The History

Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, is as colorful as the ancient peoples, immigrants and settlers who mold it.

The Ho Ho Kam people inhabited what is now Greater Phoenix until about 1450 A.D. They created the first major urban civilization in the Salt River Valley and developed a canal system that’s still in use today. In 1865, the U.S. government established Fort McDowell here, and settlers such as Jack Swilling began farming the land.

 By 1868 Swilling’s Mill became the new name of the area. It was then changed to Helling Mill, after which it became Mill City, and years later, East Phoenix. It was Darrell Duppa who suggested the name Phoenix, in as much as the new town would spring from the ruins of a former civilization and on May 4, 1868, Phoenix was born and officially recognized.

Click here for Phoenix’s city video: https://youtu.be/vovaRAk-olI

Things To Do In Phoenix

Phoenix is the capital for travel and hiking. National Geographic has even ranked it among the best hiking cities in America!

Hiking and Outdoor Activities

The city of Phoenix and its vicinity is affectionately known as the Valley of the Sun. With this being said Phoenix is surrounded by mountains, and the numerous small mountain ranges around it provide hundreds of miles of hiking trails for adventurers of all levels.

The high points are certainly some of the most popular hiking destinations, but you can also find easy walking trails that meander through the stunning Sonoran Desert landscape. Here are some that we can recommend: 

1. Tom’s Thumb Trail – The 3.9-mile North Side Loop Trail carries hikers through Phoenix’s beautiful foliage and breathtaking views. The reward is worth the effort for the breathtaking top view and a close-up look at Tom’s Thumb – a granite “bump” on the McDowell Mountain preserve.
2. Papago Park Trails – The Eliot Ramada and Double Butte Loop Trail is a 2,3-mile hike that leads around the base of some of the iconic sandstone buttes making this park so special and scenic. You don’t have to do the whole loop, you can easily walk up to Papago Buttes and come back without circumnavigating the butte. A large ramada with picnic tables at the base of Papago Buttes, providing a welcome break from the heat. 
3. Camelback Mountain, Echo Canyon Trail – The Echo Canyon Trail at Camelback Mountain is only 1.23 miles to the top but get ready to climb! You are going to climb just over 1200 ft, but believe us, the views are definitely worth the sweat!  
4. Piestewa Peak – The hiking trail to the summit is very popular because it is situated near the center of Phoenix and can be seen from almost every part of the city. It is a 1.9-mile trip to the top, gaining 1,200 feet of elevation on the way, and you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view.  
5. Shaw Butte Trail – located in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, is a spectacular 4.25-mile loop with panoramic views of the desert and city. 

Links:
https://www.planetware.com/arizona/top-rated-hiking-trails-in-the-phoenix-area-us-az-26.htm

Sports

Arizona’s Spring Training holds 15 teams in 10 stadiums, with well over 200 games. The Cactus League has a long history in the state and may be a dream vacation for a baseball fan.

As for baseball stadiums, Phoenix is best known for Chase Field, the downtown Phoenix stadium where the Arizona Diamondbacks play during their regular season. But the greater Phoenix area boasts more than Chase Field.

The 15 teams included in the Major League Baseball travel to Arizona for the Cactus League. The Association established a platform for the exchange of operational efficiencies, the development and maintenance of business relationships with the respective Major League Baseball franchises and the facilitation and involvement of Cactus League promotion and fundraising activities. 

The Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers all call Arizona their spring training home.

The Phoenix Metropolitan area holds claim to the greatest concentration of professional baseball facilities found anywhere in the United States with 10 facilities hosting 15 teams.

Find out more about the Cactus League 2020 schedule here: https://cactusleague.com/schedule.php

Link: https://www.tripsavvy.com/baseball-stadiums-in-greater-phoenix-4135130

https://cactusleague.com/about.php

https://www.howdareshe.org/visitors-guide-arizona-cactus-league-spring-training/

Family Fun

Here are some places that you can visit and enjoy with your kids:

Arizona Science Center – offers well over 300 interactive exhibits. A giant-screen theatre shows educational films and planetarium that boasts one of the largest domes in the west. https://www.azscience.org/

Enchanted Island Amusement Park – a 7.5-acre amusement park that features 9 rides and a variety of attractions.https://www.enchantedisland.com/

Phoenix Zoo –  the largest privately-owned non-profit zoo and operates on a 125-acre land in Papago Park. https://www.phoenixzoo.org/

Deser Botanical Garden
This cacti-filled Phoenix botanical garden is simply stunning—and massive. Tall, short, and flowering cacti and more desert plants, including wildflowers, are thoughtfully spread across five trails. It’s home to more than 50,000 plants. Remember to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and hats and sunglasses to protect everyone from the sun. Many trails are stroller friendly. https://dbg.org

Children’s Museum of Phoenix– expansive museum with 300-plus interactive play areas for babies to kid up to age . https://childrensmuseumofphoenix.org/

Roosevelt Row – A walkable arts district in the Historic Roosevelt and Grand Avenue in downtown Phoenix. Roosevelt Row begins from 7th Avenue and continues east to 16th Street. Home to art galleries and rehearsal spaces, restaurants, bars and boutique shops in a landscape full of vibrant street art. Link:https://www.rooseveltrow.org/arts-district/

First Friday Art Walk– Every first Friday of the month from 6-10 pm experience one of the nation’s largest, self-guided art walks. Tour over 70 galleries, museums, and art-related spaces to see a range of artworks and experience the city’s spirit and culture. Visitors are welcomed to free hop-on / hop-off shuttles on three routes through the arts districts of downtown Phoenix. www.visitphoenix.com/event/artlinks-first-fridays-art-walk/103168/ 

Link: https://www.10best.com/destinations/arizona/phoenix/attractions/things-to-do-with-kids/

Relax In Style

The best spas in Phoenix are renowned for natural spa treatments inspired by the serenity and elegance of the natural environments of the city.

