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RELOCATION
Phoenix Metro AreaPhoenix has exploded to become the nation's fifth largest city with over 1.6 million residents. Unlike other cities that have grown slowly over time, Phoenix catapulted to this position in a relatively short time. HistoryIn 1950 the city had over 17 square miles. It has grown to more than 450 square miles and the population has grown fifteen fold from the 100,000. Before World War II, Phoenix was a sleepy little southwestern town known for fields of cotton, lemons, and oranges. Once the war was over and young adults were starting their lives, Phoenix began to grow and has not slowed down to this day. RecreationResidents in the "Valley of the Sun" have two things in common: an appreciation for sunny weather and an active, outdoor lifestyle. Phoenix is considered one of the sunniest cities in the country, enjoying sunshine more than 330 days each year. The largest municipal park in the world, the 16,500-acre South Mountain Park, serves as the city's southern border. A mecca for hiking, biking and horseback riding, South Mountain Park is known as the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, that encircles the city. Morning workouts hiking to the top of Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain are popular, plus there are another 1,700 acres of traditional city parks; some include golf courses. 
Historic PhoenixMany find the beauty of an historic home as every one is different and unique, and you find many of the GLBT community residing in these areas. Ashland Place Coronado Encanto-Palmcroft Roosevelt Willow Windsor Square Phoenix GLBT DistrictPhoenix, unlike other major metropolitan areas that have GLBT neighborhoods such as Boystown of Chicago, or Chelsea of New York City, or Hillcrest of San Diego, does not have these type of neighborhoods. Most GLBT Phoenicians like to spread out, and the mainstream get to see us everywhere. However, most of the GLBT community activity is based in the central Phoenix area. The base area is the southern point of McDowell, north to Bethany Home, West from 7th Ave., and east to 7th Street. There has been much progress as more GLBTowned businesses are opening on 7th Ave., from Indian School to Camelback, on 3rd Street from Osborn to Indian School, and 7th Street from Indian School to just north of Camelback. Temperature GuideTemperatures in the Greater Phoenix area range from 65 in the winter months as a high and in the 100s in the summer months. Take a look at the chart below for a look at a year in Greater Phoenix.
Phoenix FactsIncorporated: 1881 
Did you know... Phoenix is a premier destination, with more than 300 sun-filled days a year and average temperature of 72.6 degrees. More than 50 percent of the population is between 18 and 54 years of age, which is younger than the national average. In January 2000, after a yearlong, in-depth study of management efficiency by the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, Phoenix was the only city among the nation's 35 largest urban centers to earn an overall grade of "A." Phoenix also was named the "Best Run City in the World" in 1993 by the Carl Bertelsmann Foundation and has earned numerous other awards for efficient government operations. The greater Phoenix area is a $50 billion marketplace driven by technology. World-leading companies such as Intel, Avnet, Motorola, AlliedSignal, Honeywell and Boeing Company have chosen Phoenix for their corporate and regional headquarters. Industry giants such as STMicroelectronics, American Express, Phelps Dodge, Sumitomo Sitix, Prudential, Charles Schwab and Mayo Clinic have major operations in Phoenix. Bonds and Taxes Aviation Did you know... The airport serves more than 100 cities with non-stop flights, and British Airways, Air Canada and Lufthansa are among carriers providing international flights to destinations such as London, Toronto, Mexico and Frankfurt, Germany. Fire and Police Housing/Human Services Libraries Parks and Recreation Public Transit Solid Waste Management Street Transportation
Other Did you know... The center is surrounded by more than 95 restaurants, top hotels, retail shops, a 24-screen movie theatre complex, history, science and cultural museums, US Airways Center and Chase Field Ballpark – all within walking distance. Sports teams that play in Copper Square include the Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) and Arizona Rattlers (AFL). The $600 million expansion of the Phoenix Civic Plaza will triple the amount of rentable space, positioning Phoenix as a top destination for 85 percent of all conventions. New buildings open in 2006 and 2008, followed by interior renovations of the existing South building. When expansion is completed, the Phoenix Convention Center will provide a spacious, high-tech and client-friendly facility with approximately 900,000 square feet. Orpheum Theatre: 1,400 seating capacity Phoenix Zoo: more than 300 species Hotels and resorts: with 21,272 rooms SOURCE : City of Phoenix East Valley CommunitiesTempe, Chandler, Mesa, Apache Junction and Gilbert are the communities comprising the East Valley. The GLBT community is very present in the gay-friendly Tempe home to Arizona State University. The East Valley is known as a very conservative area but is progressing as the diversity of people grow in these areas.
