In 2000 there were just over 1,000 people in what was then the Town of Maricopa. Maricopa became a city in 2003. Some population estimates expect the population to be 125,000 by the year 2010. That is incredible growth! Why is this happening? Basically, because families are finding more affordable housing in the areas on the outskirts of the Greater Phoenix area. Are many of them working in Chandler and Phoenix and other cities in Maricopa County? You betcha! All you have to do is take a look at Highway 347 (Maricopa Road) during rush hour. Yikes! No wonder that a survey of residents noted that highest on the list is the widening of SR 347 or an alternate route to I-10.
Planning for such growth is no easy chore. Parks, city sponsored recreation, and libraries have recently been added. Retail and restaurants are opening every week it seems.
Today (2007) it's pretty obvious when you drive around the city where the original Town of Maricopa had its core, and where the new growth in the City of Maricopa has taken place. Even the Municipal Offices are being rebuilt to keep up with the new Maricopa image. What's next? According to the City's economic development division, hopefully a hospital and a college. The nearest college is Central Arizona College in Coolidge. According to the locals, big box stores, like Wal-Mart and Home Depot, are high on their priority list.
The City of Maricopa refers to itself as “a community with a heart.”
You'll Also want To Know...
City of Maricopa Official Web Site
Maricopa Chamber of Commerce Official Web Site
Online Maricopa News and Opinions at 85239.com
