Phoenix is a mountainous oasis for residents and visitors alike — no wonder, seeing that Arizona is known as a the Grand Canyon State. As the state's capital, this Southwest city has become a prominent hub for business and culture in the region.
Moving from a primarily agricultural economy during the past two decades, the city's economy has diversified as rapidly as the population has grown. A large employer in the area is the local government and municipalities. Arizona State University has also enhanced the area's population through education and its growing research capabilities. Numerous high-tech and telecommunications companies have also recently relocated to the area. In recent years, many Internet companies, such as Google, eBay, AOL, GoDaddy.com, have found a home in Phoenix. The warm climate in the winter has attracted droves of tourists to the Arizona's many recreational attractions, which include world-class golf courses and water parks.
While Phoenix has a thriving retirement community, many young families have moved to the city for its affordable housing and expanding job opportunities. Public education in the Phoenix area is provided in over 30 school districts. The Phoenix Union High School District operates most of the public high schools in the city, and Charter schools such as North Pointe Preparatory School also exist.
Ranch-style homes commonPhoenix is divided up into 15 urban villages. Inside some of the villages are well-known neighborhoods, or districts. These urban villages are: Ahwatukee Foothills; Alhambra; Camelback East; Central City; Deer Valley; Desert View; Encanto; Estrella; Laveen; Maryvale; North Gateway; North Mountain; Paradise Valley; South Mountain and Rio Vista. Rio Vista was created as New Village in 2004 and is currently very sparsely populated, with little development expected in the near future.
Commonly referred-to Phoenix regions and districts include Downtown, Midtown, West Phoenix, North Phoenix, South Phoenix, Biltmore Area, Arcadia, Sunnyslope, Ahwatukee.
Ranch-style homes are common in Phoenix. These ranches are typically constructed of red brick, with roofs stretching out beyond the walls to provide shade and protection from the desert heat. But modern-style homes are becoming more abundant in the Phoenix area as well, particularly in upscale and foothills neighborhoods. These more modern designed homes utilize large glass panels along the homes facade and walls. The ceilings are typically high and the floor plans tend to be more open. The median home price in the city is $237,000, while moderate luxury homes can go for $600,000 to $800,000.
The locals in Phoenix love taking advantage of the Arizona Opera, Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park and any number of world class restaurants and shopping venues spread throughout the Valley. This Southwest gem truly offers something for everyone, so start your Phoenix real estate search today!
Sources and more information:
http://www.arizonaguide.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix,_Arizona
http://phoenix.gov/
Community Information for 85021*
| Population | 43,548 |
| Median Age | 31.64 |
| Median Household Income | $44,764 |
| Households with Children | 28.94% |
| Median Travel Time to Work | 21.4 minutes |
*Based on zipcode 85021 at the center of this area.
Real Estate Market Information
| Median Home Sale Price | $219,000 |
| Annual Turnover Rate | 26.3% |
| In current residence 5+ years | 24.91% |
| Median years in residence | 2.4 |
| Homes Owned | 38.54% |
| Homes Rented | 52.44% |
| Homes Vacant | 9.02% |
See More Neighborhood Snapshots Around Phoenix