Phoenix, Arizona ... The Valley of the Sun

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 6 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #1,653 in Local, #180,668 overall

Phoenix, Arizona is the largest metropolitan city in the Sonoran Desert, which is the only place where the famous Saguaro Cactus grows in the wild. The Sonoran Desert averages 3 to 15 inches of rain per year, making it the wettest desert in the world!

It may be the wettest in the world, but desert living requires some major adjustments for people, automobiles, animals and city engineers.

Increased water intake, adequate cooling systems, and stringent emergency measures all require forethought, daily implementation and perioidic maintenance measures. 

Join me on the journey through Phoenix to learn more about the pleasures; and perils of desert living!

This beautiful oasis at the Phoenix Zoo offers a cool resting place during hot summer outings at the zoo.

God's Grace Notes... "Online Mayor of Phoenix, Arizona" 

Greetings, Fellow Travelers and Squid Citizens!

Welcome to Phoenix, Arizona!
We're delighted you have chosen to spend some time with us. Our fair city is filled with a veritable feast of cultural diversity.

I invite you to journey with me as I continue to build the online tour of our town, and learn more about the beauties of the Valley of the Sun.

We're glad you're here!

Phoenix and Surrounding Areas... Great Destinations! 

Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona & Central Arizona: Great Destinations: A Complete Guide

Amazon Price: $12.89 (as of 12/09/2009)Buy Now

Phil Gordon IS the Mayor of Phoenix! 

Mayor Gordon (c) All rights reserved

Mayor Gordon lists his top three priorities for Phoenix as Public Safety, Education and Jobs.

His record includes the Light Rail, ASU Downtown, two new downtown hotels, expansion of the Phoenix Convention Center and the passage of an $878 million bond program.

Visit his website to learn more about Mayor Gordon.

Mayor Phil Gordon 

Mayor Phil Gordon
The mayor's top three priorities for Phoenix are Public Safety, Education and Jobs

Appoint Yourself as Online Mayor of Your Zip Code! 

This lens is a Squid-Zipper lens... I've appointed ME as the online mayor of 85016!

Welcome to the Squid-Zipper Project!

Now, with the help of the Squid Zipper, you can appoint yourself as the "Online Mayor" of your local zip code.

Are you as passionate about your local community as I am? There's a lot of work that needs to be done in our nation, and together we can change our country for good... one zip code at a time!

My neighborhood is Phoenix, Arizona; and I'm proud to be a transplanted citizen. Yes, I'm still a melting Buckeye, but I doubt that I will ever adapt to being outdoors in the scorchingly hot, desert summers...

So, when it's hot outside, I head for indoor entertainment. Our city is filled with enough activities and adventure to keep a Buckeye inside for the entire summer!


Do you think you can "govern" your zip code from the comfort of your computer chair? Let's find out!

Just follow the link to build your very own Squid-Zipper lens, and appoint yourself as the "Online Mayor" of your fair city. Come on, Armchair Mayors... we've got a lot of work to do!

Home of America's Virtual Mayors... How Will You Change Your City?

Look For This Box at the Top of the Page, and Build Your Own Township! 

Big Jim & Bored of Education Love Squid Zippers! 

 

Virtual Mayor Connie

Welcome to Phoenix, Arizona! 

As the "Virtual Mayor" of Phoenix, please allow me to be the first to welcome you to our fair city!

I have fallen in love with my new home, and hope that you will enjoy your visit as much as I am enjoying life in the Valley of the Sun.

It's extremely hot in the summer; but the winters and mild and wonderful!

There are approximately 3.2 million things to see and do in Phoenix, so stay tuned to the Visitor's Center for all the latest news and events in Phoenix, Arizona!

