• There are numerous freeway choices. Both Interstate 17 and State Highway 51 (Piestewa Peak Freeway) run the entire length of the area, north and south. Interstate 10 also cuts through east and west. Central Phoenix residents don't have to travel far to arrive at their destination, because their new homes are centrally located. It is the ideal place to call new home.

Phoenix is located in Maricopa County Maricopa County, to find out more information about the local headlines and events, . http://www.maricopa.gov 

*Cox is one of the local cable and telephone providers in the Phoenix Metro area, click here to learn more about their services.

http://www.cox.com

*Southwest Gas is the local natural gas provider, click here to learn more about their services and rates. http://www.swgas.com

*Qwest is another local provider of telephone and internet access providers click here for more information about their services, including long distance! http://www.qwest.com 

*APS is one of the local electricity providers in and around the Valley, click here to see if they service your area! http://www.aps.com 

*SRP is another local electricity provider, click here to see if they service your area. http://www.srpnet.com 

Central Phoenix Entertainment Living in the Central Phoenix area is great! The area is host to many restaurants, lots of shopping, theaters, museums, professional sporting events, and much more.

The Central Phoenix area is a true metropolitan city. The biggest draw to living in the Central Phoenix area is its proximity to many great restaurants, Bank One Ballpark (for Arizona Diamondback professional baseball games), America West Arena (for Phoenix Suns professional basketball, Arizona Rattlers professional arena football, and Phoenix Mercury women's professional basketball games), Herberger Theater (for plays), Phoenix Symphony Hall, Dodge Theater (for concerts and performances), Orpheum Theater (for concerts and performances), Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Science Center, Phoenix Civic Center, the Convention Center and much, much more.

You will find something is going on everyday. As the sixth largest city in the United States, the Central Phoenix area is in the heart. Central Phoenix Outdoor RecreationOne of the best perks, when selecting a new home in the Central Phoenix area is its location. Residents are literally in the center of everything. The Central Phoenix area sits inside a valley. A ring of mountain ranges flank the Valley of the Sun on its edges. To the south, South Mountain with the largest municipal parks in the United States, to the distant west the White Tank Mountains with a natural waterfall flowing during the winter months, to the north Piestewa Peak (Squaw Peak) and North Mountain both offering hikers wonderful trails, and to the east Camelback Mountain a rock climber's paradise with its red rock surface, the Central Phoenix area sits in the middle of it all.

Central Phoenix PropertiesThose arriving to the Valley of the Sun will soon discover that the Central Phoenix area is unique. Properties in this area are diverse. Newly constructed lofts or condominiums in the downtown Phoenix area have become very popular. There are also large acre sized properties with horse privileges and estates that edge the main street in Phoenix, called Central Avenue. Tall palm trees and old trees line the wide streets in several historic areas, such as Palmcroft and Willo. There are also new new home developments sprinkled throughout the city. There is something for everyone. To look at new homes in the Central Phoenix area, click here.

Central Phoenix History

As you look around Phoenix, it is hard to image what life was like in 1867. It was in this year that Jack Swilling created a canal company. He began channeling water from the Salt River.

This small beginning is how Phoenix received its name. The legendary Egyptian symbol of rebirth is the Phoenix bird rising from its own ashes. Travelers coming through Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport at Terminal 2 will see a spectacular mural. The mural depicts the Phoenix bird in all it glory. Travels will spot the mural high on the west wall in the main section of the terminal. From such small beginnings this metropolitan city has grown. Today, Phoenix's motto is “Vision, and values cascading into the future.” Central Phoenix Villages Phoenix has been recognized as “One of the Best Managed Cities” in the United States. The city has been broken down into 15 neighborhoods or villages. There are five villages (urban areas) that are included in the Central Phoenix area. These villages are: North Mountain Village, Alhambra Village, Encanto Village, Camelback East Village, and Central City Village. All of these villages are unique and have special characteristics. Phoenix is in Central Arizona .

