Known for its excellent medical and educational institutions, beautiful neighborhoods, easy access to freeways and a diversified economic base, Glendale is the 100th largest city in the U.S. and the fourth largest city in Arizona.

Although fast growing, rapid population growth has been handled with caution and foresight, characteristic of Glendale's planning process. Strong community programs, many organized neighborhood associations and a wide range of housing choices help to keep Glendale a popular city in which to live.

Founded as a temperance colony in 1892, it served as a haven from the rest of the rollicking Arizona Territory. The arrival of the railroad and an ice plant heralded its glory days when this agricultural Mecca was Arizona's largest shipping center.

Preserving its past is as important as planning for its future. The old town clock graces the downtown square, while the famous six-story brick Sugar Beet Factory enhances Glendale's skyline. Much of the city's history can be seen in historic sites that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Some well known companies have offices in Glendale including Honeywell Corporation, Conair, Serta Mattress Company, KayBee Toys, Mattel Toy Corporation and Sunkist.

Glendale is also home to the new Cardinals' Stadium, which will host the Fiesta Bowl in 2007 and the Superbowl in 2008. It is located just west of the Westgate City Center. The Glendale Arena at Westgate is a world-class arena, which holds sports events, family shows and some of the music industry's top artists. It is the home of the Phoenix Coyotes hockey team and the Arizona Sting indoor lacrosse team.

The Westgate City Center has been called the Crown Jewel of new sports venue complexes with the most exciting urban, mixed use vision of the new century. The Westgate City Center will become a super-regional destination, projectd to attract approximately 22 million visitors annually. Upon completion, Westgate will include up to 6.5 million square feet of retail, entertainment, restaurants, office, residential, and hotels, making Westgate one of the largest commercial real estate developments in North America. Estimated cost for the complete buildout of the Westgate City Center is approximately $1 billion.

The Glendale Arena at Westgate is a world-class arena, which holds sports events, family shows and some of the music industry's top artists. It is the home of the Phoenix Coyotes hockey team and the Arizona Sting indoor lacrosse team. The New Cardinals' Stadium will host the Fiesta Bowl in 2007 and the Superbowl in 2008. It is located just west of the City Center.