Weather in Phoenix, Arizona  

Current weather conditions in Phoenix, AZ (85016)

Local Pollen Reports

41°F (Feels like 41°F)

Last update: 12/9/09 4:51 AM MST

Humidity: 67%
Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 31°F
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 30.01in falling
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: calm From: Airport Conditions
powered by weather.com

Today


Mostly Cloudy
High: 60°F
Low: 42°F
Sunrise: 7:21 AM
Sunset: 5:21 PM

Thursday
Dec 10 


Mostly Sunny
High: 60°F
Low: 44°F
Sunrise: 7:22 AM
Sunset: 5:21 PM

Friday
Dec 11 


Cloudy
High: 62°F
Low: 48°F
Sunrise: 7:23 AM
Sunset: 5:21 PM

Saturday
Dec 12 


Partly Cloudy
High: 65°F
Low: 50°F
Sunrise: 7:23 AM
Sunset: 5:21 PM

The Full Spectrum of the Desert Runs From Rugged Desert to Luscious Oasis 

Taken at the Phoenix Zoo

HPIM1151

Hometown Stats 

The population of 85016 is 45,866.

That's #1697 out of all 42,305 zip codes.

59% of the population is white, which is 15 points less than the national average.

The average household income in 85016 is $37,031, which is $7,333 more than the typical average.

This contributes to the average house being worth $131,500. When the survey was done in 2000, that represented a difference of 67% from the typical value.

Men make up 40% of the population, and the typical age in this part of AZ is 35.1.

Stats about: Phoenix, AZ

Population: 45,866
Number of Households: 18,354
Average House Value: $131,500
Average Income per Household: $37,031
Elevation: 1,082 ft

Population Breakdown:

Population Chart

Latest News in Phoenix 

Phoenix, AZ 24 Hour Locksmiths – 1-602-993-5676
Call Now Phoenix Arizona 24 Hour Locksmiths at 1-888-253-1188. metrolockandsafe offers FREE On-Site Quotes. Phoenix, Arizona Locksmiths, metrolockandsafe: ...
Rookie linebacker Brinkley will replace Henderson
Vikings coach Brad Childress said Henderson underwent surgery on Sunday night at a Phoenix hospital and spent the night in intensive care. ...
One storm moves on, cleanup continues, another aims for Arizona
By Chuck George - email TUCSON, AZ (KOLD) - After a powerful storm walloped southern Arizona on Monday and Monday night, the cleanup is ongoing. ...

United States Post Office - 85016 

Phoenix Northeast
When you need to send a letter...
the post office is just around the corner!

A City Built on a Grid Provides Ease of Navigation 

In a metropolis 4,000,000 plus, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when you're trying to follow directions!

If you know the layout of the city, navigating the huge volume of traffic is an easier task.

The city is laid out on a grid with a central reference point. You will find the streets on the east side; and avenues on the west side. Named streets run north and south, with a few variations to allow for circum-navigating a mountain or two!

It's a really clever design that makes daily driving in the city a much easier task!

WARNING... Proceed With Caution When Driving in Phoenix! 

A safety warning for drivers who are new to the city:
Beware of jaywalkers!

Pedestrians in Phoenix are notorious for crossing 6 lanes of traffic, and NOT at the traffic lights!

It's not uncommon to see parents pushing their infants and toddlers in strollers as they cross our extremely busy streets.

I find this practice to be completely appalling, but it a sad reality in our city! The dangers are apparent, so please be on the lookout when you are driving the streets of Phoenix and the surrounding areas.

Saguaro Cactus  

Taken at the Phoenix Zoo

Saguaro Cactus1

Saguaro Cactus (c) 2007 All rights reserved

Spotlight on Saguaro Cactus 

Saguaro Cactus (Early Bird Nature Books)

Amazon Price: (as of 12/09/2009)Buy Now

Cheryl Cholley, Dragonfly and Gypsy Pirate Share Their Expertise in Desert Living 

Light Rail at Flickr 

Fabrege road by C-Ali

Fabrege road

img_0389-raw-crop by Mulad

img_0389-raw-crop

Arriving outbound 1-car Muni M by scazon

Arriving outbound 1-...

End of the line by artq55

End of the line

Rail Life Adopt A Street sign by Nick Bastian Tempe, AZ

Rail Life Adopt A St...

automatically generated by Flickr

Ride the Trolley Through Scottsdale 

Streetwise Phoenix Map - Laminated City Center Street Map of Phoenix, Arizona - Folding pocket size travel map with Scottsdale trolley routes

Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 12/09/2009)Buy Now

Scottsdale is just around the corner from Phoenix... the Scottsdale trolley is available for your shopping pleasure!

