ARIZONA WEATHER - From a Real Estate Buyers perspective.

A lot of my Real Estate business revolves around buyers coming from various regions of the United States. Many are being relocated here by the company they are employed with. A great deal of companies are moving their operations to the East Valley cities of Chandler, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, or Gilbert these days, so I'm not surprised at the number of transferee's. One of my favorite questions from Buyers who have never been to the Phoenix area is "So...what's the weather REALLY like?!" You can almost hear the fear in their question.... and I try to answer honestly and candidly, because I vividly remember my own anxious anticipation as I approached "my first summer in Phoenix!" I tell them that one of the unique and wonderful features of living in Arizona, is that a change of climate is only a short car drive away.
 
Most people are surprised to learn that Arizona is not just cactus, cowboys, sand dunes, and hot summers! Arizona actually has quite a varied topography, from low desert regions to alpine mountainous regions, and everything in between. The highest elevation point in the State of Arizona is Humphreys Peak, northwest of Flagstaff, at 12,633 feet above sea level.  The lowest elevation in Arizona is the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, at 70 feet above sea level. It is typically 30 to 40 degrees cooler in the alpine areas of the state than in the desert areas of the state. That means that in the heat of the Phoenix summer months when 105 degrees is common, a two hour drive North to Flagstaff or East to Greer, will transport you into 75 degree temperatures! And those areas include beautiful green grassy meadows, awesome Ponderosa Pine forests, and winter ski resorts.

I tell my Buyers to keep in mind that the general rule of thumb is 5 degrees cooler per 1000 ft of elevation climb. And Flagstaff at 7000 ft elevation for example, is 6000 ft higher than Phoenix! I have fond memories from living in Flagstaff during the 1990's, watching people driving up from Phoenix's perfect winter weather in their shorts and a tee shirt, and stopping for gas. Talk about some wide eyed people when they stepped out of their cars!!

And the metro Phoenix area does indeed have perfect winter weather. Not many areas of the United States can boast 7 continuous months of awesome weather, but we sure can! I moved to Chandler Arizona in 1999, and it's been my experience that from the beginning of October to the beginning of May, you can expect very enjoyable temperatures, and an abundance of sunny skies over 90% of the time during that period.

Is it hot here in the Valley of the Sun during the summer? You bet it is. But here's something I have learned, aside from the fact that the dry 10 - 20% humidity helps in living with the summer heat. If a person comes here to spend a brief VISIT during June, July, or August, they're probably going to wonder how the residents can cope. But for those of us who LIVE here, and to those considering living here, I can safely say that your body and mind adapts. Really! Your body adapts by making your blood thinner, and the gradual rise in temperatures as we approach summer means you acclimate, and therefore you don't experience the "shock factor" that visitors feel. Your mind adapts too! It becomes subconscious thought to park your car or adjust your home window blinds to optimize shade. And you learn quickly why we prefer light colored cars and buildings. And it helps to have a swimming pool, and several friends that live in the high country for summer weekend visits! Just remember those same friends up in the high country will be visiting you during the winter when they get tired of the cold and snow!! It's a reciprocal thing...

Throughout my life I have lived in many places in the United States. From the upstate New York area, to the Chesapeake Bay area, to the Colorado Rockies, to the Ponderosa forests of Northern Arizona, and now to the Valley of the Sun desert region. It's just my humble opinion, but I love it here the best! If you want more information about local real estate, schools, shopping and dining, jobs and employers, mortgages, maps, (and more!) for the Phoenix metropolitan area, be sure to visit my websites at www.KevinHanley.com, www.LuxuryHomesChandler.com, and www.HomesForSaleInSunLakes.com!