Phoenix Relocation Guide

W E L C OM E T O A R I Z O N A

can enjoy inventive menus and cocktails at Lon’s at the Hermosa located in scenic Para- dise Valley. James Beard winner chef-owner Chris Bianco offers three locations for diners to delight in his Italian-influenced fare. Metro Phoenix is also home to many fami- ly-owned restaurants featuring cuisine from El Salvador, Peru, India, Greece, Cuba, Germany, and Japan. Phoenix is also a mecca for public art. Because it is a relatively new city, urban developers understand the value of art in everyday places. Highways, overpasses, bus stops, and parks feature art work, sculptures, and historically-influenced design aesthetics. It adds beauty and effortlessly blends this fair city into its natural environment. The feel of “the old west” is more palpable in Tucson than anywhere else. Tucson is casual, regardless of the time of day or time of year, and is home to the University of Arizona Wildcats. Jeans and sandals are apropos almost anywhere. This city oper- ates at a slower pace than Phoenix and has a small-town feel. Residents can visit the San Xavier Mission, which is thought to be one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States. Tucson also offers the wonderfully unique but interesting Mini Time Machine of Miniatures Museum, where visitors can take a self-guided tour through an interactive experience. Experience Old Tucson Studios, a movie studio for countless Western movies and theme park for families to enjoy. Built in 1938, it was revamped in 2011 with new sets, streets, and buildings. While it’s still a must-see for any western diehard, it also features “living history” presentations that feature educational programs about Hispanic, Chinese, and Native American culture. PHOENIX Phoenix and its more than 20 surrounding communities are known as the “Valley of the Sun” – and that’s not surprising, given Arizona’s climate and its hot, rapid growth over the last several years.

Best-selling author and first lady of house- hold humor, Erma Bombeck made her home in Arizona until her passing in 1996. Olympic gold-medalist Michael Phelps also resides in Arizona, in the beautiful Paradise Valley. Pioneers of the old west era, Cochise, the Apache Kid, and Geronimo were all born in Arizona. The infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral took place in Tombstone, Arizona. JEWELS IN THE DESERT Arizona’s two largest cities, Phoenix and Tucson, each have their own charm. Phoenix is home to over 20 Native Amer- ican tribes, communities, and nations. Public art reflects the history of the city, and it’s clear that Arizona’s historic roots haven’t been forgotten. Tucson lies an hour north of the Mexico border, and as expected, there is a strong Hispanic influence in this smaller but vibrant desert oasis. Metropolitan Phoenix is quickly becoming a foodie destination. Up-and-coming chefs are pleasing the palettes of Phoenicians in a wide array of culinary genres. A James Beard Award finalist two years in a row, Kevin Binkley has restaurants in Cave Creek, Carefree and Central Phoenix. Residents

Thompson Arboretum. Take the Verde Canyon Railroad to see beautiful landscapes in Central Arizona. Discover pine country in Payson, and see the Shoofly Indian Ruins or Rim Country Museum. A STATE OF CELEBRITY A number of celebrities hail from Arizona, including folk singer Michelle Branch, SNL comedian Aidy Bryant, musician Chester Bennington, actresses Emma Stone (La La Land) and Danielle Fishel (Boy Meets World), television star Lynda Carter, and music maven Stevie Nicks. Acclaimed architect Frank Lloyd Wright also lived in Arizona, and his influence is seen in real estate throughout the state. Taliesin West was built on 600 acres of Sonoran Desert and still houses an archi- tectural studio and school. Taliesin West is open for tours to the public with a detailed account of Wright’s contribution to Arizona architecture. Another famous architect, Paolo Soleri, was a student of Frank Lloyd Wright’s at Taliesin West and went on to create Arcosanti, which is based on his concept of “arcology,” the combination of architecture and ecology.

P H O E N I X | T U C S O N R E L O C A T I O N G U I D E 2 0 2 0

10