Maybe some of these will tempt your appetite for Arizona. Millions of visitors come to explore the Arizona  sunshine each year. Well over half of the state's population live in the Phoenix area and less than half of those have lived in the state more than 20 years. People seeking sunshine and those hoping to never see snow shovels, snow blowers or ice scrapers and those leaving earthquakes, floods and poor economic conditions are motivated to move.  Whether you are in an urban center or rural village, you'll find the emphasis is on sun and relaxation.  Arizonans live in a vacation playground and have adopted the philosophy of taking time to stop and enjoy the beauty that surrounds them. There are vast areas of wide open, uninhabited spaces.

How hot is hot - In June of 1990 the temperature reached 122 - the airport even closed down.   
The body does adapt to the weather and the heat, After a few years, you may feel more comfortable at the higher temperature/dry heat than the lower temperature/high humidity level. If you have the time, visit the area of the state that interests you the most at different seasons and see if you like the weather conditions.

Geology - Rare geological formations provide endless challenges for explorers. From the rim of the Grand Canyon to the river will provide centuries of geological change. Rocks of all shapes, sizes and minerals are available. Some are - copper, silver, gold, pumice, zinc, turquoise, peridot, petrified wood and fire agate.

Native Americans - The Indian Tribes own 19,550,000 acres of reservation land. About 2/3 of the tribal members live on the reservation. Several Indian tribes operate casinos and are known for their crafts of woven tapestries, jewelry, pottery, basketry, sand paintings and Kachina dolls.

Homes - Stucco, frame, brick  and block have replaced the older adobe for building materials.
There is rarely a basement and many older homes have carports rather than garages. Most are one story ranch-style design or pueblo-style. Roof is generally composition shingles or tile. Evaporative cooler units (swamp coolers) pull air thru a wet (water) pad and circulate the air thru the house. Air conditioning is the general with some homes having both Evap and AC. Solar heating is becoming popular. Many Phoenix area homes feature a swimming pool, apartments and subdivisions have them as well. So you are usually within reach of refreshment. 

55+ Communities - Abound the in east valley - Mesa area. They will vary in their rules and restrictions. Residents must be 55 or older (some are 45 - some are one resident must be 55 while
anyone else must be 45), some are guarded, gated and patrolled - others are not or somewhere in between, some have nearly every amenity that can be thought of - others have none or somewhere in between, some are 50 years old or can be new - or somewhere in between. You get the idea - so much is available.