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Moving to the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, AZ

An Overview of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, AZ

More than 20 cities and towns make up the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, also known to residents as the Valley of the Sun, Salt River Valley, or simply the Valley. Home to more than 4.8 million people — over two-thirds of the state’s population — the region is an economic powerhouse of the state, with employers such as the State of Arizona, Arizona State University, Wal-Mart, Banner Health, Wells Fargo, and the U.S. Postal Service. From gorgeous desert scenery and sunny mountain hikes to some of the Southwest region’s most acclaimed art museums, restaurants, entertainment venues, and more, the Phoenix Metropolitan Area has something for every visitor or local.

Counties in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area

There are two counties in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area:

• Maricopa County. With 4.4 million residents, Maricopa County is the most populous county in Arizona. Some of its cities and towns include Phoenix (the county seat), Scottsdale, Surprise, Mesa, Peoria, and Gilbert. 
• Pinal County. Pinal County has a population over 450,000, making it the third-most populous county in Washington, after Pima County. Its major cities and towns include Florence (the county seat), Casa Grande, Coolidge, and Apache Junction (which is partially in Maricopa County).

Cities and Suburbs in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area

The four largest cities in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area are:

• Phoenix. Phoenix is the capital and largest city in Arizona. It’s known for its year-round sun, stunning desert and mountain landscape, bustling nightlife, and unbeatable food scene. With its relatively affordable cost of living and abundance of amenities, it’s become a rapidly growing destination for young professionals, families, retirees, and snowbirds alike.
• Mesa. Mesa is a Arizona’s third-largest city. It’s considerably more affordable to live here than in nearby Phoenix and Tempe, though residents enjoy access to breathtaking Saguaro Lake, mountain trails, a thriving local arts scene, breweries, and more. It’s 19 miles east of Phoenix.
• Chandler. Chandler is a suburban haven with quiet neighborhoods and no shortage of amenities. Founded by the first veterinary surgeon in Arizona Territory, this former ostrich farm hub is now home to large microchip corporations and plenty of good bars, restaurants, cycling trails, and other amenities for young families and couples. It’s located 24 miles southwest of Phoenix.
• Gilbert. Gilbert is a town known for its nationally ranked public schools, family-friendly community, and proximity to both picturesque natural scenery as well as boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment. The fastest-growing city in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, Gilbert’s quiet neighborhoods draw individuals and families of all ages. It’s 22 miles southeast of Phoenix.

Smaller nearby cities with plenty of activities, boutiques, dining options, and entertainment to offer include:

• Scottsdale. Scottsdale is known as one of the premier golfing destinations in the world. Its upscale restaurants, luxury spas, and trendy galleries draw more than 9 million visitors every year. It’s 12 miles northeast of Phoenix.
• Surprise. Surprise is the second-fastest-growing city in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Home to one of the largest retirement communities in the Southwest, Surprise offers residents nearby access to Phoenix in addition to its own state-of-the-art aquatics facility, library, and other amenities. It’s 15 miles northwest of Phoenix.

What Are the Best Things to Do in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area?

The Phoenix Metropolitan Area has no shortage of experiences for nature lovers and city enthusiasts alike. Here are some of the best things to do in the greater Phoenix area:

• Papago Park — Phoenix and Tempe. Once a reservation for indigenous tribes, this 1,500-acre park is an iconic Phoenix destination. Just minutes from downtown and the airport, it offers hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, lagoons, and the famed Hole-in-the-Rock formation.
• Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch — Gilbert. This beautiful nature preserve is home to more than 200 bird species and features grassy areas and footpaths for bird walks, picnics, and family-friendly relaxation every day of the year.
• Surprise Stadium — Surprise. Catch a game, mingle with residents, and enjoy a breadth of tasty concessions at this stadium, home to the Arizona Fall League’s Surprise Saguaros as well as the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals during the spring training season. 
• Usery Mountain Regional Park — Mesa. This sprawling 3,648-acre park features wind caves, campsites, archery practice spots, mountain biking and hiking trails, and some of Arizona’s distinct biodiversity, including gila monsters, roadrunners, and cactus wrens. 
• Butterfly Wonderland — Scottsdale. One of the largest butterfly conservatories in the U.S., this Scottsdale experience brings the rainforest to the heart of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, with more than 70 different species in an indoor, interactive habitat.

Choosing Storage in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area

• What’s the weather like in Phoenix and nearby areas? Phoenix’s climate ranges from scorching, dry summers and cool winters. The hottest months are from May to August, when temperatures range from 98°F Fahrenheit to 107°F. The coolest months are from December to February, when temperatures may drop as low as 45°F. That said, Phoenix experiences little precipitation and sees about 300 sunny days every year. Our facilities in Phoenix, Surprise, and Gilbert all offer climate-controlled storage units to protect your belongings throughout the hot season.
• How do I store my boat, kayak, canoe, or RV when I’m not using it? The lagoons, lakes, and regional parks in the greater Phoenix area make boating and RV camping popular among locals. If you’re looking for a place to keep your boat or RV in the off-season, consider our storage facility at 1500 E Baseline Rd, which offers covered and uncovered boat storage units. You can learn more about storing your boat or RV by reading How to Store a Boat: The Best Long-Term Boat Storage Options or The Best Indoor and Outdoor Storage Solutions For Your Recreational Vehicle on our blog.