Here Are Our Picks for the Best Phoenix Suburbs

Considering a move to the Phoenix, Arizona, area? Known for its gorgeous landscapes, abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, and exciting nightlife scene, it’s a great fit for all types of people. What’s more, with 300 days of sunshine per year, the coldest month of January has lows of just 45 degrees Fahrenheit. But the best part? The entire metro area of Phoenix is proud to boast a plethora of diverse suburbs. Here’s a look at our picks for the top Phoenix suburbs. 

Phoenix at a Glance

• Population: Approximately 1,650,070
• Demographics: With 24.5 percent of the population under the age of 18, there is a decent number of families living here.
• Average home value: Around $430,000, compared to the Arizona state average of $433,300 and the national average of $362,500
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: Around $1,525, compared to the Arizona state average of $1,575 and the national average of $1,725
• Great for: Outdoor activities, natural beauty, sports, culture, entertainment

Best Suburbs of Phoenix 

There are numerous fabulous suburbs in Phoenix. And if you’re moving to Phoenix from out of state, you’ll probably have to rely more on research, since traveling there to check out every suburb can get complicated. Want help narrowing down some of your options? Here are 12 Phoenix suburbs to put at the top of your list!

Gilbert is one of the best places to raise a family around Phoenix, thanks in part to ample parks like the Water Tower Plaza.

1. Gilbert, AZ 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,800
• Average home value: $583,600
• Great for: Families, outdoor recreation, farmer’s markets, community engagement
• Commute to downtown Phoenix: 30 minutes

The suburb of Gilbert has something for everyone to love, such as the Gilbert Water Tower, an impressive attraction built in 1927 that was originally used to store water for firefighting. Today, the tower is part of a park, complete with a splash pad and water walls, perfect for the kiddos. 

As one of the best Phoenix suburbs for families, there are plenty of new additions to the area's outdoor scene, such as the Gilbert Regional Park. While the city's nature preserve is focused on preserving the desert landscape, this park features various amenities that are designed to give the residents of Gilbert a beautiful place to spend their time. When completed, this park will have over 270 acres of green space.

Residents of Gilbert can support local farms and small businesses through the city's Farmers Market. The market, which takes place every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. during the summer and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. during the winter, offers a wide variety of organic and high-quality food products. 

2. Chandler, AZ

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
• Average home value: $532,000
• Great for: Young professionals, families, shopping, dining, creativity
• Commute to downtown Phoenix: 30 minutes

One of the best things about living in the suburb of Chandler is being able to visit Merchant Square, a great shopping experience. Every month, there’s a unique market located behind the stores that is known as the Highland Yard Vintage. This is where local creatives, makers, and artists come together to share their talents.

Foodies will especially love Chandler’s phenomenal dining scene, with a variety of great restaurants and bars, such as the renowned Elliot’s Steakhouse. One of the most popular restaurants in the area is Floridino’s Pizza & Pasta, which is known for its great food and is located in the Little Italy area. For those looking for a more casual atmosphere, there are popular spots, such as SanTan Brewing Company. And Shimogamo Restaurant? Its authentic Japanese dishes are very popular with the locals.

3. Peoria, AZ

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,650
• Average home value: $498,300
• Great for: Young professionals, families, outdoor recreation, golfing, sports
• Commute to downtown Phoenix: 30 minutes

The suburb of Peoria is only 30 minutes away from downtown Phoenix, which makes it easy to get around and enjoy all that the area has to offer without all the stress of living in a big city.

Peoria is a great place to get outside. With three community parks spanning over 50 acres and over 30 neighborhood parks scattered throughout the city, you’re never far from green space. There’s also over 20 miles of trails to explore, and the Peoria Sports Complex hosts not only baseball games but also concerts, arts and crafts festivals, and more.

There are also five golf courses in the city of Peoria, including the Peoria Pines Golf & Restaurant. And there are over 90 other public and private courses within 20 miles of the city. Speaking of sports, the suburb of Peoria also hosts various professional sports teams, including the Arizona Cardinals and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Scottsdale brings the frontier vibes. Take a trip to Old Town to get your fill of cowboys, saloons, and fun.

4. Scottsdale, AZ

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,100
• Average home value: $828,600
• Great for: Young professionals, families, outdoor recreation, culture
• Commute to downtown Phoenix: 25 minutes

The suburb of Scottsdale is one of the best suburbs of Phoenix, thought of as being similar to the Wild West with its beautiful homes and old-timey atmosphere. Scottsdale also has plenty of activities to keep you busy, such as mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing. Many of the area's residents spend a lot of time at Camelback Mountain, which is just outside the city. Thompson and Pinnacle Peak offer a variety of trails for different activities, as well. 

Like art? The city of Scottsdale has plenty of art studios and galleries — more than 125, in fact. And there are numerous art festivals throughout the year.

5. Mesa, AZ

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,475
• Average home value: $443,500
• Great for: Young professionals, families, affordability, biking, outdoor recreation
• Commute to downtown Phoenix: 25 minutes

If you are planning on moving to Arizona and are looking for a great location with affordable housing and top-rated schools, then you should consider living in the suburb of Mesa, which is just outside of Tempe and one of the best suburbs in Phoenix for families. 

