The Best Cities Near Phoenix in 2024
Phoenix Arizona
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Cities Near Phoenix — FAQs
Q: Which city is close to Phoenix?
A: Just an 18-minute drive away, Tempe is one of the closest cities to Phoenix.
Q: What is the nicest suburb of Phoenix?
A: According to Niche, Chandler is one of the nicest suburbs in Phoenix.
Q: How many cities surround Phoenix?
A: Over 20 cities and towns make up the Greater Phoenix Region.
Q: Which cities are close to Phoenix, Arizona?
A: Tempe, Scottsdale, and Gilbert are some of the major cities near Phoenix, Arizona.
Cities Near Phoenix — FAQs
Offering some of Arizona’s best living perks with close access to the Phoenix area, these are some of the best cities near Phoenix to check out in 2024!
1. Tempe, AZ
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,900
- Average home value: $470,800
- Great for: Arts, culture, outdoor recreation, commute
- Commute into Phoenix: 18-minute drive
If you're planning on relocating to the Phoenix area, consider the city of Tempe for an easy commute into the city. It's located just 18 minutes east of Phoenix and has plenty of outdoor spaces, along with quite the lively atmosphere. And with a population of under 200,000, Tempe is considered one of the best small cities near Phoenix, Arizona.
Arizona State University, one of the most prominent universities in the state, is located in Tempe. Many local residents either attend or work there, and the city's liveliness overall is enhanced by this campus.
Another reason why it’s one of the best cities near Phoenix? It has an impressive local arts and culture, driven largely by ASU and featuring art galleries such as the Art Museum of Arizona State University. There are also over 50 community parks in the area that provide various types of outdoor activities. Some of the city's most beautiful parks are Selleh Park, Tempe Town Lake, and Daumler Park, which offers activities like fishing, cycling, and kayaking.
2. Scottsdale, AZ
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,050
- Average home value: $792,500
- Great for: Families, schools, outdoor recreation, golfing
- Commute into Phoenix: 23-minute drive
It’s hard to find a city as charming as good ol’ Scottsdale! Situated in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, the city of Scottsdale is one of the best cities near Phoenix with a variety of dining and entertainment options in addition to world-class golfing. In fact, some of the best golf courses in the nation can be found in the city of Scottsdale, such as the Grayhawk Golf Club and the TPC Scottsdale.
The area is also known for its beautiful surroundings, and many of its residents are naturally outdoor enthusiasts. They enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including swimming in scenic lakes and hiking and biking along adventurous trails.
3. Gilbert, AZ
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,850
- Average home value: $565,600
- Great for: Outdoor recreation, farmer’s markets, jobs, families, schools
- Commute into Phoenix: 29-minute drive
The growing community of Gilbert, Arizona, is one of the major cities near Phoenix that’s a great place to call home if you are looking to relocate to the Phoenix Metro Area but not quite ready for the busy city life.
One of the newest additions to the area's outdoor scene is the Gilbert Regional Park, located in the southeast sector of the community. By building the park, the city has preserved the natural desert landscape and given the youth of Gilbert an outdoor space to explore.
If you prefer shopping for fresh produce, then the Gilbert Farmers Market has you covered! This farmer’s market takes place every Saturday in the Heritage District of the city. Within the market, vendors offer a variety of hand-crafted products and freshly farmed produce (everything from fresh fruit popsicles to pasta made with local grains).
4. Mesa, AZ
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
- Average home value: $430,000
- Great for: Outdoor recreation, scenic hotspots, jobs, housing, nightlife, dining
- Commute into Phoenix: 26-minute drive
The city of Mesa is an ideal spot for nature lovers who enjoy taking on a variety of diverse outdoor activities. The city is situated in the East Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan region, which is surrounded by the Sonoran Desert and near the Tonto National Forest.
A great way to get in touch with the area and its local nature is by hiking in the city. It offers miles of desert trails, and each path winds through the Sonoran Desert's many cacti and other vegetation.
Known for its diverse cuisine and southwestern style, the city of Mesa is also a great place if you’re a foodie at heart. It has a variety of restaurants and cafes that are perfect for everyone. Some of the most prominent establishments in the area include Charleston's Restaurant and Alessia's.
5. Chandler, AZ
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775
- Average home value: $516,900
- Great for: Family-friendly activities, public schools, meeting new people, young professionals
- Commute into Phoenix: 30-minute drive
Family-friendly activities are a common feature in Chandler, as this city has plenty of attractions and events that are ideal for children. In addition to the Crayola Experience, there are other kid-friendly attractions in the city, like Makutu’s Island, which features an arcade and amusement park. The Arizona Railway Museum is another ideal spot to learn some fascinating history.
