The city of Phoenix, Arizona, is referred to as the “Valley of the Sun” because it has more sunny days (approximately 300) than any other major city in the United States.

The annual average rainfall is only eight inches, and the rain that does fall comes in the form of a handful of intense summer storms known as “monsoons.” People worldwide go to Phoenix because of the city’s beautiful year-round climate, but some find the summer heat unbearable.

Though the 70s are typical during the spring and winter, it is not unusual for the temperature to go above 100°F during the summer. From May and September, the average temperature is around 100°F, with highs averaging over 105 degrees. On June 26, 1990, a record high of 122 degrees Fahrenheit was measured. Be sure to bring sunscreen and leave the coats at home.

Dust storms, known as “haboobs,” are common throughout the driest part of the year, from June to September.

Haboobs, named after the Arabic word for “blown,” are massive walls of dust whipped up by the strong winds of a disintegrating thunderstorm. Sand and dust are blown around for around three hours during these events. If you hear that one is coming, you should take precautions because they can be quite enormous and hazardous.

Phoenix is much less expensive than major East Coast cities like San Francisco, San Diego, and New York City. Phoenix has a cost of living of 3% below the state average and 8% over the national average (considering that San Francisco’s cost of living is 94%), as reported by RentCafe.

The city’s median home price is $394,870, which is lower than both the state and national average.

Phoenix is in the Sonoran Desert, which spans around 100,000 square miles and encompasses the majority of southern Arizona, southeast California, the majority of the Baja California peninsula, the Gulf of California, and a sizeable chunk of Sonora, Mexico.

Although the Sonoran Desert fits the stereotype of a dry, gray, flat piece of land with cacti and tumbleweeds, it has more to offer, at least in the spring. Because of the higher rainfall compared to other deserts, the terrain is lush with vegetation and wildflowers. You’ve come to the right place if you’re hoping to catch sight of a cactus. There are also several of these in the Sonoran Desert. After all, we’re still talking about a desert.

Walking is fun in Phoenix, but it shouldn’t be your only mode of transportation. Driving isn’t a complete nightmare, though, because of improvements like HOV lanes and grid roads that reduce traffic. The inexpensive light rail system and metro bus service are great options if you’re looking for a greener mode of transportation.

The Bicycle Boulevard is a 4.6-mile long bike lane that residents and visitors to Downtown Phoenix use to get around town safely on two wheels.

The urban sprawl of Phoenix doesn’t prevent residents from getting their fix of nature, unlike in many other big American cities. Around the Valley of the Sun are mountains, canyons, and cacti you never knew existed in such abundance.

Enjoy the great outdoors without ever having to leave town since there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, from hiking and golfing to trail jogging, within easy reach. There are an almost infinite number of outdoor activities and sights to explore in and around Phoenix, from hiking Camelback Mountain to wandering the Desert Botanical Garden.

Creatures of many shapes and sizes call the desert home, and occasionally one or more of them makes their way into more populous areas. For example, the most poisonous species of scorpion in North America, the Arizona bark scorpion, calls this city home. Although fatalities from their stings are quite uncommon, it is nevertheless a good idea to inspect your shoes before putting them on.

Always be cautious of your surroundings, whether hiking or walking your dog around the neighborhood, as you never know when you might come across a rattlesnake, coyote, bobcat, or javelina.

This city in Arizona has a thriving art scene and many more exciting attractions. Roosevelt Row, located just north of downtown, is a hub for the arts, unique retail, and exciting nightlife.

One of the largest free art walks in the country is the First Fridays Art Walk. Major draws to this Arizona city are its murals and other forms of street art. Visit the Phoenix Art Museum on North Central Avenue or the Heard Museum to learn about the city’s rich cultural history indoors.

Due to the pleasant climate, many people spend the winter months in Phoenix rather than elsewhere in the United States. This is especially true from October to March when the rest of the country is braving bitter cold.

Restaurants, spas, and even golf courses may be busier than usual, so it’s a good idea to make appointments beforehand. During the peak season, you’ll also notice more people on the road, so give yourself a little extra time to get where you need to go.

If you own a car and live in a major city like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, or New York, you know how difficult parking can be. However, if you live in or around the Phoenix metro area, you’ll be living in parking heaven.

Most homes and apartments in Mostafa have free parking in a garage or driveway, and the ones that don’t have either are nevertheless very walkable. You can park your car in one of the many convenient and inexpensive garages, lots, or on the street in Phoenix, with more than 25,000 available spots.