Some of the perks that residents enjoy living in Mesa are its great location and the variety of cycling opportunities it has to offer. In fact, bike enthusiasts can take advantage of the more than 40 miles of bike lanes, as well as the city's bike-sharing program known as the HOPR, to get around the area.

Mesa also has plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. A popular attraction is the Usery Mountain Regional Park, which is a great place to picnic, go on nature walks, and ride horses.

6. Tempe, AZ

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,900
• Average home value: $487,400
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, outdoor recreation, commuting
• Commute to downtown Phoenix: 20 minutes

One of the main draws to Tempe is its proximity to the other parts of the Phoenix Metro Area, including the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which is only ten minutes away, making it a great location for frequent fliers. 

Tempe Town Lake is a must-visit, with its wide-open blue sky and tranquil surroundings. It’s a great location for families to enjoy, and it offers a variety of water activities. Some of the most popular types of boats that people can rent are paddle boats, SUP boards, and swan boats.

Another can’t-miss location for entertainment and nightlife? Mill Avenue. This area is the heart of the town, full of young adults and college students passionate about the Sun Devils. And its walkability makes it a great place to enjoy a pub crawl or a stroll through the shops.

Phoenix residents choose to live in Goodyear for a quiet, peaceful life with plenty of space for families.

8. Cave Creek, AZ

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675
• Average home value: $1.03M
• Great for: Families, retirees, beautiful views, architecture, outdoor recreation, rich history
• Commute to downtown Phoenix: 45 minutes

Located just 45 minutes outside Phoenix, the suburb of Cave Creek is best known for its natural desert landscapes. It’s also situated in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, which means that it offers some of the best views of the area. This place has a rich history, and it features a unique blend of Native American and Old West cultures, as reflected in its local events and architecture.

One of the most popular areas to visit in this region is the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, which is filled with natural features such as riparian areas and archaeological sites. You can also explore the Thieves Market, full of unique antiques.

9. Carefree, AZ

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,325
• Average home value: $1.26M
• Great for: Families, retirees, golfing, shopping, historic homes
• Commute to downtown Phoenix: 45 minutes

The Carefree community has been around since the 1950s. Retirees especially love this community due to its laid-back feel and plenty of outdoor activities available.

A lot has changed for Carefree since it was first built, and today you can find plenty of great shopping establishments and delicious eats at nearby shopping centers such as the Carefree Marketplace.

Love to get out on the green? The Desert Forest Golf Club, which was established in 1962, features an undulating course and great driving ranges — making it one of the best places to golf in the area.

Anthem is a bit of a ways from the heart of Phoenix, about 40 miles north. But, its scenic views and good eats make up for the travel time. 

10. Anthem, AZ

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675
• Average home value: $580,100
• Great for: Young professionals, families, outdoor recreation, golfing, dining
• Commute to downtown Phoenix: 40 minutes

The Anthem community is about 40 miles north of downtown Phoenix and located in the northern foothills of the Phoenix Valley. It has a reputation as being a great place for families to put down roots.

You have plenty of options when looking for a bite to eat in Anthem. If you’re craving great American dishes, for example, then Two Brothers Kitchen is the place for you. This restaurant serves a variety of great food items such as burgers, sandwiches, and skillets.

And the Anthem Country Club features a challenging 18-hole golf course that’s surrounded by the beautiful desert landscape. This facility also offers other amenities, such as tennis courts, a fitness center, and dining options.

11. Surprise, AZ

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,800
• Average home value: $435,600
• Great for: Families, young professionals, outdoor recreation, affordability, modern homes
• Commute to downtown Phoenix: 45 minutes

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend some time with your family or friends, then you’ll find it in Surprise, where there’s plenty of places to enjoy a good time. As one of the best Phoenix suburbs for families, residents of this area often visit Lake Pleasant, a popular spot for water activities in the Phoenix metropolitan area. 

And over the past 15 years, the area has seen a huge amount of development. This is a great place for people who are looking for a new home with modern, energy-efficient appliances and a fresh feeling.

People who live in the northwest valley often find it convenient to store their boats or recreational vehicles in their backyards, since it’s cheaper than renting one elsewhere. It’s not just storage that draws Phoenicians to this area, though, as homes in general are larger and more affordable.

12. Casa Grande, AZ

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,150
• Average home value: $330,700
• Great for: Families, history, culture, fun activities
• Commute to downtown Phoenix: 55 minutes

Casa Grande is one of the Phoenix suburbs with beautiful surroundings, a family-friendly atmosphere, and close proximity to major cities. This area allows residents to enjoy the benefits of living in a small town as well as all the perks that Phoenix and Tucson have to offer.

One of the most popular places to visit in the area is Caywood Farms, which offers an interactive, 45-minute tour that allows visitors to see how the family-owned farm has been producing cotton for over 90 years. During this tour, a member of the family talks about the various aspects of the farm's operation.

PODS has the know-how to get you to any one of the best Phoenix suburbs. 

PODS Can Help You Move to One of The Best Phoenix Suburbs

When you’ve found the perfect suburb in Phoenix, let PODS assist you with the move. A portable moving and storage container will be delivered to your driveway, where you can pack and load your belongings on your own schedule. Then, PODS will pick up and deliver your container to your new home when you’re ready.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.