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What to know about Phoenix, Arizona, the 5th largest city in the US<\/p>\n
Phoenix, Arizona’s capital, is the fifth largest city in the U.S. and a destination for world-class resorts, spring training and award-winning restaurants.<\/p>\n
The Republic<\/p>\n
Across the state in 2024, Surprise’s population growth<\/a> was second only to Phoenix.<\/p>\n Out of the top eight cities in Arizona that had the largest population gains in 2024, three were in the West Valley: Surprise, Goodyear and Buckeye.<\/p>\n The rapid growth of the West Valley has caught the eye of developers. A spate of retail development opening soon in the area includes both new locations of popular chain grocers and stores, like Target, as well as highly anticipated entertainment venues and the cult-favorite gas station Buc-ee’s.<\/p>\n Here are seven of the most exciting developments coming soon to the West Valley, including three whose opening represents their Arizona debut.<\/p>\n Aldi<\/p>\n Popular discount grocer ALDI opened a new location in Surprise on July 24. Known for its cheap snacks, produce and frozen food, ALDI operates 12 other locations in Arizona.<\/p>\n Details: <\/strong>13723 W. Bell Road in Surprise. aldi.us<\/a>.<\/p>\n Buc-ee’s<\/p>\n Arizona’s first-ever Buc-ee’s<\/a>\u00a0location\u00a0broke ground<\/a>\u00a0in Goodyear in May, with an expected\u00a0opening date<\/a>\u00a0of June 2026.<\/p>\n Buc-ee’s is technically a travel center or gas station, not a traditional restaurant. But the Texas-based chain has a cult following for its food and drink options, which include homemade fudge, Beaver Nuggets, jerky and fresh pastries.<\/p>\n Details<\/strong>: Southeast corner of Bullard Avenue and Interstate 10 in Goodyear.\u00a0buc-ees.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Harkins Backlot<\/p>\n The first Harkins BackLot opened<\/a> in north Phoenix in July, the first foray of the local movie theater company into entertainment. Another BackLot will open in Verrado Marketplace<\/a> in Buckeye in 2026. The venue features an arcade, 12 bowling lanes, electronic darts and a sports bar with movie theater-level screens.<\/p>\n Details: <\/strong>The northeast corner of Interstate 10 and Verrado Way in Buckeye. harkins.com\/backlot<\/a>.<\/p>\n Mattel Adventure Park<\/p>\n The Glendale theme park will have a\u00a0Barbie Beach House\u00a0with a Barbie Dream Closet Experience, where guests can create their own Barbie sets and hologram technology is used to “bring Barbie to life right before guests’ eyes.” Other attractions will be themed around Thomas & Friends, He-Man & the Masters of the Universe, and Mattel games such as Uno. Mattel Adventure Park will have two\u00a0Hot Wheels-themed roller coasters<\/a>.<\/p>\n The opening date has not yet been announced.<\/p>\n Details: <\/strong>The park is just south of VAI Resort at 95th Avenue and Cardinals Way in Glendale.\u00a0matteladventurepark.com.<\/a><\/p>\n