If you look at the cost of living indicators for various cities, you will see that it is cheaper to live in Phoenix than it is in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles and Chicago. However, it is slightly more expensive than if you live in Salt Lake City. The cost of living in Phoenix has dropped since 2006, making housing more affordable. In addition, the city has the lowest combined state and local business tax in the country, making it less expensive to start and run a business. The property tax in the state is the seventh lowest in the country.

When you look at the cost of living in an area you have to look at the average prices of five main categories:

* Housing

* Food

* Utilities

* Transportation

* Insurance

When looking at the price of food, you also have to compare the cost of clothing and other retail items with those in other locations. Insurance includes both home and auto insurance. The estimates of how much it costs to live in Arizona are not very different from the estimates of other states. Some of the costs of living in Phoenix are slightly more than in the rest of the country, but the cost of living in Tuscon is the same, while those in Flagstaff and Yuma are lower than in other parts of the US. When calculating the costs of living expenses, you shouldn`t neglect to include leisure time costs as you do need to have some enjoyment.

The housing market is one area of importance to those wishing to live in Arizona. Houses are generally priced for the ordinary wage earner making it easier for you to own your own home. For students attending university in one of the cities in Arizona, the cost of living includes the price of your books and tuition. If you are not living on campus, you have to search for affordable rental housing. The closer you live to the university, the more you will pay for rent because this is the prime rental area for students. If you choose a location a bit farther away, then you have to measure the cost of transportation against the higher rent.

If you are looking to go bass fishing in Arizona, get ready for the fight of a strong fish in these prime Arizona lakes and waterways! These are just a few of the many options you have.

Lake Pleasant is located about half an hour from Phoenix. Full of largemouth, white, and striped bass, the levels in this lake tend to go up and down often, which tends to make the fish easy to find most times. Fly fishermen and casters alike are sure to find lots of action at Lake Pleasant year round, and old timers are usually around to offer suggestions on location and technique, and are eager to help novice fishermen.

* Bartlett Lake is about a forty-five minute trip from the city of Scottsdale, Arizona. It is considered by many to provide the very best fishing in the state, based largely on its consistency in providing opportunities for fishermen of all ages and skills levels all year long.

* Saguaro Lake is also about a forty-five minute drive from Scottsdale, this lake, well known for its trophy sized catches of largemouth bass, is not uncommon to bring in bass in excess of ten pounds, making it one of the most popular trophy fishing sites in the world.

* Canyon Lake is about an hour from Scottsdale, Arizona. It is known for its beauty and photo opportunities as well as largemouth bass of trophy class size.

* Roosevelt Lake is about two hours from Scottsdale. In the year 2004, this lake flooded, giving it about 20,000 areas of surface water. As is the case with new water, this caused the fish population to increase exponentially. Huge catches of 100 fish are common. The varied cover provides ample opportunity for a wide choice of techniques and equipment.

* Alamo Lake is about two and a half hours west from Phoenix, Arizona, and is considered by many to be one of the very best places to fish in the state. This lake requires a large test strength of fishing line, and provides lots of heavy cover, so if you are a fisherman who enjoys exacting casts and large, strong fish, you will enjoy the challenge that is Lake Alamo.

* The Salt River is about forty-five minutes away from Scottsdale, Arizona. This clear, deep pool provides ample opportunities for donning waders and getting chest deep in the water to fish for largemouth bass.

Spring Break at Lake Havasu is a welcome change from the rowdy, drunken free for all that many tourist locations contend with. Activities at Lake Havasu encourage students to go hiking, boating and to enjoy the serenity that is found in nature.

The London Bridge that spans from Lake Havasu to Thompson Bay was purchased by McCullough in 1968 for $2.5 million dollars. Painstakingly disassembled in London, each brick marked and transported to Arizona, the bridge took three years to reconstruct. Modifications for safety and fit have changed it but visitors do not seem to mind. A small English village transports guests across the sea as they stroll down the quaint streets. This bridge provides a spectacular view at night of the lake, city and the sky.

