Why Move To Glendale?
Glendale, Arizona is a city in Maricopa County that is known for its gorgeous weather, notable attractions, and sporting events. Located less than 10 miles away from Phoenix and boasting a population of 245,849 people, Glendale still manages to maintain a small town feel that its residents appreciate.
Its family-friendly community makes Glendale a wonderful place to raise kids and is one of the reasons that Maricopa County is one of the fastest growing counties in America.
Here are four of the main reasons why people move to Glendale:
1. PARKS
Those who cannot get enough of the great outdoors love exploring the different trails and desert landscapes in Glendale. Glendale has parks that offer the chance to wander through nature while participating in outdoor activities and learning about the town’s history of building water canals and transportation systems.
Named after the World War II pilot training facility that was once located by this park, Thunderbird Conservation Park is where Glendale residents go for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. As visitors jog through the park, they will see Sonoran Desert wildlife like foxes, lizards, and falcons. This park is a great place for people who like to be one with nature.
Sahuaro Ranch Park is one of Glendale’s main attractions. Visitors take in the history of Sahuaro Ranch as they stroll through historic buildings and orchids, grill food in the designated picnic areas, and play sports at the Sahuaro Ranch Sports Complex. With playgrounds for young kids and a dog park for pet owners, Sahuaro Ranch Park truly has something for everyone.
Glendale Heroes Regional Park has amenities for the whole family. Park visitors shoot arrows at the archery range, play a pickup game at the basketball court, or cool off at the splash pad. This park also has a designated dog park, playgrounds, and X-Court, an outdoor facility for skateboarders and BMX riders.
2. SPORTS
Glendale is a mecca for sports fans. From baseball to hockey, there are always games to watch in Glendale.
Here are some reasons why sports enthusiasts look for homes for sale in Glendale:
- Glendale is home to several professional teams including the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes and the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals
- Glendale’s Camelback Ranch hosts the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox during Spring Training
- Glendale’s State Farm Stadium holds the annual Vizio Fiesta Bowl for college football
People who prefer playing sports to watching sports have plenty of options for recreation in Glendale as well.
Golf
Glendale has many public and private golf courses available for golfers. Residents gain PGA level instruction at Desert Mirage Golf Course, enjoy the links-style layout of The Legend of Arrowhead Golf Course, play rounds privately at Arrowhead Country Club, or practice all evening at Glen Lakes Municipal Golf Course.
In addition to these top-notch courses, the surrounding Phoenix area also has options for avid golfers.
Those who want to play golf with a twist visit Glendale’s Topgolf that offers point-based golf games, delicious bar food, and entertainment.
Action Sports
Thrill seekers and athletes that participate in action sports find a supportive community in Glendale.
Glendale’s Wheel’s in Motion program teaches children and teenagers BMX skills under coaching from a professional BMX rider. BMX riders also use the X-Court at Glendale Heroes Regional Park, which has 26,000 square feet of bowls, banks, and street elements for skaters and bikers.
Recreation Centers
Glendale has six recreation centers for children and adults alike to use for fitness education, indoor and outdoor activities, and games. Residents visit Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center, Glendale Adult Center, Glendale Community Center, Heroes Regional Park Recreation Building, O’Neil Recreation Center, or Rose Lane Recreation Center for weekend fun.
3. SHOPPING
Fashionistas can truly shop until they drop thanks to the abundance of shopping centers in Glendale. Here are the best places to get some great deals:
This premier mall has over 180 stores with popular brands like Apple, Coach, Disney, and Lane Bryant. Arrowhead Towne Center offers upscale dining options as well as a food court for hungry shoppers. Kids love browsing the Lego store, playing in the Towne Center play area, and watching movies at the mall’s AMC movie theater.
Glendale residents wander through Historic Downtown Glendale to shop at specialty stores and boutiques, eat authentic cuisine from different countries, and find antiques. Historic Downtown Glendale is a great place to find hand-crafted jewelry, art, and clothes that make lovely gifts.
Glendale also has one of 39 Tanger Outlets shopping centers. This mall has Saks Fifth Avenue, Calvin Klein, Loft, and dozens of other stores as well as a Dairy Queen and fast dining options.
While Westgate Entertainment District has a selection of specialty stores for shopping, this shopping center provides so much more. Westgate Entertainment District has the largest AMC in Arizona, several trendy restaurants, and live music. It also holds over 250 events every year. This area is one of Glendale’s top attractions.
4. FOOD
Glendale is known for having fantastic restaurants and niche eateries. Here are some places that Glendale locals frequent:
Glendale families stop by Haus Murphy’s of Glendale for delicious German food and incredible beer prepared by local German artisans. This restaurant, which was featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-In’s and Dives” is a popular eatery in Glendale.
Glendale residents satisfy their sweet tooth with cookies from Coyote Oaties. Made with natural ingredients and whole rolled oats, these cookies are some of the best in the entire state of Arizona.
For Southwestern comfort food, locals know to go to Cuff. Cuff offers hearty servings of good food at affordable prices. The incredible food and the relaxed atmosphere make this restaurant a Glendale hotspot.
In addition to great restaurants, many of Glendale’s events center around food. Residents enjoy going to Glendale Chocolate Affaire, an annual chocolate celebration in Historic Downtown Glendale, among other food-related festivals and celebrations.
CHOOSING GLENDALE
Glendale is a beautiful city that provides excellent opportunities for its residents to participate in shopping, outdoor recreation, sporting events, and fine dining. Families looking to take advantage of everything Glendale has to offer should check out the affordable homes for sale in Glendale.
