As one of the Four Corners states, Arizona touches California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Mexico. It is the country’s 6th largest state as well as the last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the union. In the early part of the 20th century, Arizona was primarily considered a farming state. Today, the state’s economy has diversified significantly, particularly as Arizona continues to define itself as a tourist destination for outdoor adventurers.
      The most populous area of the state is part of the Sonoran Desert region. The Valley of the Sun, also called “The Valley,” includes the major cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Chandler, Mesa and Tucson. With 300-plus days of sunshine each year, Valley residents can spend more time outside, enjoying their favorite activities. Winter temperatures are mild, rarely dipping below 40 degrees. Spring and fall are pleasant, with warm days and cool nights. In the summer months, temperatures heat up, sometimes exceeding 110 degrees.
      The northern portion of Arizona is at a higher elevation region called the Colorado Plateau. Here, the flat desert areas are broken up by canyons, mountain peaks and forests. Relative to the Valley, the plateau region enjoys cooler winters and mild summers.

Did You Know...

State Nickname: The Grand Canyon State State Capital: Phoenix State Flower: Saguaro Cactus Blossom State Bird: Cactus Wren

      Arizona’s best known attraction is the Grand Canyon, a stunning natural gorge that spans 5,000 feet deep, 227 miles long and up to 18 miles wide. Arizona also has more than 20 monuments, parks, memorials, historic sites and trails as well as recreation areas within the National Park Service system. Notable sites include the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, the Old Spanish National Historic Trail and the Tumacácori National Historic Park. Arizona’s current population is estimated to be close to 6 million, with almost 4 million people living in the Phoenix metro. In the last five years, the state’s growth rate has been roughly three times the national average -

a testament to Arizona’s excellent quality of life. Almost 27 percent of the population is younger than 18 years old and about 13 percent is aged 65 and over. The resident base is split almost equally between men and women, but the ethnic diversity is low. More than 85 percent of the Arizona population is Caucasian.
      The economy in Arizona is well-developed and offers substantial opportunity in several industries. The largest employing sector is educational, health and social services, followed by retail trade, professional services, manufacturing and tourism-related services. Most of the workforce is employed in an office or administrative support role. Sales and food preparation are popular roles as well. The state’s per capita income in 2005 was $30,267, which is somewhat higher than the U.S. average. Arizona’s largest employers include the University of Arizona, Raytheon Missile Systems, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Intel, General Dynamics and Arizona State University.

The state’s housing market has boomed in recent years as developers respond quickly to strong demand. These developers have brought a variety of community types to the Valley of the Sun in particular. Prospective buyers will find a housing selection that includes many master-planned communities, including golf, tennis or retirement, plus existing single-family homes, new construction, condominiums, townhouses, urban lofts, rural properties and horse properties. A large proportion of new Arizona buyers are aged 55 or older and looking for second homes, investment properties or downsized homes. In 2005, Arizona’s median home price was $228,800.
      Higher education in Arizona is under the authority of the Arizona Board of Regents. The state offers a few public universities, many community colleges and several private colleges and trade schools. The largest public university in terms of enrollment is Arizona State University, followed by the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University.
     Arizona has an extensive transportation infrastructure anchored by a network of freeways connecting the Phoenix metro to the rest of the state. Phoenix and Tucson also have public bus systems, operated by Valley Metro and Sun Tran, respectively. Regional bus service is provided by Greyhound.
      There are three main international airports in the state, Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), Tucson International Airport (TUS) and Yuma International Airport (YUM). Prescott Municipal Airport, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, Williams Gateway Airport and Scottsdale Municipal Airport support the needs of non-commercial aircraft.