The first section is packed with details about Arizona life, including history, weather, government & taxes, schools, and retirement communities. A great feature is the hundreds of contact addresses for more info.

Then Arizona's very distinct and different regions are discussed. For each area the major cities and towns are profiled with climate, economic and recreational details. There are top 10 lists for the best locations for various needs.

This is an essential book for anyone seriously considering a move. It is a no-nonsense guide packed with useful information and it will surely pay for itself many times over.

31 of 31 found the following review helpful:


Don't bother unless you're 55+  Nov 30, 2002 By M. Smith "Michelle"
My husband and I recently bought a home in Prescott, AZ and I purchased this book as a resource for the local economy, job info etc. as we plan to move to the area in a year or so. The section of the book on "job seekers" seems to contain mostly outdated information and refers to statistics between 1985 and 1995 only.

I have been to Arizona about 6 times and I skimmed through the book in search of additional information about the state I plan to live in, but didn't find much of anything I didn't already know. Most of the historical and cultural information is trivial; the climate, economy and travel information is no more detailed than what one could find over the internet by visting a city's chamber of commerce.

The information is also very general as the book covers the entire state of Arizona, so it is not a recommended read for someone looking for specific information about a certain city. This book might be good for someone looking for retirement community information and/or travel information if one intended to take a motor home tour through the state...otherwise, I wouldn't recommend it.

28 of 31 found the following review helpful:


Very helpful BEFORE you come to AZ  Sep 06, 2001 By Manny Hernandez "@askmanny"
I live in Arizona. I moved here in March of 2000, and before I moved in, I got a copy of this book, after having researched all the options in a bookstore. The good thing about the book is that it's an extremely valuable resource BEFORE you move in, and even if you're only considering whether to move to AZ. It gives you tons of figures and tips, ranging from how to deal with the desert weather, to how the state's "lemon law" works, just to name a couple of them.

The downside to the book, though, is the date in which it was edited: 1998. Since then (it's been three years now) lots of things have changed: area codes, population, some laws, etc. If you're looking for a state guide to use for tourism purposes, or as a daily reference guide, look elsewhere (I'd recommend Frommer's guide -it's truly complete and up-to-date).

19 of 20 found the following review helpful:


Almost identical to 1991 Edition - Look elsewhere  Jun 22, 2001 By Davey Spears
I first started with the a book entitled, Moving to Arizona, published in 1991, then picked up this title, Arizona in Your Future, published in 1998, and writted by the same duo. The two books are the same! Minimal, very minimal updates, same use of tiny, completely undetailed maps and very bland reading. The "Top 10" reviewer who rated this book 5 stars obviously didn't read this book, just rated it. Please, make better use of your time and don't throw other readers off to heighten your standings as to the amount of books you review.

25 of 29 found the following review helpful:


Great guide & very helpful!  Jun 05, 1999 By KIM REGO
Moving from NJ to AZ, I had may questions. this books is a great resoource & guide to help you along. Gives governtment contacts as well as leads for employment & sample resumes. Highlights the towns and area. Great info would reccommend!

See all 7 customer reviews on Amazon.com