AZ Big Media 7 best affordable areas to live in Metro Phoenix

One of the hardest things to know when you’re moving to a new city is finding out which neighborhoods are the most affordable. Whether you live in the area or are new to Phoenix, we make it easy for you to get a sense of some of the best neighborhoods — and most affordable areas to live in Phoenix — that are both growing in demand and are safe for raising a family, too.

Phoenix Median Sales Price Compared to National Trends

 To understand the Phoenix market, first, we need to start with a baseline. Out of the nation’s top 10 hottest housing markets, Phoenix is the seventh least expensive, which is great news for potential home buyers. There’s a reason people from all over the country are moving to the Valley of the Sun in droves. Other comparable cities are far too expensive and many Americans can’t seem to justify bleeding most of their budget on housing, as the astronomical cost of living and high crime rates don’t make life possible.

As you can see from the above chart, Phoenix doesn’t fall far from the U.S. median sales price baseline. Home prices started falling this summer. According to our local housing analysts at the Cromford Report, as of September 10, 2022, the median sales price for a single-family home in Phoenix was $444,700, falling by $5,300 just last month, and $31,000 in July. This is great news for current buyers, though the current median price is still $40,000 higher than it was this time last year. So, that tells us that the housing market in Phoenix is settling, not falling off a cliff like other areas of the nation. 

Phoenix Home Availability Works in A Buyers Favor

Trevor H. Halpern, J.D. is the No. 1 independent agent at Phoenix-based North&Co. and the founder of the Halpern Residential real estate group.

There are more homes available in the Phoenix market now than there were over the last couple of years. Cromford notes that there are nearly 18,700 active listings, which is up over 170% compared to this time last year, and up 4% from a month prior. In fact, there were over 1,630 homes that sold for a median price of $513,890.

With the market leaning in their favor, buyers now have the opportunity to negotiate and potentially get sellers to come down on listing prices and agree to concessions – which was highly unlikely before the summer. Cromford adds that the number of closings with seller-paid closing costs rose nearly 30% in July, compared to just 7% the month prior. 

Read for tips on how to exercise your power as a buyer. 

Most Affordable Areas to Live in Phoenix

Phoenix is one of the most diverse places to live in the southwest. The growing metropolis offers some of the best sprawling suburbs and neighborhoods, each as unique as the people who find themselves drawn to them. Check out our list of some of the most desirable and affordable areas Phoenix offers:

Buckeye

Median Home Sales Price: $442,950

One of the fastest growing Phoenix suburbs, Buckeye is a great place to raise a family with emerging programs, services and family-friendly events year-round. As the city works on expanding its residential and commercial footprint, it’s also keeping conservation in mind, most recently receiving recognition for its Wildlife Corridor Best Practices Guide.

Deer Valley

Median Home Sales Price: $455,000

Schools, retail establishments and entertainment venues are conveniently close in the urban community of Deer Valley, in north Phoenix, bordering both Glendale and Peoria. Here, you’ll discover homes that have been well-maintained on vast lots, making them ideal for families with children.

Garfield

Median Home Sales Price: $435,000

This economically viable historic quarter is brimming with architectural and cultural diversity. The proximity of Garfield to the central business district makes it an ideal location for entrepreneurs. Many studios, businesses, and restaurants have made Garfield their home because of the city’s recent economic expansion. If you’re passionate about renovating older homes, this is the neighborhood for you!

Glendale

Median Home Sales Price: $440,000

About 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix, the state’s ‘Antique Capital’ offers over 70 antique and specialty shops perfect for exploring with the family. Glendale also hosted two Super Bowls within the last 15 years, so if you love sporting events, why not live close by. Also, Glendale is host to the highly anticipated annual chocolate festival every February.

Mesa

Median Home Sales Price: $460,000

Mesa, in the East Valley of the Phoenix metro, is the third-largest suburban city in the state of Arizona. You’ll find excellent school systems and communities that are welcoming to families. It’s also convenient to get to Chandler and downtown Gilbert for additional dining and shopping. As a plus, Mesa has its very own airport!

Peoria

Median Home Sales Price: $512,500

A half hour northwest of downtown Phoenix, Peoria has come a long way from its agricultural roots. The rapidly growing suburb rests among the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Peoria is home to Lake Pleasant Regional Park, offering 23,000 acres of boating, fishing, camping and many recreation activities.

Tempe

Median Home Sales Price: $452,500

Besides having many urban neighborhoods, Tempe is one of the most pedestrian and bicycle-friendly places in the metro area. Home prices are also very reasonable. Arizona State University is not only one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the United States but also one of Tempe’s most important employers. In addition, Tempe has excellent public transit and the location makes it easy to access major freeways.

Author: Trevor H. Halpern, J.D. is the #1 independent agent at Phoenix-based North&Co. and the CEO of Halpern Residential. As a Phoenix native, Halpern’s deep knowledge of both people and property has allowed him to create client success in all areas of town. A graduate of ASU’s College of Law, Halpern prides himself on delivering high-level strategy, efficient negotiations, and precise tactical execution. Since 2011, Halpern has sold over $130 million in real estate and has been in the top 1% of real estate agents in the Greater Phoenix area.