Outdoor activities are almost unlimited at Lake Havasu. Tourists can rent a boat, water ski, Jet Ski, parasail, hike, bike, swim and fish during the day. Houseboat rentals are available for families who want to escape to a quiet location. Lake Havasu State Park has a few miles of rugged hiking trails for the more adventurous visitor.

The Mohave Trail, which is only one and a half miles long winds gently from the desert side of the park down to the shoreline. The Arroyo-Camino Interpretive Garden features the native species and wildlife that inhabit the desert surrounding the man made lake. Public beaches and picnic areas give vacationers the chance to relax and unwind after walking in the desert sun.

Should the weather turn bad, a visit to the completely enclosed Aquatic Park should keep you busy. Featuring a 254-foot totally enclosed water slide, a wave pool, a children’s lagoon and many lounge areas; the therapeutic pools will soothe those over worked muscles. The Aquatic Park offers many families a place to escape the sun and still enjoy the water. Special package deals are available for those families who plan ahead. Visit their web site for more details.

Golf courses in the city and out lying areas offer spectacular scene view for the avid golfer. Bridgewater Links, located near Queens Bay, has 3 daily tee times on their nine hole, 1,808-yard par-30 course. The London Bridge Golf Course is an 18-hole, 6,140-yard par-71 course. The Refuge Golf Course offers nine and 18 hole rounds. All of these courses are open to the public however, reserving your tee time early is suggested.

The Museum of History provides a glimpse into the rich traditional past of the first inhabitants. The Chemehuevi people present Native American dancing, singing and music for this museum. Special events such as the YaYa’s women’s group prepares fry bread and traditional crafts throughout the year. Video presentations of “Bringing Creation Back Together” details the Salt Trail Project held inside the museum.

A trip to Lake Havasu will provide any family with the perfect Arizona vacation destination!

• AIMS Scores — Measures reading, language arts and mathematics for elementary schools; and reading, writing and mathematics for high schools.
• MAP — Measure of Academic Progress for schools, where students scores for AIMS and SATs are compared to the state average.
• Graduation/Dropout Rates — Used for the high schools.
• AYP — Adequate Yearly Progress measures student proficiency in the state’s academic standards of reading and mathematics over time.

The AZ LEARNS program for the Arizona schools categorizes schools on a graded scale as either:

• Failing to meet academic standards,
• Underperforming,
• Performing,
• Highly Performing, or
• Excelling.

The Arizona schools for the 2004-2005 school year that were named Excelling are (listed by district/charter and school):

