1. Phoenix is far superior in the number of direct flights from Canada. Sky Harbor Airport is the 5th largest airport in all of the US. It has direct flights from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto. Most flights to Palm Springs require connections.

2. Phoenix is a larger city and has many more events, activities, restaurants and stores.

3. Phoenix has FOUR major league sports teams. We are one of very few cities in the US with a team in all 4 sports. Phoenix Coyotes (NHL), Arizona Diamondbacks (Baseball), Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Suns (NBA). Palm Springs does not have any major league sports. We also have NASCAR racing, the Phoenix Open Golf Tournament and Cactus League baseball spring training.

4. Phoenix has lower real estate prices than Palm Springs. You can get a large house here for the price of a small condo in Palm Springs.

5. Phoenix has lower home insurance rates than Palm Springs. The benefit of no natural disasters in Arizona.

6. Phoenix has lower property taxes than Palm Springs.

7. Arizona does not have a state FIRPTA tax for foreign property owners. California has an additional FIRPTA tax payable by foreigners upon the sale of the property. (Both states are subject to the national FIRPTA tax.)

8. Arizona does not have a real estate transfer tax, unlike California. In fact, Arizona will most likely NEVER have a real estate transfer tax because in the last election in November a proposition was passed that put a prohibition of real estate transfer taxes into the Arizona State Constitution.

When you consider the additional amenities, lower real estate prices and lower taxes: Phoenix is the clear winner! Read more about living the great Phoenix lifestyle on www.ThePhoenixExperts.com. You can also easily search through the entire MLS system and find the home of your dreams.

Marc Brodeur, Realtor

1-800-300-0263