It is in Maricopa County Maricopa County and is the capital of Arizona . It is at the heart of the state and has earned the nickname "Valley of the Sun" or "The Valley". The name refers to over 300 days of sunshine the city receives each year and its location set amid the mountains. Phoenix is situated on a flat valley floor with mountains surrounding it on every side. Camelback Mountain and Squaw Peak are both landmarks and hiking spots.Estrella Mountain and South Mountain, which is a 12-mile wide chain of mountains divides the valley from the Sonoran desert to the south. Mc Dowell Mountain is a mountain preserve at the north of the valley and the Superstition Mountains in the east.All of these mountains provide a spectacular scenic backdrop for the valley. Phoenix covers 496 square miles. Phoenix is the center of almost everything in Arizona- population, government, industry, finance, business, agriculture, fine arts, sports and much more. Phoenix began as a small farming town. Today Phoenix's population is over 1.3 million.

The town sits at an elevation of 1,090 feet. The Valley has a warm southwestern climate with a summer high Temperature of 105 degrees and a winter low Temperature of 34 degrees. Most will agree that Phoenix is the ideal place to start your excursions to other the parts of the state, although there is so much to see and do in town too. There are so many attractions in the Phoenix area; it is difficult to decide where to begin. The Heard Museum is known around the world for its mission of preserving the Native American past. The museum does a tremendous job with its displays and outstanding artwork collections. Visitors will want to make it one of their stops to learn more about the history of the Southwest. If shopping is your thing, then the Arizona Biltmore is the place for you. The Biltmore has upscale shops and wonderful restaurants.

The outdoor mall has been around for a long time and is a popular weekend window-shopping destination. Another great shopping spot in downtown Phoenix is the Arizona Center.This is another outdoor mall with great restaurants and nightlife. The Phoenix Zoo is a perfect place to go to see some interesting animals. There are camels, snakes, giraffes and the speckled bear. You will want to make a day of it. The Arizona Science Museum is the place to go if you have young ones. This hands-on museum allows children to experience scientific theories and be a part of the learning. The Desert Sky Pavilion has many bands perform in its outdoor amphitheater.

There is seating for 18,000 and at least 50 major shows make there stop at the pavilion each year. You will find many outdoor activities in the Valley of the Sun. The Phoenix Mountain Preserve is the largest municipal park in the United States with more than 24,000 acres. There are many mountain parks that are a part of the preserve. South Mountain Park stretches 16,500 acres and is a part of the chain of desert mountain parks ringing the city. Squaw Peak Park and North Mountain Park are both very popular hiking areas.Many people use these trails on a daily basis. Papago Park is a wonderful place to see spectacular red rock formations. The views from the park of the city are terrific. Encanto Park is a lush green park with meandering water ways located in the center of Phoenix. The children's amusement park located at Encanto is a great place to take little ones.

History The Hohokam Indians came to this area over 2,000 years ago. They built networks of irrigation ditches and used the water from the Salt River. Their community flourished for nearly 1,500 years, until they vanished. The Hohokams named after the Piman word for "the people who have gone" disappeared from the valley leaving behind their sophisticated network of ditches. John Y.T. Smith was the first white settler in the area. He chose the site to start cutting hay because of the remains of the canal ditches left behind by the Hohokam Indians. Smith invited his friend Jack Swilling from Wickenburg to come out to his place.Jack liked what he saw, so in 1867 he formed a canal company.It is believed that Darrell Duppa, an educated Englishman came up with the name Phoenix.

Duppa suggested that just as the mythical Egyptian bird the Phoenix rose from its ashes and flew, so did the place where the Hohokams built their canals system be reborn again.Phoenix was filed as a town site in 1872. It was during this time that cotton became a main crop in the valley. In 1887, the railroad arrived in town. Then two years later Phoenix became the territorial capital. When the construction of the Roosevelt Dam was completed the town's growth increased. The dam ensured that there was dependable source of irrigation water.Then in 1912, Arizona became a state and Phoenix became the capitol. During the 1950's Phoenix spread out 17 square miles. It was a small western town that was best known for its ideal climate for those suffering from asthma.

