If you’ve been thinking of relocating somewhere warm, this is a great time to consider Phoenix – “The Valley of the Sun.” Consisting of over 20 communities, surrounding Phoenix (Arizona’s capital), the Valley of the Sun offers endless opportunities f

or art, culture and fun! From Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural legacy to fantastic tortillas and spring training baseball games, there is always something new to discover. The Phoenix Valley has something for everyone – whether you’re looking for a thriving artists’ enclave, an active retirement community, an exclusive neighborhood or a great place to raise a family, we’ve got it in Maricopa or Pinal Counties.

Sunshine lures many folks to this area – with over 300 days a year and only seven inches of rain, you can expect low humidity and a mild winter, allowing for lots of time outdoors. Despite the dry climate, the desert is home to a diverse range of plants and animals: orange groves, palm trees, cactus-covered red rock mountains, coyotes, road runners and lizards are all typical Arizonian sites. And even though it’s known for the desert, the Phoenix Valley also boasts waterfront properties like developments on Tempe Town Lake

and the Arizona Canal near downtown Scottsdale. There are also several state parks built around water – so don’t think you have to give up boating just because you’re moving to the desert.

It’s easy to get started on your home search – first contact a local realtor to talk about what you’re looking for. Meet with your lender to establish what you can afford, and then begin house hunting! Give your realtor the details of what you’re looking for along with a list of must-haves and your budget so that he or she can put together some possible properties. Then you should plan a visit. Spend a couple of days getting to know the local neighborhoods and when you’ve decided which areas you love, your realtor can sort through the listings and show you potential homes.

To ease your relocation, try to familiarize yourself with the city ahead of time: subscribe to one of the local papers – your realtor should be able to recommend resources for your new neighborhood. Make contact with local clubs, groups and faith organizations. Starting to network before you move will help you put down roots faster when you arrive.

You will also want to get started on your family’s employment or education prospects prior to the move. Phoenix has an award winning public school system and several local universities and technical colleges. Job growth in the area has been huge. In fact, Phoenix was ranked number one for largest metro markets for employment growth last year. This coupled with the fact that there’s a strong buyer’s market in the Valley right now, makes it a great time to think about relocating. You have lots of choice and room to negotiate. Interest rates are still low, so this is the time to buy – don’t wait until they’ve gone up.

And finally, give away your snow shovel and snow boots – you won’t need them where you’re going! Get out your swimsuit, sunscreen, and golf clubs.