Phoenix is the state capital of Arizona, and was incorporated as a city on February 25, 1881. Phoenix is located in central Arizona in the southwestern United States, 118 miles (188 kilometers) northwest of Tucson. It is Arizona's largest city and largest metropolitan area by population. It is also the county seat of Maricopa County and the principal city of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Phoenix is the largest capital city by population, and the third-largest capital city by area in the U.S.

Downtown:
Phoenix's downtown area is called Copper Square, although most locals still call it Downtown. Incorporating the themes of Phoenix's early history with culture and local events, Copper Square is the name for the square-mile area surrounding Central Avenue and Jefferson. This is a slowly growing hotspot for activities and action. Downtown attractions include the new Arizona Science Center, Phoenix Museum of History and the Phoenix Art Museum. Downtown Phoenix currently features about twenty-five mid-rise and high-rise buildings ranging up to 39 stories tall.

Southwest:
The village of Laveen is growing fast with new moderately priced homes and new businesses. The proposed new Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway will link Laveen with Ahwatukee.


Ahwatukee:
The community of Ahwatukee is located in the southeast corner of the Phoenix city limits, largely separated from the majority of the city by South Mountain. Ahwatukee residents are mostly older adults and urban professionals, and upscale apartments coexist with middle class and upscale housing. Housing prices rose over 40 percent in 2005, and the area has some of the most expensive homes in the city of Phoenix or in the southeastern metropolitan area.


Northwest:
Past Peoria and Glendale are the communities of Sun City, Sun City West, Youngtown, and Surprise. Hikers will enjoy the White Tank Mountain Regional Park. The Sun Cities and Youngtown are largely retirement communities.

Read about all of the neighborhoods here.

Information provided by Wikipedia 

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