More About Phoenix
It holds minimal appeal for tourists; however it serves as a commercial, manufacturing, financial, tourist, and retirement center as a distribution point for the agricultural products of the irrigated Salt River Valley. It is the hub of a vast metropolitan region that includes Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Scottsdale, Sun City, and Tempe. Phoenix has become one of the nation's largest and fastest-growing cities. Several factors have contributed to the city's spectacular growth, including its temperate, dry, sunny climate during much of the year, its recreational opportunities, and its diversified industries.
Phoenix is rapidly expanding upon its periphery. Several minutes north of downtown are a second site of tall buildings and commercial establishments, as well as Encanto Park. To the north and east lie affluent residential areas, along with high-technology and other light industries. Papas go Park, containing the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo, is in the east. The west side is generally a lower-income residential area with some light industry. The smaller south side includes predominantly Hispanic and black neighborhoods, as well as older industries and distribution warehouses. South Mountain Park, one of the largest city parks in the nation, covers about 6900 hectares on the city's south side.
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