My advice is much like some previous posts. I would recommend trying 3 different areas for a month each- and in varying parts of the southwest. If your interests are golf then maybe Phoenix area in Feb and do the Phoenix Open tournament. Rocks and gems? Then do Tucson in Feb for the gem and mineral show and do Phoenix in January and try out the Barrett-Jackson car stuff. Try Palm Springs, CA for a month. By the end of your stay you will have a much better idea of what you are looking for and just how many options you have!
