There are a number of reasons that a home in Arizona is a goal for many individuals and families. From the gorgeous Grand Canyon in the north to the high Sonoran desert of central Arizona to the stunning saguaro forests of Tucson and southern Arizona, Arizona boasts a wealth of diverse climates, seasons and amenities. Combine that with stabilizing real estate values, hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, magnificent urban mountain ranges, year-round outdoor living, and plenty of sports and entertaining options, and it’s easy to see why Arizona is definitely a wonderful place to purchase a home and to live, work and do business.

According to the Arizona Office of Tourism, Arizona is roughly divided into three geological zones: the deserts of the south and west, the mountainous central highlands, and the northern Colorado Plateau, named for the eons-old river that carved the Grand Canyon. Diversity within those divisions, including 10,000-foot-high mountains in the south and volcano-created plains in the central highlands, make it a generalization to say that southern Arizona is only hot in summer and northern Arizona is only cold in winter. However, for those looking to purchase a home, land or real estate in Arizona, that’s a generic rule of thumb to go by.

Arizona’s two largest metropolitan areas - Greater Phoenix (which includes Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Carefree and Arizona State University in Tempe) and Greater Tucson (which includes the Oro Valley, Marana and the University of Arizona near downtown Tucson) lie in the state’s southern sector. If your heart is set on a warm climate, the central and southern areas of Arizona will undoubtedly appeal; the weather is perfect for indoor/outdoor living and entertaining and is definitely a sports-lover’s paradise, boasting a plethora of year-round championship golf courses, tennis gardens and pro-sports teams. In addition, nearly everyone enjoys having a backyard pool and spa, which can be designed as a simple and serene getaway or as a lavish resort-style oasis flaunting conversation fire-pits, blazing fire-pots, cascading boulder waterfalls, sensuous slides and lush tropical foliage.

Meanwhile, Northern Arizona stands out for the Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, the slot canyons near Page, and the series of flooded canyons that became Lake Powell. The region’s other distinctive features include the awe-inspiring Painted Desert and the striking buttes and spires of Monument Valley. Miles away, north-central Arizona is host to the majestic red-rock cliffs and mesas of Sedona, Northern Arizona University and Flagstaff, the impressive Mogollon Rim, and so much more. All of these northern areas have four separate seasons, including flower-filled springs and not-too-hot summers awash with warm, sunny days. In fall, the weather is most often colorful, crisp and clear, while winter brings snowstorms ranging from light dustings to ski-worthy accumulations.