10 Best Places to Live Near Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona, the heart of the Sonoran Desert, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. As the fifth-largest city in the nation by population, it offers a vibrant urban core surrounded by diverse suburbs and nearby cities. From Paradise Valley’s luxury to Gilbert’s family-friendly charm, the Valley of the Sun boasts something for everyone, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a tight-knit community.

The best cities near Phoenix

1. Tempe
2. Scottsdale
3. Gilbert
4. Mesa
5. Chandler
6. Queen Creek
7. Peoria
8. Fountain Hills
9. Litchfield Park
10. Paradise Valley

1. Tempe, AZ

• Driving distance from Phoenix: 8.6 miles
• Commute time to Phoenix via car: 22 minutes
• Population: 185,950
• Median rent: $1,856 according to July 2024 rent research
• Best for: Young professionals and students
• Attractions: Arizona State University, Tempe Town Lake, Tempe Center for the Arts, Hayden Butte Preserve

Why Tempe is a great place to live

Thanks to Arizona State University, Tempe is perfect for students and young professionals. It has a lively atmosphere perfect for young people who want to meet and socialize with others. The city’s proximity to Tempe Town Lake and the Hayden Butte Preserve offers plenty of outdoor activities. The Tempe Center for the Arts hosts various cultural events throughout the year.

2. Scottsdale, AZ

• Driving distance from Phoenix: 12.2 miles
• Commute time to Phoenix via car: 27 minutes
• Population: 243,050
• Median rent: $3,000, according to July 2024 rent research
• Best for: Luxury living and golf enthusiasts
• Attractions: Taliesin West, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Old Town Scottsdale

Why Scottsdale is a great place to live

Scottsdale is known for its luxurious resorts, world-class golf courses, and high-end shopping and dining. Architecture enthusiasts will love Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and studio, while nature lovers can explore the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Old Town Scottsdale offers a lively arts scene and bustling nightlife. It’s also just outside Phoenix, making it a great alternative without moving too far away.

3. Gilbert, AZ

• Driving distance from Phoenix: 21.9 miles
• Commute time to Phoenix via car: 33 minutes
• Population: 275,346
• Median rent: $2,275, according to July 2024 rent research
• Best for: Families and outdoor enthusiasts
• Attractions: Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Freestone Park, Gilbert Historical Museum, Hale Centre Theatre

Why Gilbert is a great place to live

Gilbert is a great place to raise a family in Arizona, thanks to its excellent school districts, low crime rates, and abundant parks and recreational facilities. The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch offers hiking trails, fishing, and birdwatching, while Freestone Park features a splash pad, playground, and amphitheater for community events. The Gilbert Historical Museum and Hale Centre Theatre provide cultural enrichment for residents of all ages.

4. Mesa, AZ

• Driving distance from Phoenix: 19.0 miles
• Commute time to Phoenix via car: 29 minutes
• Population: 512,498
• Median rent: $1,765, according to July 2024 rent research
• Best for: Retirees and baseball fans
• Attractions: Mesa Arts Center, Sloan Park, Usery Mountain Regional Park, Arizona Museum of Natural History

Why Mesa is a great place to live

Mesa is a popular destination for retirees, thanks to its affordable cost of living, warm climate, and abundance of age-restricted communities. Baseball fans will love the city’s status as a spring training hub, with Sloan Park serving as the home of the Chicago Cubs. The Mesa Arts Center is a world-class venue for performing arts, while the Arizona Museum of Natural History showcases the region’s rich geological and cultural history.

5. Chandler, AZ

• Driving distance from Phoenix: 24.6 miles
• Commute time to Phoenix via car: 32 minutes
• Population: 280,711
• Median rent: $2,298, according to July 2024 rent research
• Best for: Tech professionals and foodies
• Attractions: Chandler Fashion Center, Chandler Museum, Desert Breeze Park, Arizona Railway Museum

Why Chandler is a great place to live

Chandler has become a hub for the tech industry, with companies like Intel, Microchip Technology, and Northrop Grumman setting up shop here. This has attracted a diverse population of professionals and helped develop a vibrant culinary scene. The Chandler Fashion Center is one of the largest malls in the Phoenix area, while the Chandler Museum and Arizona Railway Museum offer unique educational experiences.