The city of Chandler is also known for its great live music and fun atmosphere that's ideal for parties and socializing with friends. One of the best places to meet up is at The Ostrich, which is a vintage-style bar. And if you're looking for a drink that's made with locally distilled whiskey or gin, head to Spirit House.
6. Queen Creek, AZ
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775
- Average home value: $642,400
- Great for: Outdoor recreation, food options
- Commute into Phoenix: 44-minute drive
Queen Creek, situated near Mesa, Gilbert, and San Tan Valley, is one of East Valley's best places to live. It's known for its location on San Tan Mountain, which gives it ample access to the Sonoran Desert.
Queen Creek is an easy area to navigate through, and there are a variety of fun things to do in the area, such as hiking, mountain biking, and going for a walk with your family. You can also explore the San Tan Mountain Park, which has over 10,000 acres of desert landscape.
One of Queen Creek's most popular attractions is the Olive Mill, known for its phenomenal olive oil. It also offers residents of Queen Creek the opportunity to enjoy a variety of gourmet foods.
7. Peoria, AZ
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675
- Average home value: $487,100
- Great for: Outdoor recreation, families, young professionals, diversity
- Commute into Phoenix: 29-minute drive
The city of Peoria is located between Sun City and Glendale, and it extends all the way to Lake Pleasant. Fun fact about Peoria: The major leagues' spring training for the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres takes place here, and the facility, which is known as the Sports Center of Peoria, spans 145 acres.
In addition to being a great place to live, it also has plenty of entertainment options. One of these is the West Wing Mountain preserve, which offers hikers amazing views of the valley. Rio Vista Park is also located closer to the city center and features a variety of facilities for kids.
8. Fountain Hills, AZ
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,000
- Average home value: $632,900
- Great for: Culture, art, outdoor recreation
- Commute into Phoenix: 36-minute drive
The town of Fountain Hills was established in 1970 as a master-planned community. Before the community was created, though, this area was part of a massive cattle ranch in Arizona.
The art scene in Fountain Hills is unlike any other neighboring community, as you can find over 150 art pieces displayed in public buildings and within the downtown. Many of these are sculptures and fountains that feature southwest themes and designs, which play an integral role in the town’s heritage. And the ancient Hohokam culture's petroglyphs can be found at the Dixie Mine.
9. Litchfield Park, AZ
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,800
- Average home value: $527,300
- Great for: Outdoor recreation, golfing, close proximity to other nearby cities
- Commute into Phoenix: 30-minute drive
Situated about 20 miles west of Phoenix, the city of Litchfield Park is a calm and comfortable place bordered by nearby cities such as Avondale, Phoenix, Goodyear, Buckeye, Youngtown, Surprise, and El Mirage. The name of this community comes from Paul Weeks Litchfield, who was an executive of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber company in the early 1900s.
The Goodyear Community Park is a must-visit place in the city of Litchfield Park, which features great facilities such as a baseball field, a skate park, tennis courts, and a splash pad perfect for kids of all ages.
The Wigwam Golf Club is another highlight in the area that has three championship golf courses. It caters to local residents and includes a community pool, a lavish dining establishment, and a resort.
10. Paradise Valley, AZ
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,050
- Average home value: $3.27M
- Great for: Families, public schools, golfing, restaurants
- Commute into Phoenix: 23-minute drive
Paradise Valley is situated just outside of the city of Scottsdale, which is an affluent community that enjoys a slower pace of life. According to Niche, Paradise Valley is one of the safest cities near Phoenix, AZ.
If you’re looking for a great golf course, options are not limited within this area. The Paradise Valley Golf Course is definitely one place you’ll want to stop for a few rounds! It’s a challenging yet fun course that will keep you coming back for more. And when looking for a bite to eat afterward, head to El Chorro or Elements for some delicious cuisine and fabulous views.
Let PODS Help You Get to a City Near Phoenix
Living in the Phoenix area means you’ll get to enjoy it all: warm weather, outdoor recreation, great dining, arts, culture, and so much more. So when you’ve decided which Phoenix area is perfect for you, PODS can help you get there. A portable moving container will be delivered to your driveway. And once you’re ready to roll, the PODS crew will pick it up and deliver it to your new AZ residence. The best part? With one month of storage included, you can take your time and move on your schedule. Get your free quote today!
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.
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