Goodyear is on the southwestern side of the Phoenix Metroplex. Between 1990 and 2000, Goodyear was the 3rd fastest growing city in Arizona. Years ago this was a large cotton-growing area but with the growth in population in the Valley of the Sun, the "highest and best use" of the land has changed from irrigated agriculture to sub-division, pavement and shopping malls. As of September, 2006, Estrella, composed of more than 2,500 homes, was the largest master-planned community in Goodyear. The Estrella sub-division is in the southern end of Goodyear, right against the foothills of the Sierra Estrella Mountains (but still north of the Sierra Estrella Wilderness).

The Cleveland Indians recently moved their spring training camp from Winter Haven, Florida to the Goodyear Ballpark, taking up residence and rejoining the Cactus League in February, 2009. In 2010, the Cincinnati Reds are scheduled to move their spring training camp from Sarasota, Florida to the Goodyear Ballpark, too, although each team will have their own practice fields, clubhouses and offices.

The National Civic League awarded the pretigious All-America City award to Goodyear in June, 2008.

Goodyear, Arizona
The water fountains at the Estrella development in Goodyear