Meet Metro Phoenix

For the same reason warm-blooded humans dread the harsh winters of Boston or Chicago, the Phoenix summer influences thoughts of those who want to settle here. Dealing with arid temps in the Fahrenheit 100s is equal to the challenge of trudging through winters known for sub-freezing, bone-chilling teens and 20s.

On the flip side, when the mercury rises on a summer day in PHX, it is infinitely more bearable without the sticky humidity that weighs down a 90 degree day in Miami. It really is a dry heat; sweat evaporates and shade relieves.

Cold-climate dwellers have closets thick with parkas and winter gear, but Phoenicians learn to live in light layers. Summers are intense. Dry, baking, relentless sun illuminates very long, bright days. The heat persists well past sunset, leading to warm nights ideal for stargazing, moonlit hikes and cooling misters on the patio. Mornings arrive with inspiring sunrises that quickly kindle the day.

Compared to a bitter winter where dusk and dawn signal dreaded chill, the rhythm of life in a harsh summer tends to rush people outside in the very early and late parts of the day, then back inside during the sunny peak. By 10am, most joggers, tennis fanatics, golfers, gardeners and other outdoor enthusiasts have gotten their fix and retreated to the air conditioned indoors. Many also learn to carry light sweaters or jackets during the day to compensate for over-cranked AC in restaurants and offices.

The good news is: the other six months of the year are sublime. An extended Spring or mild Autumn climate prevails with only occasional dips into the 40s. Our rainy season connects Summer to Fall with daily dramatic storms that blow in with heady perfume, daunting cumulus clouds and lightning shows to awe the senses. Beyond that, rain is relegated to the category of luxury and Phoenicians often find themselves caught in the drizzle without an umbrella, being unaccustomed to the expectation for precipitation.

With 110 languages spoken among the population, Metro Phoenix ranks in the top three regions in the nation for lingual diversity. Large Asian, Persian, Hispanic, Native American and other diverse communities keep the pulse of their unique cultures palpable within the expanse of what is still fresh territory.

We are not Manhattan with a burgeoning "Little Italy" and neighborhoods defined by international heritage. We're not San Francisco or Vancouver with a destination Chinatown. What happens in Phoenix among diverse cultures is more subtle; while there are some areas where communities tend to cluster, the more general trend is to mix and mingle. This is a place where people often come to reinvent themselves without letting go of who they are and where they've been.

Phoenix Sister Cities: Ten sister cities, strategically positioned throughout the world, translate into long-term relationships that give you international access, opportunities and resources.

Arizona Synergy: The Central Voice of the Arizona Minority Business Community

Thai Association of Arizona: not limited to Thai culture, but includes general Asian resources and business listings

NAAAP: National Association of Asian American Professionals - Phoenix chapter

AZHCC: Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

AICAZ: American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Arizona

Echomag.com: An excellent resource for LGBT organizations, groups and information.  You can also check out our article on LGBT community resources in the LIVE section of Meet Metro Phoenix.

Metro Phoenix is an expansive scene. The vast resource of open land and inexpensive acreage has given us the curse and luxury of sprawl. If a short commute to work is your priority, your choice of neighborhood may already be determined by the location of your office. This is great news if you like the ambiance and dwelling options in that zip code. Not so great if you find it bland or unappealing outside of office-hours.

One bright option may be to consider commuting by mass transit. It requires some forethought and a little research, but you may be surprised by the options you have. Compared to cities like D.C., Boston, Chicago and New York, Metro PHX is still skinny on mass transit; Phoenicians consider cars essential.

That doesn’t mean you can’t ride the Light Rail or a nice, air conditioned bus to work; however, it does mean you’ll want to refine your search to homes or apartments within a short walk to the platform or bus stop. Both trains and busses easily accommodate bicycles. If you’re fit and like the idea, a bike will extend the range of your search.

Commuting by mass transit in cities like Boston or Seattle requires coats, umbrellas and perseverance in winter months and rainy seasons. In PHX, the challenge will be the dry, hot summer months. Unless you’re planning to shower and change upon arrival at work, you’ll want to make sure the distance from the stop (both from home and from your arrival spot at work) is as short and shady as possible. You’ll also want to become a morning person; dawn is the coolest time of day from June through September.

To get the lay of the land and see some sample commutes, explore the category RIDE on the Metro Map.