Phoenix is the capital of one of the fastest-growing states, Arizona. Phoenix is part of Maricopa county, and the county has a population of 4,496,588 and a population density of 488.7 people per square mile. Known for its beautiful hotels, desert gardens, and famous golf courses, Phoenix is perfect for people of all ages.
With Phoenix being so popular, you might be looking to escape to a nearby city to enjoy a smaller community without having to miss out on the benefits of a larger city. Rather than stressing yourself out about finding the best city or town for your lifestyle, we’re sharing everything you need to know–before making your final decision.
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Largest Cities Near Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix is the largest city in Arizona. The population of Phoenix is 1,624,539, and the population density is 3,134.6 people per square mile.
Some of the iconic sights and attractions throughout Phoenix include: the Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum, the Phoenix Zoo, and the Papago Park.
If you’re one of those people that love the hustle and bustle of a busy big city, that’s great. Here are some of the big cities surrounding Phoenix within a 50-mile radius!
Scottsdale | 13 miles miles from Phoenix
Scottsdale is famous for being “The World’s Finest Golf Destination” for its 330 days of sunshine per year. The population in Scottsdale is 242,754, and the population density is 1,319.3 people per square mile. Scottsdale is one of the fastest growing cities throughout the United States.
Scottsdale is a safe and family-friendly community. The total crime rate is 2,117 per 100k people, which is 14.5% lower than the national average.
Some of the top attractions throughout Scottsdale include: Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Butterfly Wonderland, Taliesin West, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, OdySea Aquarium, Arizona Boardwalk, and Gateway Trailhead – McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Scottsdale Stats And Information
- Scottsdale Square Miles: 184.44
- Scottsdale County: Maricopa
- Scottsdale Median Home Price: $794,000
- Scottsdale Median Age: 48 years old
- Scottsdale Median Household Income: $91,042
- Scottsdale Homes For Sale
Mesa | 19 miles from Phoenix
Mesa is one of the most populated cities throughout the East Valley section of the Phoenix Metropolitan area and one of the top-rated family-friendly communities throughout the United States. The total crime rate is 2,246 per 100k people, which is 9.3% lower than the national average.
Some of the top attractions throughout Mesa include: the Arizona Museum of Natural History, Golfland Sunsplash, Mesa Arts Center, Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum, Usery Mountain Regional Park, Riverview Park, and Pioneer Park.
If you’re more into trying the local cuisine, don’t worry because Mesa, AZ, has some great local restaurants! Here are some of the best: Bobby-Q BBQ Restaurant and Steakhouse, Charleston’s Restaurant, All Pierogi | Kitchen Restaurant & Euro Market, Zur Kate German Restaurant, Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse Mesa, T.C. Eggington’s, Red White & Brew, and Crackers & Co. Cafe.
The population in Mesa is 509,492, and the population density is 3,670.8 people per square mile.
Mesa Stats And Information
- Mesa Square Miles: 139.42
- Mesa County: Maricopa
- Mesa Median Home Price: $449,900
- Mesa Median Age: 36 years old
- Mesa Median Household Income: $61,640
- Mesa Homes For Sale
Chandler | 23 miles from Phoenix
There are plenty of things that make Chandler, AZ, unique. A few examples include their parks, restaurants, and the different festivals they throw each year (Ostrich Festival, to name one). If you have kids, Chandler has some of the best schools in the state of Arizona, so you can rest assured knowing that they will receive some of the top-rated education out there.
The population in Chandler, AZ, is 279,445, and the population density is 4,267.9 people per square mile.
When it comes to the total crime rate, there are 2,299 per 100k people, which is 7.2% lower than the national average.
There’s something for everyone to do in Chandler. Some highly sought-after attractions include: the USA’s Skateland Chandler, Desert Breeze Park, Crayola Experience Chandler, ESCAPE: Chandler, and the Veterans Oasis Park.
Chandler Stats And Information
- Chandler Square Miles: 65.55
- Chandler County: Maricopa
- Chandler Median Home Price: $501,400
- Chandler Median Age: 37 years old
- Chandler Median Household Income: $85,796
- Chandler Homes For Sale
Gilbert | 22 miles from Phoenix
As the “Hay Capital of the World,” Gilbert, AZ, is a safe and family-friendly area–perfect for settling down and planting your roots. The total crime rate in Gilbert is 1,299 per 100k people, which is 47.6% lower than the national average.
