Phoenix is the capitol of Arizona. It is located just south of the center point of the state. The two-county metropolitan area is around 3 million people. That is about twice the size of Kansas City.

Phoenix is a thriving and growing metro area, particularly several of its suburbs. The temperatures in Phoenix normally are above 110 degrees from June through September. However, Phoenix does not have the humidity of the midwest. Temperatures in the winter (December through March) are generally in the 70's and 80's.

Phoenix is surrounded by desert. Cactus and palm trees are everywhere. Most all newer houses have swimming pools in the back yard. The residents make the outdoors part of their home. Incredibly, Phoenix does not have bugs (flies, mosquitoes, etc.). Thus, no screen doors are needed, even when the windows and sliding doors are left open.

Most every home built is of the architecture and color of adobe. Just what you would expect for the southwest.