Why We Live Here
Chandler, the fourth largest City in Arizona, is located in one of the fastest growing innovation and technology centers in the nation. Chandler is a vibrant, diverse, fiscally responsible community with a supportive business climate that attracts global industry leaders, exciting startups, talented workers and their families. In addition to being a great place to live, play and work our local hotels, resorts, golf courses, restaurants and ample shopping opportunities make Chandler one of Arizona’s great vacation spots. Explore some of what Chandler has to offer you!
Visit here to learn more about the Chandler lifestyle and see here for more information. For the city’s stats on housing, schools, the job market, and much more, click here.
- Incorporated 1920
- Area 65.1 sq. mi.
- Elevation 1,214’
- County Maricopa
- Website https://www.chandleraz.gov
- Population 269,123 (2021 est.)
- Population Density 4,132.5 per sq. mi.
- Median Age 36
- Families with Kids Under 18 51%
- Average Household Income $99,000(in 2018)
- Overall Cost of Living 96.6
History
(See https://www.chandleraz.gov/explore/arts-and-culture/history-of-chandler.)
In 1891, Dr. Alexander John Chandler, the first veterinary surgeon for the territory of Arizona, bought 80 acres of land from the federal government south of Mesa in the Salt River Valley. Dr. Chandler studied the relatively new science of irrigation engineering and was instrumental in building an early system of canals in what was then an arid desert. By the turn of the century, Dr. Chandler owned an18,000-acree ranch. The charter of the Salt River Project provided that each landowner could obtain enough water to irrigate only 160 acres. Dr. Chandler sought the help of planners and architects in subdividing his ranch and drawing up a townsite map. He then advertised nationally the sale of Chandler Ranch sites. On May 17, 1912, Dr. Chandler opened the townsite office. Excursion trains on the newly completed Arizona Eastern Railroad brought 300 speculators who spent $50,000 for land that day. The town then consisted of three wooden shacks — the townsite office, a dining hall and the Morrison Grocery. There was also a billboard marking the site of the elegant future Hotel San Marcos.
In recent years, Chandler’s borders have been expanded and the population has boomed — from 30,000 in 1980 to more than 240,000 today. The economic base of Chandler has been diversified. While agriculture is still somewhat of a vital element, Chandler now enjoys a strong manufacturing and electronics sector.
Interesting Facts
In addition to the pueblo revival homes in the area, like the famous McCullough-Price House, Downtown Chandler is also home to the Chandler Museum and the Arizona Railway Museum, which houses more than a dozen complete trains, many of which visitors can even board.
The population density in Chandler is 5634% higher than in Arizona.
Major Attractions and Events
- Chandler Center for the Arts
- Chandler Fashion Center
- Downtown Chandler
- Veterans Oasis Park
Popular Restaurants
(See https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/restaurants/dining-guide-best-restaurants-and-bars-in-downtown-chandler-11321837 and see https://www.visitchandler.com/restaurants.)
- Abuelo’s
- American Way Restaurant
- Barrelhouse
- Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
- The Keg Steakhouse & Bar
- Roy’s
- San Tan Brewing Company
- Tumi Fine Peruvian Cuisine
- Vintage 95
- Z’Tejas