Popular Attractions 

Here's what Yelpers have to say about Active Life in 85016

Camelback Mountain (Phoenix)  
"This review is for the Echo Canyon Trail. I'm still sore from the hike 2 days ago - it kicked my fat bum but it was an awesome hike. My comments: -..." more
Papago Park (Phoenix)  
"Well, to be honest, we only hiked 2 trails in this park but my kids loved it so much we came back 2 days later. Of all the things we did on our trip to the..." more
Piestewa Peak (Phoenix)  
"Proud to say I've seen a rattler, gila monster and three coyotes over the decades. Nothing else. Three independent sightings, and the funny thing was they..." more
South Mountain Park (Phoenix)  
"Silent Sunday is my favorite day of any month! What a great idea! We ran the 5.5 miles from the parking lot up to Dobbins Point on the paved road, and..." more
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa (Phoenix)  
"I stayed at the JW Marriott during Storage Networking World 2009 so my mileage may vary as a conference attendee at the conference hotel. The JW Marriott..." more
powered by Yelp

The Phoenix Zoo 

The Phoenix Zoo, Voted One of the Nation's Top 5 Zoos for Kids
Includes general information, animal photos, scientific fact sheets, zoo maps, and information on educational workshops, tours, and conservation.
Phoenix Zoo - Guide to Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix Zoo - information for visitors. ... Phoenix Zoo, founded by Robert E. Maytag of the appliance family is one of the country's largest privately-owned ...
The Phoenix Zoo - Visit the Phoenix Zoo in Phoenix Arizona
A visit to Phoenix wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Phoenix Zoo. Adults and children alike will enjoy the Phoenix Zoo.
Phoenix Zoo- Phoenix, AZ - VirtualTourist.com
Insider tips on Phoenix Zoo in Phoenix. Reviews, tips and photos of Phoenix Zoo posted by real travelers and locals.
The Phoenix Zoo: Working at the Zoo: Job Opportunities
Mail to The Phoenix Zoo, Attn. Human Resources, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ, 85008. Once received, your application will be input into our tracking ...
The Phoenix Zoo: Visit the Zoo: Driving Directions
The Zoo is located at 455 N. Galvin Parkway in Phoenix, Arizona. The entrance to the Zoo is off Galvin Parkway in the heart of Papago Park, between McDowell ...

Phoenix Zoo 

The Cheesecake Factory is a Local Favorite 

Yes, the food is delicious!

Cheese Cake Factory by Tezzca

Cheese Cake Factory

Cheese Cake Factory by Tezzca

Cheese Cake Factory

Cheese Cake Factory by Tezzca

Cheese Cake Factory

Cheese Cake Factory by Tezzca

Cheese Cake Factory

Cheese Cake Factory by Tezzca

Cheese Cake Factory

automatically generated by Flickr

The Chinese Cultural Center 

Located at the foot of the Papago Mountains

curated content from Flickr

The Arizona Biltmore 

Phoenix, AZ | Official Website of Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa ...
Phoenix Arizona jewel of the desert, Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa is the perfect destination for family vacations, romantic retreats, weddings, ...
Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa- Phoenix, AZ - VirtualTourist.com
Insider tips on Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix. Reviews, tips and photos of Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa posted by real travelers and locals.
Frank Lloyd Wright's Biltmore Sprites
The Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa proudly displays its statue entitles "Sisters" which has an intersting history involving Frank Lloyd Wright.
Arizona Biltmore Golf Club
Arizona Biltmore Golf Club. ... Copyright 2006 © AZ Biltmore Golf & Country Club Graphic Design: Gentry Smith Design, LLC ...

Phoenix is home to the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, also known as the "Jewel of the Desert."

The Arizona Biltmore

Go Arizona Cardinals! 

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Arizona Visitors Guide for Sports Lovers 

Professional Sports Teams in Arizona
Arizona is a sports lovers dream!
Visit the online guide to professional sports teams located in sunny Arizona.

Have YOU Been Here? Tell Us About It! 

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This Zipper Lens Was Built With Tender Loving Care by a Giant Squid! 

God's Grace Notes... aka Squid Angel Alumni

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