Thinking about moving to the Phoenix metro? The Valley of the Sun has many great suburbs that offer affordable housing, top-rated schools, fantastic outdoor recreation spots, and nationally renowned golf courses. Check out this list of the five best suburbs in the Phoenix area!
Fountain Hills
Photo via @thewehnergroup
- Home Price: $361,000 median purchase price; $1,182 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 75% of Arizona cities
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Fountain Hills is a small suburb about 40 minutes from Phoenix, making it great for those looking to be a little further away from the bustling metro. This vibrant community has been growing steadily in recent years, as many trendy dining spots, art galleries, outdoor parks, and golf courses have been developed. Retirees and families alike will love settling down here, thanks to excellent golfing spots and amazing schools like McDowell Mountain Elementary School, Fountain Hills Middle School, and Fountain Hills High School. In Fountain Hills, you’ll also find plenty of adobe-style houses, Spanish-style ranches, and townhomes offering stunning mountain views!
Things to Do in Fountain Hills
Visit Fountain Park to see the neighborhood’s fountain spray up to 600 feet, have a family picnic, or play a round of disc golf. Check out 29 native Sonoran Desert plants on the trails at Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden. Take in mountain views while walking on Fountain Lake Overlook Loop Trail. Learn more about the Lower Verde River Valley at River of Time Museum with exhibits like Mining for Minerals and Rio Verde Ranching. Schedule a tee time at Sunridge Canyon Golf Club, recognized as one of Arizona’s top golf courses! Make a reservation for afternoon high tea and pair it with treats like the Lily of the Mohawks Maple Oat Scone and Dorothy’s Fruit Tart at Crowning Glory Tea Room. Indulge in decadent dishes like Truffle Fries, Chicken Milanese, and Merlot Creme Brulee at Aguamenti Bar & Bistro. Or schedule date night at SOFRITA, where you can try Latin-inspired dishes like Spinach Garbanzo Sopa, Firehouse Fish Tacos, or Seafood Paella.
Gilbert
Photo via @katie_donnellygroup
- Home Price: $264,700 median purchase price; $1,315 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 87% of Arizona cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
The Phoenix suburb of Gilbert isn’t just the fastest-growing city in Arizona—it’s also one of the 50 fastest growing cities in the country! This area is ideal for families and retirees because of its top-rated schools like Gilbert Elementary School and Desert Hills High School and incredible golf courses. But young adults will find plenty to do here, too, among the local dining and nightlife scenes. Residents can take also advantage of the area’s many bike-friendly streets, which provide a great way to get outside and see the town. While Gilbert has a couple of major employers like Go Daddy and Northrop Grumman, Downtown Phoenix is only 30 minutes away, making this suburb an ideal place to live for commuters!
Things to Do in Gilbert
Take a guided family bird walk and go fishing at Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. Visit the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory, where you can attend a public star party and learn more about the vast night skies. Attend off-Broadway shows like A Tale of Two Cities and Guys & Dolls at Hale Centre Theatre. Play all 18 holes or work on your swing at Western Skies Golf Club. Spend your Saturday mornings at the Gilbert Farmers Market, where you can shop for fresh produce from vendors like Double Check Ranch and Blue Sky Organic Farms. Start your day at Mythical Coffee with some Nitro Cold Brew or a Sage Honey Latte and a Churro Donut. Fill up on sandwiches like the Italian Press, Turkey Pesto, and Caprese Grilled Cheese at Not Your Typical Deli. Get your grub on at Joe’s Real BBQ and try the Jumbo Sandwich with sliced brisket or pulled pork. Or relax and drink some craft brews like the Sour Roja and La Coyota IPA at Desert Monks Brewing Co.
Mesa
Photo via @shannadayteam
- Home Price: $168,500 median purchase price; $907 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 43% of Arizona cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Want to live in a larger Phoenix suburb? Check out Mesa! Just under 30 minutes outside of Phoenix, residents here can find affordable homes ranging from single-story Spanish bungalows to spacious Mid-Century Modern homes. This suburb also boasts some amazing outdoor recreation with over 40 miles of bike lanes and Usery Mountain Regional Park nearby. In addition, families in Mesa can send their kids to great schools like Franklin West Elementary School and Red Mountain High School. Apart from that, Downtown Mesa is a hot spot for shopping, dining, and entertainment. It also offers free public transportation on the Downtown BUZZ, access to the Valley Metro’s 26-mile light rail system, and unique sculptures and murals to see!
