Guidebook for Phoenix

We are a city that has always had cars......therefore it's not designed for foot traffic, but you can walk to many places near my home. However, mass transit, other than the Metro Rail that ONLY goes along one defined route, is by bus. It works, but it's awkward. Getting around without a car is not easy. Arizona only has 3 major cities: Phoenix, Tucson 100 miles to the south and Flagstaff 150 miles to the north. Metro Phoenix has 5 million people however, but VERY SPREAD OUT. To enjoy with city and this state you will need to use a car.

That may not sound like what you want to hear, but it is a correct description of Phoenix....we lag behind LA by 20 years. We have new freeways, re-gentryfying neighborhoods, some squalor that you need to be aware of and some nasty crime, like all major cities; we are fifth in size in the US. But we also have the best expensive real estate with the grandest of sunset views, the best food on the planet, and the friendliest people you'll find anywhere. Plan your trip knowing that you'll find lovliness in this awesome desert if you plan your vacation accordingly, and rent a car!!

A myth: the desert if always hot! Wrong. The winters here are some of the coldest, no snow, but chilly days, blowing winds and rain.....better than Chicago, but not the Bahamas! In the summer we overchill our buildings, so if you are coming for a convention bring a jacket or sweater to WEAR INDOORS! It's just what we do here, odd. In June, July and August it's very hot. In Sept, Oct or Nov it's hot and humid. You need to stay hydrated so for hikers don't try to overdo it. IF you can't get down the mountain you just went up a helicopter rescue will be embarassing and cost YOU plenty!