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 #1,404 in Local, #170,345 overall | Donates to Global Action Foundation, Modest Needs, A Day of Hope

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 07/12/2009)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

111°F (Feels like 106°F)

Last update: 7/12/09 6:51 PM MST

Humidity: 10%
Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 42°F
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 29.80in steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 14mph From: Airport Conditions
powered by weather.com

Tonight


Low
Low: 90°F
Sunrise: 5:28 AM
Sunset: 7:40 PM
 

Monday
Jul 13 


N/A
High: 112°F
Low: 90°F
Sunrise: 5:28 AM
Sunset: 7:40 PM

Tuesday
Jul 14 


Mostly Sunny
High: 112°F
Low: 90°F
Sunrise: 5:29 AM
Sunset: 7:39 PM

Wednesday
Jul 15 


Sunny
High: 110°F
Low: 91°F
Sunrise: 5:30 AM
Sunset: 7:39 PM

I Was Thrilled to Capture a Summer Rainbow 

 by God's Grace Notes

 by God's Grace Notes

 by God's Grace Notes

 by God's Grace Notes

 by God's Grace Notes

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 

Smokey Cabin Triggers Evacuation Of British Airways Flight
Phoenix, AZ (AHN) - Hundreds of passengers were evacuated from a British Airways flight in the US as smoke was reported in its cabin. ...
Heard the one about Satan sweating in Phoenix? Me, too
... to You Call This Hot? at the address below or mail them on postcards to Valley 101, Arizona Republic NM19, 200 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85004. ...
Marlins recall P Ayala
Phoenix, AZ (Sports Network) - The Florida Marlins recalled pitcher Luis Ayala from Triple-A New Orleans on Sunday. The right-handed reliever takes the ...

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: $26.60 (as of 07/12/2009)Buy Now

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

Light Rail at Flickr 

Riding Link light rail: Entering Beacon Hill tunnel by Oran Viriyincy

Riding Link light ra...

Riding Link light rail: passing train near Tukwila by Oran Viriyincy

Riding Link light ra...

Gulls Cove by Hoboken Condos

Gulls Cove

Gulls Cove by Hoboken Condos

Gulls Cove

Gulls Cove by Hoboken Condos

Gulls Cove

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 07/12/2009)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)  
"I recently moved to Phoenix, I love this mountain. The view is amazing. There are people of all fitness levels, you can go at your own pace. Echo is the..." more
Papago Park (Phoenix)  
"Papago Park is a great urban oasis nestled between Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale. It's a great way to discover the Sonoran xeriscape without leaving the..." more
Piestewa Peak (Phoenix)  
"First, this hike kicked my ass. I thought getting to the park at 10.00 would be early enough to beat the Saturday crowds, but I was wrong. There were lots..." more
Desert Song Yoga & Massage (Phoenix)  
"I first took Mary Beth's Mommy & Me Yoga xx years ago. Now I'm back after an intro class. This is a very comfortable place to practice yoga. If you have..." more
Japanese Friendship Garden - Ro Ho En (Phoenix)  
"I've been wanting to go here for over a year. Back when I drove to work, this was on my return trip and I would think, "You need to go there, Baconboy." And..." more
powered by Yelp

The Phoenix Zoo 

Zookeeper! by God's Grace Notes

Zookeeper!

Zoo painters2 by God's Grace Notes

Zoo painters2

Zoo painters1 by God's Grace Notes

Zoo painters1

Zoo painters by God's Grace Notes

Zoo painters

Zoo Painter by God's Grace Notes

Zoo Painter

Zoo Art 4 Sale by God's Grace Notes

Zoo Art 4 Sale

Zebras by God's Grace Notes

Zebras

Worlds Largest Rodent! by God's Grace Notes

Worlds Largest Roden...

Wild Elephants Need Our Help by God's Grace Notes

Wild Elephants Need...

Wild Elephants are Important by God's Grace Notes

Wild Elephants are I...

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!

 by tanjila

 by tanjila

 by K.Luu

Cheesecake factory - strawberry lemonade by christyxcore

Cheesecake factory -...

Cheesecake factory - birthday cheesecake! by christyxcore

Cheesecake factory -...

The Chinese Cultural Center 

Located at the foot of the Papago Mountains

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! 

tandemonimom wrote...

Great Phoenix lens! I have featured it on my SquidZipper lens VanGo Pottery | Phoenix AZ.

ReplyPosted May 09, 2009

Susan52 wrote...

Nice lens, Madam Mayor!

ReplyPosted August 22, 2008

boredofeducation wrote...

Great SquidZippers lens!

ReplyPosted August 16, 2008

BigJim wrote...

Nice lens! Thanks for joining the Squidoo City Guide.

ReplyPosted August 15, 2008

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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