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Through a number of events, I ended up moving to Phoenix after living in Colorado for almost four decades. It was a move that did not come easy and had the circumstances been different, I would most likely still be in Colorado.

So how is living in Phoenix, Arizona? Really –

I can”t believe that I actually like it as much as I do. I never thought there would be anyplace comparable to Colorado let alone in some respects be even better. So what is it that Arizona has that makes life here good?

Here’s a few of my thoughts.

  • LIFE HAPPENS EARLIER
    • Everything is on at a decent hour in Phoenix, especially sporting events. Events and activities are happening at what feels like more normal hours of the day or night. For example, it always felt wrong that a Monday Night Football game would go well into the early morning hours on East Coast time. I like the feeling that when I am getting off of work at 4 P.M., there’s a game starting on TV or playing on the radio.
  • THE WEATHER
    • While I really do miss a good snow storm or the anticipation/excitement that a Winter Storm Warning brings, the comfortable winter days and nights are really worth the few hot summer temperatures. The best way to explain this is if you have ever traveled from a place in the dead of winter to a place like Phoenix you have felt it. The surreal sights of the palm trees, green grasses, fresh air, and warm temps, THAT is what it is like everyday here.
  • SPRING TRAINING BASEBALL
    • The Cactus League brings Major League Baseball to the Valley every March. For over a month, America’s pastime is enjoyed here daily.
  • EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
    • Diverse businesses from large corporate headquarters to a strong entrepreneurial spirit open large doors of opportunity in the Phoenix area. It’s a great area for those changing careers.
  • NO DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
    • Hard to explain, but there is something about not adjusting the clocks back or forward that feels good. Trust me, I feel it. Maybe because it’s not natural to mess with the time! 7:30 should feel like 7:30 year round. It does in Arizona.
  • THE DESERT
    • The desert is unique. There is nothing like it. And while there are some dangerous aspects to it, I am looking forward to exploring it more.
  • SUNSETS!
    • Arizona sunsets are the most unbelievable, colorful and long lasting of anywhere in the United States. And they happen nightly. There are few places that everyday you truly can be wowed by God’s creation in such an inspiring way.

(I just have to throw this one in. Here is yesterday’s sunset.)

Arizona Sunset_0467

  • THE LOCALE
    • You are so close to so many great locations/activities: San Diego, Mexico, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Colorado :). Most are within driving distance, although there are affordable flights from Sky Harbor International Airport everywhere. A 5 hour drive to Vegas or San Diego is reduced to 40-45 minutes by plane.
  • ACTIVITIES/ENTERTAINMENT
    • The Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals and the Arizona Diamondbacks all play here! All the major bands/groups/talent come in concert here — year round. Hiking, camping, biking etc. are popular. If you love to golf, well, you already know. There is also a park system throughout the valley like none other.
  • THE PEOPLE
    • I’ve found for such a big city (5th largest in the nation) there are a better than average number of good people here. It seems there is a larger number of people looking for significance more than other places I’ve been. (Although I do admit, with the big city does come big city problems and dangers and that has been a bit something to be mindful of.)

A move here is not for everyone. I recently heard that a couple that had moved here from Colorado Springs a couple years ago were planning on returning. I would have to admit the Springs would be better for raising a family, but as for me, I have found Arizona a great place to have landed — for now.