The newcomers wasted no time in building a community to suit their needs.  They planted fields of corn, beans, squash and cotton; built homes, apartment buildings and an outdoor recreation center, hosted games in their ball courts and celebrated special occasions in a revered ceremonial spot.

Although this story could characterize people of today, it describes the Hohokam Indians, the first culture known to call the “Valley of the Sun” home.

After living in the valley for more than ten centuries, the Hohokam disappeared leaving a legacy that has helped modern civilization thrive here in the valley.  The irrigation system that transports water through the metropolitan Phoenix area closely follows the system of canals they established so long ago.

The Phoenix metropolitan area, known as the Valley of the Sun, is home to almost 3 million people and includes many outlaying cities. The area's explosive growth over the last decade has made it one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country.

The three major reasons people relocate to the Valley of the Sun are warm weather, wages and weekends.  Shining brightly more than 300 days each year, the sun does much more than generate a good tan. 

It attracts industries searching for a warm, dry climate that won’t interfere with their distribution networks, telecommunications or administrative operations.  Eight months out of the year, Valley residents enjoy pleasant, spring-like temperatures.  It is rare to have a golf game rained out. 

The summer is a different story.  Temperatures more often then not are over 100 degrees during June, July, August and September.  However over-used, the common defense, “But it’s a dry heat” is true.

Given a choice, most Midwesterners would rather be in Phoenix at 105 degrees than Chicago at 85 degrees.  Humidity is also non-existent here until August, when the monsoons drop sheets of welcome rain. 

These evening thunderstorms, with their dramatic lightning displays, are almost an attraction in themselves.  The average annual rainfall in the Valley is only 7.66”.

Sunny days and comfortable temperatures are the rule November through April, making this time the most enjoyable and popular time of year to visit.

Vacation resorts are plentiful throughout the valley and the most popular outdoor activities are golfing, hiking, hot air balloons and scenic day trips in to the nearby desert or to one of the nearby mountain towns.

All the major professional sports leagues have Phoenix teams and in March every year Major League Baseball's Cactus League spring training is a huge draw for visitors and locals alike.

The Salt River and Verde River reservoir system east and northeast of Phoenix provides scenic mountain lakes very popular for power boating, water skiing and fishing. Several Reservation casinos, greyhound tracks and horse tracks are available both in town and on the outskirts of town.

While the city of Phoenix is situated in the desert, Arizona is far from being a dry, desolate land.  Palms, olive, pine and citrus trees are prevalent as landscaping for parks, homes and boulevards. 

Orange blossoms perfume the air throughout March and April, Roses, poppies and hundreds of other flowers bloom spectacularly almost all year round.  Desert conditions actually exist in only 40 percent of Arizona. 

The sun has shaped the Valley’s active, outdoor lifestyle, allowing people to pursue their recreational passions almost any time of the year.  There are over 1,000 tennis courts and 150+ golf courses around the valley. 

Within a couple of hours drive from Phoenix are  large, blue lakes, cool pines, the historic Colorado river, the majestic San Francisco Peaks and the awesome Grand Canyon.  Consider this fact: Phoenix boasts the highest per capita boat ownership in the nation and that major snow-skiing facilities are within several hours drive.

Mountain ranges circle the valley, creating a mecca for hikers and campers.  Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Papago Park, site of the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical gardens, and Thunderbird Park are just a few that rise from the valley floor. 

South Mountain Park which at 16,500 acres is the largest municipal park in the nation, is a favorite spot for horseback riding, hiking, biking and picnicking.

About three million people from a wide array of cultures, call the Valley home.  Hispanic and Native American heritage is especially influential and is expressed in everything from clothing styles to cultural events. 

The Valley has a reputation as a popular retirement destination and the many communities built to serve active adults continues to grow.  Arizona has approximately one million residents 55 and over.

The Valley of the Sun is flourishing and is a wonderful place to live.

 

Climate
Average Temperatures For Phoenix

                               High      Low
January               65.7      44.4
February              75.0      49.9
March                   79.8      52.7
April                      85.9      60.0
May                       94.6      68.2
June                     106.3    79.9
July                       107.5    73.9
August                 104.7    83.0
September          99.8     75.0
October                94.5     70.3
November           75.8      53.0
December           66.7      44.6