Homes in Southern Arizona

The warm desert climate of Arizona makes it a great place for a Tuscan style home. The presence of earth tones and attention to architectural structures such as porticos and lavish patios create a warm feel that is both beautiful and homey.The exterior architecture is one of the first things to consider for your home. Stone and stucco combined with rounded roof tiles and arched porticos are key elements of a sophisticated European-style home. Tuscan homes usually have plenty of windows so that natural light is one of the main illuminators of the home, providing that warm, cozy atmosphere. Another key element of a Tuscan home is some sort of patio or outdoor kitchen. With similar warm weather and constant-sunshine found in Tuscany, Arizona has a climate that requires an outdoor area to enjoy the weather. A simple fountain and lush greenery can add to the peaceful environment that is idea for this outdoor room. Add another natural flourish with stepping stones leading to a garden or just around the patio.Once you’ve settled on the main features of the exterior, it’s time to consider the inside. Rich wooden tables and furniture keep with the earthy feel and wrought iron stair railings or light fixtures create the rustic appearance that this style is after. In order to maximize the use and presence of natural light, keep artificial lighting to a minimum and only use it where necessary.Using this home design, the kitchen is arguably the most important rooms. Tuscan kitchens are so popular; many people use them even if their entire home isn’t this style. The Tuscan kitchen can take on a range of looks. Deep woods and marble countertops offer a darker, mellower feel. Another idea, use lighter crme or ivory-colored tiles and wrought iron handles and cabinet knobs to create a more sophisticated Grecian look.

Young adults growing up in the southern Arizona area are often faced with a difficult life choice around the age of 18. Usually this dilemma is not decided alone in the spur of the moment, but is subject to their parents’ preference and the resulting household culture of blue and red or maroon and gold. Since 1899, when Arizona and Arizona State first met on the football field, the two universities have been locked in a constant battle ranging far beyond its original gridiron glory. As members of the soon to be Pac-16 conference, the two schools still square off in football every year (the heated rivalry has been dubbed “The Duel in The Desert”), but today (more…)

In the heart of what once was the wild, wild West, the city of Tombstone is a staple of southwestern legend and lore.  Perhaps best known for its storied history of gunfights and dust ups, the old silver mining town now serves primarily as a tourist attraction, enjoyed by southern Arizona residents settled in today’s much safer communities.

Founded in 1879, the town takes its uniquely grave name from an old warning about what one might find there.  As the tale goes, gold prospector Ed Schieffelin came across some passing travelers who, upon hearing of his mining endeavors in the area, advised him, “The only rock you will find out there will be your own Tombstone.”  As history would have it, Schieffelin didn’t find the gold he set out for, but instead he found a plentiful supply of silver ore pumping lifeblood into the southern Arizona boomtown during the early 1880s.  A shortage of water, a limited supply of silver and repeated fire damage led to classic Tombstone’s ultimate demise, maintaining very few residents into the 20^th century.

Despite its struggles, Tombstone has been preserved as a window in to our unique heritage in the expansion era.  As a stopping point for some of the shadiest figures in the area, the city earned a rough reputation for its lawlessness and vigilante justice.  “The city too tough to die,” as it came to be known, was home the most famous shoot out in Old West history, the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.  Portrayed in countless Western flicks, the altercation has come to signify the struggle of frontier law enforcement to subdue a region overrun with outlaws and hard to control cowboys.

Today’s Tombstone makes light of its largely violent past, with the site of famous gunfight hosting reenactments every day at 2 p.m.  The modern day O.K. Corral also displays life size figures of the participants, including historic heroes Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, in the precise spot they were standing when the shoot out began.  The exhibit also preserves old time Tombstone through a series of photo galleries, both entertaining and educational for the whole family.

Whether you’ve just moved into a new house or have been living in Southern Arizona for a while now, the right decorations can change the feel and look of your house for the better. Instead of doing all the shopping and designing yourself, hire a professional Interior Designer who knows the ins and outs of the home design world. This way, you can tell your designer about your personal style and what you envision for your house, and then sit back as they make it happen for you. Spend time on what needs to be done around your new house as your interior designer compiles a selection of design options for you to choose from. In the end, all you have to do is point, pay, and violayour house is a masterpiece. Here are some of the best Interior designers in the Southern Arizona area:Lori Carroll & AssociatesThis Interior design firm is a full service agency that provides you with everything from design concepts to final installation. Lori Carroll, the owner and chief designer, got her Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from the University of Arizona. A certified member of the American Society of Interior Designers and the International Interior Design Association, she has been featured in major publications and won numerous local and national awards. Her passion for design is guaranteed to transform your house into a picture perfect living experience.Liz Ryan Interior DesignLiz’s well run company makes sure your individuality and style shine through after your house has been impeccably designed by her employees. Her down to earth organization skills and unrivaled attention to detail make working with Liz Ryan Interior Design an enjoyable experience that provides an even more enjoyable outcome. Check out her award winning designs at http://www.lizryandesign.com/awards.htm to see if this is the right design company for you.

If you’re looking for a home in Southern Arizona, you have a lot of great options available. Southern Arizona is home to many cities offering great educations, a bustling job market, and an abundance of fun recreational activities.If you’re looking for a large city with a lot to offer, you might want to look into Tucson, Arizona. Located in Pima County about 60 miles north of the Mexican border, Tucson is Arizona’s second largest city (Phoenix is number one). One of Tucson’s biggest perks is that it maintains a small town feel but offers big city amenities. In fact, Tucson was ranked the Fifth Best Place to Live in America by MSN.com. This ranking was based on the cost of living, crime rate, education, home prices, and weather.If Tucson isn’t quite what you’re looking for, the City of Casa Grande may be a good alternative. Named after the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Coolidge, the city is conveniently located halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, two of Arizona’s largest cities. The Casa Grande community offers services ranging from a library and golf course to a senior center. There are multiple jobs available in the city, and the current residents are friendly and approachable. Another plus is a relatively low cost of living.Another Southern Arizona city that would make a great place to call home is the quirky town of Gila Bend. You’ll know you’re in the right place thanks to a humorous and outdated welcome sign and the several roadside sculptures and ‘space age’ tourist attractions. Apart from a somewhat decent tourist economy, Gill Bend is also home to a Volkswagen of America, Inc. automobile proving ground. While the climate may be extremely hot (summer temperatures usually exceed 105), it is very arid and dry so the heat isn’t overpowering like in humid areas. Gila Bend is growing and developing fast, making it a great place to start a new life.