Lovingly known as the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix is a gorgeous area famous for how many days of sunshine and warm temps it gets each year. It is home to a wide range of beautiful Phoenix suburbs that offer similar benefits but each one with its own individual flair.
Filled with world-class golf courses and hot nightclubs, these cities are popular places to call home. While residents are drawn to the Phoenix metro area because of its attractions, there are plenty of reasons to stick around.
A Phoenix suburb is considered an extension of one main metropolitan area. These communities tend to be cities or separate and mainly residential areas located on the outskirts of the larger city.
Whether you are looking for top schools or local museums, the suburbs of Phoenix have plenty to offer you. You’ll find a variety of unique cultures, fascinating history, and great things to do all over the Valley.
1. Scottsdale – Central Hub of Best Shopping in Town
- Population: 239,283
- Median Household Income: $80,306
- Median Home Listing Price: $675,000
- Homes for sale in Scottsdale
If you are looking for great areas to live in Phoenix, Scottsdale is an excellent choice for those who can afford it. The cost of living in Scottsdale is a bit on the higher end compared to other suburbs of Phoenix nearby. You’ll want to consider your budget and overall expenses when choosing between Scottsdale and Phoenix.
Outside of Scottsdale’s suburban streets, you can discover rock formations, trails, and desert hills within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. For shopping options, check out Downtown and Old Town Scottsdale. If you want to discover one of the best Phoenix communities that is packed with classy amenities and gorgeous golf courses, Scottsdale is the place to go.
2. Paradise Valley – Wealthiest Suburb of Phoenix
- Population: 13,961
- Median Household Income: $175,673
- Median Home Listing Price: $2,190,000
- Homes for sale in Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley frequently receives top marks as one of the safest and most affluent residential areas in Phoenix. Living in Paradise Valley means you get to enjoy great schools and quiet streets. If you are looking for a wild, raucous party scene, you’ll want to look elsewhere (see the college city of Tempe below) since most of the residents in the area are retirees and established families.
Because it is the wealthiest municipality in the entire state, this is one of the most expensive suburbs of Phoenix to call home. It is known throughout the area for its restaurant scene and excellent golf courses. Residents are drawn to the community because of its affluence, and its rural environment on the outskirts of the big city.
3. Gilbert – Among the Safest Phoenix Suburbs
- Population: 232,176
- Median Household Income: $87,566
- Median Home Listing Price: $398,000
- Homes for sale in Gilbert
In Gilbert, residents experience one of the safest towns in Phoenix. Not only in the Valley, but this area also goes on to rank as the 4th safest city in all of Arizona. Because of this, many families search for comfortable neighborhoods in Gilbert that will fit their lifestyle and needs.
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If you are thinking about relocating to Gilbert, you have plenty of homes, schools, and jobs to choose from. Recognized by its trademark water tower, Gilbert has regularly ranked as one of the top places to live in Phoenix and across the country thanks to its low crime rate, excellent education system, beautiful weather, and affordable healthcare.
4. Chandler – Filled With Parks and Fun Things to Do
- Population: 245,160
- Median Household Income: $77,278
- Median Home Listing Price: $385,000
- Homes for sale in Chandler
Along with its fairly affordable homes, Chandler is also known for being one of the Phoenix suburbs with the best schools. Residents moving into Chandler can enjoy visiting the Chandler Museum and the Arizona Railway Museum.
Because of its many parks and other kid-friendly activities, this village is one of the best suburbs in Phoenix for families. It is the site of the Desert Breeze Park, Veterans’ Oasis Park, and Tumbleweed Park. Plus, the area includes gorgeous architecture and pueblo revival homes like the McCullough-Price House.
5. Tempe – Home of Arizona State University
- Population: 178,339
- Median Household Income: $51,829
- Median Home Listing Price: $345,000
- Homes for sale in Tempe
One of the biggest reasons why residents move to Tempe is because of Arizona State University (ASU). Thanks to the university, the area has a vibrant, energetic energy that attracts people of all ages. Residents can visit trendy restaurants, catch local concerts, and see comedy shows throughout the week.
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Tempe is also one of the best Phoenix suburbs if you enjoy experiencing the great outdoors. Residents can go kayaking or paddleboarding at the manmade Tempe Town Lake. In addition, this municipality offers access to the popular Tempe Beach Park, Tempe Center for the Arts, and Papago Park.
6. Fountain Hills – Among the Best Schools in Phoenix
- Population: 24,047
- Median Household Income: $76,729
- Median Home Listing Price: $595,000
- Homes for sale in Fountain Hills
If you are looking for the Phoenix residential area with the best schools, Fountain Hills is an excellent place to visit. Because of its top education options, this is one of the best cities in Phoenix for families with kids. Whether you are moving from out of state or from a different one of the suburbs of Phoenix, Fountain Hills is a great place to call home.
Bounded by Scottsdale, this suburb was named after a fountain once known for being the tallest in the world. Today, it is the home of the Fountain Hills Botanical Garden, the Fountain Hills Artists’ Gallery, the River of Time Museum, and the Fountain Hills Lake Overlook Trail. Plus, the city is the home of three annual fairs such as the Fountain Hills Fine Art & Wine Affaire.
7. Peoria – Home to a Phenomenal Park
- Population: 161,383
- Median Household Income: $69,589
- Median Home Listing Price: $357,000
- Homes for sale in Peoria
In Peoria, residents can enjoy living in affordable homes and a peaceful community. This area is also the site of the famed Lake Pleasant Regional Park. At this 23,000-acre park, residents can enjoy a desert oasis and two marinas for kayaking, scuba diving, camping, water skiing, fishing, and boating.
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Because of its low crime rate, this is one of the premier suburbs of Phoenix when it comes to safety. Peoria also offers good schools, a family-friendly environment, and a high quality of life.
8. Mesa – One of the Most Affordable Suburbs of Phoenix
- Population: 508,979
- Median Household Income: $58,247
- Median Home Listing Price: $325,000
- Homes for sale in Mesa
If you are searching for great areas to live in Phoenix, Mesa is always one of the most popular choices on the list. While it enjoys easy access to downtown Phoenix, it has a more affordable price range than most other parts of the Valley. Moving to Mesa means you can enjoy amenities like the Arizona Museum of Natural History and the esteemed Mesa Arts Center.
Mesa is also one of the safest areas in the entire state. Thanks to its safe environment for all ages, this suburb is an excellent place to either start a family or retire.
9. Queen Creek – Upscale Suburban Living on the Edge of Town
- Population: 33,298
- Median Household Income: $92,917
- Median Home Listing Price: $405,000
- Homes for sale in Queen Creek
For a more luxurious take on suburban living, look no further than Queen Creek. This is among the best of the Phoenix suburbs if you like large homes, spacious properties, and gorgeous architecture.
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In Queen Creek, residents can enjoy having a rural atmosphere and plenty of local parks. Residents can check out local points of interest like the San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Mansel Carter Oasis Park, and the Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Center.
Phoenix, AZ Suburbs Map
Which of These Phoenix Suburbs is Right for You?
With so many top Phoenix suburbs to choose from, it can be challenging to pick only one place to live. Residents can compare the cities of Phoenix by looking at the crime rate, affordability, school quality, and amenities offered in the area.
Once you have determined which community you want to live in, we can help you finish your relocation! If you need a friendly Phoenix moving company for your upcoming transition, reach out to our team today at (480) 376-1009. Or fill out the Request a Quote form above for a free moving estimate!