The population of Gilbert is 273,138, and the population density is 3,982.3 people per square mile.
Whether you’re a resident of Gilbert or visiting for the first time, everyone needs to check out these attractions: Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Freestone District Park, Discovery District Park, Water Tower Plaza, Cluemaster Escape Room, and Altitude Trampoline Park Gilbert.
Gilbert Stats And Information
- Gilbert Square Miles: 68.79
- Gilbert County: Maricopa
- Gilbert Median Home Price: $576,000
- Gilbert Median Age: 35 years old
- Gilbert Median Household Income: $99,154
- Gilbert Homes For Sale
Glendale | 11 miles from Phoenix
Glendale is home to the State Farm Stadium and is best known for its historical attractions. The total crime rate in Gilbert is 3,523 per 100k people, which is 42.2% higher than the national average. While the overall crime rate is higher, that’s common in any city–there are still plenty of safe places to call home in Glendale.
The population of Glendale is 249,627, and the population density is 3,859.3 people per square mile.
Home to some of the top restaurants in the state of Arizona, Glendale will not disappoint your “inner foodie!” Here are some of the best restaurants in the Glendale area: The Lola, Cuff, The Horny Toad Glendale, Arrowhead Grill, Haus Murphy’s, Little Saigon Restaurant, Kiss the Cook Restaurant, and La Santisima.
Glendale Stats And Information
- Glendale Square Miles: 65.09
- Glendale County: Maricopa
- Glendale Median Home Price: $425,000
- Glendale Median Age: 34 years old
- Glendale Median Household Income: $56,991
- Glendale Homes For Sale
Tempe | 11 miles from Phoenix
Tempe is famous for being the home of the Rock N Roll Marathon and the Ironman Arizona. The population in Tempe is 184,109, and the population density is 4,609.6 people per square mile.
The total crime rate in Tempe is 4,229 per 100k people, which is 70.8% higher than the national average. While this number might be high, the majority of them are property crimes, and there are still plenty of neighborhoods in Tempe that are safe and family-friendly.
If you’re looking for family-friendly activities to do after work or on the weekend, here are some of the best places to check out in Tempe: Legoland Discovery Center Arizona, Tempe History Museum, Tempe Beach Park, SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and Kiwanis Park.
Tempe Stats And Information
- Tempe Square Miles: 40.15
- Tempe County: Maricopa
- Tempe Median Home Price: $471,250
- Tempe Median Age: 30 years old
- Tempe Median Household Income: $61,290
- Tempe Homes For Sale
Goodyear | 20 miles from Phoenix
Goodyear, AZ, is well known for being the home to a handful of professional sporting venues like the Goodyear Ballpark, which is the place where the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Indians will practice during spring training.
The population in Goodyear is 101,744, and the population density is 531.9 people per square mile.
The total crime rate in Goodyear is 2,599 per 100k people, which is 4.9% higher than the national average. This number is higher due to property crime, and violent crimes are 44.9% lower than the national average.
You want to make sure to check out these Goodyear restaurants: Black Bear Diner, Haymaker Goodyear, Taste of Italy, Angry Crab Shack, Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, Dino’s Greek & Italian Grill, and Tomo Japanese Cuisine.
Goodyear Stats And Information
- Goodyear Square Miles: 191.33
- Goodyear County: Maricopa
- Goodyear Median Home Price: $500,000
- Goodyear Median Age: 40 years old
- Goodyear Median Household Income: $85,217
- Goodyear Homes For Sale
Buckeye | 37 miles from Phoenix
Buckeye is one of the fastest-growing cities in the USA. If you love to spend time in nature (hiking, camping, mountain biking, or exploring), then this beautiful city is perfect for you!
The population in Buckeye is 101,314, and the population density is 257.8 people per square mile.
The total crime rate in Buckeye is 1,761 per 100k people, which is 28.9% lower than the national average–making it a safe community to call home.
Buckeye has plenty of fun activities to do. Here are some of the best: Skyline Regional Park, Sundance Park, Buckeye Aquatics Center, Victory Steps at Verrado, Hidden Lake, and Buckeye Town Park.
Buckeye Stats And Information
- Buckeye Square Miles: 393.16
- Buckeye County: Maricopa
- Buckeye Median Home Price: $430,199
- Buckeye Median Age: 34 years old
- Buckeye Median Household Income: $79,156
- Buckeye Homes For Sale
Peoria | 14 miles from Phoenix
Peoria is famous for its quality of life! If you love boating, fishing, kayaking, camping, or anything outdoor-related, Peoria is an ideal place for you!
