Phoenix is now the state capital of Arizona and the only state capital has a population in excess of a million. Located in the Valley of the Sun, it is surrounded by mountains and has a warm, dry climate which many winter visitors enjoy especially amongst the retired community.

Agriculture is so important that it always has a series of dams serving for the irrigation efforts that men have been making in the Valley for hundreds of years and creating this green oasis in the middle of the arid, Arizona desert. A range of tropical fruit are all grown here as are vegetables and specialist items which have thrived in the climate and rich soils of the basin region.

Recently, Phoenix has developed as a leading center for state of the art technology and research companies particularly for those in the communications, aerospace and electronics sectors. The diversified cultural and fast growing population has also produced a wide range of tourist and cultural attractions and tourism has increased suddenly in this friendly climate.

Phoenix is a vibrant mix of old and young vying with each other for attention with the skyline dotted with high-rise office buildings and modern architecture competing with Indian and Spanish-Mexican colonial work and all of it underpinned by a Wild West cowboy feel.

The great outdoors have a very important role for all residents and sport is terribly important with many teams calling Phoenix home including the Phoenix Cardinals for football and the Phoenix Suns for baseball. There are also lots of golf courses for those preferring a sedate sporting activity while the surrounding mountains provide great opportunities for hiking, cycling and horse riding while the dams and rivers supply great water recreation too.

Residents and visitors are able to enjoy lots of attractions and features of interest. There is a world famous zoo, the Phoenix Zoo, which is playing a key role in the preservation and reintroduction of endangered species. Housing over 200 endangered species, the Phoenix Zoo is particularly famous for its collection.

There are also a number of historic areas which are happily preserved as a result of carefully and conscientious management by the city authorities as well as the Arizona Historical Society Museum and numerous endowments and foundations, notably from the Heard family.

Phoenix is a significant destination for everyone who should get an ideal climate to enjoy life all year round. Visitors and residents are able to enjoy a very wide range of pleasures and attractions in a clean and few crimes free city with the natural advantages of the surrounding countryside.