Arizona's population growth has at once changed and not changed the state. Everything’s bigger, of course—Maricopa County, home to Phoenix, boasts more than 4 million people, more than half the state’s total. But in a way that has just translated into more of the same suburban malls, freeways, chain stores, and the like, and—in the upscale desert hills outside Phoenix and Tucson—more of the very pricey homes stretching out into the distance. More people means more cars, so there’s more pollution, too. The once-healthful air of Phoenix now rivals that of Los Angeles for its thick smog. Allergy sufferers are plagued by pollen from non-desert plants that were introduced to make this desert region look more lush and inviting.

Until the economic downturn of 2008, the state’s economy was growing quite rapidly. Then came the 2008 recession, which hit Phoenix real estate as hard as anywhere in the country. During the same time period, anti-Mexican actions from elected officials playing to the dark side of the state’s psyche damaged Arizona’s image nationally. The state suffered for years.

Today, much of that is behind us. After a lull of more than 5 years, the Valley of the Sun at last is blossoming again. Downtown Phoenix, particularly, is unrecognizable. A clanging light rail rumbles past an immense new ASU campus, which has spurred the construction of untold thousands of new housing units—just the sort of “infill” development decaying downtowns need. These in turn have spawned nightlife, restaurants, and shops. A few high-tech companies have located in Arizona, too. And finally, the large Latino population, a sleeping giant, is slowly making itself felt politically and culturally.

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