Home isn't just a place to lay your head after a rough day at work - it's a sanctuary for building life-long memories, and sharing experiences with loved ones. With that in mind, it only makes sense to find and create a home that offers everything you could want in terms of opportunities, location, and comfort.

Phoenix and Scottsdale have been thriving, frequently outpacing the U.S. average in regards to job growth and reduced unemployment rates. What's more, the diverse culture of the area has drawn many people to the region, along with a host of new flavors, rituals, and experiences.

With a versatile real estate market, a stunning recreational environment, and plenty of opportunities for families and individuals to thrive, it's no surprise that Phoenix is officially predicted to be the #1 housing market in 2017. Realtor.com suggests that the Valley will see price gains of 5.9%, and sales growth of 7.2% over the course of the year.

So, what is it that makes Phoenix, and Scottsdale such incredible places to live?

1. Affordable and Versatile Housing

Buying your ideal home can be tough. Not only do you have a list of features that you'd like to lock down, but you also need to stick to a strict budget too! Fortunately, house prices in Phoenix and Scottsdale are becoming increasingly more reasonable.

Although the real estate market took a tumble during the market crash of 2008, it's been recovering progressively ever since. Now, the housing situation in Phoenix is rife with reasonable prices and low interest rates. What's more, the homes for sale are beautiful, unique, and versatile in style, price, and size. Homebuyers can take their pick from a selection of luxurious properties in gated communities, expansive homes, and cozy condos. In fact, the real estate inventory is so diverse that it's bound to satisfy even the most particular buyers.

Additionally, as a side benefit you shouldn't have to worry about spending a fortune on heating bills, thanks to the amazing Arizona weather.

2. Sunshine All Year Round

The weather in Phoenix is one of the main reasons that new residents and visitors are frequently drawn towards the area. Phoenix enjoys warm temperatures and bright sunshine almost year-round, with weather that is sure to keep you smiling every day.

While the summers in Phoenix can be very hot, the low humidity helps to make the heat more tolerable. What's more, it's not hard to escape the sunshine, since almost most buildings are air-conditioned and cool.

3. Diverse Employment Opportunities

If you're looking for a place to not only build a home, but a satisfying career, there are a range of employment options in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. Tourism and manufacturing make up the main industries, and unemployment rates in Phoenix are lower than the rates in the U.S. on average, at 4.1% in 2016, compared to 4.4% for the whole of the U.S.

Perhaps even more important than plenty of career opportunities, is the fact that some of the most satisfied young professionals in the nation live and work in phoenix. Reports show that Phoenix professionals are happy with their work/life balance, their relationships with co-workers, their environment, and their opportunities for growth and compensation.

4. Exceptional Recreation

There are plenty of great things to do in Phoenix, including golfing, and hiking. Scottsdale also maintains a strong department for Parks and Recreation, which includes a host of fitness centers, pools, fields, parks, tennis courts and more. Whether you're looking for an impromptu picnic or a quick game on a tennis court, you'll find plenty to do in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area.

5. Great Education and Schools

For homeowners with children, the Phoenix area is home to some of the highest rated U.S High Schools. The highest-ranked school of them all, BASIS, is located in Scottsdale.

In fact, Scottsdale is rich with educational solutions for a diverse collection of age groups. The unified school district for Scottsdale serves portions of Phoenix and Tempe, as well as Paradise Valley, and all its schools are highly rated in Arizona.

6. Wonderful Food and Culture

Phoenix offers an amazing collection of diverse groups and cultures. There are people in Arizona that come from all walks of life, and Phoenix caters to each of them, with artistic offerings that range from dance and theater, to music and more. For example, Sedona is a hub for artists across the globe.

Phoenix boasts a thriving culinary scene that features over 400 restaurants covering everything from sushi to gastropubs. There's even the "Scottsdale Culinary Festival", which celebrates the area's love of fine foods. The festival is the longest-running culinary celebration in the U.S., attracting more than 35,000 visitors each year.

A Unique Place to Call Home

Finally, Phoenix is a wonderful place to live because it's unlike anywhere else on the planet. As the capital of Arizona, Phoenix is one of the most populated capitals in the U.S. Though it's technically located in a desert, the Sonoran Desert is the "Greenest" desert, which means there's plenty of palm trees and foliage. Arizona is also home to some of the most fantastic sights in the world, including Red Rock State Park, and the Grand Canyon National Park.

There are plenty of reasons why Phoenix deserves its spot as the top housing market for 2017, but the best way to find out what truly makes Phoenix and Scottsdale special, is to visit them for yourself. From the moment you step into this beautiful, and thriving location, you'll find yourself falling in love.