Phoenix

by The Linguist

Phoenix, Arizona – The Valley of the Sun

Phoenix is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Arizona. With over 1.6 million residents, Phoenix is the fifth most populated city in the United States and the only state capital with a population of over one million residents.

History

Phoenix was incorporated as a city in 1881 after being founded in 1867 as a farming community by Jack Swilling. The name “Phoenix” comes from the mythical firebird that rose from its own ashes, symbolizing the city’s rise from the ruins of an ancient civilization. Archaeologists have found evidence of human settlement in the area dating back over 2,000 years to the Hohokam people.

In the late 1800s, Phoenix became an agricultural hub supplying goods to nearby mining towns. The completion of the railroad to Phoenix in 1887 sparked rapid growth. By 1910, Phoenix had a population of over 11,000 residents. Throughout the early 1900s, tourism and the climate brought people to Phoenix for health reasons. The city continued to expand in the decades after World War II and experienced rapid suburban growth.

Today, Phoenix is known for its year-round sunshine, golf courses, resorts, and convention centers. It is also home to many high-tech and telecommunications companies. The metro Phoenix area consists of several suburbs including Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert.

Geography and Climate

Phoenix is situated in the central part of Arizona in the Sonoran Desert. It lies on the Salt River Valley with several mountains and hills spread across the Phoenix metro area. The average elevation of Phoenix is 1,090 feet.

Phoenix has a hot desert climate with very hot summers and warm winters. The average summer high temperature is 104°F while the average winter high is 67°F. Phoenix only sees about 8 inches of rainfall per year on average.

Demographics

According to the 2020 Census, Phoenix had a population of 1,608,139 making it the 5th most populous city in the U.S. The Phoenix metro area consists of over 4.8 million residents. Here are some key facts about Phoenix’s demographics:

  • White: 47.2%
  • Hispanic/Latino: 42.9%
  • Black or African American: 7.2%
  • Asian: 4.0%
  • Median Age: 33

Maricopa County is the most populous county in Arizona with over 4 million residents. Phoenix serves as the county seat. You can learn more about Maricopa County government services on their website or contact them at 301 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, (602) 506-3011.

Economy

Some of the major industries and employers in Phoenix include:

  • Technology – Microchip, Intel, ON Semiconductor
  • Healthcare – Banner Health, Dignity Health, Mayo Clinic
  • Financial services – American Express, JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo
  • Manufacturing – General Motors, Honeywell Aerospace
  • Government – Luke Air Force Base, Veterans Health Administration
  • Higher Education – Arizona State University, University of Phoenix, Grand Canyon University

In 2022, the unemployment rate in Phoenix was 3.6%. Phoenix has a diverse economy with strengths in high-tech, telecommunications, health care, tourism, and government services. According to the Phoenix Business Journal, the metro Phoenix GDP was over $237 billion in 2021.

You can learn more economic facts about Phoenix from the city’s Economic Development website.

Attractions and Things to Do

Phoenix offers many attractions for visitors and residents to enjoy:

Museums

  • Heard Museum – Showcases Native American art and culture. 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, (602) 252-8840
  • Phoenix Art Museum – Art museum with a collection of over 20,000 objects. 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, (602) 257-1880
  • Arizona Science Center – Features over 350 hands-on exhibits to explore science. 600 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, (602) 716-2000

Parks

Sporting Events

Phoenix is home to many professional sports teams and hosts exciting sporting events throughout the year:

  • Arizona Diamondbacks – Baseball team that plays at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix.
  • Phoenix Suns – Professional basketball team that plays at Footprint Center.
  • Arizona Cardinals – NFL football team playing at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
  • Phoenix Raceway – NASCAR track that hosts major racing events.
  • WM Phoenix Open – PGA golf tournament held in north Scottsdale each February.
  • NCAA Final Four – Phoenix will host the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four tournament in 2024.

Public Transportation

The Valley Metro public transit system serves Phoenix and the surrounding metro area with bus and light rail service. Some key routes include:

  • Valley Metro Rail – A 26-mile light rail system with 3 routes and 35 stations.
  • Bus Route 1 – Runs along Central Ave from Downtown Phoenix to Arizona State University.
  • Rapid Bus Route 512 – Connects Downtown Phoenix to Scottsdale via Camelback Rd.
  • Bus Route 72 – Links Desert Ridge to Downtown Phoenix via Scottsdale and Tempe.

Fares for Valley Metro are $2 per ride for a single trip or $4 for an all-day pass. Reduced fares are available for seniors, students, and riders with disabilities. Learn more at the Valley Metro website.

Phoenix Neighborhoods and Suburbs

Greater Phoenix encompasses dozens of cities, towns, and neighborhoods. Here are some of the major areas that make up metro Phoenix:

  • Downtown Phoenix – The central business district and home to government offices, sports venues, museums, and high-rises.
  • East Valley – Area including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and Queen Creek.
  • West Valley – Includes cities like Glendale, Peoria, Goodyear, Avondale, and Buckeye.
  • North Phoenix – Affluent residential areas like Paradise Valley and Scottsdale.
  • Ahwatukee -Phoenix neighborhood bordering Tempe in the southeast area.
  • Deer Valley – Sparsely populated desert community in northwest Phoenix.

Education

Public education in Phoenix is managed by dozens of school districts. Some of the largest districts include:

In addition, Phoenix has several large universities and community colleges including Arizona State University, University of Phoenix, Grand Canyon University, and Mesa Community College.

GPS Coordinates for Phoenix Landmarks

Here are GPS coordinates for 3 notable landmarks in Phoenix:

  • Chase Field Baseball Stadium – 33.445278, -112.066806
  • Heard Museum – 33.496918, -112.074129
  • Desert Botanical Garden – 33.453889, -111.942222

Local Resources

Here are some additional resources to learn more about Phoenix: