![]() On the plus side, Phoenix is the national hub for USAir (formerly America West Airlines) and a regional hub for Southwest, producing an abundance of air choices and reasonable fares. Trapped in a geographic bowl and dominated by long automobile trips, the area has some of the poorest air quality in the United States. It is also becoming a “first destination” for Asian immigrants and has always been popular with middle-class Mexican immigrants. Moreover, the area is seen as a good escape route from the expense and crowding of California. The economy has been driven in part by high-tech companies relocating from California, particularly in semiconductor, software and defense fields, and these companies recently have been doing fairly well. The low ranking is mainly the result of summer heat, air quality, crime, increasing costs, and a relatively weak collection of arts and culture amenities for a city this size. It is little wonder that wealthy “snowbirds” from other parts of the country have used Phoenix as a winter hangout for years. Winters, on the other hand, are quite pleasant- daytime highs in the 60’s and 70’s, only a few evenings below freezing, and no snow. Getting into a car that has been sitting outside in summer can be a memorable experience for outsiders. In 2003, a record nighttime low temperature of 96 was observed, and nighttime temperatures in the 90’s happen frequently. At 164 per year, the area has the second most days of any metropolitan area over 90 degrees. Even though this is “dry” heat, it is still oppressive. Many days are over 115, and temperatures exceeding 120 occur occasionally. It has the highest average July temperature of any U.S. As best exemplified by its temperatures, Phoenix is a city of extremes. ![]()
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