Arizona is well known for it’s bustling capital city of Phoenix, a hot spot of cultural, natural and historical value. The whole state of Arizona has much to offer residents or visitors in the way of job opportunities, real estate and attractions. The economy is based around agricultural production in cattle, cotton, diary, lettuce and hay, while their industries focus on mining, electric and transportation equipment, machinery, printing and publishing, food processing, electronics and tourism. These markets are steady enough that job opportunities are all around, keeping the state a prime locale for new residents, which in turn helps stabilize the real estate market and home value averages.

Arizona is also home to one of the 7 Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon, which is the biggest tourist draw in the state. Other attractions include bustling nightlife of the major cities of Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff (where visitors and locals alike partake in the myriad bars, billiards, casinos and music and comedy shows available) as well as the many museums and festivals dedicated to the cultural arts. With a large Native American population, Native ruins, historic and cultural sites are always a big draw, as are any sites having to do with the “Old West.” With so many different things to do, it’s no wonder Arizona has been one of the top recipients of new people moving in from another state.

Arizona is currently home to 6,166,318 people, with the unemployment rate for April at about 4%, just a bit of an increase from the historical low of 3.9% from the previous month (March 2007). As of 2004 the median household income was about $43,696, which has most likely increased to about $45,000 or so by the end of 2006. The median home value in Arizona is currently $306,877 for a home a little over 1700 square feet.

Most real estate professionals agree that Arizona’s market has definitely shifted to a buyer’s market and the huge inventory of houses for sale help keep the home value averages down. Even the median home value for the greater Phoenix is down somewhat from what it was this time last year. Until the inventory of homes levels out, home value averages are likely to stay down. If you’re looking to buy in Arizona, now is a great time to do it.

For a weekend golf trip with beautiful resorts, Arizona can’t be beat, especially in the winter months when the rest of the country is under snow. Arizona has many five star resorts which include pampering amenities like massages, manicures and facials and body wraps. The weather in Arizona, again if you like the heat, is unparalleled. With the winters in the 70′s and summers well over 100 degrees, shorts and tee shirts are year-round apparel. They don’t have the ocean, which is a shame, but beautiful pools and mountains make up for the disparity.

The Grand Canyon stands alone in its beauty as natural formation. Millions of people a year travel great distances to drink in its beauty. A must see for travelers. Lake Powell is like no where else on the planet. Gigantic red rocks line the fingers of this vast lake. Hundreds and hundreds of miles of shoreline can be had only by boat. Wakeboarding, sightseeing and waterskiing are the main attractions for this beautiful man-made lake. If you like the water and sun, this is the place for you.

If you decide to buy a home in Arizona, there are many professional and friendly real estate agencies available to help you with all the details. They are trained to help with everything from the purchase price, negotiations, paperwork, networking and closings. FHA loans in Arizona are the most popular and accessible through a good realtor or mortgage lender. Something for everyone, sun, golf, desert, pampering and waterskiing. Call a realtor, get going and enjoy your family life or retirement.