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2026 Arizona State Fair: Prices, parking, deals and more

The fair runs Thursdays through Sundays until Nov. 1.

Things to Do

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arizona State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/09/20/arizona-state-fair-2024-prices-parking-concerts-rides" data-vars-content-id="0c6d8031-f2eb-4f7d-8a7f-9a493bb5f1a5" data-vars-headline="2026 Arizona State Fair: Prices, parking, deals and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/09/20/arizona-state-fair-2024-prices-parking-concerts-rides" target="_self">Arizona State Fair</a> opened Thursday and continues through Nov. 1.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s what you need to know to make the most of it.</li></ul>

Where in the Valley? 

Where in the Valley can you find this fountain?

News

Welcome to another edition of &quot;Where in the Valley?&quot;How it works: We show you something cool. You tell us where it is.

When to see peak fall colors in Arizona

You might have to wait and drive to get a taste of autumn.

Leaf-peepers, mark your calendars: Fall color is expected across most of the country by mid-October, according to a map on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Explore Fall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.explorefall.com/fall-foliage-map" data-vars-content-id="ce7fd3a5-a2fc-4082-a747-e5c18eac9c47" data-vars-headline="When to see peak fall colors in Arizona" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.explorefall.com/fall-foliage-map" target="_blank">Explore Fall</a>.Zoom in: Peak foliage is expected to sweep south over the next several weeks, though folks in Arizona have a lot of waiting — and some driving — to do before fall colors arrive.

Sheriff's office outsourced investigations to Cyber Ninjas-tied firm

The firm, AZ Truthfinder, has been paid $270,000 since June 2025.

Election

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Maricopa County Sheriff&#x27;s Office" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/07/31/maricopa-county-election-results-sheriff-recorder-supervisors" data-vars-content-id="3e30cc9a-4252-4f25-a1b0-05f8d4e14998" data-vars-headline="Sheriff&#x27;s office outsourced investigations to Cyber Ninjas-tied firm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/07/31/maricopa-county-election-results-sheriff-recorder-supervisors" target="_self">Maricopa County Sheriff&#x27;s Office</a> (MCSO) failed to properly vet a firm with ties to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cyber Ninjas audit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/09/27/one-year-after-arizona-election-audit-questions-linger" data-vars-content-id="3e30cc9a-4252-4f25-a1b0-05f8d4e14998" data-vars-headline="Sheriff&#x27;s office outsourced investigations to Cyber Ninjas-tied firm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/09/27/one-year-after-arizona-election-audit-questions-linger" target="_self">Cyber Ninjas audit</a> of the 2020 election before awarding it an investigative contract, per a newly-unsealed report from the court-appointed monitor overseeing the agency.Why it matters: The report calls into question the administration of Sheriff Jerry Sheridan as MCSO pushes for an end to the monitor&#x27;s oversight, which was imposed by a federal judge in 2013 as the result of class-action racial profiling case.

Phoenix is the epicenter of institutional landlords, new study shows

Houses are being built — but to rent, not own.

Real Estate

The Valley is one of the biggest markets for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="institutional investment landlords" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/07/10/institutional-investors-arizona-home-buying-decreases" data-vars-content-id="1c1387ad-491c-40c2-ae61-c11741737de9" data-vars-headline="Phoenix is the epicenter of institutional landlords, new study shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/07/10/institutional-investors-arizona-home-buying-decreases" target="_self">institutional investment landlords</a> — that is, professional investors managing huge pots of money who buy up single-family homes, per a new study.Why it matters: Housing affordability in the Phoenix area is already a problem, and the prevalence of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="corporate landlords" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/07/trump-institutional-investor-home-ban" data-vars-content-id="1c1387ad-491c-40c2-ae61-c11741737de9" data-vars-headline="Phoenix is the epicenter of institutional landlords, new study shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/07/trump-institutional-investor-home-ban" target="_self">corporate landlords</a> makes it only harder for the average resident to afford a home.

Phoenix apartments got smaller while rents got bigger

The average new apartment shrunk in Phoenix during the past decade, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent survey from RentCafe." data-vars-click-url="https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/national-average-apartment-size/" data-vars-content-id="f3e32a45-695d-4218-b3db-5e58302e8569" data-vars-headline="Phoenix apartments got smaller while rents got bigger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/national-average-apartment-size/" target="_blank">recent survey from RentCafe.</a>Why it matters: Even though square footage shrunk, renters of all apartments in Phoenix are paying more — even accounting for a 39% increase in inflation.

The Phoenix housing market is cooling off

In 77% of the Phoenix area’s ZIP codes, sellers listed their homes in July for less than they did last year.Why it matters: Some home buyers could be getting better deals than they did last year when mortgage rates were at comparable levels.

Immigration slowdown hits Maricopa County growth

Fewer immigrants meant slower growth across the Valley last year.

Population growth in Maricopa County cooled off significantly last year.<ul><li>A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nosedive in immigration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/county-population-growth-immigration" data-vars-content-id="16fd15e9-18db-4e01-9fbc-f42cead73383" data-vars-headline="Immigration slowdown hits Maricopa County growth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/county-population-growth-immigration" target="_self">nosedive in immigration</a> is almost entirely to blame, per recent census estimates.</li></ul>

Gilbert Heritage District's apartment era is coming soon

A massive development project is expected to change the landscape of downtown Gilbert.

The Heritage District is months away from opening the first phase of a massive development project that&#x27;s expected to change the landscape of downtown Gilbert.Why it matters: The district exploded onto the Valley&#x27;s entertainment and dining scene about a decade ago and now the town is ready for the next chapter: adding office workers and full-time residents to the mix.

