Phoenix is also home to dozens of public parks that are open throughout the year. Encanto Park, for example, has picnic sites as well as areas for fishing and swimming. Verde Park has an elaborate playground as well as picnic and barbecue areas.

There is also a public library in Phoenix that has 16 branches. Together, the public library offers more than two million books, CDS, movies, and other resources.

Thirty-three public school districts serve the city of Phoenix. There are also a number of colleges and universities here, including Arizona State University’s main campus.

Most of the Greater Phoenix area’s major thoroughfares run directly through or near Phoenix. Interstate 17 runs north and south through the city and intersects I-10 in Phoenix’s central industrial district.

Highway 101 runs through the city’s northern area and intersects Highway 51 north of the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve. Highway 202 runs south of the city and curves west to intersect with I-10 north of Estrella Village.

Highway 303 runs west of the city but can be connected with by taking I-10 directly west into adjacent Litchfield Park. I-17 runs north of the city to also connect with Highway 303 as well as Highway 74.

Phoenix is the nation’s sixth-largest city, home to more than 1.4 million residents. People come to Phoenix from all over the nation and the world to live a relaxed lifestyle in a world-class city. This shining jewel in the Sonoran Desert boasts North America’s largest municipal park, South Mountain Park and Preserve, which covers more than 16,500 acres, offering residents more than 50 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Recreational opportunities abound in Phoenix and surrounding communities, which collectively comprise what is known as “The Valley of the Sun”. That is a well-deserved moniker – Phoenix basks in more life-enriching sunshine more than any other major metropolitan area in the country, with the sun shining during 85 percent of daylight hours. The city is also one of North America’s greenest and wettest deserts, thanks to as much as 15 inches of annual rainfall.

That great weather makes it easy to enjoy getting out of the house, year-round. Phoenix is a mecca for sports-lovers. It’s one of only 13 U.S cities that is home to teams representing all the major sports leagues: the Cardinals (NFL), the Diamondbacks (MLB), the Suns (NBA), the
Mercury (WNBA) and the Coyotes (NHL).

You don’t have to be a sports fan to find something to do in Phoenix – it’s home to world-class chefs working in some of the nation’s finest restaurants, stellar attractions (like the Heard Museum, Desert Botanical Garden, Taliesin West, Phoenix Art Museum, the Fleischer Museum, Arizona Science Center, the Hall of Flame, and the Pueblo Grande Museum and Cultural Park).

There are six lakes within a 75-minute drive of Phoenix, and other attractions within a few hours’ drive (like the red rocks of Sedona and The Grand Canyon) and, if you want to get away for the weekend, Phoenix boasts “The Nation’s Friendliest Airport”, Sky Harbor International.

The Greater Phoenix area is the corporate headquarters of five Fortune 500 companies and thriving high-tech manufacturing, tourism, and construction industries. Phoenix has been selected as an “All-America City” no less than four times, a testament to a quality of life unrivaled by any other American city.

Phoenix really has it all. For young adults, families, and active seniors, it’s a place to grow, thrive, and live life to its fullest. Come and see for yourself what makes Phoenix so special.

Phoenix

Phoenix is in Central Arizona. It is in 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.

Phoenix Communities

North Mountain Village
North Mountain Village has a variety of neighborhoods and properties. Homes range from older traditional along the Central Avenue corridor to newer properties in the foothills of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve to suburban neighborhoods in the western sections of the village. The diversity spreads from the more affluent properties in the Moon Valley neighborhood to the more affordable family homes in the Sunnyslope neighborhood. Close proximity to outdoor recreational areas are benefits to living in this village. Both the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and the Cave Creek Recreational Area are located within the North Mountain Village. Access to Arizona State University West is another feature of this area. The borders of North Mountain Village are 51st Avenue to Acoma Drive to 39th Avenue to Greenway Road/Parkway to 16th Street (extended) to Cactus Road and through the mountains to Northern Avenue.
Camelback East Village offers a variety of properties and neighborhoods. Most of the new homes in the area were built between 1950 and 1970. Prospective residents will find quiet neighborhoods. Living options range from single-family properties to condominiums. Large new homes and estates are also located in Camelback East Village.

this village has several notable local attractions that have made it a popular place to live. Children love the opportunity to visit the nearby Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Gardens. Families enjoy taking in a spring training game at the Papago Baseball Facility located within Camelback East Village.
Lofts, Condos, and Town new homes

However, two of the most popular attractions are Papago and Piestewa Peak (Squaw Peak) Mountain Parks. Each park draws visitors for a variety of reasons. Over 900 acres make up Papago Park. The park has an 18-hole golf course, fishing, and hiking. Piestewa Peak (Squaw Peak) Mountain Park has popular hiking trails and picnic armadas.

three five-star resorts also lie within the boundaries of Camelback East Village. golf course properties and resort style new homes edge these high style resorts making Camelback East Village a great place to work and play.
Camelback East Village Location

the borders of this village include the boundaries of both Paradise Valley and Scottsdale to 7th
Street, Northern Avenue to North Mountain to Piestewa Peak (Squaw Peak) Park to Grand Canal and the Salt River.
Desert View Village Property Overview
The distinctive lush Sonoran Desert symbolizes Desert View Village in the Northwest Valley. The village ranges from urban to rural land use. However, residents are drawn the areas outdoor opportunities.

