Phoenix at its Finest
2009
Among the Top Ten for Efficient Homes
The Tucson and Phoenix metropolitan areas rank in the top 10 for 2009 for communities with the most homes certified under the federal Energy Star energy-efficiency standards, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced. Energy Star-qualified new homes are independently verified to meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the EPA.
Top Five Cities Where Americans are Relocating, according to Forbes Magazine
Phoenix was ranked #4 in a nationwide poll where better business opportunities, favorable weather, and more affordable housing were the main criteria.
BusinessWeek Honors Phoenix as the #2 City for Recent College Grads
According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, Phoenix was second best among all major U.S. cities based on opportunity, business growth, and affordable cost of living.
Phoenix is Named Among the Top Ten "Tax Friendly" Cities in the U.S.
According to a nationwide poll taken by Kiplinger.com in 2009, Phoenix and all its surrounding suburbs were cited as #8 among all American cities with the lowest tax burden. The same poll names Phoenix for being "tax friendly" on taxes regarding income, state, sales, and auto.
Phoenix Graffiti Busters and Good Neighbor Program was Nationally Recognized in 2009
These programs were nationally recognized for their diligence, neighborhood safety, and beautification at the Neighborhoods, USA conference in 2009. Each year this nonprofit organization measures the impact of community services and awareness in all major U.S. cities and Phoenix was at the top of the list in removing graffiti and inspiring residents to maintain their neighborhoods.
Both the Encanto Park and the Civic Space Park in Phoenix won National Awards in 2009
Encanto Park in Phoenix was listed alongside New York City's Central Park, San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and Boston Commons as one of the Nation's 12 Best City Parks -- according to Forbes Magazine. Forbes further recognized Encanto Park for its “old-fashioned qualities" and charming attractions, including boat rentals and an amusement park, all located in the heart of central Phoenix. On the design and sustainable side, the Civic Space Park earned the coveted Best of 2009 Engineering News-Record's National Award for Landscaping/Urban Design. The award also recognized the Civic Space Park's unique sustainable design and eco-friendly measures.
Top 25 Favorite Cities
Travel + Leisure magazine ranked Phoenix-Scottsdale among the top 25 of America's Favorite Cities in 2009. Among the categories measured were people, quality of life, sightseeing, family trips, holidays and seasons, and getting around.
2008
#10 Phoenix is Heart Healthful for Women
Phoenix is listed by the American Heart Association as one of the top 10 "Heart Friendly" cities for women, among metro areas with a population over 1.4 million.
Tops for Young People
For the third year in a row Chandler, Scottsdale and Tempe have been recognized as part of the "100 Best Communities for Young People" by America's Promise Alliance, founded by General Colin Powell. America's Promise Alliance criteria included how well these communities meet the Five Promises: Caring Adults, Safe Places, A Healthy Start, Effective Education and Opportunities to Help Others.
Money Magazine's Top 30 Best Places to Live: #28 Gilbert, #30 Chandler
These Phoenix suburbs made the list based on the large number of great schools, affordable homes, low crime and general active lifestyle.
Prevention Magazine Names Tempe as one of the Best Walking Cities in America
Health publication Prevention Magazine and the American Podiatric Medical Association surveyed major cities across the U.S. to find the "Best Walking Cities" and cited the Phoenix suburb as one the best walking cities due to its low crime rate, pollution and abundance of gorgeous local parks.
2007
#3 Best Cities for Jobs
Phoenix earned 3rd place in Forbes 2007 annual "Best Cities for Jobs." In order to select the top 100 cities, rankings were based on Median Household Income, Unemployment, Income Growth, Cost of Living, and Job Growth. (In 2008, Phoenix is listed at 86; the final 2007 ranking has Phoenix at 3.)#2 Strongest City for Job Opportunities
In 2007 out of 171 metropolitan cities, Bizjournals placed Phoenix in 2nd place where job opportunities are strongest for young adults. Cities selected included qualities with strong growth rates, moderate costs of living, substantial groups of residents who have college degrees and jobs.
#6 Most Digital City
The most technology-advanced cities in America have been named by The Center for Digital Government based on its 2007 Digital Cities Survey, and Phoenix has been ranked #6 in the 250,000 or more population category. The study examined how city governments are utilizing digital technologies to better serve their citizens and streamline operations. Mesa also made the list at the #10 spot.
Among the Most Playful Cities
The KaBOOM! National Campaign for Play announced that Phoenix, Chandler, and Gilbert are three of the thirty-one founding members of the Playful City USA initiative. This effort recognizes communities that achieve better public policy, funding and public awareness for increased play opportunities for kids. Along with Tucson, these cities were recognized for fulfilling a pledge to five specific commitments to play that have a lasting impact on issues -including childhood obesity, public safety, and quality of life.
#6 Most Popular Travel Destination
According to the Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates' 2007 Travel Trends Survey, the Phoenix area ranked as the seventh-most-popular travel destination in the United States. "Our customers are attracted to the luxurious resorts and spas, exceptional golfing, outstanding recreational activities, world-class shopping, and, of course, the chance to bask in the sunshine.
Top Ten Golf Courses
An ideal climate and an abundance of golf courses attract champions and world-class golf tournaments to Phoenix every year. The Phoenix Open is one of the PGA Tour's top events. Two Phoenix Golf resorts made the top ten in Travel and Leisure's 2007 World's Best Golf Resorts: The Boulders and Four Seasons Troon North.