Arizona schools’ Academy of Tucson, Inc. Academy of Tucson Middle School
Arizona schools’ Alhambra Elementary District Alhambra Traditional School
Arizona schools’ Allen-Cochran Enterprises, Inc. Center for Educational Excellence
Arizona schools’ Amphitheater Unified District Canyon Del Oro High School
Richard B. Wilson Jr. School
Winifred Harelson Elementary School
Arizona schools’ Arizona School for the Arts Arizona School for the Arts — both
elementary & high school
Arizona schools’ BASIS School, Inc. BASIS Tucson — both elementary &
high school
Arizona schools’ Basis School, Inc. — Scottsdale Basis Scottsdale
Arizona schools’ Benchmark School, Inc. Benchmark School
Arizona schools’ Benjamin Franklin Charter School Benjamin Franklin Charter School in
both Gilbert and Mesa
Arizona schools’ Bright Beginnings School, Inc. Bright Beginnings School #1
Arizona schools’ CASY Country Day School CASY Country Day School #1
Arizona schools’ Catalina Foothills Unified District Canyon View Elementary School
Catalina Foothills High School
Esperero Canyon Middle School
Manzanita School
Orange Grove Middle School
Sunrise Drive Elementary School
Ventana Vista Elementary School
Arizona schools’ Cave Creek Unified District Cactus Shadows High School/PSH
Desert Arroyo Middle School
Desert Sun Elementary School
Arizona schools’ Challenge School, Inc. Challenge Charter School
Arizona schools’ Chandler Unified District Anna Marie Jacobson Elementary
School
Basha Elementary
Basha High School
Chandler High School
Chandler Traditional Academy —
Liberty Campus
Hamilton High School
Jane D. Hull Elementary
John M. Andersen Elementary School
Robert and Danell Tarwater
Elementary
Sanborn Elementary School
Santan K-8
Shumway Elementary School
Arizona schools’ Crane Elementary District Ronald Reagan Fundamental School
Arizona schools’ D.W. Higgins Institute D.W. Higgins Institute
Arizona schools’ Daisy Education Corporation Sonoran Science Academy — both elementary & high school
Arizona schools’ Deer Valley Unified District Arrowhead Elementary School
Cooper Creek Elementary
Desert Sage Elementary School
Greenbrier Elementary School
Hillcrest Middle School
Legend Springs Elementary
Mountain Ridge High School
Sierra Verde Elementary
Arizona schools’ East Valley Academy East Valley Academy
Arizona schools’ Edu-Prize, Inc. Edu-Prize
Arizona schools’ Flagstaff Junior Academy Flagstaff Junior Academy
Arizona schools’ Flagstaff Unified District Charles W. Sechrist Elementary School
Flagstaff Middle School
Manuel DeMiguel Elementary School
Thomas M. Knoles Elementary School
Arizona schools’ Foothills Academy Foothills Academy — both elementary & high school
Arizona schools’ Fort Huachuca Accommodation District Colonel Smith Middle School
Arizona schools’ Fountain Hills Unified District McDowell Mountain Elementary School
Arizona schools’ Franklin Phonetic Primary School, Inc. Franklin Phonetic Primary School
Arizona schools’ Gilbert Unified District Ashland Elementary
Carol Rae Ranch Elementary
Desert Ridge High
Finley Farms Elementary
Gilbert High School
GPS Traditional Academy
Greenfield Junior High School
Highland High School
Highland Junior High School
Islands Elementary School
Patterson Elementary School
Playa del Rey Elementary School
Sonoma Ranch Elementary School
Spectrum Elementary
Technology and Leadership Academy
Towne Meadows Elementary School
Val Vista Lakes Elementary School
Arizona schools’ Glendale Union High School District Sunnyslope High School
Arizona schools’ Heritage Academy, Inc. Heritage Academy — both elementary
& high school
Arizona schools’ Hermosa Montessori Center Hermosa Montessori Charter
Arizona schools’ Horizon Community Learning Center, Inc. Horizon Community Learning Center
Arizona schools’ Humanities and Sciences Academy of the US, Inc. Humanities and Sciences High School
Arizona schools’ Ideabanc, Inc. AmeriSchools College Preparatory
Academy — Tucson
Arizona schools’ James Madison Preparatory School James Madison Preparatory School —
both elementary & high school
Arizona schools’ Joseph City Unified District Joseph City Junior/Senior High School
Arizona schools’ Keystone Montessori Charter School, Inc. Keystone Montessori Charter School
Arizona schools’ Khalsa Family Services Khalsa School

