During the month of January, there’s one thing and one thing only on the minds of the Valley residents and visitors:

Cars.

At the beginning of the year it’s all about the cars here, and if you doubt it, take one look at two of the season’s biggest events:

The Russo and Steele Car Auction and The Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction.

These two signature events are a car-lover’s dream. They are more than an opportunity to see and buy some of the world’s finest cars, they’re a full-on automotive lifestyle immersion, where thousands of cars, and tens of thousands of aficionados can freely mix and mingle.

But why Scottsdale and Phoenix?

What makes these favorite Valley cities such an appealing destination for motorheads and car collectors?

The first is the culture.

Greater Phoenix (which includes Scottsdale) is awash with people who take great pride in the cars they own. From “every day” luxury brands like Mercedes and BMW to the exotics like Ferrari and Lamborghini, the people who live in greater Phoenix invest a lot of time, money, and energy into keeping their cars in tip-top shape.

Secondly, the weather is impossible to beat.

Crisp, clean, moisture-free air makes the southwestern desert the ideal environment for luxury car ownership. Whether parking outdoor or indoors, you can park with confidence knowing that your glimmering machine isn’t going to be soiled by rain, soot, snow, or ice.

Thirdly, the roads and the VERY minimal traffic.

Greater Phoenix is one of the best places to drive in the country and Scottsdale’s traffic is one of the lowest ranked in the country (in the top 10 best cities with least traffic in the U.S.) The roads are in good condition, and the weather is more than predictable. Most importantly, the region has long, flat stretches of open road—perfect for those owners and enthusiasts who want to test their ability to get from 0 to 60 as quickly as possible.

Finally, there’s the simple reality that real estate in the Valley often comes part and parcel with at least one truly great garage, and a gorgeous garage is something every car-lover aspires to have.

Some of the very best garages on the market can be found on E Happy Valley Road, where many of Scottsdale’s most exclusive residents reside.

At 9701 E Happy Valley Road No. 2, a racing-inspired, hot rod red two-car show garage is one of the property’s signature features (home features a total of 7 garage parking spots).

The same can be said of 9701 E Happy Valley Road No. 13, with its climate-controlled show garage that opens to a “man cave” ready game room.

These are just two of the many stellar examples that Scottsdale can offer aspiring residents who want more than a home for themselves—they want a home for their prized collectables as well.