The population in Peoria is 194,910, and the population density is 1,106.9 people per square mile.
The total crime rate in Peoria is 2,108 per 100k people, which is 14.9% lower than the national average.
If you’re looking for something fun to do, here are the top attractions throughout Peoria: Rio Vista Community Park, Uptown Jungle Fun, Baffled Escape Rooms, Pioneer Community Park, Ape Index Rock Climbing Gym, and The Rush Fun Park.
Peoria Stats And Information
- Peoria Square Miles: 179.25
- Peoria Counties: Maricopa and Yavapai
- Peoria Median Home Price: $516,000
- Peoria Median Age: 40 years old
- Peoria Median Household Income: $76,423
- Peoria Homes For Sale
Other Cities Near Phoenix
If living in a big city isn’t for you, that’s okay! There are plenty of beautiful, safe, and family-friendly cities and towns less than 40 miles away from Phoenix. These cities have a population of between 20,000 and 50,000 residents and are close enough to Phoenix, so if you need to commute for work, it’s manageable.
Towns & Cities Near Phoenix
| Towns & Cities Near Phoenix (20,000 to 49,999 Population) | County | Population (2020) | Distance From Phoenix |
| Sun City | Maricopa | 39,931 | 23.4 miles |
| El Mirage | Maricopa | 35,805 | 26.9 miles |
| Apache Junction | Pinal and Maricopa | 38,488 | 35.6 miles |
| Fountain Hills | Maricopa | 23,820 | 31.2 miles |
Apache Junction is a great small city! The total crime rate is 223 per 100k residents, which is 91% lower than the national average!
Map Of Cities Near Phoenix And Surrounding Area
Small Cities & Towns Near Phoenix Arizona
If you want to live in a small town less than 50 miles away from Phoenix where you know your neighbors, here is a list of the top places to consider moving to and calling home.
| City/Town/Village (0-19,999 Population) | County | Population (2020) | Distance From Phoenix (miles) |
| Tolleson | Maricopa | 7,340 | 13.4 miles |
| Citrus Park | Maricopa | 5,194 | 29.1 miles |
| Sacaton | Pinal | 3,254 | 37 miles |
| Gold Canyon | Pinal | 11,875 | 40.4 miles |
| Rio Verde | Maricopa | 2,210 | 41.8 miles |
| New River | Maricopa | 17,290 | 36.6 miles |
Major Cities Near Phoenix
Are you looking to go on a road trip? Here are the top cities within an 800-mile radius. These are perfect if you want to get away for a long weekend!
Major Cities Near Phoenix, Arizona
| Cities | Population (2020) | Distance From Phoenix, AZ |
| San Diego, CA | 1,381,600 | 360 miles |
| Henderson, NV | 322,202 | 290 miles |
| Paradise, NV | 185,849 | 300 miles |
| Las Vegas, NV | 646,776 | 302 miles |
| Albuquerque, NM | 562,591 | 419 miles |
| Salt Lake, UT | 200,475 | 663 miles |
| Denver, CO | 711,463 | 775 miles |
| Los Angeles, CA | 3,894,306 | 373 miles |
| Santa Fe, NM | 88,196 | 480 miles |
| Twin Falls, ID | 49,819 | 796 miles |
Phoenix Area Cities FAQ
What Major Cities Are Near Phoenix?
The major cities near Phoenix include:
- San Diego, CA
- Henderson, NV
- Paradise, NV
- Las Vegas, NV
- Albuquerque, NM
- Salt Lake, UT
- Denver, CO
- Los Angeles, CA
- Santa Fe, NM
- Twin Falls, ID
What Are The Closest Cities To Phoenix?
The closest cities to Phoenix are the following:
- Scottsdale
- Mesa
- Chandler
- Gilbert
- Glendale
- Tempe
- Goodyear
- Buckeye
- Peoria
What Is The Closest City To Phoenix?
According to the map, there is a two way tie for the closest city to Phoenix between Glendale and Tempe for being about 11 miles away.
Are you interested in moving to Phoenix or one of the nearby cities? Mentors Moving is an award-winning, professional, hardworking, trustworthy, and highly-trained team of movers that is here to help make your transition seamless! Call us at (480) 376-1009 for a free estimate!
