Phoenix & Maricopa County Local Guide

Phoenix is the capital and largest city in Arizona, the economic and cultural heart of Maricopa County, known for its Sonoran Desert setting, year-round sunshine, and rapidly growing metropolitan area. The city covers roughly 518 square miles, making it one of the largest cities by land area in the United States.

Mesa is the third-largest city in Arizona and a major community in the East Valley, known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, its growing downtown arts and culture district, and its location at the base of the Superstition Mountains. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the metropolitan area, Mesa combines established residential neighborhoods with major employers in healthcare, education, and aerospace.

Chandler is an incorporated city in the East Valley, known as a major technology and semiconductor hub, its vibrant downtown, and its family-friendly master-planned communities. As one of the premier employment centers in the Phoenix area, Chandler combines a strong economic base with a growing dining and entertainment scene.

Scottsdale is an incorporated city in the Northeast Valley, known as a premier resort, golf, and tourism destination, with a vibrant Old Town district, luxury shopping, and extensive desert preserves. As one of the most affluent communities in the Phoenix area, Scottsdale combines luxury living with world-class resorts, art galleries, and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, one of the largest urban preserves in the country.

Glendale is an incorporated city in the West Valley, known for its sports and entertainment district, its historic downtown, and its family-friendly communities. As one of the major cities in the West Valley, Glendale combines established residential neighborhoods with major attractions, including State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, and the Westgate Entertainment District.

Gilbert is an incorporated town in the East Valley, known for its rapid growth, its family-friendly master-planned communities, and its thriving Heritage District downtown. As one of the fastest-growing communities in the United States, Gilbert combines extensive residential development with a growing dining and entertainment scene.

Tempe is an incorporated city in the East Valley, known as the home of Arizona State University and for its vibrant college-town atmosphere, Mill Avenue district, and Tempe Town Lake. As a major educational and innovation center, Tempe combines a large university population with a growing technology and startup scene.

Peoria is an incorporated city in the West Valley, known for its rapid growth, its spring training baseball facilities, and its master-planned communities. As one of the major cities in the West Valley, Peoria combines established residential neighborhoods with newer master-planned communities, desert recreation, and major attractions.

Surprise is an incorporated city in the West Valley, known for its rapid growth, its spring training baseball facilities, and its family-friendly communities. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the Phoenix area, Surprise combines extensive residential development with golf courses, parks, and major attractions.

Avondale is an incorporated city in the West Valley, known for its NASCAR racing facility, its growing family communities, and its developing downtown. As one of the growing cities in the West Valley, Avondale combines established residential neighborhoods with newer master-planned communities and major attractions.

Goodyear is an incorporated city in the West Valley, known for its rapid growth, its spring training baseball facilities, and its location at the base of the Estrella Mountains. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the Phoenix area, Goodyear combines extensive residential development with desert recreation and major attractions.

Buckeye is an incorporated city in the West Valley, known as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, with extensive master-planned communities and vast desert landscapes. As the westernmost city in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Buckeye combines rapid residential development with a historic downtown and access to desert recreation.

El Mirage is an incorporated city in the West Valley, known for its historic downtown, its family-friendly communities, and its location in the northwest Valley. As a growing city, El Mirage combines established residential neighborhoods with newer development and a strong community identity.

Fountain Hills is an incorporated town in the Northeast Valley, known for its towering fountain, its scenic desert setting, and its small-town charm. As one of the most scenic communities in the Phoenix area, Fountain Hills combines residential living with panoramic mountain views, golf courses, and a walkable downtown.

Paradise Valley is an incorporated town in the Northeast Valley, known as one of the most affluent communities in Arizona, with luxury estates, world-class resort hotels, and panoramic mountain views. As a primarily residential community, Paradise Valley combines large-lot estate properties with luxury resorts and a small-town government.

Queen Creek is an incorporated town in the East Valley, known for its rapid growth, its family-friendly master-planned communities, and its agritourism attractions. As one of the fastest-growing communities in the Phoenix area, Queen Creek combines extensive residential development with a rural, agricultural heritage and a growing dining and entertainment scene.

Cave Creek is an incorporated town in the Northeast Valley, known for its rugged desert setting, its Western character, and its art galleries and local businesses. As a small, distinctive community, Cave Creek combines a rural, Western atmosphere with a vibrant dining and shopping scene along its main street.

Carefree is an incorporated town in the Northeast Valley, known for its upscale, relaxed desert character, its art galleries, and its mountain views. As a small, distinctive community, Carefree combines a quiet, residential atmosphere with a walkable downtown area.

