Glendale, a city of approximately 236,000 residents, is the biggest city in the West Valley, and the 4th largest city in Arizona. Between 1990 and 2000, it was the 19th fastest growing city in the nation, and grew an astounding 59.6% between 1990 and 2005. But, not only does Glendale have size and growth, it is also the commercial, industrial and educational hub of the West Valley with affordable and high quality housing, top notch educational institutions and abundant recreational amenities.
Founded in 1892 as a religious and temperance colony, Glendale began with irrigation farming as its main occupation. Next, a giant sugar beet factory and a major ice plant for cooling produce shipped by the Santa Fe Railroad brought new people to town and small business ventures. World War II brought thousands of servicemen to the area to train at Thunderbird and Luke airfields in town, and today, Glendale is still the home to Luke Airforce Base, and the largest Air Force Training Base in the world.
A reminder of Glendale’s proud history, the Historic Downtown of Glendale has been named One of the Top Ten Place for Antique Shopping in the U.S., and incorporates two distinct neighborhoods into a retro-chic, tree-lined destination for over 90 speciality and antique shops, vintage closing, 19th century furniture, and pop culture collectibles. The area also proudly hosts several unique museums such as The Bead Museum and Max’s Sports Bar Museum. Historic Downtown Glendale is host to many special events and festivals throughout the year including the famous Glendale Glitters Holiday Lights Spectacular from Thanksgiving to mid January.
In addition, to Historic Downtown, shoppers can also enjoy one of the largest regional malls at Arrowhead Towne Center, an enviable collection of rave restaurants, water fountains, a movie theater, and over 170 stores with world class shopping. The Westgate City Center sports and retail megacomplex is redefining Glendale night life. From casual to formal, family outings to “girls night out”, this astounding display of restaurants and retail shops will become one of the largest visitor destinations in the Southwest with over 22 million visitors per year. It will feature 5 hotel sites, totaling 1100 rooms.
Right across the street from Westgate City Center is the biggest reason that Glendale has been getting noticed these days, the $450 million state-of-the-art Arizona Cardinal’s Stadium which will host the 2008 Super Bowl, and hosts the annual BCS Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. This innovative new venue is next door to the 17,500 seat Glendale Arena for hockey (home of the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes and NLL’s Arizona Sting) and other entertainment events, and just down the 101 freeway from the Peoria Sports Complex for baseball spring training.
Glendale has become the West Valley’s premier destination for sports, entertainment, shopping, and a quality lifestyle. This growing city will host an extension of the Valley Metro light rail transit line by 2011, and will continue to be a popular choice for new residents to the Phoenix metro area.