Arizona schools’ Khalsa Montessori Elementary Schools Khalsa Montessori Elementary School
— Phoenix
Arizona schools’ Kyrene Elementary District C. I. Waggoner School
Kyrene Akimel A-Al Middle School
Kyrene Altadena Middle School
Kyrene Aprende Middle School
Kyrene Centennial Middle School
Kyrene de la Colina School
Kyrene de la Esperanza School
Kyrene de la Estrella Elementary
School
Kyrene de la Mariposa School
Kyrene de la Mirada School
Kyrene de la Paloma School
Kyrene de la Sierra School
Kyrene de las Brisas School
Kyrene de las Manitas School
Kyrene de los Cerritos School
Kyrene del Cielo School
Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School
Kyrene Middle School
Kyrene Monte Vista School
Arizona schools’ Lifelong Learning Research Institute, Inc. Lifelong Learning Academy
Arizona schools’ Litchfield Elementary District Litchfield Elementary School
Palm Valley Elementary
Arizona schools’ Madison Elementary District Madison Heights School
Madison Meadows School
Madison Park School
Madison Richard Simis School
Arizona schools’ Marana Unified District Coyote Trail Elementary School
Quail Run Elementary School
Arizona schools’ Mary Ellen Halvorson Educational Foundation Tri-City Prep High School
Arizona schools’ Mesa Unified District Barbara Bush Elementary School
Entz Elementary School
Falcon Hill Elementary School
Franklin Elementary School
Franklin Northeast School
Franklin South
Franklin West Elementary
George Smith
Hale Elementary School
Hermosa Vista Elementary School
Ishikawa Elementary School
Las Sendas Elementary School
Mountain View High School
Poston Junior High School
Red Mountain High School
Sunridge Learning Center
Arizona schools’ Miami Unified District Las Lomas Elementary School
Arizona schools’ Mission Montessori Academy Mission Montessori Academy
Arizona schools’ Montessori Charter School of Flagstaff, Inc. Montessori Charter School of Flagstaff
— Campus
Arizona schools’ Montessori Schoolhouse of Tucson, Inc. Montessori Schoolhouse
Arizona schools’ Nogales Unified District Vasquez De Coronado Francisco
School
Arizona schools’ Northland Preparatory Academy Northland Preparatory Academy —
both elementary & high school
Arizona schools’ Palominas Elementary District Coronado Elementary School
Arizona schools’ Paradise Valley Unified District Boulder Creek Elementary School
Copper Canyon Elementary School
Desert Shadows Middle School
Desert Springs Elementary School
Desert Trails Elementary School
Grayhawk Elementary School
Horizon High School
Larkspur Elementary School
Liberty Elementary School
Mercury Mine Elementary School
Mountain Trail Middle School
North Ranch Elementary School
Pinnacle High School
Pinnacle Peak Elementary
Quail Run Elementary School
Sandpiper Elementary School
Sonoran Sky Elementary School
Sunrise Middle School
Arizona schools’ Peoria Unified School District Apache Elementary School
Canyon Elementary School
Centennial High School
Copperwood School
Ironwood High School
Oakwood Elementary School
Paseo Verde Elementary School
Sunrise Mountain High School
Arizona schools’ Prescott Unified District Abia Judd Elementary School
Pescott High School
Arizona schools’ Queen Creek Unified District Jack Barnes Elementary School
Arizona schools’ Scottsdale Unified District Anasazi Elementary
Arcadia High School
Aztec Elementary School
Chaparral High School
Cherokee Elementary School
Cheyenne Traditional Elementary
School
Cochise Elementary School
Cocopah Middle School
Copper Ridge Elementary School
Copper Ridge Middle School
Desert Canyon Elementary
Desert Canyon Middle School
Desert Mountain High School
Hopi Elementary School
Kiva Elementary School
Laguna Elementary School
Mountainside Middle School
Pima Elementary School
Saguaro High School
Sequoya Elementary School
Zuni Elementary School
Arizona schools’ Sedona-Oak Creek Joint Unified District Big Park Community School
Arizona schools’ Self Development Charter School Self Development Charter School
Arizona schools’ Show Low Unified District Linden Elementary School
Arizona schools’ Skyview School, Inc. Skyview School
Arizona schools’ Sonoita Elementary District Elgin Elementary School
Arizona schools’ Tanque Verde Unified District Agua Caliente School
Emily Gray Junior High School
Tanque Verde Elementary School
Arizona schools’ Tempe Elementary District Rover Elementary School
Arizona schools’ Tempe Preparatory Academy Tempe Preparatory Academy — both
elementary & high school
Arizona schools’ Tempe Union High School District Corona Del Sol High School
Desert Vista High School
Mountain Pointe High School
Arizona schools’ Tucson Unified District Fruchthendler Elementary School
Gale Elementary School
Ida Flood Dodge Traditional Middle
Magnet School
Miles-Exploratory Learning Center
Sabino High School
Sahuaro High School
University High School
Arizona schools’ Vail Unified District Cottonwood Elementary School
Desert Sky Middle School
Desert Willow Elementary School
Mesquite Elementary School
Arizona schools’ Valley Academy, Inc. Valley Academy
Arizona schools’ Veritas Preparatory Academy Veritas Preparatory Academy — both
elementary & high school
Arizona schools’ Washington Elementary District Abraham Lincoln Traditional School
Lookout Mountain School
Arizona schools’ West Gilbert Charter Elementary School, Inc. West Gilbert Charter Elementary
School
Arizona schools’ Young Elementary District Young Teaching High School

