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Southwest Valley
Estrella Mountain Regional Park
Sleepy corner bursting with options for newcomers
A hiker makes her way through the Sonoran desert landscape in the Estrella Mountain Regional Park. For decades, residents of the Southwest Valley have enjoyed a celebrated Western lifestyle in a tranquil, rural setting.
A haven 13 miles west of Phoenix, the Southwest Valley boasts tree-lined major boulevards and spectacular mountain views.
Like the rest of the Valley, the region today is growing rapidly, thanks to easy access to metro Phoenix, via Interstate 10 and Loop 101.
More employment opportunities are becoming available as the business community expands. Wal-Mart and Albertson's have distribution centers here, and several companies, including Petsmart, have built warehouses.
Meanwhile, new schools are being launched and improvements made to existing facilities. Estrella Mountain Community College began offering classes in 1990 and opened its Avondale campus in the fall of 1992.
The Southwest Valley draws visitors and residents alike with such attractions as Litchfteld Park's Wigwam Resort hotel, a noted resort that pampers its guests with exceptional service. Phoenix International Raceway, with its one-mile paved oval and 78,484 seats, hosts both the Indy Racing League and NASCAR.
The Southwest Valley also boasts natural wonders such as Estrella Mountain Regional Park with 19,000 acres that offer exceptional camping, hiking, horseback riding and golfing experiences. To the west is the beautiful White Tanks Mountain Regional Park, dotted with petroglyphs, hiking trails and even a waterfall.
Avondale
Population: 35,883
(picture avondale.jpg)
Distance from downtown: 15 miles
www.ci.avondale.az.us
Situated along the Agua Fria River just north of its junction with the Gila River, Avondale is building out from its humble roots.
The city began in 1840 as a 280-acre homestead founded by cowboy Billy Moore along the wagon road from Phoenix to California. The city incorporated in 1946.
With its location along Interstate 10, Avondale is expected to grow rapidly. Major employers include Avondale Elementary School District, Wal-Mart Supercenter, and Fry's Food and Drug.
Avondale is home to Estrella Mountain Community College and the 78,484-seat Phoenix International Raceway.
Buckeye
Population: 6,357
Distance from downtown: 30 miles
www.buckeyeaz.org
Founded in 1888, Buckeye was named for the home state (Ohio) of one of its early settlers.
A rural town, Buckeye is 35 miles west of Phoenix at the confluence of the Gila and Hassayampa rivers and is set to boom.
At build-out, land surrounding the town could support one million people, according to projections by the Maricopa Association of Governments.
Goodyear
Population: 18,911
Distance from downtown: 17 miles
www.ci.goodyear.az.us
Located 17 miles west of Phoenix, Goodyear is named after the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
In 1916, the Goodyear Co. farmed cotton on a 20,000-acre plot for its tires. Later, an offshoot, Goodyear Aircraft, built a plant and housing for workers building flight decks for Navy seaplanes. Today, this former company town encompasses 116 square miles and sits at the base of the Estrella Mountains.
Because of its close proximity to Interstate 10 and downtown Phoenix, and its affordable housing, droves of newcomers are flocking to the area. By 2010, city officials estimate Goodyear will have 54,000 residents.
The city is also home to the 19,000-acre Estrella Mountain Regional Park.
Litchfield Park
Population: 3,810
Distance from downtown: 16 miles
www.litchfield-park.org
A planned residential community with a small town atmosphere, Litchfield Park was founded in 1916 when Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. bought farmland to grow cotton for tire cords.
The town was named after Paul Litchfield, a Goodyear executive.
Area attractions include White Tanks Regional Park, Estrella Mountain Regional Park and the Wildlife World Zoo. Major employers include the Wigwam Resort, Hickman Farms and Conklin Rose Co.
Tolleson
Population: 4,974
Distance from downtown: 12 miles
www.tollesonaz.org
Once dependent on agriculture, Tolleson today has a strong commercial and industrial base within its six square miles, thanks to the mainline Southern Pacific Railroad, State Highway 85 and the town's location along the Papago Freeway.
Major employers include Sun Land Beef Co., Albertson's Distribution Center, CSI and the City of Tolleson. The city boasts eight industrial parks, a community center, library and three parks.
A haven 13 miles west of Phoenix, the Southwest Valley boasts tree-lined major boulevards, new construction and spectacular mountain views,
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