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Northwest Valley overview
Explosive growth, affordable new housing
The Northwest Valley, like most of the greater Phoenix area, is in the midst of explosive growth.
But even with surging business and development, the region remains a haven for affordable quality housing, exceptional retirement living, excellent educational institutions and enjoyable recreational amenities.
While Arizona State University-West receives more notoriety, the Thunderbird American Graduate School of International Management attracts graduate students from around the world.
In the springtime, thousands of baseball-hungry fans flock to Peoria Sports Complex, spring training home of the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres.
Recreational opportunities abound in the Northwest Valley. Boating, fishing and water sports are available at 10,000-acre Lake Pleasant, while White Tanks Mountain Regional Park offers hikers a chance to discover ancient Indian petroglyphs or trek to a scenic desert waterfall.
El Mirage
Population: 7,609
Distance from downtown: 16 miles
www.cityofelmirage.org
The residential community of El Mirage has its roots in farming, having been settled by migrant workers in the early 1930s.
Until recently, the city maintained its small-town atmosphere. But it is now one of the West Valley's residential hot spots - 7,500 homes are expected to be built in a dozen subdivisions and the city is estimated to reach more than 20,000 residents in the next decade.
Just southwest of El Mirage is Luke Air Force Base, home of the 56th Fighter Wing and the largest jet-training base in the world.
Glendale
Population: 218,812
Distance from downtown: 13 miles
www.ci.glendale.az.us
Glendale is the fourth-largest city in the state, covering 58.5 square miles and boasting a population of nearly 220,000.
While farming still survives on the city's fringes, fields of cotton and corn continue to give way to single-family homes, schools, shopping centers and major employers.
Glendale is possibly the antique capital of the Southwest. Its cozy historic downtown is home to a plethora of antique shops and exclusive boutiques.
Peoria
Population: 108,364
Distance from downtown: 13 miles
www.peoriaaz.com
Peoria has quietly become the Northwest Valley's second-largest city, but still maintains its charming, small-town character.
Peoria has spent millions to refurbish its downtown, building a sparkling new city hall, a library and a public safety complex.
The Peoria Sports Complex, home to baseball's San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners, draws thousands of fans to the Northwest Valley.
Sun City
Population: 38,309
Distance from downtown: 19 miles
www.northwestvalley.com
www.suncityaz.org
When developer Del Webb built Sun City in 1960, many people were skeptical about the 20,000 acres of cotton fields and sagebrush turning into a viable, living community.
Today, it is a model for all other retirement communities.
Sun City, which is age-restricted to residents 55 and over, offers more than 350 clubs and civic organizations. The community also includes 1,200 acres of golf courses and seven recreation centers.
Sun City West
Population: 26,344
Distance from downtown: 27 miles
www.northwestvalley.com
Built just a few miles west of Sun City, Sun City West is an upscale, activity- oriented community for adults 55 and over.
Sun City West includes more than 16,000 homes on the 7,100-acre development. The community boasts $70 million worth of recreation facilities, which include seven golf courses, numerous tennis courts and swimming pools, and four multimillion-dollar recreational centers.
Surprise
Population: 30,848
Distance from downtown: 25 miles
www.surpriseaz.com
Surprise was founded in 1929 and incorporated in 1960. The city's name came from Surprise, Neb., hometown of the city's founder, Homer C. Ludden.
The small farming village now encompasses more than 68 square miles, including urban and commercial developments, ranches and industrial parks. More than 54,000 new residential homes are planned for construction during the next 10 years.
Youngtown
Population: 3,010
Distance from downtown: 15 miles
www.northwestvalley.com
Founded in the mid-1950s, Youngtown is the oldest master-planned community in the country.
A drive through the town reveals quiet streets, friendly neighbors and a tranquil lake surrounded by small but neatly-kept houses.
For many years, the community excluded residents under the age of 55. The restriction was lifted in 1988, and now approximately one-third of the population is 55 and under.
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