In addition to the Excelling schools, Arizona schools named 255 schools across the state as Highly Performing schools.

This information on Arizona schools is brought to you by www.schoolsk-12.com.

A few remedies are suggested. Replacing glass with specialized glass that blocks harmful UV light is one step, as is painting UV-stabilized coating to protect wooden doors, the patio, the roof, and other spaces. However, one of the best methods is to fight fire with fire – or, rather, fight nature with nature. While many might make a run for the local hardware store to fix the situation, a visit to the local nursery might be a better selection. At the very least, planting trees and shrubbery can be used together with the methods already mentioned.

Utilize Trees and Shrubs to Block Sunlight

One issue concerning planting trees around your home is the expense. Fully grown trees are far more expensive than saplings, so if you want an immediate solution, you are going to have to absorb the expense. In the meantime, using paint, putting up canopies over windows, and installing protective glass are options until the trees grow full height. It is best to put the trees on the southern part of the home to protect the house during the peak summer months.

Since your home’s situation will be unique from everyone else’s, there is no cookie-cutter way to plant trees.  You must take into account whether or not your property has adequate area for a large tree. Consider also the amount of root space that your tree will require. One option is to plant a tree in an area that is not presently receiving direct sunlight, because you can still enjoy advantages like reduced UV rays and a cooler home, even if the tree is not located in direct sunlight.

Select Varieties that Thrive in Arizona

The climate in Arizona is hot and dry. This makes it perfect for a cactus, but unpleasant for many other types of vegetation. It is best, therefore, to select trees that will grow in a climate that has low moisture. Some trees will experience leaf burn in this region of the country, so pick trees that are compatible to the Arizona climate. Some great selections are: Cottonwood, Palo Verde, Chilean Mesquite, Fax Tex Ash and Chinese Pistache.

Trees Will Reduce Your Expenses

The temperature in Arizona can very often be 90 degrees, even in the shade. Planting trees will lower your energy costs since a shaded home is cooler and thus requires less air conditioning. You will also get more pleasure from your yard if you have large, cool trees to sit beneath on a warm fall day. Planting trees will increase your homes’ worth, and you will certainly enjoy your property that much more.

The Lost Dutchman mine was never rediscovered, there is a superstition that Gold can still be found, many adventurers visit this place called the Lost Dutchman State Park. Wilderness can still be explored and a desert Lake, Canyon Lake is very near to it.

Most of the tourists camp, hike or picnic at these desert trails. Handicapped people are also welcomed here.

The world’s largest natural bridge (400 ft wide & 183 ft in height) over looking the Pine Creek is in Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Flowing streams, upstream of the canyon, make a spectacular view.

A century old hotel, refurbished, provides excellent viewing. It is located 13 miles North West Payson off State Route 87. Picnicking or hiking is also catered for.

Considered to be Mother Nature’s finest playground is Slide Rock State Park. The Park’s name comes from 30 ft long water sliding down the rocks. The canyon here has Red Rock walls & pine forests. An Apple orchard is also an added attraction.

