you'll love about Arizona (Scottsdale and Phoenix in particular), that they are just too numerous to list. So, I'll just share a few of things that I love most and why Arizona will always be my home sweet home:

• Being from California, I probably would never have realized the dream of owning my own home had I chosen California over Arizona. My home in Scottsdale would probably cost double (or more!) in Northern CA where I'm originally from.
• There is always something to do here! Beautiful mountains to hike, trails to bike/walk on and great drives to take.
• Wonderful restaurants, entertainment, and easy access to it all. The new Freeways make everything so easy to get to!
• Did I mention Spring (which of course starts in the winter here!)? The smell of the citrus blossoms is candy to your nose!
• I can BBQ year round!
• It's relaxed and casual here. You can dress up if you want to go out to dinner, but don't be surprised if the couple next to you is in their shorts!
• It's friendly here. People just seem to be more relaxed and nicer here than many of the other places I've lived.
• If you want to go to the beach, it only takes about 5 or so hours to drive to San Diego, a favorite spot of Arizonians in the summer. Or, if you prefer, Rocky Point (Mexico) is even closer (about 4 hours drive).
• In as little as 90 minutes, you can head up North (I like Prescott) and spend a cool weekend in the mountains in the summer.
• You can drive to Flagstaff in about 2 hours if you like to ski.
• We have wonderful produce here… either at the grocery store or the many roadside stands where they sell fresh everything!
• The scenery is beautiful here, surrounded by mountains such as the McDowells and Camelback. And if you've never experienced an Arizona sunset, you're in for a huge treat.
• The Phoenix metropolitan area has great shopping. In about 5 or 10 minutes you can drive to many different shopping centers. And because it's such nice weather here most of the time, you'll find some great outdoor shopping centers. Kierland in Scottsdale and the Biltmore Fashion Mall in Phoenix are two of my personal favorites.
• It's inexpensive to fly to many places like California & Nevada (Las Vegas). Many times I've found it's cheaper to fly than to drive!
• Sports! Home to the 2001 World Champion Arizona Diamondbacks, NFL Football, NBA Basketball, NHL Hockey, NASCAR, professional tennis and rodeo events. If you like sports, like I do, you'll love it here!
• Golf galore! With over 300 golf courses, not to mention host of the FBR Open and LPGA tournaments, golf enthusiasts just love it here (and I enjoy the annual gathering at the Bird's Nest)!

I could go on and on about reasons I love it here, but you can be the judge for yourself and come for a visit. This place sells itself! And when you do decide to move here, please contact me so that I can help you find YOUR dream home!

More on the Enchantment of the Valley Of the Sun

The metropolitan Phoenix area is a spectacular place to live. Winter visitors and full-time residents alike enjoy year round outdoor recreation, fine restaurants, renowned arts, exclusive shopping, access to world famous spas and resorts, and of course the best weather in all seasons. If the heat becomes too much for you, you can find relief by making a 2-hour drive to the cooler mountain areas. If you're in need of a quicker reprieve, head to one of the many lakes for water recreation.

Lifestyle: Long time inhabitants and new residents are continually enchanted by life in the valley. It's difficult to ignore the panoramic breathtaking views, pristine landscape, and inspirational sunsets. It is a place where natural beauty abounds and supports an exceptional quality of life. The Valley embodies traditional southwest charm and eclectic cultural variety.

Schools: GreatSchools.net is your objective source of school information on elementary, middle and high schools for public, private and charter schools nationwide. A nonprofit organization, GreatSchools.net provides information about public, private and charter schools in all 50 states.

Community: Rich community spirit is evident wherever you live in the Valley. Local chapters of various nationwide organizations, spiritual centers, churches, involved adolescent programs, senior centers, school districts, and prolific art programs enrich each resident's life and instills a sense of pride in the community. You'll discover plenty of options available to make you feel at home.

Things To Do: Do you have an unquenchable zest for adventure or do you prefer to simply relax and appreciate the beauty of the southwest? Go hiking at Camelback Mountain or Squaw Peak. Unwind by playing 18 holes of golf at some of the world's finest golf courses. Snow boarding is even an option followed by a night at the theater and dinner at a 5 star restaurant. The activities available in the Phoenix metropolitan area are as diverse as it's population.

Weather: You've heard this before, but it's true: "It's a dry heat." Summer months register temperatures from 90 degrees and above, but winter months are perfect. Temperatures hover around 70 degrees. And rain? It's the desert, there isn't much. Check out today's forecast. Oh look! Another beautiful day!