Meet Laura Liuzzo

If you enjoy the year-round sun, hardly any rain, and having an abundance of outdoor activities at your fingertips, Phoenix may be the perfect place for you.

With a growing population, respected schools, and a strong economy, the Valley of the Sun is a popular place for professionals, young families, and retirees.

Located in the south-central portion of the state, it sits approximately 120 miles north of the Mexican border. In the spring and winter, temperatures hover in the high 70s, but it’s not unusual for a summer day to top 100 degrees.

The city is home to many different arts and cultural attractions, such as the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo, the Hall of Flame Fire Museum, and the OdySea Aquarium. There are also plenty of hiking trails, and if you’re up for a big day, you can even make a trip to the Grand Canyon.

For a small-town vibe with big city amenities, you’ve come to the right place—Surprise, a 45-minute drive from Phoenix, is the spring training home of the Texas rangers and Kansas City Royals. There are also a lot of great places to eat, including local produce from the Pitchfork Farmers Market.

Winters are mild and warm, but if you enjoy the snow, there are several ski resorts less than a half day’s drive away.

Further out, there’s plenty of open space to explore, from the Sonoran Desert and White Tank Mountain, to Lake Pleasant. Closer to home, there’s the Litchfield Park Wildlife World Zoo—home to 3,000 animals and 600 different species—and Surprise Lake, the perfect spot for picnic, a boat ride, or a day on the water with friends.