Many folks visiting the desert for the first time underestimate the danger of dehydration. Obviously, the resorts all have security personnel on duty around the clock. Generally, you can feel at ease after dark where there are lots of people at clubs, shopping areas, and on the streets. Most of the neighboring suburbs are pretty free of street crimes. Safety: As in any city of this size, it's wise to stay in well-populated areas, especially at night. It will be helpful if you have a map, which you can pick up at the tourist kiosk at the airport. If it helps, the city center is Central Avenue and Washington Street.Ī word of caution is in order though as you journey into surrounding communities, you'll find that there is often no continuity between street numbers within those communities and those numbers and distances that apply in Phoenix. In downtown Phoenix, the blocks are measured numerically from Washington Street - thus, if you're at 3200 North 40th St, you are 32 blocks north of Washington and 40 blocks east of Central Avenue. For example 7th Street is seven blocks east of Central Avenue, while 16th Avenue is 16 blocks west of Central Avenue. West of Central Avenue are the "Avenues," and the "West Valley " East of Central Avenue are the "Streets" and the "East Valley." Each block further east or west of Central is one number higher. General orientation: Phoenix is divided into two east-west halves at Central Avenue, which runs north and south through the city. ©2006 Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau and Grand Canyon Railway It would be a shame to travel all the way to Phoenix and not visit the Grand Canyon, which is located about four hours away. Since Phoenix is located near the very heart of Arizona, it would be a shame to miss the great opportunities to explore the rest of the state, including the Grand Canyon, Tucson, Tombstone, Flagstaff, Lake Powell, Prescott, Jerome, Payson, the Superstition Mountains, Sedona, Canyon de Chelly, and the vast Navajo Reservation, to name but a few. ![]() Most of the well-known planned retirement communities, such as Sun City, are located at the western end of The Valley. Communities such as Tempe, home to Arizona State University, and upscale Scottsdale have their own personalities. It's become upscale, prosperous, and hip. It's a young city so don't expect old town neighborhoods, markets, and genuine ethnic shopping. Maricopa County covers 9,127 square miles. In the past decade, Phoenix has expanded in every direction right into the hills and mountains that attempt to physically constrain the growth - somewhat. Those wide-open spaces are disappearing rapidly, making way for the new residents flocking to the area. Geography & landscape: Phoenix resembles a large gold miner's pan: flat in the middle, surrounded by mountains on three sides, with 22 contiguous communities bordering downtown Phoenix. No matter when you visit, there's plenty to enjoy whether you're an active family, a single seeking nightlife, or someone who just can't sit still. Is there a best time to visit? Lots of folks are perennial "snow birds" arriving at the first hint of frost in the north and departing as soon as the first robin is sighted. Shopping runs the gamut from funky souvenirs to world-class fashion and art. The dining is modern, cutting edge, and fun. The resorts are some of the world's finest. Resorts, spas, relaxation, and golf are favorite pastimes, and that all boils down to pure enjoyment. That means you can almost predict that you'll not be stuck indoors during your visit. There are well over 325 days of sunshine each year and little rain. Though it's hot in the summer, it is indeed a "dry" heat with humidity rarely climbing above the single digit mark. What's the big attraction? Millions of visitors each year will tell you it's the weather. And since Mexican and Spanish culture has been part of Arizona and the Sonoran Desert for centuries, you'll also find Mexican art, architecture, entertainment, and eateries, too. Once outside The Valley, no matter in which direction you head, you'll find the flavorings of the Old West. Modern-day Phoenix lies just about in the center of Arizona. ![]() It's a vibrant city that's bursting at the seams. ![]() Phoenix is a new city as cities go, and with it comes a young, upbeat attitude and a touch of sass that's evident in the lifestyle. Phoenix, on the other hand, has a smattering of each and is best described with "outdoor" words like golf, sports, relaxing, hiking, horseback riding, and generally enjoying the natural beauty of Arizona. The flavor of some cities can be described in single "indoor" words such as museums, shopping, dining, theater, and the arts.
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