In 2021, Arizona’s desert capital grew at the fastest rate among America’s biggest cities, making it the fifth-largest metropolis in the U.S. Brad Stewart, a real estate agent with Gluch Group, has seen a lot of changes over the past few years. He should know. The real estate company sells 250 or so homes throughout the region annually. We asked Stewart and Stephanie Perrault, a realtor with Coldwell Banker, Phoenix-Paradise Valley, to help us understand the changes and where some of the best places to call home are found these days.
1. Southeast Valley – Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler
“Most people aren’t aware of all that’s happening here,” Stewart says. “Much of the Southeast Valley has easy access to freeways and are prime locations for new home builders, making it a desirable location for anyone looking to buy a new construction home, as opposed to homes built in older neighborhoods.”
WHY: “Mesa is the third largest city in Arizona with over 500,000 residents, but the cost of living is slightly lower than Phoenix,” says Perrault.
Another option in the region is Gilbert. Over the past three decades the population has increased exponentially, making it the fifth largest city in Arizona. The majority of residents in Gilbert are under the age of 50, providing a young family-oriented sense of community.
In Chandler, families and working professionals are attracted to its strong job market, rooted in the technology sector, good schools and close proximity to arts, entertainment, sports and culture.
WHAT: “The latest developments to watch in Mesa are Radiance and Blossom Rock at Superstition Vistas, which are being developed by D.R. Horton and Brookfield Residential. Both communities are in Apache Junction,” Perrault says. “Families with children and working professionals are the target market, while Eastmark also includes a 55+ age restricted community.”
One of the newer developments in Gilbert is Morrison Ranch, with Toll Brothers, Taylor Morrison, Tri Pointe Homes, Fulton and Camelot projects in the Lakeview Trails neighborhood.
“Morrison Ranch is known for its pristine and well-kept neighborhoods, parks that include many courts for the ever-so-popular pickleball, walking and bike paths, and even some fishing lakes,” Stewart says. “It’s one of the most popular communities in all of Gilbert, being in the heart of all of the city has to offer.”
“Zip code 85226 is the hottest zip code in Chandler right now,” Perrault says. “The July 2023 median sales price was $535,000, which is incredibly affordable in comparison to Silicon Valley or Seattle.”
INTANGLIBLES: A lower cost of living does not equate to a lower quality of life in Mesa. Downtown Mesa boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with the Mesa Arts Center, Natural History Museum and The Children’s Museum. The city has its own symphony orchestra, a Shakespeare troupe and a contemporary arts museum, among many other cultural organizations and institutions, Perrault says.
Sports and outdoor options are also plentiful in Mesa.
“The city is the spring training and fall league home for the Chicago Cubs and Oakland A’s,” she says. “Mesa’s outdoor opportunities are stellar. Walk out your door and you’ve got Superstition Mountain, Lost Dutchman State Park, Usery Pass, the Salt River and Saguaro Lake within an easy drive.”
Perrault adds that restaurants worth patronizing include Board & Batten in North Mesa, Espiritu and Tacos Chiwas in downtown, Hodori in Mesa’s Asian food district and Green Corner for Mediterranean food in the Fiesta District.
Downtown Gilbert, now known to locals as the Heritage District, has a collection of over 30 restaurants – all walkable down the boulevard, Stewart shares.
“Some very popular ones to note are Liberty Market, an urban bistro. Joe’s Real BBQ has some award-winning barbecue slow cooked over pecan wood, and there’s Zinburger and Culinary Dropout,” he adds.
Chandler has a vibrant dining scene but will soon have a new claim to fame.
“As of September 30, Chandler is the first city in Arizona to have a Scheels, an immersive outdoors store that offers shoppers an amusement park-like experience,” Perrault says. “If you’ve never been to Scheels, put it on your list of places to visit, even if you don’t live in Chandler.”
AVERAGE COST PER SQUARE FOOT*: The cost per square foot is similar in all three cities, with Mesa at $269; Gilbert at $283; and Chandler at $297.
2. West Valley – Buckeye
WHY: The West Valley is exploding, with Buckeye’s population growing 10 percent between 2010 and 2020. In 2021, the West Valley made up 42 percent of all new home construction in Maricopa County. The large influx of people moving to the West Valley were from California during the Covid crisis, according to Stewart.
“With a community currently at about 1.7 million residents, and an expected 2.1 million by 2030, the West Valley is surely making a name for itself and becoming a destination for people to live, work and play,” he says.
Verrado, a master planned community within Buckeye, sits at the base of the White Tank Mountains and features homes ranging from $300,000 to $4 million.
