Phoenix Valley

What we know as the Phoenix Valley is technically the Phoenix Metropolitan area. The Phoenix Valley actually comprises the city of Phoenix, a large part of the Maricopa County, some sections of the Yavapai County and areas of the Pinal County. The largest cites incorporated in the area on the basis of population are Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa.

Going by the numbers of the United States Census Bureau, the state of Arizona was the second largest in terms of population growth and the major part in this was played by the Phoenix Valley area. The area derives its name from Phoenix because Phoenix is the core city of the metropolitan and all the other smaller cities around the area depend on it for their economy, resources and a lot more.

Let us now tell you a little about the areas that form the Phoenix Valley:

1) Maricopa County is located in the southern central part of the state and lies near the city of Phoenix. Apart from being the fourth in the list of US counties with maximum population, the Maricopa County is acclaimed for the fact that it has major reservations for the native Indian population and these areas are doing very well for themselves economically.

2) Yavapai County was the first county that was a result of the Arizona Territorial Legislature and few would know that the county's seat Prescott is the former capital of the Arizona state, before Phoenix got the crown.

The name comes from the native Yavapai people who resided here before the area was annexed by the United States of America. As far as Phoenix travel attractions of this area include, the Out of Africa Wildlife Park and the Upper Burro Creek Wilderness Area are two places that really mesmerize any nature lover.

3) Pinal County is also an essential part of the Phoenix Valley area and has its seat in the city of Florence.

The Phoenix Valley is well connected by expressways and roadways and the major ones include Interstate 10 and 17, Loops 101 and 202 and SR 51 and 143. The area is also connected by a light railway system known as the METRO Light Rail. The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the primary point of contact as far as the aerial connectivity to the Valley is concerned and it is the 8th busiest passenger facility in the country.