Arizona

Arizona is desert sun, mountain trails, and sunsets that paint the sky red and purple. Life feels different in the Valley, in Tucson, or up in Flagstaff, but locals all share pride in the landscapes that make the state famous. Everyone has their favorite Mexican spot, their go-to hiking trail, and a story about surviving a brutal summer.

Residents brag about the weather from October to April, the golf courses, and the exploding growth around Phoenix. They complain about traffic on I-10, water shortages, and 115-degree days that melt your shoes. Outsiders think Arizona is just cactus and retirees, but they miss the tech jobs, the universities, and the mix of Native and Hispanic culture that shape daily life. The businesses below are part of that evolving Arizona story.