The Phoenix metropolitan area isn’t nicknamed The Valley of the Sun for no reason. Its warm, desert climate and urban environment make it an enticing place to stop in and see great Arizona attractions and spend time in the great American southwest.
At a population of 1,513,367, Phoenix is the most populous state capital in the United States, and in the past five years it has seen a population increase of 4.5 percent. Its diverse economic history has made it a successful business center for decades, as it has varied its investments in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, the military and construction.
In addition to the workplace variety, Phoenix’s residents are high school graduates at a rate of 80.6 percent and earners of bachelor’s degrees (or higher) at a rate of 26.3 percent. Phoenix is a political, social and cultural capital in the area, and visitors can stop at the Phoenix Art Museum or the Arizona Science Museum to learn more about the state’s commitment to education.
Architect Frank Lloyd Wright called Phoenix home for many years, but his buildings aren’t the only unique architectural beauties in Phoenix. Architecture is one of the city’s claims to fame, as many designers moved there to build desert-friendly homes — and many of these structures are still there today to admire.
And if you’re an outdoorsy person, the Phoenix area has some beautifully unique natural resources, from the famous Lake Havasu to the Petrified Forest, all close by to this quintessential southwestern city.