Welcome to Phoenix
Nicknamed "Valley of the Sun" for receiving more than 325 days of sunshine a year, most locals just refer to it as the Valley - as in the region's official name, the Salt River Valley.
Historically, the name Phoenix - a legendary Egyptian symbol of rebirth - was chosen by the early founders because the city was built on the ruins of the ancient Hohokam civilization. The wide Salt River ran through the Valley of the Sun, but there was little rain and no melting snow to moisten the brown earth. The industrious, enterprising and imaginative Hohokam built an irrigation system, consisting of 135 miles of canals still in use today, causing the land to become fertile.
By 1868, a small colony had formed approximately four miles east of the present city and Phoenix was incorporated in 1881. The casual, easy growth that characterized the farming community slowly grew into a young metropolis. The Valley's explosive growth began during World War II when military airfields were built in the area because of its near-perfect flying weather. Many diverse industries soon followed.
As Arizona’s capital and largest city, Phoenix has a reputation as a preferred place to work and do business. Many neighborhoods feature quiet, tree-lined streets, manicured parks, a multitude of community services, and housing costs that are among the lowest of all major cities, making it a beautiful place to raise a family. The bright sunshine, superb outdoor recreation, major sports events, and superior cultural attractions make Phoenix a very desirable place to live a quality urban life.
The city has a unique architectural tradition after Frank Lloyd Wright built his winter home in Phoenix and the main campus for The Frank Lloyd School of Architecture. Since then, many architects and firms have made Phoenix their home, shaping the landscape.
Phoenix is overflowing with exciting and interesting attractions and activities that appeal to any age and people of many interests. Parks, amusement centers and highly acclaimed science and nature attractions are abundant in Phoenix. Due to the sunny nature and temperate climate, outdoor venues and activities are plentiful. For the sports enthusiast, Phoenix has garnered well-earned praise for being one of the world’s top five golf destinations.
Word-class facilities in downtown Phoenix highlight everything from Broadway hits to lyric opera and international artists performing in every medium. The Phoenix Symphony Orchestra has been performing since 1947. The Orchestra, Arizona Opera, and Ballet Arizona all perform at Symphony Hall, with additional occasional outdoor performances. Concerts are held regularly at the Talking Stick Resort and the Comerica Theatre, drawing in world renowned talent from all over.