Shipping container housing opens for homeless seniors

The complex has 40 transitional housing units, and residents will have access to case managers and social services.

A newly opened project in Phoenix offers transitional housing made from shipping containers for older adults who are experiencing homelessness.State of play: City officials and others gathered Wednesday morning for the opening of Senior Bridge, which provides 40 individual transitional housing units for homeless seniors at 28th and Van Buren streets.

Mansion with NBA court tops Phoenix Zillow views

The estate has hosted Kobe Bryand and Chris Paul and comes with 290 pairs of Air Jordans.

Last year&#x27;s most popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Valley Zillow listing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/learn/most-popular-homes/" data-vars-content-id="d2908ce3-c51d-422a-b720-b6151e1ff2ee" data-vars-headline="Mansion with NBA court tops Phoenix Zillow views" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/learn/most-popular-homes/" target="_blank">Valley Zillow listing</a> is a 21,000-square-foot mansion with an underground regulation-sized basketball court that&#x27;s entertained the likes of NBA superstars Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul and Damian Lillard.The big picture: The seven-room, 17-bathroom home in far-north Scottsdale&#x27;s Prado Estates community was built by Brett and Susie Hardt in 2017, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Arizona Republic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/real-estate/cool-home/2019/08/29/hoops-heaven-scottsdale-family-dream-home-brett-hardt/2092313001/" data-vars-content-id="d2908ce3-c51d-422a-b720-b6151e1ff2ee" data-vars-headline="Mansion with NBA court tops Phoenix Zillow views" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/real-estate/cool-home/2019/08/29/hoops-heaven-scottsdale-family-dream-home-brett-hardt/2092313001/" target="_blank">The Arizona Republic</a> reported.

HUD halts funding shift, but Phoenix housing still at risk

Housing providers warn hundreds may still become homeless.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Monday rescinded a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="controversial funding plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/11/20/hud-rule-change-phoenix-housing-cuts" data-vars-content-id="2c7533e5-a21e-440f-b67d-80ac3365ca83" data-vars-headline="HUD halts funding shift, but Phoenix housing still at risk" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/11/20/hud-rule-change-phoenix-housing-cuts" target="_self">controversial funding plan</a> that advocates warned could leave 1,400 Phoenix families without housing — but providers say evictions are still likely.The big picture: The Trump administration is looking to upend the &quot;housing first&quot; model that&#x27;s dictated federal homelessness policy for decades in favor of a hard-line approach that requires participants to seek drug treatment or meet work quotas.

40 is the new 30: Phoenix millennials delay homebuying

In pricey markets like Phoenix, people are waiting longer to tap into the American Dream.

The typical first-time <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homebuyer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/20/fixer-upper-home-sale" data-vars-content-id="32eeae91-0ded-4947-be3b-4694e0c1c2ca" data-vars-headline="40 is the new 30: Phoenix millennials delay homebuying" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/20/fixer-upper-home-sale" target="_self">homebuyer</a> in the U.S. is now 40 — the oldest on record, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers" data-vars-content-id="32eeae91-0ded-4947-be3b-4694e0c1c2ca" data-vars-headline="40 is the new 30: Phoenix millennials delay homebuying" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers" target="_blank">report</a> by the National Association of Realtors.Why it matters: Homeownership has traditionally been a tool for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="generational wealth building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/08/homeowners-are-getting-rich-markets" data-vars-content-id="32eeae91-0ded-4947-be3b-4694e0c1c2ca" data-vars-headline="40 is the new 30: Phoenix millennials delay homebuying" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/08/homeowners-are-getting-rich-markets" target="_self">generational wealth building</a>, but in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pricey markets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/08/12/housing-market-mortgage-rates-drop" data-vars-content-id="32eeae91-0ded-4947-be3b-4694e0c1c2ca" data-vars-headline="40 is the new 30: Phoenix millennials delay homebuying" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/08/12/housing-market-mortgage-rates-drop" target="_self">pricey markets</a> like Phoenix, people are waiting longer to tap into the American Dream — or foregoing it altogether.

Rent reporting surges for Arizona tenants

Nearly 125,000 tenants used rent reporting in 2024 to help improve credit scores.

Arizona has seen a significant increase in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tenants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/02/02/arizona-renters-cost-burden" data-vars-content-id="439c3618-c667-4b5d-a7a0-3ffb80eceb00" data-vars-headline="Rent reporting surges for Arizona tenants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/02/02/arizona-renters-cost-burden" target="_self">tenants</a> reporting rent payments to credit agencies, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Urban Institute report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/2025-11/The_Rise_of_Rent_Reporting_as_a_Credit-Building_Tool.pdf" data-vars-content-id="439c3618-c667-4b5d-a7a0-3ffb80eceb00" data-vars-headline="Rent reporting surges for Arizona tenants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/2025-11/The_Rise_of_Rent_Reporting_as_a_Credit-Building_Tool.pdf" target="_blank">Urban Institute report</a>.Why it matters: As Arizonans rent longer to postpone homeownership, rent reporting can help them build credit and secure better interest rates on credit cards, car loans and, eventually, mortgages.

Real Estate 🏠

Phoenix is the epicenter of institutional landlords, new study shows

Phoenix apartments got smaller while rents got bigger

The Phoenix housing market is cooling off

Immigration slowdown hits Maricopa County growth

Gilbert Heritage District's apartment era is coming soon