Named for the spring wildflowers that blanket the area, Paradise Valley, Arizona is an affluent suburb with an exceptional location. It springs up as an oasis against the backdrop of both Camelback Mountain and Mummy Mountain. Additionally, it is conveniently located between bustling Phoenix and the upscale bedroom community of Scottsdale, offering nearly unlimited options for entertainment, dining and shopping.

The vast majority of resident here are employed in professional services. Finance, retail and manufacturing round out the list. Paradise Valley supports a current population of approximately 14,000 residents. Their average age is 46, with an average household income well above the national average at $150,228. This affluence is reflected in median home values of $722,700. Home prices and amenities range to suit all tastes and most budgets, ranging in price from $300,000 up to $12,000,000.

The southwestern desert climate is arid, with a summer high of 106 degrees and a winter low of 44 degree. The region enjoys at least 330 sunny days each year, making outdoor activities popular. The Echo Canyon Recreational Area offers hiking trails with spectacular vies of the valley below. Here you will find Camelback Mountain and the popular "Monk" rock, named because of its resemblance to a praying monk on bended knee. Or you might prefer to cover more ground from your car. Paradise Valley has designated a Scenic Drive, meandering through luxury communities and desert landscapes. When the desert blooms in spring, residents take care to schedule some free time to view the rich pinks, purples and oranges of the desert flowers.

Many enjoy a morning bike ride through the trails of the McDowell Mountain foothills in the Sonoran desert. The peacefulness of the quiet morning, as the sun spreads warm color across the vegetation and rock formations, is a rejuvenating way to start the day. For a more wet and wild experience, locals take a raft down the Salt river or Saguaro Lake. Of course, golf is one of the most popular pastimes in the area, which benefits from world class courses.

Nearby Scottsdale was recently named "America's Best Place to Live for Golf" by the exclusive Robb Report. In Scottsdale alone, golfers can choose from nearly two hundred courses, ranging from traditional layouts to designs highlighting native plants and vegetation. In January, the region plays host to what was formerly the Phoenix Open, recently renamed the FBR Open. This tournament attracts over 40,000 visitors each year to watch top PGA players compete, and has been called "The Greatest Show on Grass" thanks to the caliber of players and the stunning scenery.

The region also enjoys world-class festivals throughout the year. The Scottsdale International Film Festival is held in fall, as is Smithsonian Magazine's ClutureFest. This event highlights the state's unique composition of Native American, Spanish, and Western Pioneer influences. In the winter, hundreds of artists show their work in 31 different studios to offer items for sale and showcase demonstrations of their artistic processes.

Sports fans can head to Sun Devil Stadium to catch the annual football championship Fiesta Bowl. The next week, runners and spectators alike enjoy the annual Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon. This unique event presents stages of live music throughout the course and a huge party at the finish line. Equestrians gather for the Arizona Sun Country Circuit Quarter Horse Show, drawing 1,500 athletes to compete for $200,000 in prizes. The Parada del Sol Parade offers a chance to see the world's longest horse-drawn parade, kicking off the month-long Parada del Sol festival, complete with its own professional rodeo.

Paradise Valley is an exclusive enclave that offers an unparalleled scenic beauty. With its location between Phoenix and Scottsdale, residents have easy access to both a major metropolitan area and a resort community. With its breathtaking scenery and relaxed pace of life, there is perhaps no city in America that is more aptly named.