Introduction to Avondale, Arizona
Avondale, Arizona, in Maricopa county, is 11 miles SW of Glendale, Arizona (center to center) and 15 miles W of Phoenix, Arizona. Avondale is located along the Augua Fria River and is included in the Phoenix metropolitan area. It's a modern city, situated in a prominent commercial corridor which includes business parks, retail centers and numerous restaurants.
Avondale History
In 1880, William "Billy" G. Moore established a settlement along the Agua Fria River and named it Coldwater. He constructed a saloon, a general store and created a stage stop. In the early days, cotton was a major factor for the economy. During the late 19th century the city was a stopping place for people venturing out to the "Golden Coast." During the early 1900's the post office located in Coldwater was relocated to an area near the Avondale Ranch. The post office was referred to as Avondale. In 1946 Avondale was incorporated as a city.
Avondale Attractions
- West Valley Arts
- Phoenix International Raceway hosts NASCAR races
- Avondale World Fest Event features culture, food and the arts from all over the world
- Avondale's Billy Moore Heritage includes a parade, a carnival and a wide variety of entertainment
- Wildlife World Zoo
- Desert Sky Mall is a popular destination for shopping
- Cricket Wireless Pavilion
- Lewis Exotic Reptiles
Avondale Activities
Residents enjoy outdoor activities at Friendship Park. Estrella Mountain Regional Park, located in the Sonoran Desert is a vast acreage located near the confluence of the Gila and Agua Fria rivers. It includes sports venues and trails for hiking, bicycle riding and horseback riding. White Tank Mountain Regional Park is situated in the Sonoran Desert and offers multi-use trails and is available for camping.
There are numerous golf courses in the area including Palm Valley, Coldwater, Falcon and the Sundance golf clubs. The nearby Wigwam Resort features three notable courses, including the Gold Course which is regarded as one of the top ten golf courses in the state. Cave Creek and Bartlett Lake are popular destinations.
Avondale Higher Education
The city is served by the Universal Technical Institute and Estrella Mountain Community College.
