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About Phoenix, Arizona
Experience the vibrant culture and sunny skies of Phoenix, the heart of the Desert Southwest.
Phoenix, Arizona, often referred to as the 'Valley of the Sun,' is a thriving urban oasis amidst the expansive Sonoran Desert. Established in the late 19th century, Phoenix grew rapidly due to its agricultural roots and the advent of air conditioning which made the area's hot climate more bearable. Today, it's the fifth most populous city in the United States, known for its picturesque desert landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Phoenix boasts a diverse economy with strong sectors in technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. Its strategic location makes it a hub for distribution and logistics, while a steady influx of residents fuels the city's growth and dynamism. The city embraces its multicultural identity, with influences from Native American, Mexican, and American Southwest heritage evident in its festivals, architecture, and cuisine.
A city of innovation and opportunity, Phoenix is also notable for its commitment to sustainability and green energy initiatives. Residents and visitors alike enjoy cultural attractions like the Phoenix Art Museum, vibrant nightlife, and a thriving food scene that celebrates local produce and diverse culinary traditions. With year-round sun and numerous outdoor recreational activities, Phoenix offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty that captivates all who visit.
The basics
- Population
- 1.7M
- Median age
- 34.6 years
- Area
- 517.6 sq mi
- Elevation
- 1,086 ft
- County
- Maricopa County
- Metro area
- Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ Metro Area
Work and housing
- Median household income
- $57,659
- Median home price
- $418,000
- Cost of living (US = 100)
- 103
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- Job growth
- 4.1%
- Households renting
- 44.3%
Schools and colleges
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 30.8%
- High school graduation
- 80.7%
- Going on to college
- 62.4%
- Schools
- 650
- Colleges and universities
- 4
- Students per teacher
- 18.2:1
- Public libraries
- 17
Getting around
- Average commute
- 26 minutes
- Highways
- I-10, I-17, US-60, SR-51, SR-101
- Public transit
- Valley Metro Rail, Valley Metro Bus
- Airports
- PHX - Phoenix Sky Harbor International, AZA - Phoenix-Mesa Gateway
Sport
- NFL
- Arizona Cardinals
- MLB
- Arizona Diamondbacks
- NBA
- Phoenix Suns
- NHL
- Arizona Coyotes
- Minor league
- USL Championship: Phoenix Rising FC
- Women's teams
- WNBA: Phoenix Mercury
- Venues
- Footprint Center (18,000), Chase Field (48,686), State Farm Stadium (63,400)
- College conference
- Pac-12, Western Athletic Conference
Living here
- Climate
- Desert
- Time zone
- America/Phoenix
- Area code
- 602, 480, 623
- ZIP codes
- 85001, 85002, 85003, 85004, 85005
Industries
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Real Estate
- Tourism
Landmarks
- Arizona State Capitol
- Mystery Castle
- Tovrea Castle
- Heritage Square
- Wrigley Mansion
Attractions
- Desert Botanical Garden
- Phoenix Zoo
- Arizona Science Center
- Phoenix Art Museum
- Papago Park
Museums
- Heard Museum
- Musical Instrument Museum
- Phoenix Art Museum
- Arizona Science Center
- Children's Museum of Phoenix
Parks
- South Mountain Park
- Papago Park
- Encanto Park
- Desert Botanical Garden
- Phoenix Mountain Preserve
Hospitals
- Banner University Medical Center
- Phoenix Children's Hospital
- St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
- Valleywise Health Medical Center