Phoenix is in Maricopa County and is the capital of Arizona . It is at the heart of the state and has earned the nickname "Valley of the Sun" or "The Valley". The name refers to over 300 days of sunshine. Phoenix is situated on a flat valley floor with mountains surrounding it on every side.

Phoenix is the center of almost everything in Arizona- population, government, industry, finance, business, agriculture, fine arts, sports and much more. Phoenix began as a small farming town. Central Phoenix Entertainment Living in the Central Phoenix area is great! The area is host to many restaurants, lots of shopping, theaters, museums, professional sporting events, and much more.

Sheer red sandstone cliffs and its telltale hump draw thousands of hikers to Camelback Mountain each year. Hiking to the top is not for beginning hikers -- the two summit trails are strenuous climbs over sometimes-tricky trails.

Together, Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain characterize the natural skyline of Phoenix. They offer city residents a nearby sojourn into the desert or an athletic hiking experience. The desert encounter is not perfect of course. There are often crowds of people all seeking solitude. And one is never really far enough from roads and other city noises to find complete solitude. Not withstanding, many desert plants and creatures eke out a living here and provide opportunities to observe ecology and behavior.

There are two entry points to this recreation area. The parking at the Echo Canyon trail head is limited - so much so that if the weather is nice the lot will always be full. The drive into Echo Canyon is just east of 44th Street and Tatum. To access the mountain from the east there is limited parking along Invergorden for the access to the Cholla Trail. Access by driving mile north from Camelback Road and 68th Street.

Central Phoenix properties those arriving to the Valley of the Sun will soon discover that the Central Phoenix area is unique. Properties in this area are diverse. Newly constructed lofts or condominiums in the downtown Phoenix area have become very popular. There are also large acre sized properties with horse privileges and estates that edge the main street in Phoenix, called Central Avenue. Tall palm trees and old trees line the wide streets in several historic areas, such as Palm croft and Willo. There are also new home developments sprinkled throughout the city. There is something for everyone.

Housing Cost

Single family housing; 3 bedrooms; 2 bath; range $123,000 - $10,750,000. Condo; patio home; town homes; lofts, range $135,000 - $4,500,000.  Commercial 4 plexes range $140,000 - $713,000

Demographics

Estimated population in July 2005: 1,461,575 Phoenix covers 515.1 square miles.  It sits at an elevation of 1,086 feet above sea level.

Climate

Phoenix, AZ climate is very hot during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 90's and cool during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 50's.

The warmest month of the year is June with an average maximum temperature of 99.90 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is December with an average minimum temperature of 40.90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 21 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 27 degrees Fahrenheit.

The annual average precipitation at Phoenix is 9.03 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is February with an average rainfall of 1.15 Inches.

Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com