Glendale, Arizona

Glendale is a major city in Maricopa County, Arizona, situated just northwest of Phoenix. It’s a vibrant and diverse community known for its championship sports venues, dynamic entertainment district, and charming historic downtown. While it has grown significantly, it retains a sense of its agricultural past in certain areas.

Population: As of the 2020 census, Glendale had a population of 248,325. Estimates for July 1, 2023, place its population at approximately 253,855, with projections suggesting continued growth.

Climate/Landscape: Glendale is located within the Sonoran Desert, specifically in the Salt River Valley, which grants it a hot and dry desert climate.

• Climate: Glendale experiences a hot desert climate with over 300 days of sunshine annually.
  • Summers are intensely hot, with average daily high temperatures in July and August typically exceeding 100°F (38°C) and often reaching 106°F (41°C) or higher. The late summer monsoon season can bring occasional, brief, but intense thunderstorms.
  • Winters are mild and very pleasant, with average daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s°F (15-25°C), making it a popular winter destination.
• Landscape: The city’s landscape is generally flat, part of the expansive “Valley of the Sun.” It’s characterized by urban development, well-maintained parks, and some remaining agricultural land. While the immediate area is largely developed, the wider Maricopa County landscape includes desert flora like saguaro cacti, palo verde trees, and distant mountain ranges that define the horizon. The New River and Agua Fria River flow through parts of the city.