Phoenix Relocation Guide

WELCOME to ARIZONA With its captivating desert landscape, booming business opportunities, and flourishing art community, Arizona is a prime location for a fresh start. This beautiful state stands out as a southwest oasis with its array of landscapes, including majestic mountain ranges, beautiful sunsets, and an assortment of diverse plant life.

DESERT ORIGINS Although historians debate the origination of the name “Arizona,” some argue that that the state was aptly named from the Native American word “Arizonac,” which translates to “place of the small spring.” It is the 48th contiguous state of the United States and was declared on February 14th, 1912, thus earning the nickname, “The Nation’s Valentine.” Arizona history dates back to 1539 when Friar Marcos de Niza explored the state on his quest to find the mythical seven cities of gold. Missions were established in the 1690s, focused on introducing Christianity to the region. During its long, rich history, Arizona was once part of its southwest neighbor, New Mexico. After President Lincoln signed the Arizona Organic Act in February 1863, however, the United States Territory of Arizona was born.

In the 1700s, prospectors flocked to Arizona to stake their claims on the state’s precious mining opportunities, which included an abundance of copper, lead, zinc, silver and gold. Mining continues to be a substantial player in Arizona’s economy today. When gold was discovered in California in 1849, Arizona’s Gila Trail became a main route to the west coast. This brought an influx of gold-seekers to Arizona who were unable to cope with the desert environment, and the Tohono O’odham Tribe assisted the pros- pectors in surviving the unfamiliar climate. Arizona’s bid to make history continued. In 1930, Clyde Tombaugh, an astronomer at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, discov- ered the former planet Pluto after spending months photographing and reviewing the shift of objects in the night sky. Today, the Lowell Observatory is registered as a Historic Landmark and is open to the public

More than half of Arizona is comprised of mountains and plateaus, and the largest ponderosa pine forest in the country calls Arizona its home. There is something for everyone here: world class resorts, remote hiking and backpacking trails, an assort- ment of high-quality restaurants, and family-friendly communities. The cactus, orange blossoms, and Palo Verde trees provide a unique backdrop for new adven- tures and experiences. Bordering on California, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Nevada, the Grand Canyon state encompasses a wide range of geographical, cultural, and political influ- ences. Although Arizona was formerly a mining and cattle territory, this desert oasis is now a contemporary, industrial state with modern farms, large cities, and emerging technologies.

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