Best suburbs in Phoenix
The GI Bill of Rights, Ike's interstate system, suburban development, and the growing affordability of cars allowed the suburbs to flourish throughout the mid-20th century. During this era, a new American Dream was established: one with single-family homes, white picket fences, and lush green lawns.
Today, however, the traditional suburb may no longer cater to what 79% of Americans want: walkability. Younger people are especially attracted to neighborhoods where stores, restaurants, and other amenities are a short walk away, according to a National Association of Realtors survey released in 2023. But a good location comes with a cost.
A Redfin analysis showed homes in 2019 in walkable areas sold for almost 25% more than homes without the same walkability, equivalent to nearly $78,000 more in the national average. Some suburbs offer the amenities of city life, whether through easy transit to big cities (such as Wilmette, Illinois, with easy proximity to Chicago), or college-town amenities such as those found in Claremont, California.
What individual families and people look for in a suburb will vary, of course, with some prioritizing quiet and extra space, even if that means driving more often.
Stacker used data from Niche to examine the best suburbs in Phoenix. Niche ranked suburbs across the U.S. based on several factors, including diversity, the cost of living, the share of the population with college degrees, and the quality of schools and housing.
Read on to see the highest-ranked suburbs in Phoenix.
#5. Queen Creek, Arizona
- Median home value: $493,700
- Median rental price: $2,030
- Top schools nearby: BASIS Mesa (grade A+), BASIS Chandler (grade A+), Great Hearts Academies - Archway Lincoln (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Tri-City Christian Academy (grade A−), Gilbert Christian Schools (grade B+), Mesa Christian Academy (grade B+)
- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: A+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
#4. Litchfield Park, Arizona
- Median home value: $470,600
- Median rental price: $1,900
- Top schools nearby: Great Hearts Academies - Archway Trivium (grade A+), BASIS Goodyear (grade A+), Arizona Agribusiness & Equine Center - Estrella (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Dream City Christian School (grade A−), Trinity Lutheran School (grade unavailable), St. John Vianney Catholic School (grade unavailable)
- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: A+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
#3. Chandler, Arizona
- Median home value: $423,900
- Median rental price: $1,675
- Top schools nearby: BASIS Mesa (grade A+), BASIS Ahwatukee (grade A+), BASIS Chandler (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Rancho Solano Preparatory School (grade A+), Arizona Cultural Academy & College Prep (grade A+), Seton Catholic Preparatory (grade A+)
- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: A+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
#2. Paradise Valley, Arizona
- Median home value: $2,000,001
- Median rental price: $3,501
- Top schools nearby: BASIS Phoenix (grade A+), BASIS Scottsdale (grade A+), Khalsa Montessori Elementary School at Virginia (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Phoenix Country Day School (grade A+), Rancho Solano Preparatory School (grade A+), Brophy College Preparatory (grade A+)
- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: A+
--- Cost of living grade: C−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
#1. Gilbert, Arizona
- Median home value: $454,300
- Median rental price: $1,839
- Top schools nearby: BASIS Mesa (grade A+), BASIS Ahwatukee (grade A+), BASIS Chandler (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Arizona Cultural Academy & College Prep (grade A+), Seton Catholic Preparatory (grade A+), Redeemer Christian School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: A+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 67 metros.