To own Chandler real estate means that you are part of the legacy of A.J. Chandler. He was the first veterinary surgeon in Arizona, and developed his 18,000-acre ranch that today fulfills his vision for the area's real estate.

Today, Chandler's population of 130,000 people enjoy this part of Central Arizona that is only 19 miles from Phoenix. Yet Chandler itself houses a growing hi-tech industry thus earning the name "Silicon Desert." In city surveys, residents recently gave a 97% satisfaction rating on the city government's job.

Chandler homes range from $48,000 for a small 1 bedroom 1 bath home, and up to $205,000 for a 4 bedroom newer home.
 

Chandler's work force is well-educated and technologically skilled. A growing manufacturing sector employs more than 30,000 in the city. More than 75% of these workers are employed in high technology fields – compared to the national average of 15%. Chandler is strategically located in one of the fastest growing urban centers in the nation. The city's progressive, responsive, pro-business character makes it one of the most desirable cities in which to live and do business.

Thanks to its strong economic base, Chandler is in the middle of a 21st century renaissance. New trails and parks are being built along the Consolidated Canal, the first phase of a new system designed to create open space and recreational opportunities. A new aquatics facility is also being built. The city’s Tumbleweed Park is adding 20 acres in what will eventually include 154 acres.

The transformation also includes the revitalization of Historic Downtown Chandler. The west side of the square is brimming with new businesses, shops and restaurants. Just south is Market Square – with its historic cottage-like shops nestled around a country courtyard – where improvements are also being made including a facade loan program that is helping bring a new look to a unique area.

A multitude of other improvements and new developments are also under way including the new Chandler Fashion Center mall. Intel has built a second $2 billion fabrication plant, Charles Schwab has opened a new headquarters building and other companies such as Wells Fargo are looking to do the same.

The history of Chandler dates back to 1891, when Dr. Alexander John Chandler, the first veterinary surgeon for the territory of Arizona, bought 80 acres of land from the federal government south of Mesa in the Salt River Valley. Dr. Chandler studied the relatively new science of irrigation engineering and was instrumental in building an early system of canals in what was then an arid desert.

By the turn of the century, Dr. Chandler owned an 18,000-acre ranch. The charter of the Salt River Project provided that each landowner could obtain enough water to irrigate only 160 acres. Dr. Chandler sought the help of planners and architects in subdividing his ranch and drawing up a townsite map. He then advertised nationally the sale of Chandler Ranch sites.

On May 17, 1912, Dr. Chandler opened the Townsite office. Excursion trains on the newly completed Arizona Eastern Railroad brought 300 speculators who spent $50,000 for land that day.

One year after the first land sale, Chandler was beginning to look like an established town. Businesses had been built along the west and south side of the park, including the Bank of Chandler and the Eastern Railroad depot. The grand opening of the Hotel San Marcos (now the San Marcos Sheraton) took place on November 22, 1913. The hotel was an immediate success with wealthy visitors coming from all over the country every winter.

But agriculture was still the big business in Chandler at the time. Cotton, grains and alfalfa were the primary crops. Farmers also raised cattle, sheep and, yes, ostriches. Ostrich feathers were used to adorn popular women's fashions.

By 1920, Chandler had more than 1,000 residents. Automobiles had become the main form of transportation, so the town's roads needed to be paved. The water and sewage systems were also outdated and the utility services were unreliable. Arthur Price, the local Justice of the Peace, drafted the town's first charter, and in May of 1920, the citizens voted to incorporate and become the Town of Chandler. Dr. Chandler agreed to serve as the first mayor until one could be elected. They soon after elected a mayor and council.

In recent years, Chandler's borders have been expanded and the population has boomed -- from 30,000 in 1980 to more than 183,000 today. The economic base of Chandler has been diversified. While agriculture is still somewhat of a vital element, Chandler now enjoys a strong manufacturing and electronics sector.

The downtown storefronts have been restored to a modern version of their original turn-of-the-century look, and the plaza has been redesigned and named after the city's founder. The Center for the Arts, new parks, restaurants and retail centers mark an exciting future for the city.