Phoenix, Arizona’s largest city, is the hub of the large, multi-city Valley of the Sun metropolitan area. It’s renowned for its year-round sunshine and warm weather. The now-519.2 square-mile area was settled in 1867 near the confluence of the Salt and Gila Rivers. Other than the mountains in and around the city, Phoenix is generally flat, with main streets running on a grid. Its median age is 33.9 (2022). Aerospace, electronics, and semi-conductor manufacturing are the main drivers of its economy.

Phoenix is divided into urban villages. Their housing styles range from Pueblo and Ranch, to Mid-Century Modern, with the average price being $409,382, up 5.9% over the past year (Zillow, 2022). Annual events, such as the Arizona State Fair, the Improv Festival, and the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event attract both visitors and residents.

A mix of Interstate (the I-10 and I-17), U.S., and state highways run through the city, connecting Phoenix to its neighborhoods. Paradise Valley, known as the “Beverly Hills of the Southwest,” sits between Arizona State Routes 51 and 101. It features multi-million dollar homes atop cliffs. Further south, the picturesque neighborhood of Arcadia is popular for being a place in which to both live and work. Alhambra, which straddles I-17, is a diverse, dog-friendly area.

Everyone from young professionals to retirees call Phoenix home, with its beautiful weather, lush golf courses, and a lively arts scene among its benefits.