Agree one hundred %! Water is an issue though.

Although during the monsoons Tempe floods. Which I quickly realized was the reason everything was built up on these little mounds. I remember being down by ASU at an apartment complex walking around with everyone else in near knee deep water. Everyone was in such good moods because of it.
It did not cause any damage.
These kids hooked a tow line to a big ass 4x4 and were trying to pull a guy on a body board.

it did not work too well. But it was fun as heck to watch. Just about everyone in the area came out to play.
The monsoons are really a special time of year there. Much more fun than trouble in my little experience. Although we all rented and would not really of cared about damage. Home owners may have a different view.
MY favorite places near the valley are the superstition mountains. Just loved taking day trips there! camped there at the lake once too. Such a great place!
I had an apartment for a while where I could see both sun devil stadium and four peaks perfectly from my back balcony. Great to sit there with a friend and have a beer and just stair out.
Oh, and slide rock was a great day trip too!
Do you know these places Bob?
If I ever do move back I would think I would like to live in the ahwatukee foothills. Back up in to the hills though, not really in the township.