It seems to help.  The last three overall winners -- azsky, dojimon, and some other guy ;-) -- all live in Arizona.  And the state has accounted for a handful of others who have finished in the top 5.  Something unusual in the desert water?  Perhaps it's compensation for having to deal with the Cardinals year after year.

OK, so who's next?

 Gomaxgo, You just burst my bubble! I am from Wisconsin. Long way from Arizona!! But I will keep trying. I might get good at this...lol 

But I have land in Arizona. 3 acres in Navajo county. Not far from St. Joseph's city.  I bought the land 10 years ago online as a investment. I have never been there and do not know what it looks like. I get a property tax bill for next to nothing every year and I think that is what really scares me. Could my land be in the center of an indian reservation ??  lol 

It's ok rosebud the reason they all win down there is cause the cant go outside and get real air it will FRY their brains so all they can do is sit at the computer to not be bored lol

JamesLT:

It's ok rosebud the reason they all win down there is cause the cant go outside and get real air it will FRY their brains so all they can do is sit at the computer to not be bored lol

I agree! They must not have other things to do :P But geez, for the next prize I might even consider going to AZ. I want the trip!!! 

You guys may be right.  And it's beginning to be that time of year.

Rosebud: So you're a land speculator as well as fantasy stock player!  I've never been to Joseph City either.  I don't believe it's on the reservation, though it's actually quite close.  Someday you'll surely make a fortune...or maybe build a winter home?

Hi Max

How long have you lived in Arizona ? When you have time could you tell me a bit about it as I am researching Phoenix area and also areas in Mexico to buy a place to retire . Are you close to Phoenix? I see the house prices have dropped and probably room for a bit more drop yet? What areas do you like the most?

Thanks for your time and good luck in this game

Nitehowl 

Nitehowl: I've been here about 25 years..."practically a native," as they say here, as almost everyone is from somewhere else.  I live in Phoenix, on the north side of town.  If you don't mind excessive heat for 4-5 months a year (a decent trade-off for shoveling snow), this is a wonderful place to live.  Lots to see and do in town plus in the nearby mountains. 

The housing prices have always been a good deal cheaper here than in most major metro areas.  They skyrocketed back in '05-06, then have been dropping steadily along with the rest of the country.  Right now, houses seem to be beginning to sell once again within Phoenix and nearby suburbs.  But the more affordable, newer ones are the fringes of the metro area are still stuck in the housing muck...nothing moving.  The retirement areas tend to be on the outskirts so you could probably get a great deal right now in Sun City, Sun Lakes, Gold Canyon, and other retirement communities. 

I'll be happy to provide more insights...feel free to write back with any specifics you may have in mind.  And good luck to you as well!

thats ok

I wonder if visiting AZ will do any good, but I won't be doing that until next summer!

gpmaxgo----- Thank You for the reply. I have been too busy this weekend to get online but I really appreciate your time. I am doing some research on the area and the housing market. It sure seems like a massive amount of vacant houses on the market and the banks seem to have a ton to dump yet. I read that Phoenix has a 13 month supply of houses right now whereas the norm is supposed to be 2-3 month supply!  The hardest hit states looks like Florida, Arizona, Nevada and California

As I get time and think of more questions I will reply here.

Thanks Again

Nitehowl 

I wonder if people who live in AZ are better at investing.  Congrats to the winners.

stockme:

I wonder if people who live in AZ are better at investing.  Congrats to the winners.

They just have more time staying out of the heat LOL