Hi, I lived in Phoenix for 29 yrs and then we moved to Cottonwood AZ. and have lived here for 28 yrs. Phoenix has gotten Hotter and Hotter. You cannot hardly stand it June through Oct. It has gotten hotter her also. we are 100 miles north of Phoenix and the elevation is 3200. Considered hight dessert. We are located 60 miles south of Flagstaff and 60 east of Prescott. This area is considered the Verde Valley. Sedona which is a tourist town is about 14 miles from us. It is red rocks and beautiful. In the summer months it is only maybe 5 degrees different than Phoenix and Cottonwood. It is a little cooler in the mornings and evenings. I don't know where the best place to live is except the climate in SanDiego seems to be perfect but there is too many people. We don't stay here when it is hot. We go to the mountains in Eastern Arizona. you can make a living in Phoenix if you don't melt. Suzanne You know you can fry an egg on the side walk and it would probably burn. You Know I was in Phoenix just a week or so ago and I saw a tree looking for a dog. LOL