Here are some resorts and spas that you can check out:

AJI SPA AT SHERATON WILD HORSE PASS RESORT & SPA – A state of the art 17,500 square foot facility situated on the Indian Community of the Gila River. Aji Spa offers a unique spa experience mixing breathtaking, desert-inspired architecture with signature spa treatments that combine indigenous elements and ingredients from the Southwest.

ALVADORA SPA AT THE ROYAL PALMS RESORT – The Alvadora Spa boasts one of the best spots in the city: the Royal Palms Resort and Spa in eastern Phoenix. where the luxurious spa menu is filled with Mediterranean-inspired treatments incorporating warm-weather elements such as citrus, eucalyptus, juniper and lavender, old architecture and serene garden paths set the mood.

ARIZONA BILTMORE A WALDORF ASTORIA  RESORT & SPA – People have escaped to this classic desert retreat since 1929, which includes spa packages, a salon and an extensive menu of spa treatments, where serenity and indulgence await within the 22,000-square-foot spa.

REVIVE SPA AT JW MARRIOTT DESERT RIDGE RESORT – is a 28,000 square foot sanctuary with 41 beautiful treatment rooms. the gentle sound of flowing water trickling from the spa’s central water feature setting the mood for a day of ease and relaxation.

RED DOOR SPA AT THE WIGWAM RESORT – The 26,000-square foot spa has a private, co-ed pool, sauna and steam room, 15 treatment rooms, three couples suites with Jacuzzis, plush chair and private balconies and patios. The spa is decorated with warm, Southwestern-inspired leather sofas, armoires and wood floors that feel both rustic and luxurious.

Link: https://www.10best.com/destinations/arizona/phoenix/attractions/spas/

Phoenix Best Dining and Shopping

Phoenix was once regarded as flatter than a pancake but is now becoming a foodie city to savor, a foodie oasis in the Arizona Desert. 

Persepshen

American food with far-reaching global touches: Mexico, China, India, Italy, France, focused on creating organic sustainable food. At Persepshen is about creating the most wholesome, natural and delicious foods. Foods which will awaken your senses, nourish your body and keep you coming back for more. At Persepshen, the scratch is real and deep. The Dwights, for one, make their own bitters. They make their own chorizo, harissa, tortillas, mostarda, and charcuterie. “If we don’t make it, we don’t serve it,” Jason says. “Right on down to the ketchup.  Visit their website www.persepshenarizona.com

Arizona Wilderness DTPHX

The pioneering, environmentally conscious brewery, owned by Jonathan Buford and Patrick Ware, recently opened a 650-seat beer garden on Roosevelt Row in downtown Phoenix’s arts district. At the new location, the burgers come as double deckers, duck fat fries are heaped on trays, and the drinks are still among the most surprising in the country. A few especially interesting beers on the menu come from an offsite “Woodnotes Cellar,” where imaginative brewers use various vessels like barrels, puncheons, and foeders to create eye-opening new flavors. Visit their website www.azwbeer.com

Barrio Cafe

Mexican, Southwestern, Latin: Bustling eatery serving creative Mexican fare & over 200 tequilas in cozy digs filled with folk art. Visit their website www.barriocafe.com

Saint Pasta

Saint Pasta was started by best friends from New Jersey who wanted to make high quality pasta fast and affordable. We focus on authentic Italian-American classics brought  from New Jersey to Phoenix. Visit them on IG www.instagram.com/eatsaintpasta

Shopping Destinations

•  Melrose District- a vibrant antique and vintage shopping district.
•  The Newton Shopping Center- a convenient central spot to find unique gift items.
• Phoenix Premium Outlets- an upscale outlet shopping destination featuring brand names.
• Tanger Outlets- a sprawling shopping complex which features 80 shops.
• Desert Ridge Marketplace- offers an upscale and interactive shopping experience in a family-friendly north Phoenix setting.

PHOENIX’S ECONOMIC & REAL ESTATE GROWTH:

Phoenix has an unemployment rate of 4.2%. The US average is 3.9% and has seen the job market increase by 3.3% over the last year. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 48.2%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%.

Tax Rates for Phoenix

– The Sales Tax Rate for Phoenix is 8.6%. The US average is 7.3%.

– The Income Tax Rate for Phoenix is 4.2%. The US average is 4.6%.

– Tax Rates can have a big impact when Comparing Cost of Living.

According to March, 2020 Cromford Report, the median home value in Phoenix is $290,000. Phoenix home values have gone up 5.9% over the past year and their Phoenix real estate market prediction is that the prices will rise 2.6% by May 2020. The median list price per square foot in Phoenix is $180.

The monthly median sales price of homes in  Phoenix is $357,398  
The median rent price in Phoenix is $1,495.

The Phoenix housing market forecast for the 3 years ending with the 3rd Quarter of 2021 is also positive. The accuracy of the Phoenix housing market trend prediction is 74%. Accordingly, LittleBigHomes.com estimates that the probability for rising home prices in Phoenix, Arizona is 74% during this period. If this Housing Market Forecast is correct, home values will be higher in the 3rd Quarter of 2021 than they were in the 3rd Quarter of 2018.

Phoenix Employement Opportunities

Phoenix is also a host to many of the world’s top companies and brand names. Here are some of the top employers in Phoenix:

1. Banner Health – 10,041 employees
2. American Express – 6,754 employees
3. Honeywell – 6,262 employees
4. Amazon – 6,083 employees
5. JP Morgan Chase – 6,060 employees

Link: https://www.phoenix.gov/econdev/major-employers