By Scott Beyer | Forbes
The longtime demographics of Phoenix have reflected both the fundamental newness and oldness about the place. The Valley of the Sun wasn’t even a significant metro area until the 1950s, when an inward flood of American transplants seeking warmer climates made it a giant overnight sprawl suburb. Its ingrained aspects, on the other hand, lie in a Native indigenous culture that was there long before any talk about nations or borders.
But there is a wrinkle to this mix. From the beginning of its urbanization process about a half century ago, Phoenix became a hub for Canadians, specifically the Canadian business elite, who view the metro area as a warm second home. Over the period, Canadians have become a massive subset within the local culture and economy, and having this critical mass travel back and forth has nurtured an active trade route, and a unique niche within America’s complex economy.
