Chandler has doubled its population over the last 10 years--from 90,000 in 1990 to 180,000 in 2000.  With a median age of 30, 62% with some college education and $2.5 billion in disposable income, Chandler's residents are young, affluent and well educated.  Because much of the city's infrastructure was built to accommodate its recent population explosion, there is a sense of newness in the air. 

Chandler's students consistently test higher than state and national averages, and they are lifelong learners and highly motivated achievers.  The school district's Warranty Program guarantees employers that each graduating senior meets specific learning achievements in reading, writing, communications and mathematics and has demonstrated proficiency in interpersonal skills.  If the student requires retraining, it is done at no cost to either employee or employer.  In addition to the districts' 1,000 certified teachers, Chandler is also served by three overlapping school districts:  Kyrene Unified, Mesa Unified, and Tempe Unified School Districts.

Chandler is home to the Chandler Center for the Arts which features a unique turntable design that allows three performances to take place simultaneously without interference from one another.  The Chandler Arts Commission makes art available for viewing throughout the city as part of the Art in Public Places Program.  Chandler Public Library houses 300,000 volumes and is a center for technology and cultural resources.  The Vision Gallery is a public art gallery that offers works for sale by Arizona artists.  Chandler hosts two annual festivals that celebrate its agricultural roots:  the Ostrich Festival in March and the Cotton Festival in October.