6. Queen Creek, AZ

• Driving distance from Phoenix: 37.7 miles
• Commute time to Phoenix via car: 50 minutes
• Population: 70,734
• Median rent: $2,100, according to July 2024 rent research
• Best for: Equestrians and agritourism enthusiasts
• Attractions: Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre, Queen Creek Olive Mill, San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Schnepf Farms

Why Queen Creek is a great place to live

Queen Creek is growing quickly but still retains its small-town charm and agricultural roots. The Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre hosts various equestrian events year-round, while the Queen Creek Olive Mill offers tours and tastings. Schnepf Farms is a popular spot for seasonal festivals and picking your own produce.

7. Peoria, AZ

• Driving distance from Phoenix: 13.6 miles
• Commute time to Phoenix via car: 32 minutes
• Population: 197,866
• Median rent: $2,250, according to July 2024 rent research
• Best for: Sports enthusiasts and nature lovers
• Attractions: Peoria Sports Complex, Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Challenger Space Center Arizona, West Wing Mountain Preserve

Why Peoria is a great place to live

Peoria is perfect for sports lovers. The Peoria Sports Complex is the spring training home for the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners. Lake Pleasant Regional Park offers a variety of water-based activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming. The Challenger Space Center Arizona provides an immersive educational experience, while the West Wing Mountain Preserve offers scenic hiking trails.

8. Fountain Hills, AZ

• Driving distance from Phoenix: 31.2 miles
• Commute time to Phoenix via car: 42 minutes
• Population: 24,987
• Median rent: $3,250, according to July 2024 rent research
• Best for: Art collectors and outdoor adventurers
• Attractions: Fountain Hills Great Fair, Fountain Hills Artists Gallery, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, River of Time Museum

Why Fountain Hills is a great place to live

Fountain Hills is known for its iconic fountain, which is one of the tallest in the world (it’s taller than the Washington Monument!). The town is a haven for art collectors, with the Fountain Hills Artists Gallery showcasing local artists’ work and the annual Fountain Hills Great Fair drawing thousands of visitors. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the proximity to McDowell Mountain Regional Park, offering over 50 miles of trails. The River of Time Museum provides a fascinating look into the area’s history.

9. Litchfield Park, AZ

• Driving distance from Phoenix: 21.2 miles
• Commute time to Phoenix via car: 36 minutes
• Population: 6,960
• Median rent: $2,095 according to July 2024 rent research
• Best for: History buffs and wildlife enthusiasts
• Attractions: The Wigwam, Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park, Litchfield Park Historical Society Museum, Goodyear Ballpark

Why Litchfield Park is a great place to live

Litchfield Park is a small, historic community that offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. The Wigwam, a landmark resort dating back to the 1920s, is popular with golfers and history buffs. The Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park is one of the largest privately-owned zoos in the country, with over 600 species of animals. The Litchfield Park Historical Society Museum showcases the town’s rich history, including its role in developing Arizona’s cotton industry. Baseball fans will enjoy the proximity to Goodyear Ballpark, the spring training home of the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds.

10. Paradise Valley, AZ

• Driving distance from Phoenix: 14.4 miles
• Commute time to Phoenix via car: 25 minutes
• Population: 12,606
• Median rent: $7,500, according to July 2024 rent research
• Best for: Luxury seekers and wellness enthusiasts
• Attractions: Camelback Mountain, Cosanti Foundation, Paradise Valley Country Club, Barry Goldwater Memorial Park

Why Paradise Valley is a great place to live

Paradise Valley is known for its luxurious resorts, sprawling estates, and stunning mountain views. The town is home to some of Arizona’s most expensive real estate, with many properties featuring private pools, tennis courts, and other high-end amenities. Wellness enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of spas and resorts offering a variety of treatments and services, as well as the many hiking and biking trails that wind through the surrounding desert landscape. The Cosanti Foundation, founded by architect Paolo Soleri, offers tours of its unique experimental structures and bell-casting workshops. The Paradise Valley Country Club is one of the region’s most prestigious private golf clubs, with a championship course that has hosted numerous PGA and LPGA events over the years.

No matter what lifestyle you’re seeking, the diverse cities near Phoenix offer a range of amenities, attractions, and communities to make your next move perfect for you.