PHOENIX - BIG-CITY LIVING AT SMALL-TOWN COSTS

The Metro Phoenix area provides all of the opportunities of big city living without the big city price tag. Phoenix rates as the 5th largest metro region in the United States with three and a half million people living within the region, as stated by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. With a low rate of unemployment and sensibly-priced real estate against the backdrop of the magnificent Sonoran Desert, this desert metropolis provides a lifestyle which leads the way as one of the nation?s most livable metropolitan areas.

WARM WEATHER, HOT HOUSING MARKET

Metro Phoenix featured one of the hottest housing markets nationwide. In 2005, Phoenix?s construction industry outperformed almost every other metro region, breaking records for construction warrants, real estate sold and increases in average home costs. For new home buyers seeking a vast array of housing styles in eclectic neighborhoods, Metro Phoenix features an exciting assortment that even the most discriminate investor would be pleased to call ?home?. From the prominent and exclusive Arizona Biltmore area to the historic abodes of the Encanto District and the quaint, antique adobe homes of the Willo District the area offers a variety of architecutures. So whether you?re looking for a brand new home in a master-planned community, a custom home of your dreams, or a modern condominium with an abundance of amenities, Metro Phoenix has it all!

A STRONG, ENERGETIC ECONOMY

Economic expansion is managed by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. The overall metro earning is almost $130 billion, transforming Phoenix into one of the most robust economies in the nation. Emulating the huge population increase in the area, Greater Phoenix?s economy keeps expanding. From April 2004 to 2005, there were over 63,000 new jobs added to the Greater Phoenix area, creating a 4% rise in employment growth, ranking Greater Phoenix amongst the highest job growth areas in the nation. Furthermore, Arizona State ranked for the topmost percentage of jobs created throughout the past year, second only to its neighbor Nevada. So its not surprising that the rate of unemployment in Greater Phoenix as well as the State of Arizona are beneath the national average. The city features an extremely low unemployment rate, currently at an astounding 4.1%!

Industries currently thriving in Metro Phoenix include aerospace, electronics manufacturing, business services, wholesale distribution, travel and tourism. High technology also has a very strong presence in Metro Phoenix. As a matter of fact, high tech corporations alone account for 56% of employment throughout the state of Arizona. Top employers in the area include: State of Arizona, City of Phoenix, Banner Health System, Marriott Hotels, Wal-Mart Stores, Kroger Company, Honeywell, Boeing Co, and Motorola, just to name a few.

ABUNDANCE OF CULTURAL HOTSPOTS

Metro Phoenix offers not only economic opportunity and quality living, culture, Phoenix is also a premier multi-cultural destination featuring a rich array of arts, culture and performances! There are museums, art galleries and performing arts centers that showcase the area?s history, arts and heritage. The Herberger Theatre welcomes visitors for casual lunch presentations and the Arizona Center features both amazing restaurants and shopping opportunities. The 500 million dollar Collier Center multi-use development situated on the north end of the America West Arena is in the initial phases of development. The opulent Spanish Baroque Revival Theatre, The Orpheum, was initially constructed in the year 1929 and has been newly renovated to be utilized for the art performances, community gatherings and civic dealings. The Phoenix Central Library, measuring five stories high, is an architectural masterpiece. It?s estimated value is $43 mil and stores over one million volumes, with seating for approximately eight hundred visitors. The Phoenix Art Museum is also a popular cultural destination. It measures 160,000 square feet and features a collection of over 17,000 works of art from all over the globe.

So don?t be surprised if after visiting Metro Phoenix and its many cultural attractions you begin to envision Metro Phoenix as your new home!

Joe Janus http://www.joejanus.com