Arizona is a land of marvels, for nowhere on the globe can the beauty of nature be experienced more distinctly. The State of Arizona encompasses the extreme southwestern territory of the United States, containing an area of over 114,000 square miles, having an altitude ranging from below 60 feet (18 meters) to well over 12,600 feet (3,840 meters) above sea level. Arizona is a land where the great book of nature remains open, with the record of endless beauty displayed clearly on its broad pages.
The golden sun that lures people to Arizona is home to some of the most luxurious and expensive resorts in the country. The State of Arizona has seen a massive influx of relocations where the climate is absolutely perfect. Just as compelling as its sunshine, resorts, and reservoirs are the tales of Arizona's fascinating history. This is the Wild West, the land of cowboys and Indians, of prospectors and ghost towns, coyotes and rattlesnakes. Scratch the glossy surface of this modern urbanized Arizona and you'll strike gold -- the story of the American West.
While the United States census bureau analysts; attribute Arizona's growth to various positive economic factors like national top ranking job creation and an overall favorable business environment, what ultimately is fueling this growth is the state's magnificent climate and the lifestyle it fosters. With over 300 days of sunshine every year, Arizona continues to attract new residents and tourists in record numbers. Over 20 million visitors annually including more than a half million seasonal residents. Residents and tourists alike join in experiencing the special lifestyle this international destination has to offer. A lifestyle defined by golf, tennis, hiking, water sports and other outdoor activities -- along with dining, shopping and nightlife.
There are many reasons why our Southwestern region will continue to grow. First of all, it has some very attractive features -- great weather, developable land, economic opportunities, and a relaxed lifestyle. Second, the State of Arizona has historically had a pro-growth philosophy. It is human nature to want one's business, home and land to become more valuable, and promoting growth tends to do just that. In short, an object in motion tends to stay in motion.
Finally, we live in a democratic, free market society with a justice system which ensures private property rights. The fact is, we really couldn't stop the region's growth even if we wanted to. A recent article in Newsweek put it this way: "Viewed from the air, there's no apparent reason why Arizona couldn't keep growing forever."
According to a recent United States geological survey, the population of the Southwestern United States has increased by approximately 1,500% over the last 90 years, while the population of the United States as a whole has grown by just 225%. In the Southwest, Arizona has led the way with increases of 2,880% respectively. Southern Arizona had a 100-year growth rate of 10,275%, with most of that growth occurring between 1960 and 1990. Arizona alone has increased by over 23% in the last 7 years, meaning 1.2 million people have relocated to Southern Arizona in the past decade.
Southern Arizona boasts the best of both worlds -- the progress and innovation of a metropolitan community and the friendly, caring atmosphere of a small town. Arizona's rich cultural heritage centers around a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo-American influences. Blessed with the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert, Arizonans embrace and are committed to preserving this quality of life.
The only way you're going to stop people from relocating to the State of Arizona is if the sun stops shining. In the meantime, Arizona's real estate business climate continues to experience a 30-year high of attractive terms and lower capital costs. Time is of the essence as the explosive combination of abundant opportunities and the declining power of the American dollar -- positions you, the international investor, at your greatest potential investment advantage ever. Arizona is the place to be for short and long term investing.
The United States is currently on sale, be it condos, cars or companies. Consumer purchases may have relatively small impact, but foreign investors buying a multi billion dollar company, building a huge new plant, or buying a large tract of real estate will have significant aggregate impact.
The United States economic foundation is stronger than Euroland's.
Government budget deficits in the United States are lower (as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product) than in a typical European country. The same is true for total debt-to-GDP ratios.
The future entitlement burden is lighter in the United States than in most European countries. In the United States these "Golden Promises" are less exorbitant. The faster growing United States population is younger, thus there are more contributors to the entitlement programs.
The United States economy is mature on a long term basis, but basically healthier with better long-term growth characteristics, than the aggregate of European countries.