Litchfield Park is an incorporated city in the West Valley, known for its small, upscale character, its historic resort, and its tree-lined streets. As one of the smaller and more distinctive cities in the West Valley, Litchfield Park combines residential living with a historic resort heritage and a walkable downtown area.

Tolleson is an incorporated city in the West Valley, known for its small size, its strong community identity, and its industrial and commercial development. As a compact city, Tolleson combines residential neighborhoods with a significant industrial and warehousing presence.

Youngtown is an incorporated town in the West Valley, known as the first planned retirement community in the United States. As a small, compact community, Youngtown combines its historic retirement community heritage with a growing, diverse population.

Guadalupe is an incorporated town in the East Valley, known for its small size, its deep Yaqui and Mexican-American heritage, and its cultural traditions. As one of the smallest municipalities in Maricopa County, Guadalupe combines a compact residential community with a rich cultural identity.

Wickenburg is an incorporated town in the northwest part of Maricopa County, known for its historic Western character, its ranching heritage, and its desert landscapes along the Hassayampa River. As a small, distinctive community, Wickenburg combines a historic downtown with a Western atmosphere and access to desert recreation.

Gila Bend is an incorporated town in the southwestern part of Maricopa County, known for its small, desert character and its location at the crossroads of southwestern Arizona. As a small, rural community, Gila Bend combines a historic downtown with access to desert recreation and a location along the I-8 and the Gila River.

Downtown Phoenix is the urban core of the city, known for its growing high-rise residential towers, its sports and entertainment venues, and its revitalizing arts and dining scene. Downtown encompasses several distinct districts, including Roosevelt Row, the Government Mall, the sports district, and the CityScape area.

Roosevelt Row is a vibrant arts and culture district in downtown Phoenix, known for its galleries, murals, restaurants, and the monthly First Friday art walk. As one of the city's most dynamic neighborhoods, Roosevelt Row combines historic buildings with new residential development, art galleries, craft cocktail bars, and a growing dining scene.

Midtown Phoenix is a central district between downtown and Uptown, known for its office towers, its growing dining and residential scene, and its convenient location along the light rail. As a primarily commercial and residential district, Midtown combines office buildings with new residential development, restaurants, and shops along Central Avenue.

Uptown Phoenix is a charming residential area in central Phoenix, known for its historic mid-century homes, its local dining and shopping, and its convenient central location. As one of the city's most desirable central residential areas, Uptown combines established neighborhoods with a growing commercial district along Central Avenue and Camelback Road.

Arcadia is an affluent neighborhood in central Phoenix, known for its lush landscaping, its Camelback Mountain views, and its upscale dining and residential character. As one of the city's most desirable residential neighborhoods, Arcadia combines established ranch-style homes on large, irrigated lots with a growing dining and shopping scene along Indian School Road and Camelback Road.

The Biltmore Area is an upscale district in central Phoenix, known for luxury shopping, resort hotels, and the historic Arizona Biltmore resort. As one of the city's most prestigious areas, the Biltmore combines luxury residential living with world-class shopping at the Biltmore Fashion Park and the Camelback Corridor.

Encanto is a historic neighborhood in central Phoenix, known for its namesake park, its mature trees, and its charming mid-century homes. As one of the city's most established residential neighborhoods, Encanto combines architectural heritage with a central location and access to one of the city's premier parks.

The Willo Historic District is a charming historic neighborhood in central Phoenix, known for its mid-century homes, its tree-lined streets, and its popular annual home tour. As one of the city's most established historic neighborhoods, Willo combines architectural heritage with a central location and a strong community identity.

The Coronado Historic District is a walkable historic neighborhood in central Phoenix, known for its charming bungalows, its tree-lined streets, and its growing dining scene along 7th Street. As one of the city's most established historic neighborhoods, Coronado combines architectural heritage with a central location and a strong community identity.

The Garfield Historic District is a revitalizing historic neighborhood in central Phoenix, known for its bungalows, its growing arts community, and its proximity to downtown and the Roosevelt Row arts district. As one of the city's most accessible historic neighborhoods, Garfield combines architectural heritage with a developing dining and arts scene.

The F.Q.

The Melrose District is a vibrant commercial corridor in central Phoenix, known for its LGBTQ+ community, its nightlife and dining scene, and its locally-owned businesses. As one of the city's most inclusive and vibrant districts, Melrose combines a commercial corridor along 7th Avenue with a strong community identity.

