Just ten miles northwest of Phoenix, El Mirage is the Gateway to the Northwest Valley of the Greater Phoenix Metro Area. We are a community of friendly neighborhoods that gathers regularly to celebrate with special events in our community parks, Gateway and Gentry. With more than 52 acres of parks and open space, residents enjoy a smaller community atmosphere with access to nearby attractions like Westgate Entertainment District, home of the Arizona Cardinals, Lake Pleasant, and White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Dysart School District is internationally recognized and boasts 12 A-rated schools. Luke Air Force Base, the largest fighter pilot training base in the world, is just two miles away and the City plays an active role in supporting the base.El Mirage has grown from a small town, dependent on agriculture, to a diverse urban economy with a population of more than 35,000. Location-AccessibilityEl Mirage is located approximately 10 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix. On the City's southern border, the Northern Parkway provides access to the Loop 303, connecting to Interstate 10 and Interstate 17. On the City's northern edge, U.S. Highway 60 provides easy access to the Loop 101 and Loop 303, two of the areas busiest regional highways. EconomyEl Mirage is part of a multi-jurisdictional effort in the West Valley known as the Greater Maricopa Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ). The zone is a government designated, 400-acre site at the City's southern end where foreign and domestic goods may be stored, assembled, or exhibited for sale exempted from U.S. Customs duties and excise taxes. Several retailers – most representing national chains – have located to El Mirage including, Valero, Auto Zone, Goodwill Industries, Burger King, Subway, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.