There have been quite a few FOs hired recently who live in PHX or within reasonable driving distance. Most view the regionals as a stepping stone to something better, so why choose another regional where you have to commute? Unless the company has a large fleet of 50 seaters with no replacement plan, why not go where you can live in base?

When you were in high school did you drive two hours to work at mcdonalds or did you work at the fast food joint a few blocks from your house?