Casa Grande
A Small-Town City with a Big Heart

The natural beauty of the desert and mountains provides an appealing backdrop to the bustling city with a hometown feel. Known to its residents as "The Heart of Arizona," Casa Grande offers all the amenities of a big city while staying connected to its rich, rural history. The town's strong community spirit, rising local economy and relaxed way of life has brought Casa Grande prosperity for over 125 years.

Strategically located at the intersection of two major interstates - the I-10 and I-8 - Casa Grande's proximity to metropolitan areas has provided visitors with access to nearby attractions, but the town is also hailed for its commercial and residential growth, increasing retail locations and accommodation options, and healthy local economy. Its dedicated city and county governments, wide range of services including excellent schools, outstanding medical care, employment opportunities, affordable housing and excellent shopping have helped to develop the exceptional quality of life enjoyed in Casa Grande.

Rural Heritage

A unique, revolutionary city shaped by the past, Casa Grande is one of Arizona's 15 Main Street communities. The town can trace its beginnings to the summer of 1879 when Southern Pacific Railroad stopped work on the rail line it was building from Yuma across southern Arizona. The scorching desert temperatures proved too much for the railroad construction crews.

Supplies piled up at this desert stopping point and by January 1880, the railroad moved on and all that remained of the community were five residents and three buildings. By September 1880, railroad executives named the settlement Casa Grande because of its proximity to the prehistoric ruins located 20 miles northeast of town. By the end of 1880, Casa Grande had 33 permanent residents.

By 1882, the town had boomed as a railhead to the mines. In 1886 and 1893, terrible fires decimated the town. Yet the beginning of Casa Grande's indomitable community spirit stirred, and merchants and business leaders rallied together to rebuild. Today, the town is working to enhance its downtown by encouraging high-quality design, preservation and the reuse of historic buildings, community-oriented activities and economic growth.

Dynamic Growth

One of the most enduring aspects of Casa Grande is that the community has retained its renowned friendliness while continuing to maintain its status as one of the fastest growing communities in Pinal County. Known as the second largest community in Pinal County, Casa Grande is a dynamic and growing city with an estimated population year-round of over 45,000 residents.

During the winter months, it's estimated that the population increases by 20,000 part-time residents who bask in the sun and enjoy outdoor activities such as golfing and hiking. Residents also take advantage of numerous events held during the winter months, which include the annual Fiddlers Bluegrass Jamboree, Arts and Crafts Bazaar, annual Historic Downtown Street Fair and Car Show, annual O'odham Tash Indian Days Celebration and many other activities.

From its rural beginnings, Casa Grande has developed into a city with a broad range of facilities and activities including a senior center, youth center, museums, library, bowling lanes and fitness centers as well as other exercise and fitness facilities and classes. More than 25 parks offer recreation opportunities, including the Family Aquatic Park with a 120-foot water slide and many have shaded ramadas, sports courts, sports fields and playground equipment.

Casa Grande's market area consists of over 100,000 consumers. Known as the retail center for western Pinal County's consumers, the town boasts local retailers, specialty stores, antiques stores and outlet shopping at the Outlets at Casa Grande. The community's prize-winning Casa Grande Main Street historical shopping district offers many unique shops for one-of-a-kind gifts. The newest regional retail addition is a 1,000,000-square-foot shopping mall, The Promenade at Casa Grande, which includes a number of well-known national retail stores, restaurants and Harkins Theatres.

Many would find it difficult to believe that the Casa Grande of today could just as easily have faded away, reclaimed by the desert like other Arizona settlements that turned to ghost towns. A vision of what could be guided early residents of the area, and that has helped this rapidly growing, progressive city to retain its small-town charm.

The Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce
520.836.2125