Happy New Year from all of us at Arizona Ascent! As we kick off January, this month’s issue is packed with insights shaping our state. We take a deep dive into Arizona’s real estate market, examining shifts in Maricopa and Pinal Counties with key trends from Cromford Public data. Show Low is emerging as an economic hotspot, and Economic Development Director Steve North shares how the town is transforming with new business incubators and sports centers. Check out the full issue for more!

Arizona’s rise to 6th place in the 2024 U-Haul Growth Index highlights its growing appeal for businesses and residents. Key drivers of this growth include Opportunity Zones, which are revitalizing communities, as explained by Tommy Dobczyk of the Buckeye OZ Fund. Arizona’s creative industry is also gaining momentum, with filmmaker Quintana recognizing the state’s tax incentives and talent pool as key advantages. From economic development to the arts, Arizona is emerging as a hub of opportunity, and Arizona Ascent Magazine remains committed to sharing the stories shaping its future. Check out the full issue for more!

As we celebrate our one-year anniversary, we reflect on the incredible businesses and leaders who have trusted us to share their journeys. Their stories are the foundation of this magazine, and their impact is what keeps Arizona thriving.

This milestone also marks an exciting moment—we are about to announce the winners of our first Small Business Impact Awards.

The vermilion sunsets that streak across Sedona’s skies, the whispering pines of Flagstaff’s high country, and the timeless charm of Williams—these are the iconic images that bring millions to Northern Arizona each year. But beneath the surface of this natural beauty, a quiet crisis is unfolding. Soaring housing costs and disappearing neighborhoods are challenging the very fabric of these communities. It’s a balancing act between welcoming tourism dollars and preserving spaces for the people who call these towns home.

This spring, Greater Phoenix’s housing market is showing signs of cooling, giving buyers more leverage across many areas. While average home prices have slipped by about 1% year-over-year, trends vary dramatically by location. In luxury enclaves like Scottsdale’s 85255, a handful of ultra-high-end sales have skewed averages upward, making the median price per square foot a much more reliable indicator of true market movement. With increased inventory and softening demand, buyers — particularly in higher-end neighborhoods — now enjoy more choices and stronger negotiating power.