A huge crowd is always gathered here to refresh themselves at Slide Rocks during summer months. The parking facilities has also been expanded recently.

Just a few miles off West of Sedona in Arizona State is 286 acres of Red Rock State Park. Picnic areas and classrooms may be reserved for the public but they do provide education to school groups and private groups as well.

Swimming and going across water is available to local wildlife only and please don’t bring your pets as this is a place where there are no facilities for them. Still they provide camping sites, picnic grounds, hiking trails, classrooms, visitor’s center with a great theater and of course a gift shop.

Right next to the Community of Cottonwood, in the scenic Verde Valley, is Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Now don’t get alarmed by its name as here you can do bird watching, camping, canoeing, horseback riding, picnicking and stream & pond fishing.

Here you can also go hiking and the Equestrian events are held regularly.

Near the City of Show Low is located Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area. Imagine camping on a lake shore and watching the noble great blue herons. Show Low Creek falls into this lake, which provides water to lots of wild animals and it has a very different fishing area.

It has a huge variety of fish like rainbow trout, brown trout, channel catfish, walleye and green sunfish. Nearby White Mountain Trail System offers many hiking trails. This place adjoins the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest where you can get the geographical maps too.

This site offers agricultural features, camping sites, pit houses and lots of other sites. It is located a few miles North East of Winslow on State Route 87. Archeologists work in June & July only from Monday till Friday. Here archaeological exhibitions are also held many times a year.

This place offers many recreational areas with picnic tables electric supply, tent pads and grills.

As there is no size restriction on boats Lyman Lake State is 1500 acres of really beautiful Lake. A small herd of buffaloes are always grazing near the access road. A nice & restricted no-wake place for anglers.

This place offers facilities that include rock hounding trails, fishing, hiking, boat rentals and a swimming pool. General boat rental concessions are available by booking in advance.

On the foot of Mount Graham is a haven known as Roper Lake State Park. An excellent place for fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking and camping. Camp on the lake shore & avail a natural hot-bath tub which is prepared by park rangers. The park is located a few miles South of Safford off US Route 191.

Lots of other facilities include rest rooms, shower rooms, fishing pad (also for handicapped persons), waste disposal grounds, Electric hookup, boat ramp and Natural hot springs.

Desert scenery and an isolated place is Alamo Lake State Park. It is located on Bill Williams River and after some miles falls into Colorado River.

With a backdrop of picturesque Rawhide & Buckskin Mountains it presents a stunning view. Abundance of wildlife includes Bald Eagles, Coyote, Deer, Quails and wild Burros are the area’s trademark.

Some of the basic facilities include Group use area, hiking, fishing, Electric hook up, boating, rest room showers (accessible for the handicapped) and waste disposal area.

Buckskin Mountain State Park is located between the Mountains & the Colorado River, is a welcome site both for nature lovers and hikers. Three fully developed trails on these mountains that go up the steep bluffs are always inviting to hikers.

The River welcomes swimmers, pleasure boaters and water skiers with open arms. Anglers vie for channel cat fish, crappie, large mouth bass and bluegill.

There are two distinct units at Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor Beach and Cattail Cove. Windsor beach is a day out park with all water crafted facilities. It is located in a wonderfully developed area in Lake Havasu City just North of the Famed imported old London Bridge.

Two and a half miles long and spread over 250 acres, Patagonia Lake State Park offers a variety of recreational outdoor activities. The lake is filled with catfish, bluegill, crappie and bass and in winter by rainbow trout.

Because of huge gatherings, water skiing and jet skiing are banned in summer weekends.

For anglers facilities of half of the lake is converted into a no-wake area. It offers water & electric hook ups, picnic places, a swimming beach and a marina store with boat rentals.

For any information about big hunting game contact Arizona’s Game and Fish department.

Hope your stay in Arizona is a very memorable one.