Located in Pinal County, the City of Maricopa has a story very similar to many of the outlying cities outside of the greater Phoenix Metro Area. Once a rural and far out location, Maricopa has experienced explosive growth over the last decade to around 45,000 total residents today. Maricopa, encompassing 31.9 square miles, is the only city in the entire nation to be bordered by two Native American communities, and is conveniently positioned between Phoenix and Casa Grande. Maricopa, much like many of the other major cities in the Valley, have its roots established in agriculture; however, has been continually growing and changing with the extreme influx of residential and retail into the surrounding area.  Since being officially incorporated in 2003, Maricopa has continued its growth and progress as a city, and has positioned itself as viable area to live for Arizona residents.

A shot of the gorgeous master planned community Rancho El Dorado.

History

Maricopa is one of the oldest communities in the State of Arizona and has experienced much change throughout its existence. During the 1800’s Maricopa Wells, the first location of Maricopa, served as a major access point for immigrants and travelers heading west to California during the gold rush. During the 1850’s and 1860’s Maricopa Wells again was an integral location as it contained a major stagecoach relay and mail station. In 1879 Maricopa Wells became known as Maricopa and moved its telegraph and post office to the south to link up with the Southern Pacific Railroad. During this time Maricopa was known as Maricopaville.

Marciopaville a gain made one more move about three miles to the east so that the community could more centrally located between both the Southern Pacific and Maricopa and Phoenix Railroads. After the railroad was relocated away from Maricopaville,  Maricopa began to establish itself as a more agrarian and rural society, cultivating a multitude of crops and cattle. When Maricopa was incorporated in 2003 it was the 88th city in Arizona to be incorporated and per the 2000 census had a population of 1,040 residents. Throughout the explosive economic growth and housing development during the 2000 to 2010 decade, Maricopa’s population had increased substantially to where it is today.

Employment

Maricopa is very much a ‘bedroom community’ in the fact that the majority of the residents of Maricopa commute in to work. Being situated south of Phoenix, many residents are commuting in to jobs located throughout Maricopa County during the week. However, with the explosive residential growth in the Maricopa area, retail jobs and commercial development have been moving into the area. Top employers in the area include Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, Global Water, Pinal Energy, and University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center.

Entertainment

Maricopa is continuing to grow its entertainment and dining options, since it has really experienced its largest share of growth over the past decade. A large entertainment draw in Maricopa is Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, located just south of the city. Along Highway 347 there are a multitude of shopping and dining options. Additionally, Maricopa is fairly close to the Promenade at Casa Grande, which contains a multitude of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

In addition to Casa Grande, Maricopa is also relatively close to Chandler and Ahwatukee, which both contain a multitude of entertainment and shopping options. Also, the new Phoenix Premium Outlets just off the Interstate 10 south of Phoenix, offer much for the price conscious and style minded.

Real Estate

Check out some of the listings in the Maricopa area below:

We're sorry, but there’s nothing to display here; MLS data service is not activated for this account.