Phoenix Metro

Demographics

• Phoenix covers more than 514 square miles and has a population of over 1.4 million people making it the fifth largest city in the country.

• Phoenix is a premier destination, with more than 300 sun-filled days a year and an average temperature of 74 degrees.

• More than 50 percent of the population is between the ages of 18 and 54, which is younger than the national average.

• The greater Phoenix area is a $50 billion marketplace driven by technology.  World-leading companies such as Intel, Avnet, Motorola, AlliedSignal, Honeywell, and Boeing Company have chosen Phoenix for their corporate and regional headquarters.

• Some of the major operations in Phoenix are American Express, Phelps Dodge, Prudential, Charles Schwab, and Mayo Clinic.

• Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is the fifth busiest in the United States and the world.

City Highlights

Museums/Performing Arts

Not only is Phoenix beautiful and vibrant in land, it is also beautiful and vibrant in culture, art, and history.  It is home to seven art galleries, six cultural attractions, 27 museums, and 15 performing arts and theaters.  Each gallery and performing arts theater enthusiastically showcases the art and history of the great Phoenix desert, which has been the source of inspiration for hundreds of years. 

From the Arizona Historical Society Museum in Tempe to the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix or from the Challenger Space Center in Peoria to the Scottsdale Center of the Performing Arts don’t forget that the best museum of all is the desert itself.  Here you can find ancient petroglyphs, active wildlife, and natural works of wonder.

Hikes and Trails

• With its sheer red sandstone cliffs, Camelback Mountain is not for beginner hikers.  The hike consists of tricky trails, making it difficult to make it to the top. This mountain draws thousands of hikers each year. 

• At about 2,100 feet, North Mountain is a landmark peak in Phoenix.  Though the hike may be difficult for some, once you’ve made it to the summit the panoramic view of the city is well worth the climb.

• Papago Park offers generally easy trails for walking or biking through its sandstone buttes, making it ideal for a family outing.

• The South Mountain Park/Reserve is over 16,000 acres of land, often being called the largest municipal park in the country.  There are 58 miles of trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking of all skill levels.

• Piestewa Peak, the Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area and Dreamy Draw Park offer everything from fantastic views to secluded valleys with dozens of miles of trails that allow you to enjoy the Sonoran Desert in peace.

• Note: North Mountain Park, Papago Park, and South Mountain Park/Reserve offer many wheelchair accessible trails. 

For more information about hike trails and parks in the Phoenix Metro Area visit www.ci.phoenix.az.us/

National Monuments

• Located in Apache Junction, the Lost Dutchman State Park allows you to hike trails adjacent to the Superstition Springs Mountain.

• The Casa Grande Ruins in Coolidge is a four-story Hohokam Indian Ruin occupied from 900-1450 A.D.

• The Auga Fria National Monument is home to at least 455 different prehistoric sites occupied between A.D. 1250 and 1450.

• The Grand Canyon is one of the biggest and most spectacular canyons in the world. With its breathtaking views the canyon attracts at least five million visitors each year.  

• The Hubble Trading Post in Ganado, AZ is the oldest continuously operating trading post on the Navajo reservation.

For more information about Arizona national monuments and parks visit www.arizonaguide.com/home.asp

Sporting Events

• The US Airways Center located in downtown Phoenix and is home to the Phoenix Suns, The Arizona Rattlers, The Phoenix Mercury, and hosts many concerts and shows each year.

• Located in Downtown Phoenix, Chase Field, previously Bank One Ballpark is home to major league baseball team Arizona Diamondbacks.

• Located in Glendale, the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes call the Glendale arena their den.

• Next to the Glendale Arena is where the Arizona Cardinals will soon reside in a new home of their own.  Later this year the Cardinals will kick off the new football season at the Cardinals Stadium in Glendale. 

Concert Venues

The best way to unwind after midterms or finals is to rock out to your favorite band.  Some of the major concert venues in the Valley include:

• Marquee Theater (North Mill Avenue across Tempe Town Lake)
• Dodge Theater (West Washington Street in downtown Phoenix)
• Celebrity Theater (North 32nd Street in Phoenix)
• Cricket Pavilion (83rd Avenue and Encanto Blvd. in Phoenix)