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