No place in the United States played such a significant role in shaping the image of the Old West quite like Arizona. And no place in the United States exemplifies the term snowbird heaven more than the greater Phoenix area. Phoenix is popular as a haven for winter weary visitors.

Often referred to as the "Valley of the Sun," most locals just refer to it as the Valley — as in the Salt River Valley. The Valley averages 300 days of sunshine a year. Winter snow is virtually unheard of in Phoenix with daytime temperatures between November and April ranging from the upper 40s to 80s.

With almost 15,000 square miles, Phoenix is a vast metropolitan region that includes Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Scottsdale, Sun City, and Tempe. 300,000 winter visitors come each year with more winter visitors travel to the East Valley than any other part of Arizona. Seniors tend to congregate on the fringes of the metropolitan area.

Phoenix is the statewide hub for tourism which is why many visitors base their stay here, and then make extended travel tours to Southern California, Mexico, Colorado and Nevada. There are also many day trips to enjoy.

There is more for snowbirds to do than just sit in the sun. Many enjoy golf, others enjoy the baseball spring training. The California Angels, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers utilize Arizona as their spring training homes. And don't forget the great fishing!

Snowbirds stay in single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums, apartments, hotels and motels, with friends and relatives, in RV parks, and on public lands." Arizona has a bright future as host to increasing numbers of winter residents, particularly aging babyboomers itching to spend their retirement years traveling, and soon staying in a warmer climate that is a haven for the winter weary

Winter residency has been steadily rising in Arizona. Regardless what inspires visitors to explore Arizona, their journey is guaranteed to be one that will lift their spirits, warm their souls and provide memories for years to come. Wildlife abounds in Arizona, the natural result of diverse landscape and climate.

Arizona’s renowned sunshine ensures that nearly every day is a perfect one for sightseeing, playing a round of golf, skiing a slope, or simply relaxing by a sparkling swimming pool or beach.

As fall & winter begins rapidly approaching, Arizona will once again be a destination for many people seeking relief from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Phoenix is so welcoming to seniors, do yourself a favor and get out of the cold, gray, damp, snowy, icy winter weather.

No more shoveling snow and skidding on ice. Get away from the frigid Midwest, Plains States, the Northeast and Canada. Come to Arizona!