Phoenix, Arizona , The metropolitan area has a population of approximately 1.8 million, elevation 1,100 feet, and is located in the Valley of the Sun, so named because of the high percentage of beautiful sunshine year round. Summers are hot and dry with winters very mild and pleasant. Numerous colleges and universities, community colleges and trade schools are located within the Phoenix metropolitan area. Golf courses are also abundant throughout the area. The Grand Canyon, and Lake Powell boating and recreation areas can be reached in about 4 to 5 hours.
Phoenix is surrounded by numerous recreation lakes for boating and fishing.
Three snow ski resorts are within a 3 to 5 hour drive. Rapid City, South Dakota is a town of approximately 44,000 people located in western South Dakota near the Black Hills. Adequate housing is available for purchase and apartments are plentiful. There is a shortage of houses for rent. The school system in Rapid City is excellent.