It is no wonder Phoenix is one of the fastest growing areas in the United States.  Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, was named the “Best Managed City in the World” by Bertelsmann Foundation of Germany.  It was also honored as the “Best Managed City in America” by another well-known financial publication on more than one occasion.

Although there are many reasons people move to the Phoenix area, the number one reason is the weather.  This low desert area is surrounded by mountains, forming a large valley, which became known as The Valley of the Sun.  The natural desert areas consist of stands of Saguaro cactus and other varieties of cactus, creosote and other desert bushes, and lots of other wildflowers.  The climate is fabulous, averaging more than 300 days of sunshine per year!  The sunny days provide the most spectacular sunsets found anywhere in the world!  Winters are very mild with daytime temperatures averaging 67° - 77°.  In Spring and Fall, temperatures range from the 70’s to 90’s.  Summer high temperatures average over 100°.  In this extremely dry climate, the average rainfall is just 7.5 inches per year.

Phoenix has a multi-dimensional economic base where no one industry dominates the work force.  Some of the prominent industries in the Valley of the Sun include aerospace, resort/tourism, distribution/warehousing, transportation and construction.

The West Valley certainly mirrors that mix of industry.  However, it has a very unique economic engine, which also spurs growth.  It is Luke Air force Base, the training site for F-16 pilots.  Some of the more prominent West Valley employers include Lockheed Martin (Aerospace), Aviation Management Systems, Inc. (aviation), Luke Air Force Base (defense), Rubbermaid (manufacturing), Poor Brothers, Snyders and Del Monte (food manufacturers), Wal-Mart (warehouse/distribution), and Kroger and Albertsons (grocery warehouse/distribution).  The West Valley is a major destination for winter visitors (affectionately referred to as “Snowbirds”).  As they flock to Arizona, the economy is further stimulated, and they impact several industries.  Many own a second home here.

The West Valley communities of Goodyear, Avondale, Litchfield Park, Tolleson, Buckeye, Peoria, Glendale, Surprise, Sun City, Sun City West and El Mirage are experiencing tremendous growth, yet in general, the area maintains a rural flavor.  For example, it is one of the major cotton-producing areas in Arizona.  All are positioned for long term growth.  Favorable land prices in the West Valley translate to lower housing costs for consumers.  In addition, excellent transportation routes allow easier commutes.  This combination has brought about the presence of several outstanding master-planned communities, including Palm Valley, Estrella Mountain Ranch, Verrado, Pebble Creek, Litchfield Park, Arrowhead Ranch, Sun City Grand, Sun City West and Sun City to name just a few.

Sports fans get an endless supply of major and minor professional sports, as well as major college and junior college athletics.  The Valley of the Sun is a hub for Major League Baseball Spring Training.  It has very successfully hosted a Super Bowl and is the host site for the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, which is part of the college Bowl Championship Series.  In addition, Avondale is the home of Phoenix International Raceway, a major venue for NASCAR and Indy races.

Recreational opportunities also abound.  Known worldwide as a golfer’s paradise, there are more golf courses than you can imagine, with new ones constantly under construction.  If you don’t play now, you probably will after you move here.  If you are a golfer, you’re in for a treat!  There are also many hiking trails in the mountains surrounding the valley.  There is a tremendous variety of wildlife in Arizona, creating opportunities for nature photography, hunting and fishing.  Campers, bring your gear!  Because Arizona is only approximately 17% privately owned, you will probably never need to camp twice in the same place.  However, you will undoubtedly find some favorite spots.  And, of course, you can’t mention Arizona without thinking of the Grand Canyon, one of the “seven wonders of the world.”  It is one of the most awe-inspiring sites you can ever experience.

Entertainment and cultural activities are plentiful.  Museums, civic centers, amphitheaters, and indoor venues throughout the valley provide opportunities to enjoy concerts, theater, history, science, native culture, trade shows and the like.

If you want a taste of the “old west”, Goodyear hosts the annual Goodyear Rodeo Days.

Arizona is about diversity, and Phoenix and the West Valley are not exceptions to that diversity.  To learn more about Arizona, Phoenix, Goodyear and other West Valley communities, see my links page.