A slightly higher elevation and wide open desert areas allow Apache Junction to be somewhat cooler in temperature than the rest of the East Valley. Area Size: 35 square miles Chandler Chandler has a cultural crowning glory at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Many who move to Chandler count affordable housing and a small town appeal among the city's assets. Area: 71 square miles Gilbert Gilbert offers many amenities such as village concept of planned communities include parks, equestrian trails, fishing, boating, and local business services, all within walking distance. Area: 76 square miles Mesa Area: 123 square miles Scottsdale, Northeast Phoenix & Fountain HillsUpscale Suburban Living South to North, Scottsdale is over 30 miles in length and is an environmental wonder. The green irrigated south side environment progresses to the natural high Sonoran desert setting, where the cactus and coyotes exist among planned gated communities and horse properties. Fountain Hills and Carefree are very desert-like and feature a rolling terrain in a higher elevation with some of the best mountain views in central Arizona. Paradise Valley is lush desert and homes are generally built on one acre plus lots tucked between mountains and fine resorts. Scottsdale Fountain Hills West Valley Communities Avondale Area: 56 square miles Buckeye Area: 500 square miles
Just west of Phoenix is the fourth largest city in Arizona and the financial and business hub of the rapidly-growing Northwest Valley. From a residential perspective, Glendale features beautiful master-planned communities, luxury executive homes, older residences in quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods and affordable starter housing. In 2008 Glendale will be the host of the NFL Superbowl 42 in the brand new state of the art Cardinals Stadium. The majority of Glendale's population is young, college educated, family-oriented and earning an average of more than $56,000 annually. Progressive corporations such as Honeywell, Conair, Bethtel, and Federated Insurance are located here. Area: 57 square miles Peoria Area: 162 square miles Surprise Area: 67 square miles Education in ArizonaHigher Education Arizona leads in many fields of higher education from Maricopa Community Colleges (largest community college in the U.S.) to Arizona's state universities. While general education programs remain the biggest draw, more specialized classes help redirect a career or start a new hobby. Real estate, culinary arts and therapeutic massage are just a few of the options. The Maricopa Community Colleges
Arizona's State UniversitiesArizona State University Northern Arizona University University of Arizona K - 12 Education To find out more about schools and the area in which you are relocating, these websites will help you make an informed decision. School reports, profiles and test scores Retirement LivingThe Metro Phoenix Area has long been considered an ideal retirement spot and for good reasons. With sun-filled days, spectacular sunsets, many recreational opportunities and facilities, services and housing options tailored to retirees and their needs. For example, Metro Phoenix has more than 190 golf courses. Healthcare facilities and senior centers are available across the Valley. Equally abundant are money saving offers provided by local businesses for those 65 and older, along with rewarding volunteer opportunities. Whichever part of the Valley you call home, the retirement communities typically feature a full slate of amenities, including multimillion-dollar clubhouses, recreation centers, fitness facilities as well as golf courses, pools and tennis courts. Although Phoenix is well known as a retirement spot, only 12% of the population is over age 65 (compared to 23% in Miami). Tucson Metro Area
Tucson has been continuously settled for over 12,000 years. It celebrates a diversity of cultures, architecture, and peoples. Yet, it is one of the "Mega-Trend" cities of the 21st Century: the Optics Valley, premier health services center for the Southwest, the astronomy center of the world, home of a premier research institution — University of Arizona, and a tourism destination. Tucson, too SAHN or TOO sahn, is one of the oldest towns in the United States. Tucson was orginally an Indian village called Stook-zone, meaning water at the foot of black mountain. Hugo O'Conor established the Tucson Presidio in 1775. August 20th, 1775 is considered Tucson's birthday. Spanish settlers arrived in the area in 1776. Tucson officially became part of the United States with the Gadsden Purchase of 1854. Tucson served as capital of the Arizona Territory from 1867 to 1877. Tucson boasts the best of both worlds...the progress and innovation of a metropolitan community and the friendly, caring atmosphere of a small town. Tucson's rich cultural heritage centers around a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo-American influences. Blessed with the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert and an unsurpassed climate of 360 sunny days a year, Tucsonans embrace a rare lifestyle and are committed to preserving that quality of life. 
