“The Valley of the Sun" is a sprawling metropolitan desert area in the heart of the Sonoran Desert 1,117 feet above sea level. Think of hot desert air, a cactus-sprinkled landscape and Superstition Mountains so beautiful you’ll know what inspired so many western movies and Five Diamond/Five Star resorts than any other location.

Phoenix attracts 12 million visitors each year from all over the world and all walks of life. That special touch of inspiration began with Native Americans who tapped the mountains for spiritual rejuvenation.

You must be 21 years or older to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages in Arizona.

Phoenix attracts over 12 million visitors each year.

Phoenix is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the United States with 3.5 million residents.

African Americans are approaching 100,000 residents in the Phoenix metro area.

Known as a regional division town for high-tech manufacturing and construction, but three Fortune 500 companies call Phoenix headquarters: Avnet, Microage and Phelps-Dodge.

Phoenix is a “youthful city,” with more than 50 percent of the population between the ages of 18 and 54.

Phoenix was selected as the “Best Managed” city in 2000 by Governing Magazine,

Notable people who lived, retired or made their mark here

Mary Greene
1st documented person of African descent to settle in this area.

Jesse Owens
Famous 4 gold medal athlete from the 1936 Olympics

Elijah Muhammad
Leader of the Nation of Islam

William”Curly” Neal
Former scout for Bill Cody became an early hotel owner

Calvin C. Goode
Held office as councilman longer than anyone else in Phoenix history