Phoenix is the capital and most populous city in Arizona, with 1,660,272 people (as of 2018). It is also the fifth most populous city in the United States, and the only state capital with a population of more than one million residents.
With its broad, tree-lined avenues, Spanish-style architecture, and surrounding mountains, Phoenix bears much resemblance to Los Angeles. Like its California counterpart, Phoenix is a metropolis with not one but many centres, all at considerable distances from one another. From its historic heart to the west of Sky Harbor International Airport, the greater metropolitan area—of which Phoenix is only a small part—has grown to take in a vast expanse of land that stretches nearly from the Gila River far to the south to the tall plateaus and volcanic mountains of the north and east and out into the broad desert valley to the west. Growth is a constant in Phoenix life as thousands of new residents and millions of visitors find their way there each year.
Phoenix’s economy was once dominated by ranching and farming, but it shifted in the mid-20th century to one based on services, technology, and, more notably, tourism. Maricopa county was one of the top urban agricultural producers in the country in 1980, but farming has since steadily lost ground to urban growth; now only a small portion of the labour force is engaged in food production.
About three-fourths of the state’s manufacturing jobs are located in the Phoenix area. Light industry is predominant, especially the manufacture of electronics, transportation equipment, aerospace technology, foodstuffs, and cosmetics. The principal crops are cotton, durum wheat, fruits, and vegetables. Only a small proportion of the workforce in the private sector belongs to labour unions, which, along with tax incentives, has made Phoenix attractive to relocating corporations, many of them engaged in the manufacture of semiconductors and other electronic components. The region has thus emerged as a centre of high-technology production. A well-developed electronics infrastructure also has made Phoenix a capital of the telecommunications industry. More than half the labour force works in banking, finance, and other service activities. For the most part, however, the city’s economy still depends on tourism, especially in the winter months.
Nicknamed the "Valley of the Sun," the Greater Phoenix area sees more sunshine than any other metro area in the country. That in and of itself is enough to entice people to lay down roots, but Arizona's capital also features a desirable combination of a thriving job market, a relatively low cost of living and plenty of ways to enjoy the nice weather.
Phoenix is the best place to get a sampling of all the state has to offer. Its downtown area may be characterized by sleek, ultramodern office buildings, but the city center is not all about work. Phoenix also contains ample opportunities to play. Recently built sports stadiums, along with updated arts and shopping districts fringe downtown, as do some of the area's finest eateries.
Within the Valley of the Sun, you can trace Arizona's history from its earliest Hohokam residents at the Pueblo Grande Museum & Archaeological Park to the latest technological developments showcased at the Arizona Science Center. Plus, Greater Phoenix's 2,000-plus square miles sprawl to the bottom of striking desert mountains crisscrossed by hiking and biking trails.
Phoenix offers numerous financial incentives to retain and attract business. At First Down Funding, we provide a quick and easy way to obtain funds for your Phoenix business needs, whether it is a long term funding package or a short term cash funding, our professional and experienced staff are here to help you promptly and accurately. Contact us if you have any questions or conveniently apply online for expedite processing. Need small businesss funding in Phoenix? call First Down Funding.