Quezi

Arizona State Capitol - courtesy jimbowen0306 - CC-BY

Phoenix is the state capital and largest city in Arizona.  It, like Juneau, Alaska, is one of the largest cities in the country by area.  It also happens to be the 5^th largest city in the United States by population.  Phoenix was founded in 1868 and incorporated as a city in 1881.

Why a city in the middle of the desert?  Would you believe ‘agriculture?’

The Salt and Verde Rivers of Arizona were exploited for large-scale agriculture by Native Americans as early as the 11th century. They built canal systems and a network of towns and villages.  The city’s very name reflects its history as a city “reborn from the ashes” of the previous Native American civilization. To learn more of this, visit Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park, the US’s only city-operated archaeological site, exploring and interpreting the pre-Columbian Hohokam Civilization.

Are you visiting with kids?  From the Phoenix Zoo to the Arizona Science Center to the Great Arizona Puppet Theater, there’s plenty of fun for families.  There is no reason 100 degree temperatures should hold you back. Don’t forget the Desert Botanical Garden.  This beautiful botanical garden has stunning plants and flowers as well as special exhibits and Children’s program activities.

Phoenix is an excellent city for diners.  Though the city is spread out and one may have to drive a bit, just about any kind of dining experience one wants may be found somewhere in the Phoenix area.  Shoppers will find the malls and chain department stores found in any large American city but there is an emphasis on art and things trendy.  Phoenix is the perfect city to shop if one wants to keep on the cutting edge of fashion and decor.

Phoenix is a popular vacation spot. But much of the city should be avoided at night.  Downtown Phoenix is safe during the day, but if visiting downtown at night (such as a Diamondbacks or Suns game), always go with a group.  Phoenix also has one of the highest car theft rates in the country, with a car stolen every 7 minutes.  In every part of Phoenix, just use common sense and watch your surroundings.

Phoenix has a desert climate, with very hot summers and temperate winters. In fact, Phoenix has the hottest weather of any major city in the United States. The average high temperatures are over 100 F (40 C) for three months out of the year, and have spiked over 120 F (50 C). Phoenix averages only 5 days per year where the temperature drops to or below freezing.

Phoenix is served by Sky Harbor International Airport.  Public transportation is bus, light rail and taxi.

Phoenix population is 1,567,924 (2008).  The metro area is 4,281,900.

1 is the international calling code for the United States

602, 480, 623, 520 are the area codes for Phoenix.

For more information about Phoenix