Desert View Village maintains an extensive system of trails for hiking and riding. Residents enjoy the large sections of untouched Sonoran Desert, Cave Creek Wash, and nearby mountain ranges. The Cave Buttes Recreational Area is a designated city district park site located within the Desert View Village. The goal is to create a village-wide recreational circulation system. Desert View Village residents take pride in the outdoors and protecting the natural beauty of the desert environment.

Desert View Village Location

Desert View Village is bounded to the north by Carefree Highway, the Central Arizona Project canal to the south, the eastern city limits near Scottsdale Road to the east, and Union Hills on the west. To find out more about which properties are available in Desert View Village, click here.
Ahwatukee

Master planned developments, a desert setting, sprinkled with golf courses and lakes make up Ahwatukee (pronounced Ah-wah-too-key) Village. The name Ahwatukee in the Native American Crow language means House of Dreams or Magic Place of My Dreams. The name today symbolizes what Ahwatukee Village is to its residents. There are individuals who refer to the area as Ahwatukee Foothills.

Many families and commuters enjoy Ahwatukee Villages proximity to other parts of the Valley of the Sun. Being close to the East Valley and downtown Phoenix makes it easy to get around. Retirees are also drawn to the master planned communities with a selection of floor plans and prices. These communities also provide special amenities such as tennis and golf. Properties range from town houses and patio new homes to custom new homes, mansions, and large estates. Some master planned communities offer community centers with recreational and community activities. Surrounding these neighborhoods are retail and commercial areas, which make it convenient for residents. There is something for everyone in Ahwatukee. Ahwatukee Entertainment

Many people have found education is a priority in Ahwatukee Village. Outstanding elementary and high schools in Ahwatukee and Ahwatukee State University in Tempe, only a stone’s throw away from the community, make this village a popular place to live. Students don’t have to travel far to find a good school to attend.

Accessibility to other parts of the Valley of the Sun is done by way of Interstate 10 to the east. Both Tempe and Chandler are in close proximity to Ahwatukee. Retail and commercial businesses are located in and around the surrounding area. This makes it easy for residents to shop. As predicted growth continues, future roadway construction will take place making it even easier for residents.

Looming above and to the north of Ahwatukee Village, stretching the length of the villages northern border is South Mountain. This spectacular desert mountain gives any resident in the area terrific views. South Mountain is a park that encompasses over 16,000 acres. A cactus studded mountain range with a blue sky background is one of the perks to living in this village. More than forty miles of trails are available for hiking, biking, and walking. Outdoor recreation is part of living in Ahwatukee Village.

Ahwatukee Village is a special place. Outdoor recreation plays a large role in this community. Taking time to get out and share with others the outdoors through golf, hiking, or biking creates a friendly atmosphere that makes up Ahwatukee.
Several new home real estate development companies came together in the 1970s and purchased land at the south and eastern base of South Mountain. Originally this land was owned by the Ames family. The Ames was the first settlement in the area. They built their new home in Ahwatukee in the 1920s and called it Ahwatukee Ranch.
Ahwatukee Village Location

the borders of Ahwatukee Village are Interstate 10 to the east, Gila River Indian Community on the south, Gila River Indian Community/Pecos Road to the west, and South Mountain to the north. This area is sometimes referred to as Ahwatukee Foothills.
Maryvale Village Property Overview

Maryvale Village is the result of the beginning of the post-war housing boom. The village was developed into many planned neighborhoods. Today, Maryvale Village preserves its history with a wide variety of housing and neighborhoods. Properties range from mature homes to new single family subdivisions.

One of the many bonuses of living in the Maryvale Village is its easy access to freeways. Both the Loop 101 and Interstate 10 pass through. Loop 101 runs north and south and is located in the western section of the village. Interstate 10 travels east and west length wise on the southern most boundary of Maryvale Village. These freeway options give residents the convenience of traveling only minutes to downtown Phoenix.

Another area park is the Maryvale Baseball Park, on 51st

Avenue. This ballpark is the spring training home for the National League Milwaukee Brewers. Fans enjoy the state of the art facility, which features a recessed playing field and shaded concourse with uninterrupted views of baseball games. With 7,000 seats, visitors spend lots of time watching games in a fan friendly ballpark. This facility is a highlight for Maryvale Village residents.
Maryvale Village Location

Maryvale Village creates its perimeter boundary with Grand Avenue/Interstate 17 (Black Canyon Freeway) to 83rd

Avenue to McDowell Road to Indian School Road to El Mirage Road, to Bethany Home Road to 99th Avenue to Camelback Road.
Alhambra Village

Alhambra Village has a collection of homes built in the 1920’s and 1930’s. The village is known for its mature, single family homes. Affordable housing can be found in this community. Most Alhambra Village residents enjoy the ability to take part in the downtown entertainment and employment opportunities.

Alhambra Village Location

Northern Avenue to Seventh Street to Grand Canal to Black Canyon Freeway to Grand Avenue to 43rd Avenue are the boundaries of Alhambra Village. The village is north and west of Encanto Village, spanning both sides of Black Canyon Freeway.

Anthem Arizona

Anthem Arizona represents the highest level of quality and attention to detail. From Anthem’s inception, the Del Webb Corporation committed itself to building a community like none other. As Anthem broadens its horizons, Del Webb’s commitment to quality and value continues with the addition of new builders within the community. You can be assured that the premium standards in quality workmanship, design and service will make your home buying experience a rewarding one.