Phoenix

The City of Phoenix, the capital of Arizona and a major hub of the Southwest United States, is the 12th largest metropolitan area with a population over 1.5 million in the city (4.2 million including the entire Phoenix Metropolitan area). Spanning almost 518 square miles Phoenix is one of the largest cities in the United States by land area. Phoenix is also home to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the 10th busiest airport in the United States and 18th busiest in the world for passenger traffic. Additionally, Phoenix is well connected with two major interstates running through in addition to multiple state highways and freeways. Phoenix’s growing economy, infrastructure, and notoriety among visitors makes it a city that will continue to expand and develop its place both within the state and nationally.

Phoenix’s downtown is alive and active with a bustling community and active workforce.

History

The history of Phoenix is rich with its original inhabitants, the Hohokam, occupying present Phoenix almost 2,000 years ago. They developed intricate irrigation canals that made much of the dry and desert land arable. The founding of Phoenix dates back to post-Civil War era by a Confederate veteran by the name of Jack Swilling. By May 4th, 1865 Phoenix was recognized as a town.

By 1881 Phoenix was incorporated as a city and instituted a Mayoral-Council form of government. Phoenix continued its growth from there throughout World War II. Phoenix experienced its explosive growth in the 90’s and 2000’s with rapid residential expansion and new home construction.

Employment

Phoenix’s economy has made huge gains in the past decades transitioning from a primarily agricultural based economy to one that is thriving with highly skilled jobs and internationally recognizable corporations. Phoenix is home currently to four Fortune 500 companies: Avnet, Freeport-McMoRan, PetSmart, and Republic Services. In addition, U-HAUL, American Express, Best Western, Apollo Group (University of Phoenix), and Pinnacle West also have a presence in Phoenix. Also, with the presence of Sky Harbor International Airport Phoenix is positioned as a premier metropolitan area that is poised for growth.

With the light rail system in Phoenix, urban dwellers have found even more compelling reasons to call Phoenix home.

Additionally, both Arizona State University and the University of Arizona have a downtown presence offering advanced bachelor and post-bachelor degrees.

Entertainment

The City of Phoenix is home to US Airways Center, Chase Field, Comerica Theatre, Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix Symphony Hall, and Orpheum Theatre. In addition to all of these venues Phoenix offers almost too much to list for shopping, dining, and entertainment. From the Biltmore Fashion Park, Desert Ridge Marketplace, Desert Sky Mall, Kierland Commons, Metrocenter, Paradise Valley Mall, and Arizona Center, one will not have to search far in Phoenix to find outstanding shopping and entertainment centers.