Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and the fifth-largest city in the United States. It’s also one of the sunniest cities in the world. Phoenix has a rich southwestern heritage but is also a progressive, forward-thinking city that offers plenty to see and do for residents and visitors alike. Truly, for those who want a warm, sunny location with endless opportunity, it would be a wonderful place to call home.
A Bit of Phoenix History
The history of Phoenix is a long one - thousands and thousands of years long, in fact. Although Phoenix itself was not founded until the mid-1800s, native people have lived in the area that is now Phoenix for thousands of years. Even today, native people play an important role in the culture of Phoenix and Arizona generally – the state is in fact home to 22 sovereign native tribes. The more modern history of Phoenix began in the second half of the 19th century. In 1867, a canal company was founded in the valley to provide irrigation to the surrounding land. Over the next few years, a small colony formed, and eventually, the city of Phoenix was established, first as a small town, and eventually, it became incorporated in 1881. Phoenix continued to grow, eventually becoming the capital city of Arizona eventually becoming the major American city that it is today. Today it covers more than 500 square miles, and it has a population of 1.6 million. Despite its significant growth, it has always remained a friendly and welcoming city to all. Today it is a thriving metropolis full of countless museums, restaurants, and entertainment options, several professional sports teams, and many major corporations. It is a place full of opportunity that celebrates its diversity while at the same time honoring its rich heritage.
Phoenix – A Few Fun Facts
Find more fun facts about Phoenix here.
The LGBTQ Community in Phoenix
Phoenix has a very sizeable, active, and diverse LGBTQ community that is well supported by resources across the city. Some of those resources include:
One n Ten is a center for LGBTQ youth and young adults serving the greater Phoenix area. Its mission is to serve LGBTQ youth and young adults ages 11-24 and to enhance the lives of the youth it serves by providing empowering and engaging social service programs that promote the development of leadership skills, self-expression, and healthy life choices.
PFLAG Phoenix is the city’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country, with 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members across the United States, PFLAG plays an important and necessary role in providing advocacy, resources, networking opportunities, and support to the LGBTQ community.
Phoenix Weather
Phoenix has a desert-type climate. This means it receives little annual rainfall and has low relative humidity. Temperatures during the day are typically high throughout the summer, in fact, some of the hottest in the United States, with 107 days annually reaching a high of at least 100°. With all of that heat comes plenty of sun, however – Phoenix is one of the world’s sunniest cities. Winters are generally mild. Nighttime temperatures will often drop below freezing during the three coldest months of the year, but by the afternoon, the weather is usually again sunny and warm. Fall and spring are generally pleasant, and also full of plenty of sunshine. Phoenix receives very little rainfall and almost no snow.
Can’t-Miss Phoenix Events
The Phoenix Pride Festival has been organizing marches, rallies, parades, educational events, and outreach projects to celebrate the Phoenix LGBTQ+ community for 40 years. The Pride festival is a two-day celebration designed to bring the LGBTQ+ and allied communities together in camaraderie and celebration while also raising funds for the Phoenix Pride Community Programs and providing education to the greater Phoenix community about LGBTQ issues, and all that the LGBTQ community adds to the city.
The Rainbows Festival is presented by Phoenix Pride, and as it has over 150 vendors and performers every year, some have called it “Arizona’s Greatest Street Fair." The annual event celebrates the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and typically draws a crowd of more than 25,000 people or more.
The Best LGBTQ Neighborhoods in Phoenix
Phoenix has a wide variety of neighborhoods – each with its own character, style, and a variety of price ranges. There are many friendly neighborhoods, and there is no one particular “gayborhood” as is the case in some cities. Nevertheless, a couple of neighborhoods that are particularly popular with the LGBTQ community include:
The Melrose District, located in central Phoenix, has a high concentration of LGBTQ-friendly businesses and is a popular neighborhood with the LGBTQ community. Many bars and nightclubs are situated in this area as well. The median list price of homes in Melrose is currently $325,000.
Scottsdale is 12.9 miles from downtown Phoenix and has often been called Arizona’s version of South Beach because of its great nightlife. It is known for having some of the best homes in the Phoenix area, in addition to offering a wide variety of galleries, museums, restaurants, and indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities. The median home value in Scottsdale is currently $532,275.
Arts and Entertainment
The Heard Museum is known around the world as playing an essential and important role in advancing Native American art. It includes twelve exhibition galleries, as well as an outdoor sculpture garden, a café, and more. Free tours of one of the most extensive collections of Native American art in the world are offered daily. You won’t want to miss the chance to see this inspiring art and learn more about the important role the Native Americans played in Arizona’s history for yourself.
Since the 1960s, the Arizona Theatre Company, a professional regional theatre company located in both Phoenix and Tucson, has been performing a season of six innovative, inspiring, and moving productions for theatre lovers in the area. You won’t want to miss a season.
Parks and Recreation
Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden contains the largest collection of arid plants from deserts all over the world, all housed in a unique and beautiful outdoor environment. More than 50,000 desert plants are displayed throughout five thematic trails. Truly, it is a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon enjoying the stunning natural beauty.
Phoenix Gay Flag Football League
The Phoenix Gay Flag Football League is a recreational league in Phoenix open to the LGBTQ community and its allies, regardless of experience level or ability. The mission of PGFFL is to provide those who participate with a safe space to grow, get some healthy exercise, have fun, and make friends. In addition to its sporting events, PGFFL also used fundraisers and cultural events to raise awareness and support causes important to the LGBTQ community.
Camelback Mountain is a can’t-miss outdoor experience in Phoenix. The mountain gets its name from its shape because it resembles the hump and head of a kneeling camel. Those who hike to the top of this uniquely beautiful mountain will be treated to beautiful vistas and panoramic views of the city.
Phoenix Nightlife
Charlie’s is a staple of LGBTQ nightlife in Phoenix. With a wide variety of theme nights, fantastic drag shows, strong drinks, and a lively dance floor, a good time is practically guaranteed for all.
Pat O’s has a sort of neighborhood “Cheers” like feel – welcoming to all, with a great jukebox that still plays quietly enough for patrons to have a conversation over a game of darts or a drink. Pat’s offers regular theme nights like “Dart Night”, “Bear-E-oke”, and “Disco Night” among others, and it is a great place to meet up with old friends or make new ones.
Contact a Phoenix Realtor Today
Truly, Phoenix would be a wonderful city to call home. If you’re ready to make the move and begin the search for your next dream house in a neighborhood you’ll love, now is the perfect time to get started. Contact a Phoenix gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation any time!
