Phoenix, Arizona’s largest city as well as its capital, is located in the southern region of Arizona on the banks of the Salt River surrounded by the scenic landscape of mountains and the Sonoran Desert. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it is no wonder that Phoenix is “The Valley of the Sun." In 2006, Phoenix was estimated the fifth largest city in the United States and the thirteenth largest metropolitan area. Arizona has been recently named the second fastest growing state with Phoenix as one of the best large cities for doing business. The city’s growth has spurred a revitalization of the downtown, including Copper Square encompassing 90 square blocks of the city center with over 20 arts, cultural and entertainment venues and 90 restaurants, bars, and markets. Phoenix is considered a sports mecca and is one of the few cities with all four major league franchises. With more than 200 golf courses within 50 miles of Phoenix, the metropolitan area is considered one of the world’s top golfing destinations and hosts several major professional golf events, including the PGA’s FBR Open and the LPGA’s Safeway International. The city’s growth, booming local economy, vibrant cultural and recreational activities, and trendy restaurants and shopping make Phoenix one of the best places to live and work.

Theresa H. Vella, Partner-in-Charge

Year Founded: 1868
Population of Metro Area: 4.1 million

Major Corporations/Employers: Avnet, Phelps Dodge, US Airways Group, Allied Waste Industries, PetSmart, Giant Industries, Insight Enterprises, Meritage Homes, Pinnacle West Capital, Swift Transportation, Amkor Technology.

Cultural Offerings: Arizona Historical Society Museum, Arizona Opera, Arizona Science Center, Arizona State Capitol Museum, Ballet Arizona, Desert Botanical Gardens, Heard Museum, Herberger Theater, Heritage Square, Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Museum of History, Phoenix Zoo, Symphony Hall

Professional Sports: Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Phoenix Coyotes (NHL), Phoenix International Raceway (NASCAR), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), Phoenix Roadrunners (ECHL), Arizona Rattlers (AFL), Arizona Sting (NLL), Phoenix Flame (IBL)

Other Attractions of Note: Camelback Mountain, Deer Valley Rock Art Center, Encanto Park, Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting, Mystery Castle, Papago Park, Piestewa Peak, Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park, South Mountain Park