Glendale is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona located just 9 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix. With a population of over 250,000 residents, it’s the fourth largest city in Arizona. Glendale has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Daytime temperatures in the summer often exceed 100°F, while winter highs are usually in the 60s and 70s.
The economy of Glendale is driven by several key industries including healthcare, education, retail, and tourism. Many major companies have offices or facilities in Glendale including Arrowhead Honda, Bechtel, CVS Caremark, Nestlé, Luke Air Force Base, and Midwestern University. The city is also home to the Arizona Cardinals NFL football team and many of their fans live in Glendale.
Education is a priority in Glendale with higher rated schools compared to other parts of the state. The Glendale Union High School District consists of eight high schools that serve grades 9-12. Thunderbird School of Global Management, a graduate school specializing in international management, is located in Glendale. Midwestern University offers degree programs in healthcare and has a campus in Glendale.
For entertainment and dining, Glendale has Westgate Entertainment District which contains shops, restaurants, bars, and concert venues. Sports fans can catch Arizona Cardinals or Arizona Coyotes games at nearby State Farm Stadium and Gila River Arena. For outdoor recreation, Thunderbird Conservation Park offers hiking and horseback riding trails. Families with children may enjoy visiting wildlife exhibits at the Glendale Desert Garden or experiencing hands-on science at the Glendale Science Center.
Popular restaurants in Glendale include casual dining at Chompie’s and Gotham City Pizza or upscale steakhouses like Fleming’s and Ocean Prime. Authentic Mexican food can be found at family-owned Taqueria El Mirage or popular chain Carolina’s Mexican Food. Sweet Republic and Oregano’s Pizza Bistro are local favorites for ice cream and pizza in Glendale.
Glendale hosts special events throughout the year including Glendale Glitters holiday light display, Chocolate Affaire food festival, and Glendale Jazz Festival. With a variety of housing options, strong job market across multiple industries, highly-rated schools, and ample entertainment and recreation choices, Glendale is an excellent place to call home for families and individuals of all ages. The city offers a comfortable desert lifestyle with easy access to the amenities of nearby Phoenix.
