Chandler, founded in 1891, was named for Arizona´s first veterinary surgeon, Dr. Alexander John Chandler. Now, the bustling town has a name for the 21st century ? "The Silicon Desert" ? which is indicative of Chandler´s status as the up-and-coming, high-tech center of the Southwest. Chandler is home to such high-tech companies as Microchip Technology, Intel and Motorola. Combined, these companies employ almost 15,000 of Chandler´s 240,000 people. Telecommunications heavyweights Qwest Communications and Cox Communications are also based in Chandler and add to the vibrant economy.
With these industries as engines of its economy, Chandler has a highly-educated population. Almost 90% of Chandler residents over the age of 25 have a high school diploma or some college, and over 30% of Chandler residents over the age of 25 have a bachelor´s degree or higher. As expected, such an educated populace places strong emphasis on schooling its children, and this strong commitment to education has set a high bar for the Chandler Unified School District. It is ranked among the top school districts in the state, even though it is also one of the fastest growing. High school graduates have their pick of over 25 colleges, universities, technical schools and online degree programs within the greater Phoenix area alone, including Arizona State University, which is next door in Tempe.
Recreation and culture abound in this beautiful suburban community. Snedigar Recreation Center; Shawnee (dog) Park, Chandler Skate Park at Snedigar Sportsplex, Ocotillo Golf Club, The Tennis Center at Tumbleweed Park, and a soon-to-be-completed, huge BMX Park round out this health-conscious, family-friendly community. Don´t forget that you can enjoy your favorite professional baseball teams during spring training, right in the heart of the Valley! For a bit of quirky entertainment, you can check out Chandler´s annual Ostrich Festival, which celebrates Chandler´s early history as an agricultural community wherein there were several successful ostrich farms. If you prefer a quieter lifestyle, there are four libraries and several art galleries and museums, as well as the well-respected Chandler Center for the Performing Arts.
For the frequent flyer, Sky Harbor International Airport is a convenient 20 minute drive away. Chandler Regional Hospital, part of Catholic Health Care West compassionately cares for the medical needs of Chandlerites. There are three other major medical facilities available just a few miles away in nearby Mesa. Since the recent completion of Price Freeway (Loop 101), people have been steadily streaming to the San Tan Fashion Center, a ritzy mall patterned after the upscale Fashion Square Mall in affluent Scottsdale. Chandler Pavilions and Casa Paloma Shopping Center also boast high-end retail shops and boutiques.