AZBigMedia
Locals know the Phoenix Metro area is divided into several overarching sub-sectors including the East Valley, West Valley and Central Phoenix. As a member of WeMAR (West Maricopa Association of REALTORS), the West Valley is not only where I call home, but the predominant area in which I work. For context, the West Valley is generally considered anything west of the 1-17 and encompasses, among others, the cities of Avondale, Buckeye, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria and Surprise.
I will admit that my beloved West Valley has been slow to the party in terms of development, both from a commercial and residential standpoint. Historically, a majority of new commercial, residential and job development has been concentrated on the East Valley – think Scottsdale, Central Phoenix, Chandler, Mesa and Gilbert. But the tides are changing, and during the past several years, there has been a steady increase in interest in the West Side.
Currently, more than 1.6 million people live in the 15 communities that make up the West Valley. According to the Western Maricopa Coalition (WESTMARC), more than 43 percent of growth in Maricopa County within the next 25 years will take place in this area.