Tucson's climate varies from the 2400 foot desert basin to the 9100 foot forests of the Santa Catalina mountains. The City's dry desert air and winter sunshine make it a popular health and winter resort. The City is home to the University of Arizona and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The City's industries include electronics and missile production. Tucson is the seat of Pima County and has a Council-Manager form of government. The Tucson metropolitan area supports over 750,000 residents. As metropolitan Tucson continues to grow by nearly 2,000 new residents each month, the challenge of meeting citizen expectations also increases. Getting to Tucson is easyTucson is served by 11 airlines with non-stop service to 14 cities and connections to over 121 destinations. Amtrak passenger service and major bus lines give you non-flying options. For drivers, Tucson is on Interstate 10, the main highway between California and Florida. Once in Tucson, it is easy to get where you need to go. In the city, call SunTran, the public bus system at 792-9222 for route maps and schedules. In the downtown area, catch a free ride on the Tucson Inner City Express Transit (T.I.C.E.T.). Of course, there are many major car rental agencies and taxi companies. What is the population of Metropolitan Tucson? How hot does it get? How far away is Phoenix, Arizona, and how long is the drive? Is there a shuttle service between Tucson and Phoenix?
Are there attractions for those interested in native wildlife?
Where do the University of Arizona Wildcats play basketball? Football? Top EmployersTucson Metro Area is the home to major military installations, prominent companies in the High Tech and Aerospace industry as well as major medical and research facilities. The University of Arizona is located in Tucson as well as one of the largest community colleges in the nation — Pima Community College. Top 25 Private Employers in Southern Arizona (Arizona Daily Star, 2005) Raytheon Missile Systems: 10,300 Top 10 Public Employers in Southern Arizona (Arizona Daily Star, 2005) U.S. Army Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca: 12,250 For more information about the GLBT FRIENDLY employers in Southern Arizona please visit www.wingspan.org. EducationTucson's highly educated workforce has led to a high level of under-employment. 83.4% of Tucsonans of high school graduation age have received diplomas (national avg. = 80.4%). 26.7% of the population have had four plus years of college (U.S. average is 24.4%). Educational Institutions 116,269 students (University of Arizona and Pima Community College) 66.52% of UA undergraduates are 18-21 years old The majority of UA graduate students are 23-26 years old Majority of PCC students are 20-29 years old NewspapersThe Arizona Daily Star, morning paper, 520-573-4220; the Tucson Citizen, afternoon paper, 520-573-4561; the Daily Territorial, business news, 520-294-1200. Radio & TelevisionRadio: 14 AM stations and 16 FM stations Television: Local channels are KVOA,4 (NBC); KUAT, 6 (PBS); KGUN, 9 (ABC); KMSB, 11 (FOX); KOLD, 13 (CBS); KTTU, 18 (UPN); KHRR, 40 (Telemundo, Spanish); KUVE, 52 (Spanish); KWBA, 58 (WB). Sales TaxState tax is 5.6%, 0.5% county plus an additional 2% within Tucson city limits. Time ZoneThe State of Arizona is located in the Mountain Standard Time Zone (MST). Arizona is one of only two U.S. states that does not make an adjustment for Daylight Savings Time, and during the months of April through October, Arizona time mirrors Pacific Daylight Time. LGBT TucsonPlease visit Wingspan Southern Arizona’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center. And the Tucson GLBT Chamber of Commerce. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Water Services
Apache Junction
Which baseball teams play in Tucson?
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