• Full-Service city
• Council-Manager form of Government

• Population of 182,615 - Arizona’s 4th largest city
• 3rd largest city in the Valley of the Sun
• Area - 56.5 square miles located on the northwest border of Phoenix, in the Valley of the Sun.
• 25 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport
• Conveniently located to I-17, I-10 and Outer Loop 101

• Thunderbird - American Graduate School of International Management
• Luke Air Force Base
• The Showplace of the Valley - Sahuaro Ranch Park
• Historic downtown Glendale
• Old Towne Shopping District
• Catlin Court Historic Shops District
• Cerreta’s Candy Factory Tours
• Arrowhead Towne Center regional shopping center
• Honeywell, Inc.
• Midwestern University
• Arizona State University West Campus

Glendale was settled over a century ago as a haven from the sins of the world and the rest of the rollicking Arizona Territory. W.J. Murphy’s dam and canal brought water to the desert area allowing many immigrants with their varied cultures to build their dreams in the rich soil. Railroad service and the ice plant made this agricultural area Arizona’s largest shipping center.

During World War II pilots from across the nation trained at Luke & Thunderbird fields. After the war thousands of returning airmen made Glendale their home. Farming made way for housing and industry and Glendale became a dynamic urban center.

Glendale Municipal Airport's modern two-story terminal contains spacious offices, large conference rooms and a full-service restaurant. Washing and maintenance bays are available for all airport-based aircraft.

Glendale Municipal Airport is easy to get to -- conveniently located at the corner of Glendale Avenue and Glen Harbor Boulevard, just west of Loop 101 near 107th Ave. The airport, which serves as a general aviation reliever for Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, is just a short five mile drive west of downtown Glendale and five miles east of Luke Air Force Base. A newly-paved, 18-acre parcel at the airport's northwest corner will soon accommodate up to 170 new hangars -- nearly tripling the number currently available. In addition, a new business park is being planned for the east side of the landing field.

Glendale's "college connection" now links four institutions of higher learning. Midwestern University chose Glendale as the location for its new College of Osteopathic Medicine which opened in September 1996. Also serving Glendale are the American Graduate School of International Management, the only school in the U.S. devoted exclusively to international management careers; Arizona State University's West Campus; and Glendale Community College, with an enrollment of 18,000.

Stroll through specialty shops in the Historic Catlin Court Shops District. White picket fences and brick-trimmed sidewalks lined with gaslights, gardens and gazebos lead you back into time. Historic Craftsman bungalows, beautifully restored to recapture their residential charm, house quaint shops and galleries filled with folk art, crafts, antiques and collectibles.

Visit the Old Towne Shopping District, a turn-of-the-century town center. Glendale brings history to life in the most appealing way. Over 80 antique stores, collectible shops, specialty shops, unique eateries, authentic ice cream parlors, delicatessens, family-owned restaurants, clothing boutiques, western wear shops, and craft galleries surround the majestic trees, brick sidewalks and gaslights of Murphy Park in Glendale's town square. You can even sit a spell at the actual soda fountain from the movie, "Murphy's Romance," starring Sally Field and James Garner.

The open-air trolley makes a convenient loop through the Old Towne Shopping District and Historic Catlin Court Shops District. This free treat is a wonderful way to get your bearings and plan your day -- hop on and off at the many conveniently located stops.

In the heart of the city, historic Murphy Park is the site of a bustling outdoor market each Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., October through May. More than 75 artists and crafters provide a festive atmosphere and a wonderful selection of hand-crafted gifts.

Join a Thursday evening Antique Walk and step back in time. On the third Thursday of the month -- and every Thursday in both November and December -- more than 80 antique stores, craft galleries, and eateries stay open until 9 p.m. to provide shoppers a unique buying experience. Gaslights, strolling musicians and free refreshments add to the evenings's magical charm!

Tour the sweetest factory around. The Cerreta Candy Company is a Willy Wonka wonderland. This family-owned and operated business makes candy for Disneyland, Magic Mountain and Knott's Berry Farms. Visitors are invited to take a fascinating free tour of this colorful factory and learn how aromatic vats of swirling melted chocolate become delicious wrapped candies of every imaginable variety. Call (602) 930-9000 for tour times

Step into any restaurant in Catlin Court and you'll truly believe you've been whisked back to a more gracious time. Take tea or dine in the elegant setting of a Victorian home. Enjoy a bite outside under the sprawling citrus trees. Or lunch in the romantic charm of the old South where you can relax in a rocking chair on the front porch.

Old Towne Shopping District
Visit a turn-of-the-century town center. Glendale brings history to life in the most appealing way. Authentic ice cream parlors, clothing boutiques, western wear shops, antiques and collectible shops and craft galleries surround the majestic trees and gaslights of Murphy Park.
Sahuaro Ranch Park
Explore a century-old ranch. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Sahuaro Ranch Park preserves one of the Valley's oldest and finest homesteads. It's a lovely 16-acre park, complete with seven original buildings, a lavish rose garden, and over 50 peacocks roaming the grounds.
Championship Golf Courses
Enjoy romantic dining with a view or golf at Arrowhead or The Legend. Championship courses designed by Arnold Palmer.
Glendale Saturday Market
Experience the colorful Glendale Saturday Market. In the center of the city, historic Murphy Park is the site of a bustling outdoor craft market each Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m., October through May.
Historic Murphy Park
A lasting tribute to W.J. Murphy, the father of Glendale. Murphy donated this land to the city in 1909 and made the citizens promise to keep the square block as a park forever. This park, town square and public gathering place with its brick paths, gaslights, turn-of-the-century replica clock and bronze statues is home to the event of the year, "Glendale Glitters" holiday light spectacular.
Thunderbird Desert Mountain Park
Hike amid centuries-old cacti by day and savor the breathtaking color of our sunsets by night in this 1,000-acre regional park.
Arrowhead Towne Center
The Northwest Valley's super regional mall. Five major department stores and over 100 merchants make this center a shoppers delight. Located across from the Peoria Sports Complex -- home of the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres.
Thunderbird Paseo Park
Jog along the 4-mile long green oasis that includes jogging trails, ball fields and playground equipment. One of the valley's major bike paths passes through the park beginning in west Glendale and ending in east Phoenix, several miles away.
Glendale Municipal Office Complex and Amphitheater
This spacious six-story office complex, with a unique architectural accent of hooked pillars, is the center of city government. It also houses the City Council Chambers and public meeting space. The complex features an art gallery, an outdoor amphitheater and a three-story municipal parking garage with free parking for your convenience.