Hi,
Scottsdale is nice, but VERY expensive. The south east - Alma School Road,
Arizona (hiway 87) (north south streets) & Queen Creek, Ocotillo (east west streets) are nice. Lots of development in Gilbert and other areas south east.
The housing market is not so good in Phoinix right now, so it would be an excellent time to buy.
It is gawd awful hot here in summer. I've seen folks put oven mitts on the floor shifter so they can shift gears!
In the north there is 2-3-4 months where it is very cold and in Phoenix there is 2-3-4 months when it is very hot.
Have fun, Dave