Chandler Arizona

Named for one of the first settlers in the region, Chandler Arizona is a town with a century-old history, and which is a popular spot for visitors in Arizona due to its focus on golfing and resort living. Located in the Southeast quadrant of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area, Chandler boasts the oldest golf resort in the state and also has quirky celebrations for its residents each year worth experiencing like the annual Ostrich Festival.

Another fascinating Chandler tradition that’s not to be missed is the annual Tumbleweed Christmas Tree. In the late 1950s, residents created a massive Christmas tree made entirely of tumbleweeds gathered from around and outside town. Now each year residents collect thousands of tumbleweeds to create the annual tree which is decorated with lights and glitter.

Many visitors to Chandler come to the area to take a swing at one of the Phoenix suburb’s many golf courses, and there are 7 courses from which to choose along with associated resorts and hotels in the vicinity. One such course is the Ironwood Golf Club, which is a small yet inviting golf course located within a gated community. The course offers 18 holes of golf and is spread around some very picturesque surroundings.

Another classic golf course in Chandler is the famous San Marcos Golf Resort, which has been around for more than 100 years, and looks like an old Spanish-style mission. There’s also the Ocotillo Golf Resort, which is a course meant to challenge golfers and which visitors also suggest is one of the nicest and well-maintained courses in the city.

Other outdoor activities offered to Chandlerites and visitors include a number of swimming pools and spray parks (perfect for Arizona summers) along with dozens and dozens of parks and some nice recreation centers. The Veterans Oasis Park is worth a visit for viewing local wildlife, relaxing around the lake, and hiking around the endless trails that cover the beautiful desert park.

Chandler residents value their outdoor spaces so much that the city was actually honored by the Arizona Community Tree Council and the Arizona State Land Department in 2010. These associations admired the city’s project to enhance the beauty of local parks by transplanting native trees into parks to help preserve the town’s beauty.

In addition to outdoor pursuits, visitors to Chandler may also enjoy visiting some of the cultural spots in town such as the Chandler Center for the Arts. The center estimates that more than 2 million people have enjoyed the performances and theater in the past decade and a half. Chandler also has its own orchestra, the San Marcos Symphony, which regularly offers free performances to the public.

Chandler has also been the recipient of a number of terrific awards including being awarded the 2010 All-America City by the National League of Cities, and being designated one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People by The Alliance for Youth group. As one of the largest cities in Arizona with a population reaching over 300,000 residents, the town offers a vibrant populace and a terrific range of outdoor and artistic pursuits.