Home to over 1.6 million people, Phoenix, Arizona, is best known for its hot temperatures and beautiful desert landscapes. It’s also the largest state capital by population and the fifth most populated city in the United States.
Facts about Phoenix, Arizona
Born from Ruins
The Hohokam tribe are thought to be the first settlers of the Phoenix area. They made the valley habitable by constructing a widespread system of irrigation canals that reached over 135 miles. Some of these canals are still in use today. In 1868, after the U.S. had gained control of this area, John W. Swilling saw what the Hohokam had done and knew there was great potential in this land. His companion, Lord Phillip Darrell Duppa, suggested the name Phoenix because he felt it well represented a city being born from the ashes of a former civilization (i.e., that of the Hohokam).
No Daylight Saving Time
Since Arizona is a desert state with a surplus of the sun in the summer, this state doesn’t practice daylight saving time. State officials have previously stated that they didn’t feel it was necessary to stick people with an extra hour of the scorching hot daylight.
Lush Desert
Greater Phoenix is located in the Sonoran Desert. The Sonoran Desert has an elevation of 1117 feet above sea level. However, it’s not the typical dry desert you might imagine. Rather, this desert is one of the greenest and rain-drenched deserts in North America. In fact, it typically sees three to 15 inches of rainfall each year.
Top Destination for Golf
With almost 200 golf courses, Phoenix is a top destination for golf enthusiasts. Furthermore, its dry climate and nearly year-round sunshine provide ideal conditions for play.
LGBTQ Friendly
The Melrose District of Central Phoenix features a large concentration of LGBT-friendly businesses. This area also offers plenty of nightly activities for this community, including bars and nightclubs. Furthermore, Phoenix Mental Health services provide a specialty clinic for the LGBTQ community.
People move to Phoenix for a variety of reasons. Read on to learn the top five reasons why you should make the “Valley of the Sun” your next home.
Top 5 Reasons You Should Live in Phoenix, Arizona
1. Lots to Do and See
Phoenix is home to many interesting attractions. Even with the hot temperatures, tourists and residents alike keep Phoenix a flurry of activity.
There are a plethora of indoor and outdoor excursion options for people of all ages. For instance, both children and adults will delight in the exhibits at the Arizona Science Center, the Phoenix Zoo, and the OdySea Aquarium. For the folks who love air-conditioned museums, there’s plenty of those as well. Some highlights include the Phoneix Art Museum, the Heard Museum, and the Musical Instrument Museum.
If you enjoy the heat, then you can take advantage of the wide selection of parks and desert preserves that Phoenix offers. There are over 180 parks, with more than 200 miles of scenic walking trails and mountain biking trails to explore. Plus, because of Phoenix’s year-round warm weather, you can enjoy these parks at any time.
2. Educational Opportunities
In 1983 the Arizona Education Foundation started working with schools to design a challenging and stimulating educational environment and reinforce educational standards uniformly. To this end, the Arizona Education Association offers discounted continuing education for teachers so that they may, in turn, bolster the education of their students.
The city of Phoenix prioritizes education with their Dropout Prevention Program, which works with national state and local organizations to encourage kids to stay in school, and pursue post-secondary education.
Phoenix boasts over thirty school districts with 325 public schools and over 200 private and charter schools. As such, students and their parents have a plethora of choices when it comes to their education.
Additionally, students have a number of higher education institution options to choose from. Most prominently, Arizona State University offers over 300 undergraduate and more than 250 masters and graduate degree programs in 16 colleges in school. Renowned as one of the largest research-heavy institutions in the U.S., this university devotes over $385 million to research and development expenditures annually.
3. Real Estate Options
When it comes to finding the ideal home, people will have varying budgets and ideals. Fortunately, the city of Phoenix provides numerous options for all types of financial circumstances and lifestyle preferences.
A few of the best-known neighborhoods in Phoenix include Arcadia, Coronado, and Roosevelt Row, which are located near the Downtown core. These areas are best suited for younger folks as they offer an extensive nightlife scene, including bars, clubs, and restaurants.
For those seeking a slower-paced, quieter setting, there are a number of subdivisions and gated communities to choose from. Some of the most known of these neighborhoods are Agritopia, Anthem, and Paradise Valley.
However, no matter where you purchase real estate in Phoenix, it’s recommended that your home comes with a swimming pool or access to a nearby pool. This will be your saving grace during the sweltering summer months.
4. Diverse Food Choices
Phoenix features a wide demographic, offering a mixture of ethnicities and cultural experiences for all to enjoy. In particular, people will enjoy a variety of culinary palates.
Mexican food is a staple of Phoenix, Arizona. Here, you’ll get some of the most authentic Mexican food north of Tijuana. From gourmet patios and fine dining to taco trucks, you’ll be treated to an explosion of flavors and a variety of food.
If you tire of Mexican food, however, never fear. There’s plenty of other fantastic food choices available. You will find amazing pizzerias, such as Piazza Romana or Fire & Brimstone. You can also get unique specialties like the deep-fried rattlesnake at Rustler’s Rooste. Or, if you prefer more traditional American comfort food, you can visit restaurants like Welcome Diner or Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles. Whatever your palate desires, you’re sure to find something delicious in Phoenix.
5. Easy Navigation
Featuring a road grid that’s only interrupted by mountains, Phoenix is straightforward to navigate.
Cars are the preferred mode of transport for most residents, especially when traveling to attractions like desert parks. However, public transportation options are available and extremely affordable. For instance, the Valley Metro city buses travel along the main traffic arteries, and you can ride all day for the low cost of $4. There’s also the Light Rail. This system extends into the city’s suburbs and connects Phoenix to Tempe and Mesa.
Additionally, it stops at top attractions like Chase Field, the Heard Museum, and the Phoenix Art Museum. It also stops at the airport. Lastly, Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row Arts District is best viewed by bike, and the city’s bike-share program makes it easy and affordable to do so at only $7 an hour.
