[jcx]

Phoenix is a great place to live. While not the absolute steal it was 10 years ago, housing is still reasonable (you can get a nice house for $250-275K, less if you are willing to live in a far flung suburb).

If you are into outdoor activities, the opportunities are endless. Hiking, mountain biking, water sports (There are lots of lakes nearby) and of course golf (over 300 courses in Maricopa county).

I enjoy the summer heat. As long as your new job is not pounding nails on a roof, you shouldn't mind it too much. It's great after the sun goes down - nice and dry. And you can sit outside in the summertime at night and not get eaten alive by mosquitos. If you golf, you can golf $200 courses for 1/4th that in the summer - just get an early tee time (sun comes up at 5am here in middle of summer). Flagstaff, less than 3 hours away offers 7K foot altitudes and a reprieve from the heat in summer (and skiing in winter).

Culturally this town is not in the same league as Chicago. But it has come a long way and isn't the cowtown people make it out to be. There are many fine restaurants in PHX and Scottsdale, and plenty of nightlife.

Good luck whatever you choose.