| West
Valley - Avondale - Goodyear - Litchfield Park - Tolleson
Less than 150 years ago, the land that is encompassed
by the Southwest Valley cities of Avondale, Goodyear,
Litchfield Park and Tolleson was still part of Mexico.
These 4 communities, located just 13 miles west of
the heart of Phoenix, offer an out-of-the-way haven
from big city life. Spectacular mountain views, wide-open
spaces and a real sense of community spirit are all
here in an Arizona where the old west way of life
has not been lost. The air is clean and the people
are friendly. Combined, the cities have a population
of nearly 60,000 in a 167 square mile area, fifteen
elementary schools and five high schools. Each city
is governed by a mayor, six council members and a
city manager.
Cotton is still an important part of the area’s
economy and history, as this is what first prompted
the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company to purchase two
tracts of land (one became Goodyear; the other Litchfield
Park, for vice president Paul Litchfield) here in
1916 to grow the Egyptian cotton critical for tire
cords. The company was the developer of the Wigwam
Resort in Litchfield Park, which today has three 18-hole
golf courses rated among the nation’s finest.
The Goodyear facility was eventually purchased by
Lockheed Martin, the country’s largest defense
contractor in 1996.
Tolleson, named for W.G. Tolleson, who settled there
in 1912, traces its history back to the prehistoric
Indian (Hohokam) settlements of the 14th century.
Both Avondale and Tolleson, while remaining strongly
agricultural, are experiencing development of large
residential master-planned communities that are attracting
residents both locally and across the country.
Four major events are put on annually by the Southwest
Valley Chamber of Commerce: Billy Moore Days in October,
Christmas in the Park in November, Tolleson Whoopee
Daze in April and Goodyear Rodeo Days in February,
which include bareback riding, calf roping , steer
wrestling and more. In addition, the West Valley Fine
Arts Council provides a number of cultural events
throughout the year, such as The Native American Festival,
Cool Desert Jazz Festival, Youth Arts Festival and
Phoenix Symphony Pops Concert at Estrella.
Outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, horseback
riding, picnicking and camping at Estrella Mountain
and White Tanks Regional Parks. Golfers have a wide
variety of courses to choose from at the many resorts
and master planned communities. Fishing, boating and
gliding are only minutes away. The Wildlife World
Zoo is home to more than 2,000 individual animals
of nearly 400 different species, and the largest collection
of exotic animals in the state.
The Southwest Valley is a cosmopolitan area with
a down to earth, hometown feeling.
Quick facts:
- Avondale - Area: 56 sq. miles; Population 29,080;
Median Income $30,975.
- Goodyear - Area: 115 sq. miles; Population 19,640;
Median Income $41,808.
- Litchfield Park - Area: 3.1 sq. miles; Population
4,876; Median Income $57,500.
- Tolleson - Area: 6 sq. miles; Population 4,467:
Median Income $23,676.
www.southwestvalleychamber.org
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