Greater Phoenix, often called the Valley of the Sun, spreads across Maricopa County and into northern Pinal County. Phoenix sits at the center, ringed by Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert to the east and Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear and Buckeye to the west. This tour walks through each part of the Valley in turn, with links to our detailed community guides along the way.
Climate
The Valley has a desert climate with mild winters and hot summers. Temperatures often reach 105°F or higher in June, July and August, and the summer monsoon brings storms between June and September. Rainfall is light the rest of the year. Plan for the heat with water, sunscreen and shade, and never leave children or pets in a parked car.
Getting Around
Most people in the Valley drive, using a freeway network that includes carpool lanes. Valley Metro runs light rail and bus service, and several cities, including Avondale, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe, operate neighborhood circulator routes. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is centrally located in Phoenix, and its PHX Sky Train connects to Valley Metro light rail. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport serves the Southeast Valley. The Greater Phoenix Moving Guide lists every airport and transit contact.
Phoenix and Its Villages
Phoenix is the Arizona state capital, and the city is organized into 15 urban villages, each with its own character: Rio Vista, North Gateway, Desert View, Deer Valley, Paradise Valley, North Mountain, Alhambra, Camelback East, Encanto, Central City, Maryvale, Estrella, Laveen, South Mountain and Ahwatukee Foothills. Read the full Phoenix community guide.
North Valley
The towns of Cave Creek and Carefree sit in the high desert north of Phoenix and Scottsdale. Cave Creek carries a Western character, with horse trails, a rural desert setting and mountain views. Carefree is known for its fine art festival and its proximity to Bartlett Lake. See the Cave Creek community guide and the Carefree community guide.
East Valley
The East Valley includes Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Sun Lakes, Queen Creek, Apache Junction and San Tan Valley.
West Valley
The West Valley includes Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, El Mirage, Goodyear, Avondale, Litchfield Park, Buckeye, Tolleson, Youngtown and Sun City.
Master-Planned Communities
Master-planned communities are found throughout the Valley and often include parks, trails, bike paths, community pools, tennis courts and golf. Many have homeowners associations. Your agent can walk you through HOA considerations for any specific community. Examples named in the tour include:
- Ahwatukee: The Foothills, Mountain Park Ranch
- Scottsdale: DC Ranch, McCormick Ranch
- Mesa: Las Sendas, Augusta Ranch
- Chandler: Ocotillo, Fulton Ranch
- Gilbert: Power Ranch, Seville, Val Vista Lakes
- San Tan Valley: Encanterra, Johnson Ranch
- Goodyear: Estrella Mountain Ranch, PebbleCreek
- Buckeye: Verrado
- Surprise: Sun City Grand
- Peoria: Vistancia
- Glendale: Arrowhead
Recreation, Arts and Sports
The Valley has more than 200 golf courses, hundreds of miles of trails, several lakes within driving distance, and quick access to Arizona's high country, including the Verde Valley wine region, Flagstaff's Arizona Snowbowl and the Grand Canyon. For the arts, the Orpheum Theatre, The Phoenix Symphony, ASU Gammage, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Tempe Center for the Arts, Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West and the Desert Botanical Garden anchor the calendar. Greater Phoenix also has teams in all four major professional sports leagues: the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns, plus the Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Rising FC. Fifteen Major League Baseball teams hold spring training in the Valley each year, and the WM Phoenix Open brings the PGA Tour to Scottsdale.
Shopping
- Arizona Center, Downtown Phoenix
- Biltmore Fashion Park, Camelback Corridor
- Scottsdale Fashion Square and Old Town Scottsdale
- Tempe Marketplace
- Chandler Fashion Center
- Desert Ridge, North Phoenix
- SanTan Village, Gilbert
- Outlets at Anthem and Phoenix Premium Outlets in Chandler
Frequently Asked Questions
Phoenix plus Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear, Avondale, Buckeye and other cities and towns across Maricopa County and northern Pinal County.
The summer monsoon runs from June through September.
Phoenix divides the city into 15 urban villages for planning purposes, including Ahwatukee Foothills, Camelback East, Deer Valley and Laveen.
Many do. HOA rules and fees vary by community, so ask your agent about the details for any home you are considering.
Take the Next Step
Ready to look closer? Browse the Greater Phoenix community guides, search homes for sale, or talk with our relocation team. Call 480-704-8000 to connect with a local agent.
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