<h1 style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Maricopa, <em>Phoenix</em></h1>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">A little ways south of Phoenix is the town of Maricopa, which offers a close-knit and thriving community in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. With a population of just under 50,000 Maricopa offers both close-knit atmosphere of a smaller town, with all the services and opportunities of a well developed city.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Formerly a quiet rail town, the city experienced rapid growth in the early 2000&rsquo;s and is now a vibrant (and still growing!) city in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Maricopa is known for its high quality of life, fulfilling community environment, and proximity to nearby stunning desert lands. Residents of the town take part in social groups, programming, and festivities that engage the whole community.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Adding to the close nature of Maricopa, many of the town&rsquo;s residents both live and work within the city limits, and the town&rsquo;s opportunities have expanded greatly as its population has grown. But for residents seeking to commute, or those looking to make day-trips to the bigger cities, Maricopa is just short of an hour to downtown Phoenix and an hour and a half to Tucson.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">For those seeking to enjoy more of the outdoors, the nearby Sonoran Desert National Monument offers plenty of chances to enjoy hiking, camping, hunting, and other outdoor activity in the unique desert environment that surrounds the area. Bridging the gap between the small town feel of a more rural community and the bustling activity of a metropolitan suburb, Maricopa is a welcoming town with lots of opportunity.</p>