Entries by Rick Rome

Phoenix Bound: Why the Valley of the Sun Attracted America’s Movers in 2025

In 2025, Phoenix draws America’s movers with 300+ sunny days, mild winters, and a booming economy—Intel, TSMC fabs, Dutch Bros’ 200+ Tempe jobs. Escape high costs from California, Washington, and beyond for median homes $400K-$485K, 2.5% flat tax, and endless trails like Camelback. From Heard Museum arts to Suns games, the Valley blends affordability, culture, and desert adventure—despite heat and water challenges.

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Rhonda Towns: A Voice of Grace, Country, and Courage

Fifteen years after gracing the debut cover of Discover The Phoenix Region Magazine, country artist Rhonda Towns returns as a trailblazer in country music. From Gary, Indiana church pews to Nashville stages and international acclaim, her gospel-rooted voice broke barriers as the first African American woman to headline in Switzerland and on BET. Through divorce, resilience, and a 2021 comeback with Walking in Your Wonderful Light, Rhonda inspires with faith, authenticity, and Phoenix pride.

Wellness of Body & Mind

Embracing holistic wellness practices like mindfulness, exercise, and balanced nutrition fosters a resilient mind-body connection, empowering us to navigate life’s unpredictability with vitality and emotional balance.

The Present and Future of Recycling in Phoenix

hoenix, a rapidly growing city, produces an enormous amount of waste. Waste Management’s commitment to sustainability is vital to ensuring that future generations have access to the region’s natural beauty and resources. Their efforts to educate residents on responsible waste disposal—combined with technological innovations that allow them to sort waste more effectively—are setting a national standard for urban recycling programs.

Capturing Every Drop Of Water in the Phoenix Region

Arizona’s arid climate makes water storage a necessity. SRP utilizes a remarkable solution – underground water banking. Imagine storing 17 Saguaro Lakes worth of water – that’s the impressive amount SRP has banked underground since 1994! This acts as a vital safety net during droughts, allowing SRP to tap into these reserves when surface water sources are strained.

Mastering Mindset

Life, like the ocean, is full of unknowns. Challenges—whether personal, financial, or emotional—can feel like relentless waves. But just as a kayaker learns to read the currents and adjust their course, we, too, can develop strategies to navigate life’s hardships. Here’s how to shift your mindset and move forward, no matter what’s in front of you.

The Artistic Journey of James Muir: Master of Allegory and History in Bronze

James Muir, a visionary American sculptor, transforms bronze into profound allegorical and historical works that explore themes of morality, justice, and the human condition. This issue of Discover The Phoenix Region Magazine delves into Muir’s artistic journey, from his military-inspired beginnings to iconic pieces like “They Served Well” and “Christ of the Holy Cross.”

Improve Your Fico Score

A strong credit score is essential for various financial endeavors, including buying a home, obtaining a loan, or securing a credit card with favorable terms. While improving your credit score may take time and effort, it’s a worthwhile goal that can significantly impact your financial well-being. This article will delve into the intricacies of credit repair and provide practical tips to help you achieve the highest possible FICO score.

This Spring’s Rodeo Showdowns!

Discover The Phoenix Region Magazine highlights the thrilling Arizona spring rodeo season, spotlighting PRCA-sanctioned events like the Legends of the West in Wickenburg, Kingman PRCA Rodeo, and the heart-pounding Mile High PBR bull riding showdown in Prescott Valley.