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City/Town Snapshot: City of Apache Junction
The legendary Superstition Mountains and its mysteries. The historic Apache Trail to beautiful lakes that served as the supply route for the construction of
Roosevelt Dam more than 100 years ago. A long list of tourists who followed the hiking paths and took in magnificent sights.
Decades of history led to the creation of the City of Apache Junction less than 40 years ago. Did you know the city was only incorporated in 1978? It is
actually one of the youngest cities in our state and yet is renowned for its breathtaking vistas, recreational opportunities and ghost stories.
And now the city has developed into the eastern gateway of the Phoenix metropolitan area, poised to be the great portal into the Valley of the Sun. From
modest beginnings, the city now has state-of-the-art amenities in one of the most affordable places to live.
The city has grown an award-winning parks system that includes a gem at the city hall complex - the fabulous Apache Junction Multigenerational
Center. It plays host to diverse activities and clientele, from babies to the senior center. The parks department was instrumental in the city
recently receiving the designation as a one of the nation's "Playful Cities" - one of only 15 in Arizona.
At the base of the majestic Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction is home to recognized trail system and a favorite of bike enthusiasts. The
trails lead into the amazing views and have lured more than one fortune hunter over the decades. The city has more than responded to the call by
creating bike lanes and making street improvements a top priority. The city has only recently redeveloped the historic Apache Trail - a Main
Street if there ever was one.
An eclectic mix of small and regional businesses populate the wide road, leading to the famous junction of State Route 88 and Old West
Highway. Generally regarded as one of the most popular photography points outside of the Grand Canyon, the view to the east escapes
superlatives.
Including the unincorporated areas around the city, more than 100,000 people call this home. And another half million visit annually, from the
nearby Renaissance Festival to the numerous events that dot the calendar.
With retail and educational choices steadily increasing, the city looks to major milestones coming in the near future. A grocery chain is set
to double in size, creating one of the largest supermarkets in Arizona to the junction at Old West Highway. This year, the city will seed its
first downtown park, the future home of special events and a hub of an emerging business district. In another sign of maturity, the city's
first water treatment plant goes on line, serving thousands of customers in an important move as the desert southwest faces drought and limited
water supply.
And eyes remain poised on open land south of U.S. 60 - state trust land that is set to be the next growth area of eastern edge of the Valley. That
is another important point in the evolution of the region and the state - responsible, managed growth in our popular home.
Not bad for a town only approaching middle age.
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League of Arizona Cities and Towns
1820 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
http://www.azleague.org
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