Discover the Hidden Charm of an Often-Overlooked Arizona City Near Phoenix, Boasting Small-Town Feel and Palm-Lined Streets

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Discover the Hidden Charm of an Often-Overlooked Arizona City Near Phoenix, Boasting Small-Town Feel and Palm-Lined Streets

Baseball, ballooning, and a Buc-ee’s. These might not be the first things that come to mind when you think of Phoenix, but just outside the Valley of the Sun, one city delivers spring training baseball, a premier hot air balloon festival, and the first and only Buc-ee’s convenience store location in Arizona. Known for its ultra-clean restrooms and beaver-themed merchandise, Buc-ee’s has a cult following, making its arrival in Goodyear, Arizona, a highly anticipated event. 



Goodyear began as an agricultural community, and when the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company arrived, its future bloomed, just like the cotton fields that first brought the company to Arizona. While its roots of success can be traced back to that land purchase in 1917, Goodyear is now one of the fastest-growing communities in the United States, known for its affordable housing and quiet way of life just 20 minutes west of Phoenix. Beyond its rapid growth, Goodyear offers palm-lined streets, unique hiking and biking trails, and family-friendly events worth planning your trip around.

A home run trip

A baseball player batting in the Goodyear Ballpark.



If you’re a baseball fan, there’s nothing like taking in Major League Baseball Spring Training games in Arizona. Even if you just enjoy visiting unique stadiums, like the one in Texas with its own lazy river, Arizona’s Spring Training should be on your list. With 200 games, 15 teams, and 10 stadiums across the greater Phoenix area, it’s a home run experience. Plan your trip in February or March to take in the action.

Goodyear Ballpark is home to the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds, bringing a built-in Ohio rivalry to the Arizona sunshine. With just 10,000 seats, the ballpark offers an intimate experience, giving fans the chance to see players up close. Children can enjoy the dedicated Kid Zone and a pint-sized wiffle ball field, while visitors will be greeted by The Ziz, a towering 60-foot 6-inch fiberglass statue at the entrance. That means it’s as tall as the distance between the pitcher’s mound and home plate.

Making Goodyear your home base can help you save on accommodations, with options ranging from RV parks and camping to budget-friendly hotels. Spring Training is a huge draw, bringing in 1.6 million visitors in 2024, so booking early is key. With so many games, even a weekday arrival at nearby Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport can put you in the middle of the action. 

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Festivals and outdoor fun

Hot air balloons at the Arizona Balloon Classic

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.