North Central Phoenix is a family-friendly area in central Phoenix, known for its established neighborhoods, its good schools, and its convenient central location. As one of the city's most desirable family areas, North Central Phoenix combines residential living with a commercial corridor along Central Avenue and access to the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.

Camelback East is an upscale area in central Phoenix, known for its luxury homes, its resort hotels, and its location at the base of Camelback Mountain. As one of the city's most prestigious areas, Camelback East combines luxury residential living with world-class resort hotels and access to hiking and outdoor recreation.

Desert Ridge is a master-planned community in North Phoenix, known for its shopping and dining destination, its family-friendly neighborhoods, and its desert setting. As one of the premier residential communities in North Phoenix, Desert Ridge combines newer residential development with the Desert Ridge Marketplace shopping center and the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa.

Norterra is a fast-growing master-planned community in North Phoenix, known for its desert views, its family-friendly amenities, and its location near the I-17 freeway. As one of the rapidly growing communities in North Phoenix, Norterra combines newer residential development with commercial centers, parks, and desert recreation.

Happy Valley is a growing area in North Phoenix, known for its desert views, its master-planned communities, and its rapid development. As one of the fastest-growing areas in the city, Happy Valley combines newer residential development with desert recreation and a location near the I-17 freeway.

Deer Valley is a family-friendly area in North Phoenix, known for its established neighborhoods, its good schools, and its access to desert recreation. As one of the established communities in North Phoenix, Deer Valley combines residential living with a commercial corridor along 7th Street and access to the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.

Sunnyslope is a historic, revitalizing neighborhood in North Phoenix, known for its mountain views, its mid-century character, and its growing dining and residential scene. As one of the city's most accessible historic neighborhoods, Sunnyslope combines established homes with a developing commercial corridor along Central Avenue and access to the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.

Moon Valley is an established neighborhood in North Phoenix, known for its mature trees, its golf courses, and its mountain views. As one of the city's most established residential communities, Moon Valley combines mid-century ranch homes with a country club atmosphere and access to the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.

Paradise Valley Village is a family-friendly area in North Phoenix, known for its established neighborhoods, its shopping centers, and its mountain views. As one of the established communities in North Phoenix, Paradise Valley Village combines residential living with a commercial corridor along Cactus Road and access to the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.

South Mountain is a diverse area in South Phoenix, known for its proximity to South Mountain Park, its desert hiking, and its mountain views. As one of the communities near the largest municipal park in the country, South Mountain combines residential living with access to extensive desert recreation.

South Phoenix is a diverse, growing area in the southern part of the city, known for its mountain views, its new development, and its rich community character. As one of the rapidly changing areas of the city, South Phoenix combines established neighborhoods with new residential and commercial development and access to South Mountain Park.

Laveen is a growing, semi-rural community in South Phoenix, known for its mountain views, its country atmosphere, and its rapid growth. As one of the rapidly developing communities in South Phoenix, Laveen combines established semi-rural properties with newer master-planned communities and access to South Mountain Park.

Ahwatukee Foothills is a family-friendly community in South Phoenix, known for its location at the base of South Mountain, its desert hiking, and its mountain views. As one of the most distinct communities in Phoenix, Ahwatukee combines established residential neighborhoods with access to South Mountain Park and a location that is geographically separated from the rest of the city by the mountain.

Maryvale is a large, established residential community in West Phoenix, known for its diverse population, its family character, and its mid-century homes. As one of the first master-planned communities in the Phoenix area, Maryvale combines established neighborhoods with commercial corridors and a strong community identity.

Alhambra is a diverse, central area in West Phoenix, known for its established neighborhoods, its convenient location, and its diverse population. As one of the established communities in central-west Phoenix, Alhambra combines residential living with commercial corridors and access to the light rail.

The Papago Park Area is a scenic area in east Phoenix, known for its proximity to Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Garden, and the distinctive red rock buttes. As one of the most scenic areas in the city, the Papago Park Area combines residential living with access to one of the city's premier parks and cultural attractions.

Old Town Scottsdale is the vibrant downtown district of Scottsdale, known for its shopping, dining, art galleries, and nightlife. As the premier entertainment destination in Scottsdale, Old Town combines historic Western character with modern luxury shopping, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

McCormick Ranch is a master-planned community in Scottsdale, known for its lakes, golf courses, and resort-style atmosphere. As one of the premier residential communities in Scottsdale, McCormick Ranch combines residential living with extensive recreational amenities and a convenient location.

