Why West Valley

A New Way of Life

Sun City opened in 1960 as the nation’s first master planned retirement community and remains a vibrant destination for active adults. While Sun City and Sun City West still have median ages above 70, the surrounding West Valley communities have grown younger and more diverse. Many cities in the region now have median ages closer to 35, reflecting a shift toward a multigenerational population and workforce. The West Valley has evolved from its agricultural roots into a dynamic region of growth, opportunity, and innovation.

Geographically

The West Valley is the region of Maricopa County located west of Interstate 17. It includes the cities and communities of Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Surprise, Tolleson, Wickenburg, Youngtown, Sun City, and Sun City West. According to recent estimates, more than 1.7 million people reside in these 15 communities, and the West Valley is projected to absorb nearly half of Maricopa County’s population growth over the next 25 years.

With steady growth underway, the West Valley continues to offer expanding opportunities to live, work, and play close to home. As new developments, employers, and civic initiatives emerge, the quality of life continues to improve. The region’s success calls for strong and engaged leadership to help shape its future.

I love the West Valley because of its vibrant diversity. I have friends from all different cultural and economic backgrounds, and we enjoy a wide range of entertainment, sports, dining, outdoor activities and volunteer opportunities. You name it, we enjoy it in the West Valley. We enjoy living in the sun and going somewhere else when we want to visit the snow.

- Joe Cable, Branch Manager, Bowman Consulting

Going West

People and companies are increasingly choosing the West Valley because business is thriving here. The region offers ample space for commercial development alongside an educated workforce ready to fill high-wage jobs in sectors such as advanced business services, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and technology. Diverse and affordable housing options combined with growing entertainment destinations and amenities enhance overall quality of life. Leadership West exists to cultivate civic-minded leaders equipped to guide the region’s growth and help implement positive change as new challenges and opportunities emerge.

63.5%

of the West Valley Population is Working Age

63.5%

Education & Talent

The West Valley’s talent pool is rich and diverse, fueling a strong workforce across healthcare, advanced business services, information technology, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, logistics, and supply chain management. Having a well-educated workforce in place is a key factor when global and national companies choose locations in this region. “Parents relocating from Taiwan, Europe, and elsewhere want to know what education their children will receive,” noted Christine Mackay, Community and Economic Development Director for the City of Phoenix.

The region offers a diverse range of educational options, including public, private, and charter K-12 schools, as well as career and technical education programs, community colleges, and universities. Curricula emphasize STEM fields and are aligned with the evolving needs of the industry. Strong collaboration between education institutions and employers helps ensure that students are prepared for today’s workforce and tomorrow’s opportunities.

The West Valley is no longer a future opportunity—it’s a current-day powerhouse. This region is ready for investment, talent, and long-term growth, with a young, diverse workforce and infrastructure that supports major industries.

—Sintra Hoffman, President & CEO of WESTMARC

Commercial Development

No conversation about Arizona’s commercial growth is complete without recognizing the West Valley’s pivotal role in regional expansion. The region continues to attract significant investments due to its available land, forward-looking infrastructure, and strong business climate. Companies such as TSMC, Microsoft, Amazon, Nike, Boeing, Nestle, Abrazo, Banner Health, and Rehrig Pacific have established a significant presence or acquired land for future development.

The Southwest Valley has been ranked as the top location in the nation for industrial relocation or expansion. Loop 303 connects Interstate 10 to Interstate 17, providing seamless freeway access across the region. Many West Valley cities also offer established rail lines, ample water capacity, robust power infrastructure, and advanced telecom and fiber networks that facilitate large-scale commercial development. Whether companies are seeking shovel-ready sites or long-term growth potential, the West Valley offers a strategic and well-equipped environment for success.

Abundant Housing

Residential real estate remains a major draw in the West Valley, offering everything from multi-million dollar custom estates to affordable starter homes. As of mid-2025, the median sales price for a home in the West Valley is approximately 405,000 dollars, reflecting continued demand and growth. Housing options for younger professionals include multi-family rentals and communities that offer flexible leases, amenities, and low-maintenance living.

Major builders including Toll Brothers, Shea Homes, and Lennar have continued expanding in the region. Recent projects include large-scale developments in Peoria and surrounding cities, delivering hundreds of new homes to meet the needs of the area’s rapidly growing population. With greater availability and affordability compared to many other parts of the Valley, the West Valley remains an attractive destination for individuals and families looking to put down roots.

Entertainment

Since 2006, Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale has become a major sports and entertainment hub, attracting millions of visitors each year. Anchored by State Farm Stadium and Desert Diamond Arena, the district hosts large-scale concerts, national events, and is supported by teams such as the Arizona Cardinals. The area regularly draws world-class entertainment acts and has helped place the West Valley on the national map.

The P83 Entertainment District in Peoria continues to expand with new attractions like Tavern Park, a large indoor and outdoor sports bar and event venue. This area, along with Park West lifestyle center, Crystal Lagoons Island Resort, and Stadium Point at P83, supports a vibrant quality of life for residents and the growing workforce.

The region also features notable destinations such as Ak-Chin Pavilion, Topgolf Glendale, Desert Diamond Casino West Valley, and Arizona Broadway Theatre. Recently, Desert Diamond Casino White Tanks added a new amphitheater and gaming options, contributing to the area’s expanding entertainment offerings.

The West Valley also promotes an active and healthy lifestyle with access to over 3,000 square miles of outdoor recreation. Residents and visitors enjoy scenic parks and natural preserves such as Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Hassayampa River Preserve, Lake Pleasant Regional Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, and the Wildlife World Zoo.

Whether through sports, arts, nightlife, or outdoor exploration, the West Valley delivers a rich and diverse entertainment experience that appeals to all ages.

Thoughtful and

Effective Community Leaders

Are you a leader committed to shaping the future of the West Valley?

Do you actively engage in your community and seek to expand your civic impact?

Are you ready to grow by investing your time, talent, and resources into something greater than yourself?

Do you value authenticity and strive to lead with purpose and integrity?

Are you seeking experiences that challenge your thinking and foster your personal and professional growth?

Are you eager to collaborate with a diverse network of passionate and driven leaders across industries?

If you answered yes to these questions and want to deepen your influence in the West Valley, Leadership West is the next step in your leadership journey.