Greater Phoenix & Scottsdale

Stretching across Arizona’s sun-soaked Valley of the Sun, the Greater Phoenix area is where desert landscapes and vibrant city life come together in a way that’s uniquely Southwestern. Whether you're drawn to the rugged mountain trails or the energy of downtown streets lined with coffee shops, breweries, and galleries, this region delivers an experience that feels both adventurous and comfortably livable.

Phoenix itself is a sprawling metropolis with layers. It's home to pro sports, desert preserves, cultural districts, and a booming food scene. Spend a morning hiking Camelback or South Mountain, then cool off in a downtown art museum or explore the Roosevelt Row murals on foot. Scottsdale offers a different kind of charm—more polished and resort-like, but still deeply tied to the desert. Here, high-end shopping meets trailheads, and you'll find as many spas and golf courses as you will hiking boots and mountain bikes.

To the east, Mesa blends family-friendly attractions with historic neighborhoods and hidden culinary gems. Tempe, anchored by Arizona State University, brings a younger, more energetic vibe to the region—great for live music, lakeside biking, and catching a festival or two. Chandler continues the east valley vibe with a tech-forward population, sprawling parks, and one of the most underrated downtowns in the state.

But beyond the buzz, the real magic of this region lies in its relationship with the desert. It’s not unusual to see wild jackrabbits darting across a suburban sidewalk or to hear coyotes howling at night even in the heart of the city. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve alone has more than 200 miles of desert trails, and sunset views from the summits are the kind you never forget. You can spend one day scaling rocky ridgelines and the next exploring culinary districts or browsing galleries filled with local art.

Greater Phoenix is a place of contrasts—urban and wild, polished and gritty, fast-paced yet grounded in tradition. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a while, you’ll find plenty of ways to slow down, stretch out, and soak up the sun. And with over 300 days of sunshine a year, the outdoors isn’t just an option—it’s a way of life.