Phoenix is the anchor of the Phoenix metropolitan area,also known as the Valley of the Sun, and is the 13th largest metro area by population in the United States, with approximately 4.3 million people in 2010.

According to legend, Phoenix gets its name from Cambridge-educated pioneer Darrell Duppa, who saw the ruins and prehistoric canals of the Hohokam and believed another civilization would rise from the ashes. Phoenix ranks as one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

Phoenix basks in sunshine more often than any other major metropolitan area in the U.S. The sun shines on Phoenix during 85 percent of its daylight hours. The city's biggest attraction may be the sunshine and winter warmth. Because of the beautiful weather, you’ll be able to enjoy most activities all year-round. Approximately 200,000 winter visitors arrive into the Valley each year.

Phoenix is home to one of the largest municipal parks in North America. South Mountain Park and Preserve covers more than 16,500 acres and has more than 50 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails.