Serving as the centerpiece of the Valley of the Sun, the city of Phoenix, Arizona is not unlike the mythological bird from which it derived its name. Ringed by the Superstition, McDowell, Estrella and White Tank Mountains, Phoenix rises in the morning to brilliant magenta and copper sunrises cresting the peaks to the East. Meanwhile, this magnificent spectacle repeats itself in reverse as the sun sinks into the western sky and the city retires at the end of the day.

What started as a dusty little town of a few square blocks when it was incorporated on February 25, 1881, has since matured into the fifth-largest city in the United States, boasting a population of more than 1.5 million and covering approximately 470 square miles.

Living in the Phoenix metropolitan area means you have almost limitless choices in the size and style of home, condo or townhouse you prefer. Rambling ranch houses, majestic high-rises, tidy bungalows, rustic territorials or sensational estates…you can find them all here. Neighborhoods range from cute and charming to chic and contemporary to sumptuous and spectacular.

Phoenix is made up of 15 distinct “villages”, each with its own ambience and each with its own following. Flattered by neat lawns and sturdy cottages, the central Phoenix historic neighborhood of Encanto is nestled in the heart of downtown. Originally built in the 1930s and ‘40s, Encanto has attracted an influx of young professionals who have lovingly restored the homes and their neighborhood to its unique grace and charisma.

As the city grew outward, the Arcadia community became established. Today, many of the large lots on which these homes sit still feature mature landscaping that includes towering grapefruit, orange and lemon trees. For homebuyers seeking an established neighborhood with luxuriant landscaping and generous homesites, lush and lovely Arcadia is a highly desirable hot spot.

North of Camelback Road on 24th Street lies the stately Biltmore area. Named for the Arizona Biltmore Resort whose grounds this neighborhood surrounds, these ultra-graceful homes are plush in both size and amenities. A variety of architectural styles can be seen set back on expansive grassy lawns, but the common thread is a sophisticated elegance that cannot be found in any modern planned development.

Reaching into adjacent communities, homebuyers will find a wealth of architectural diversity in nearby Scottsdale, where high profile subdivisions are synonymous with resort-style living. Many of Scottsdale’s premier communities, especially the gated golf communities, contain one or more golf courses, tennis courts, spas, clubhouses and restaurants. Stunning homes with shimmering swimming pools and wraparound patios allow you to enjoy crimson-hued sunsets and outdoor living at its finest.

Peaceful surroundings and exceptional views of the desert’s signature mountains and landscape turn Scottsdale’s upscale communities into their residents’ private sanctuaries, but they’re still situated conveniently close to restaurants, shops and theaters, as are the homes and estates snuggled inside the neighboring (and aptly-named…) town of Paradise Valley. Here, the real estate is as varied as the houses, with some lots flat with natural desert terrain, some carpeted in soft green grass like the nearby fairways, some resting quietly at the base of the foothills and some snuggling up the slopes of Mummy and Camelback Mountains. However, the one absolute is Paradise Valley’s requirement that no residential lot be less than one acre in size.