Things to Do in Mesa
Set up a picnic, play a game of horseshoes, or go fishing at Greenfield Park. Play a traditional round of golf or give Foot Golf and Glow Ball a try at Augusta Ranch Golf Club. Visit the Arizona Museum of Natural History to explore exhibits like Dinosaur Mountain and Arizona Through Time. Attend an outdoor concert at the Mesa Amphitheatre, where you can see performances by popular artists like Maren Morris and Justin Moore. Try the Rocky Point Omelet or Boston Cream Crepes for a hearty and delicious breakfast at Sunnyside Breakfast Lounge. Grab Vegan bites like the Caribbean Bowl, Roasted Veggie Wrap, and Guava Turnovers at Cutting Board Bakery & Cafe. Treat your taste buds to savory and sweet empanadas like Mushroom Chicken, Pernil, Guava and Cheese, and Dizzy Fig at República Empanada. Or order local brews like the Irish Red, Oatmeal Stout, or Fusilier Lager at Lochiel Brewing.
Peoria
Photo via @tripointehomes
- Home Price: $208,200 median purchase price; $1,137 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 61% of Arizona cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Peoria is one of the best places to live in the Southwest, and for good reason! There’s a great mix of things to do here from outdoor adventures at Lake Pleasant Regional Park to nightlife and entertainment within the P83 Entertainment District. Those looking to start their career in Peoria have options in major industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology—and if you can’t find work in Peoria, Phoenix is within 30 minutes! Not to mention, this suburb is home to high-quality schools like Sunset Heights Elementary School and Peoria High School, affordable adobe-style homes and new construction, and much more!
Things to Do in Peoria
Head out for a morning hike, go running, or try bird watching at Peoria New River Trail. Become a member at Westbrook Village Golf Club and play two amazing 18-hole courses with stunning desert and mountain views. Root for the San Diego Padres (MLB) or Seattle Mariners (MLB) during Spring Training at Peoria Sports Complex. Go out for dinner and a show at Arizona Broadway Theatre, where you can see productions like Chicago and Little Shop of Horrors. Explore the daily food menu while sipping on a Flat White or a Hot Chocolate at Driftwood Coffee Co. Get lunch at The Social on 83rd, where you can order a Cranberry Citrus Flatbread or Cubano Panini. Catch a game and chow down on Bratcho Loaded Fries, or a Caprese Burger. Or snack on Chorizo Dip while trying craft brews like the Push Mower Blonde Ale or the Honeysuckle Street Amber Ale from Peoria Artisan Brewery.
Scottsdale
Photo via @twinsandcorealty
- Home Price: $405,500 median purchase price; $1,184 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 65% of Arizona cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Not only is Scottsdale one of the best Phoenix suburbs for families, thanks to its low crime rates and fantastic schools like Sonoran Sky Elementary School and Chaparral High School, but there are also plenty of amenities that young adults and retirees will appreciate, too. This suburb has three distinct districts—North Scottsdale, South Scottsdale, and Old Town Scottsdale—all of which offer a range of housing options from budget-friendly starter homes to luxury abodes. In addition, there are tons of things to do and places to go in Scottsdale, including golf courses, cultural museums, exciting nightlife spots, and more!
Things to Do in Scottsdale
Go hiking, biking, or try your hand at rock climbing at Pinnacle Peak Park. Purchase an annual pass at TPC Scottsdale—home of the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Phoenix Open—to play both award-winning 18-hole courses. Shop fashion brands like Coach, Gucci, Lacoste, and more at Scottsdale Fashion Square. Take a guided tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s stunning winter home turned architecture museum at Taliesin West. Visit Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West to see paintings, photos, and historical artifacts from the American West. Start your day on a high note with breakfast bites like the Peach French Toast Casserole and Short Ribs Hash at Arcadia Farms Cafe. Try farm-to-table eats like Spit Fire Chicken, Sea Smoke + Orzo Salad, or Smoked Brisket Sandwich at Grassroots Kitchen & Tap. Or kick back on the patio with a Summer Solstice Martini or Paloma Perfecta cocktail at AZ/88.
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Suburb statistics from AreaVibes
