The cities that make up the Phoenix area as as diverse as the people. If you already live here, then you understand how different and wonderful it is to live in the Valley of the Sun. If you are contemplating a move to the area, then we hope you come to learn about all of the fantastic things that the Phoenix area has to offer!
Great Things to Do in the Valley!
Click to learn more about each city and what it has to offer:
* Phoenix Real Estate & Information
* Glendale Real Estate & Information
* Peoria Real Estate & Information
* Mesa Real Estate & Information
* Scottsdale Real Estate & Information
* Surprise Real Estate & Information
* Chandler Real Estate & Information
Population
The population of Maricopa County which encompasses Phoenix and neighboring cities is 3,072,000 people. The city of Phoenix itself makes nearly half that number at 1,512,000 people. The Valley’s population has grown steadily each year, reporting a 2.8% growth rate for 2007. Incidentally, the city of Phoenix is now the 5th largest in the nation! People who live here originally come from all over the country including California, Ohio, New York, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Texas.
Employment
Employment in the Phoenix area has undergone significant change in the last 10-15 years with an emphasis on diversifying the Valley’s economic base. As a result, the employment sector in the Valley has a much stronger high-tech component as well as biomedicine. Home construction continues to be a major portion of the Phoenix area’s economic base but that is changing over time as cities work to spread risk and opportunity to new targeted industries. Notable employers in the Vally include Intel Corporation, Honeywell, Microchip, Insight, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Countrywide, Shea Homes, American Express, and U.S. Airways to name a few. Read more about Phoenix Area Employers.
Weather
The Phoenix area is known for its hot Summer weather. But, there’s another side to the weather that makes the Valley of the Sun so popular. Outside of the hot summers, Phoenix simply has some of the best weather in the nation with perpetually sunny days, fantastic Spring and Fall seasons, and mild Winters. It’s why the area is so enjoyable for golf, bicycling, running, hiking, and just about any outdoor activity you can think of..
Real Estate
The nature and price of real estate varies dramatically across the Valley. The Scottsdale area, Arcadia, and Paradise Valley areas tend to command the most premium in terms of real estate. The outerlying cities such as Maricopa, Queen Creek, Surprise, Avondale, etc. tend to provide the least expensive housing options for homeowners as location plays a big factor. Phoenix, Glendale, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and other cities fall in between. The area’s freeway system is well-developed but understaind potential commute times is very important for homeowners.
Terrain also ranges across the Valley. Ahwatukee, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, and Carefree tend to have some of the most mountainous desertscape. Some would argue that Cave Creek’s terrain has the most beautiful variety of natural desert vegetation in the entire Valley. Chandler and Gilbert tend to be flat and once agricultural land. Tempe is flat with a few buttes that break up the area. Search for homes using our MLS Home Search.
Restaurants and Shopping
For restaurants and shopping, Scottsdale is known for its variety of options and a favorite for visitors. The Chandler Fashion Center in Chandler is another popular location on the east side. As well, Gilbert just opened the SanTan Village outdoor shopping mall. On the west side, Arrowhead Mall is a hub of dining and shopping activity in the Glendale area. Read more about Malls and Shopping.
Performing Arts
For the Performing Arts, Herberger Theater is the premier venue in the Valley. ASU Gammage and the new Center for the Arts in Tempe provide additional options for performances and special events. The Dodge Theatre, the Orpheum Theatre, Cricket Wireless Pavilion, and US Airways Center are excellent for concerts coming to the area. Read more about Arts Venues.
Sports
The Phoenix area is an ideal one for sports enthusiasts as the weather here lends itself to just about every outdoor sport nearly all year around.
From an outdoor sports perspective, Scottsdale and Ahwatukee are favorites as they provide runners, bicyclists (road bike and mountain bike), and hikers wonderful paths and trails to take advantage of. Tempe is another popular sports destination for golfing and also provides a great downtown venue for triathlon events.
Golfing is a highly popular sport across the entire Valley. Nearly every city in the Valley can boast of golf courses. Sun Lakes, a retirement community located South of Chandler has numerous golf courses that support its residents’ active lifestyles. Some more notable golf courses in the Valley include: Troon, Grayhawk, Club West, Sanctuary, The Raven, Ocotillo Golf Club, and Las Sendas.
Boating and fishing enthusiasts can take advantage of several major lakes that the area offers including Lake Pleasant, Bartlett Lake, Canyon Lake. Lake Havasue and Lake Powell are only a few hours away from the Phoenix area as well. Dirt bike and ATV enthusiasts will find the Dunes and other appealing locations also only a few hours away from the Valley.
And of course, the Valley does have the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, and the Phoenix Coyotes for fans of the sports teams!
The Valley offers something for just about every type of sports hobbiest and makes it a popular home for residents and a popular destination for visitors. Read more about Sports Venues.