“Working professionals in their 30s to 40s comprise the majority of Verrado residents, but many of the homes feature a casita or guest house, which would be ideal for multigenerational living,” Perrault explains. “Verrado also offers a 55+ community – Victory at Verrado – which is a great option for active adults.”
Homes in the $1.5 to $2 million range are hot commodities in Verrado right now too, she adds.
“If a homeowner doesn’t need to be in the city center on a regular basis, Verrado offers gorgeous homes, many of them custom, between 3,000 to 4,000 square feet on one-half to one-and-a-half- acre lots with views of the White Tank Mountains” Perrault says. “Homes in Verrado in the $300,000 to $400,000 range are also selling quickly.”
INTANGLIBLES: Recreation options are another magnet for drawing new residents to the West Valley.
“For people interested in outdoor activities, the West Valley has no shortage of hiking trails and parks,” Stewart says.
Perrault notes that the walkable Main Street District, which has a small-town atmosphere, is one of Verrado’s defining features.
“In addition to dining and shopping, the Main Street District is the community gathering place to celebrate holidays and community events,” she adds.
“As growth continues over the next five to 10 years, pricing will certainly increase,” Stewart says. “If the West Valley is an area of interest (to buyers), I think now is the time.”
AVERAGE COST PER SQUARE FOOT*: In the West Valley, including Buckeye, you can expect about $228 per square foot.
3. North Valley – North Scottsdale
WHY: North Scottsdale is ideal for people who want to be out of the hustle and bustle of the city, while still just 15 to 20 minutes away. There has been significant growth over the past two decades, but the area retains its allure and charm in no small part due to the hillier landscape and panoramic views, Stewart explains.
INTANGLIBLES: Much of the draw to North Scottsdale is hiking, biking and golf, and its quick access to Scottsdale proper for restaurants, nightlife and shopping.
“From horseback riding to trail running or biking and top-tier golf courses, North Scottsdale features some of the most ruggedly beautiful lands in the country,” Stewart explains, “including the McDowell Sonoran Preserve where plenty of trails can be found.
“Breathtaking views from Gateway Loop Trail and the famous Toms Thumb Trail provide some of the most peaceful and tranquil spots in the area,” he adds.
In terms of new developments, much of the action can be found near McDowell Mountain Regional Park, where several luxury developments are underway, including Sereno Canyon and the Troon-managed Mountain House at Sereno Canyon. A 400-home luxury residential/resort community being developed by Toll Brothers in one of the most spectacular settings in the entire area, the community boasts a small lodge uninterrupted views of Tom’s Thumb and surrounding desert.
AVERAGE COST PER SQUARE FOOT*: North Scottsdale is on the higher end at $479 per square foot.
4. South Scottsdale – Old Town
WHY: Scottsdale is often called the “Most Livable City,” and Old Town Scottsdale is conveniently nestled within nine walkable neighborhoods, with a wide array of shops, restaurants, art galleries, night clubs and world-class art museums, according to Stewart.
“There are a lot of major attractions: spring training baseball, short-term rentals, nightlife and restaurants,” he says.
While Old Town Scottsdale has always been a premiere spot to be and visit in Arizona, the neighborhoods there have been rapidly changing from older homes built in the ‘60s and ‘70s to new construction and complete remodels.
INTANGLIBLES: Old Town is home to Scottsdale Fashion Square, with over two million square feet of top-tier retail space, making it one the top 30 largest malls in the country. A new addition early next year will be Caesars Republic Scottsdale, a modern, 11-story, 265-room hotel located on the north side of the shopping center that’s on schedule to open in February.
Bars and nightclubs throughout Old Town can fit any vibe, from relaxed, down-to-earth lounges to flashing light, dress-to-impress night clubs, Stewart says. Plus, Old Town has one of the region’s best farmer’s markets every Saturday.
“People from all over the country come to experience Old Town Scottsdale in one of its prime-time months,” he remarks. “It has one of the most expansive, award-winning culinary scenes that’s always keeping up with the trends. There’s something for every palate.”
He continues: “One of my personal favorites is Ocean 44 for seafood and steaks, and some of the best cocktails and wine lists you can find. If I want to catch a good football game on Sunday, I’ll go to the Social Tap for their bar food and an expansive beer selection or catch some live music at Wasted Grain.”
AVERAGE COST PER SQUARE FOOT*: Old Town Scottsdale is $401 per square foot.
*Cost per square foot information per Realtor.com
This story appeared in the AZ Foothills Home & Design, Best Places to Live issue. Read the full issue here.
