Life in North Central Phoenix.
Greater Phoenix encompasses 2,000 square miles and more than 20 incorporated cities, including Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe and Mesa. Maricopa County, in which Phoenix is located, covers more than 9,000 square miles. Phoenix’s elevation is 1,117 feet, and the city’s horizon is defined by three distinct mountains: South Mountain, Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak. Dependable sunshine and warm temperatures make outdoor activities a way of life in Phoenix. Golf, tennis, hiking, cycling, mountain biking and rock climbing are popular Phoenix activities. Horseback riding is a great way to see the Sonoran Desert, as is a rugged Jeep or Hummer ride. Thrill seekers can soar above the desert plateau in a glider, sailplane or hot-air balloon, or satisfy their need for speed at the Bondurant School of High Performance Driving. Visitors also can choose from water skiing, sailing, fishing and tubing in the region’s lakes and rivers. Greater Phoenix annually plays host to the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Phoenix Open (at the Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale), NASCAR’s March and November events (at Phoenix Raceway), the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon, and college football’s Fiesta Bowl and Cactus Bowl, Phoenix has played host to the of Super Bowl XLIX in 2015 and 2008 (University of Phoenix Stadium), the College Football Playoff National Championship Game of the Bowl Championship Series (formerly BCS) in 2016, and the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four (University of Phoenix Stadium). Phoenix is one of 13 U.S. cities with franchises in all four major professional sports leagues: Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Arizona Cardinals (NFL) and Arizona Coyotes (NHL).
