The Valley had seven cities with less than a million, but more than 100,000 residents in the year 2000. These cities were: Chandler, Peoria, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale and Gilbert. That same year, Phoenix boasted a population of over a million people.

Gated townhouse and condominium developments make ideal second homes. Part-time resident homeowners are drawn to communities with controlled access gates. With property exterior, landscaping, and common areas maintained by a Home Owner’s Association, residents don’t have the upkeep that a similarly priced single-family home requires.