About the Chandler, Arizona Area 

Chandler is one of the fastest growing cities in Arizona. Its hometown feel, and affordable housing, continue to draw new residents annually. In addition to many local community events in Chandler, premiere resorts, world-class golf, and numerous recreational activities, there is the attraction of nearby Phoenix, and the cultural offerings of a metropolitan urban area. 

Chandler continues to preserve its city’s rich history, and roots as an agricultural community, while looking to the future, and the development required for its growth as a major city in the Valley of the Sun. 

Location/Distances Between Towns/Cities
Located 8 miles south of the city of Tempe, and 8 miles west of the town of Gilbert, the city of Chandler has good access to other parts of the Valley of the Sun. Downtown Phoenix is only 20 miles northwest of Chandler, and Mesa is 11 miles to the northeast. 

Airports
The primary airport serving Chandler is Phoenix Sky Harbor International, located 14 miles away. Additionally, Williams Gateway Airport is 15 miles from Chandler, also in Phoenix. Luke Air Force Base is 39 miles away, in Glendale. 

Terrain
Chandler is located in Maricopa County, in the Salt River Valley, at an elevation of 1215 feet. The total land area of the city is 57.9 square miles, and 0.17% of the total area is water.  

Population
The estimated population of Chandler in July of 2004 was 223,991. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Arizona. Almost 88% of the adult population has completed high school, and one-third have attained a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree. 

Jobs
Many businesses are located in Chandler. In particular, high-tech manufacturing has boomed in the city. Chandler has become a leader in computer technology, and has earned the nickname “Silicon Desert”. 

The primary industries providing employment are: manufacturing (18.9%), educational, health and social services (15.6%) and retail trade (11.9%). 

The average commute for Chandler residents who are employed in other cities in the Valley of the Sun, is 25 minutes. 

Colleges/Universities
Chandler/Gilbert Community College, the Golf Academy of Arizona, and the College of Beauty Arts and Science, are all located in Chandler. Other colleges and universities within 15 miles of Chandler (with a full-time enrollment of at least 2000 students) are: Mesa Community College, Rio Salado Community College, Al Collins Graphic Design School, Arizona State University-Main Campus, in Tempe, the University of Phoenix-Phoenix Campus, and Scottsdale Community College. 

Housing
Chandler has a home-town feeling, and affordable housing, with many options for residential living. There are beautiful neighborhoods with landscaped streets, offering single family homes, and custom estates with additional property are also available. Condominiums, townhouses, and patio homes can also be found in Chandler. There are homes available for any budget, with detached homes starting as low as $150,000. There are many listings in every price range, including multi-million dollar luxury estates. 

Historic Sites
The San Marcos Hotel, one of Arizona’s first resort hotels, was built in 1914 by Dr. Alexander Chandler, a land developer and veterinarian, for whom the community is named. San Marcos Hotel was designed in the Mission Revival Style. Many famous guests have stayed there, including several United States Presidents and famous Hollywood actors and actresses. The San Marcos Hotel is located in downtown Chandler and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.  

Recreation
(Please see the Things To Do Page under the Local Info Tab for a listing of many golf courses in the area.) 

The weather in Chandler allows for year-round outdoor living, and there are many activities to enjoy in this community. The many parks include Doctor Chandler Memorial Park (in honor of its founder), Elgin park, Palo Verde Park, Arrowhead Meadows Park, Armstrong Park, Apache Park, Folley Park, East Mine Well Park and West Mine Well Park. 

The Desert Breeze Railroad Park has a reproduction of an 1880’s locomotive, offering residents a train ride in a beautiful park setting. There are also old-fashioned amusement park rides for the children. Firebird International Raceway has three tracks where drag races are regularly held, and Firebird Lake has drag-boat racing. 

Of course, golfers will find an abundance of beautiful courses in the area. Chandler is home to Springfield Golf Course, a public 18-hole course, and the Ocotillo Golf Course, with three 27-hole courses. There are also semi-private clubs and courses, including Ironwood Country Club, Lone Tree Golf Club, and Sunbird Golf Resort. The Sheraton San Marcos Country Club has an 18-hole resort course, and Whirlwind at Gila River Resort has two 36-hole resort courses; the Cat Tail Course and the Devil’s Claw Course. 

Special Attractions/Events
Chandler is a lively community which host many annual festivals and events. In February, Chandler is home to the Arizona Renaissance Festival. 

The annual Ostrich Festival is in March, a unique event that includes ostrich races and other activities that the residents look forward to each year.  

The Gila River Casino Lakefest in held every April, and a Cotton Festival occurs every October. Chandler was once a primary cotton producing region. 

In December, the city has a Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony and parade, with a unique tree created entirely of local tumbleweed! 

The city of Chandler also hosts a “Concerts in the Parks” series, with a range of musical offerings, from jazz to Brazilian music. They are held all over the city in a variety of parks.  

The city is also home to the uniquely-designed Chandler Center for the Arts. The auditorium has a turntable design, allowing for seating areas in the rear of the main auditorium to rotate to face two smaller intimate stages. The walls move as well, allowing for three separate enclosed events to occur simultaneously. 

Interesting Facts
The Gila River Indian Reservation is west of the city of Chandler. 

Chandler is the only city in Arizona to light a tree created of tumbleweed every December. 

Chandler was the filming location for the 1995 movie “Waiting to Exhale”. 

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