Downtown Mesa is the growing arts and culture district of Mesa, known for the Mesa Arts Center, its light rail access, and its developing dining and residential scene. As the cultural center of Mesa, Downtown combines the largest arts center in the state with new residential development, restaurants, and shops along Main Street.

Ocotillo is a master-planned community in Chandler, known for its lakes, golf courses, and resort-style atmosphere. As one of the premier residential communities in the East Valley, Ocotillo combines residential living with extensive recreational amenities and a convenient location.

The Mill Avenue District is a vibrant college-town district in Tempe, known for its dining, nightlife, and shopping near Arizona State University. As the premier entertainment district in Tempe, Mill Avenue combines a college-town atmosphere with restaurants, bars, shops, and cultural attractions.

The Heritage District is Gilbert's thriving downtown area, known for its restaurants, shops, and a growing dining scene. As the premier dining destination in the East Valley, the Heritage District combines a historic small-town character with new restaurants, craft cocktail bars, and residential development.

The Westgate Entertainment District is a sports and entertainment destination in Glendale, known for its shopping, dining, and State Farm Stadium. As one of the premier entertainment destinations in the West Valley, Westgate combines the Arizona Cardinals' stadium with a mix of restaurants, bars, shops, and residential development.

Vistancia is a premier master-planned community in Peoria, known for its golf courses, desert views, and family-friendly amenities. As one of the most desirable residential communities in the West Valley, Vistancia combines newer residential development with extensive recreational amenities and a location in the desert foothills of Peoria.

Verrado is a master-planned community in Buckeye, known for its walkable village center, its golf course, and its location at the base of the White Tank Mountains. As one of the premier residential communities in the far West Valley, Verrado combines newer residential development with a traditional neighborhood design and extensive recreational amenities.

Estrella is a master-planned community in Goodyear, known for its lakes, golf courses, and panoramic Estrella Mountain views. As one of the premier residential communities in the West Valley, Estrella combines newer residential development with extensive recreational amenities and a location at the base of the Estrella Mountains.

Sun City is an unincorporated retirement community in the northwest Valley, known as the first large-scale active adult retirement community in the United States. As a pioneering retirement community, Sun City combines affordable homes with extensive recreational amenities, including golf courses, recreation centers, and clubs.

Anthem is a master-planned community in North Phoenix, known for its parks, its community center, and its desert setting. As one of the premier residential communities in North Phoenix, Anthem combines newer residential development with extensive recreational amenities and a strong community identity.

New River is a rural, unincorporated community in the far north part of the Phoenix area, known for its larger lots, its country atmosphere, and its desert setting. As one of the rural communities on the northern edge of the metropolitan area, New River combines semi-rural residential properties with desert recreation and a quiet, country lifestyle.

Waddell is a rural, unincorporated community in the northwest Valley, known for its larger lots, its desert views, and its semi-rural character. As one of the rural communities on the western edge of the metropolitan area, Waddell combines semi-rural residential properties with desert recreation and a quiet, country lifestyle.

Wittmann is a small, rural, unincorporated community in the northwest part of Maricopa County, known for its quiet, desert character and its rural atmosphere. As one of the small, rural communities on the northwestern edge of the county, Wittmann combines rural residential properties with desert recreation and a quiet, country lifestyle.

Tonopah is a remote, unincorporated desert community in the far western part of Maricopa County, known for its desert setting, its hot springs, and its location along the I-10. As one of the most remote communities in the county, Tonopah combines rural desert living with a quiet, isolated character.

Sun City West is an unincorporated retirement community in the northwest Valley, known as a companion community to Sun City, with golf courses, recreation centers, and an active adult lifestyle. As a retirement community, Sun City West combines affordable homes with extensive recreational amenities, designed for residents 55 and older.

Sun Lakes is an unincorporated retirement community south of Chandler, known for its golf courses, its country club atmosphere, and its active adult lifestyle. As a retirement community, Sun Lakes combines affordable homes with extensive recreational amenities, designed for residents 55 and older.

Rio Verde is a small, unincorporated community northeast of Scottsdale, known for its rural, country character, its desert setting, and its location along the Verde River. As one of the rural communities on the northeastern edge of the metropolitan area, Rio Verde combines semi-rural residential properties with desert recreation and a quiet, country lifestyle.

Morristown is a small, rural, unincorporated community in the northwest part of Maricopa County, known for its quiet, rural character and its location along the US-60. As one of the small, rural communities on the northwestern edge of the county, Morristown combines rural residential properties with desert recreation and a quiet, country lifestyle.