However, gradually the city and state became known for more than just climate. The "Five C's" soon became the points that were the mainstays of the city and state. The C's referred to climate, citrus, copper, cotton and cattle.But it wasn't until the encroachment of World War II that Phoenix really began to grow. Arizona 's ideal weather was perfect for air flight. Soon military airfields and the defense industry headed to Phoenix to set up shop. Phoenix had the work force and the land needed to set up plants for creating a military buildup. After the war, families headed west to start a new beginning. Then air-conditioning became standard, which made the desert summers bearable. Today tourism has become a leading industry.

The Phoenix area or "Valley of the Sun" is a haven for winter visitors. Tourism also makes Phoenix a great place to live. There are numerous restaurants, shopping areas and recreational spots for all to enjoy. The relaxed and casual living make Phoenix a desirable place to live and visit. Phoenix has grown to over 430 square miles and continues to be a town of new opportunities and growth. Visit http://www.Phoenix.gov

Phoenix

Utilities

Qwest.800-244-1111

AT&T..800-222-0300

Cox Cable623-594-1000

Direct TV....888-238-7177

APS (electric)................602-371-7171

SRP (electric).................602-236-8888

Southwest Gas......................602-861-1999

Frequently Called Numbers

Emergency..9-1-1

Poison Control.....602-253-3334

Police.....602-262-6151

: 620 W Washington St, Phoenix 85003

Fire Dept..602-495-5555

: 150 S 12^th St, Phoenix 85034

Garbage:

-City of Phoenix.602-262-7251

-Allied Waste...480-982-1961

Water/Sewer..602-262-6251

: City of Phoenix

School Districts:

-Alhambara Elementary...602-336-2920

: 4510 N 37^th Ave, Phoenix 85019

-Balsz..602-629-6400

: 4825 E Roosevelt, Phoenix 85008

-Cartwright..623-691-4000

: 3401 N 67^th Ave, Phoenix 85033

- Cave Creek Unified...480-575-2000

33606 N 60^th St, Scottsdale 85262

-Creighton.602-381-6000

: 2702 E Flower St, Phoenix 85016

-Deer Valley Unified623-445-5000

: 20402 N 19^th Ave, Phoenix 85027

-Fowler Elementary.623-707-4560

: 1617 S 67^th Ave, Phoenix 85043

-Isaac...602-445-6700

: 3348 W McDowell Rd, Phoenix 85009

-Laveen Elementary.602-237-9100

: 9401 S 51^st Ave, Laveen 85339

-Litchfield Elementary623-535-6000

: 553 Plaza Cir, Litchfield Park 85340

-Madison...602-664-7900

: 5601 N 16^th St, Phoenix 85016

-Murphy Elementary..602-353-5000

: 2615 W Buckeye Rd, Phoenix 85009

-Osborn602-707-2000

: 1226 W Osborn Rd, Phoenix 85013

-Paradise Valley Unified...602-867-5100

: 15002 N 32^nd St, Phoenix 85032

-Pendergast..623-772-2200

: 3802 N 91^st Ave, Phoenix 85037

-Phoenix Elementary...602-257-3755

: 1817 N 7^th St, Phoenix 85006

-Phoenix Union High School...602-764-1100

: 4502 N Central Ave, Phoenix 85012

-Riverside..602-477-8900

: 1414 S 51^st Ave, Phoenix 85043

-Roosevelt Elementary..602-243-4800

: 6000 S 7^th St, Phoenix 85042

-Washington Elementary.602-347-2600

: 4650 W Sweetwater, Glendale 85304

-Wilson...602-681-2200

: 3025 E Fillmore, Phoenix 85008

Library602-262-4636 (press 1, 3)

: Burton Barr Central Library

: 1221 N Central Ave, Phoenix 85004

Newspapers:

-Arizona Republic.602-444-4444

: 200 E Van Buren St, Phoenix 85044

-Arizona Capital Times..602-258-7026

: 1835 W Adams St, Phoenix 85007

-Business Journal.602-230-8400

: 101 N 1^st Ave #2300, Phoenix 85003

-Northeast Phx Independent..623-445-2819

   11000 N Scottsdale Rd #210, Scottsdale 85254

-Anthem/Deer Valley Independent..623-972-6101

: 10220 W Bell Rd # 116, Sun City 85351

-Northeast Phoenix Times..480-315-1474

: 7432 E Stetson #230, Scottsdale 85251