The 10 Best Suburbs Near Phoenix, Arizona in 2027

Direct Answer

The best suburb near Phoenix overall is Gilbert, where a median home price around $520,000 buys top-rated schools, a celebrated Heritage District downtown, and one of the safest large-city profiles in the country about 22 miles southeast of downtown. The best value pick is Surprise, where the median sits near $430,000 with newer construction, family amenities, and the lowest prices on this list on the West Valley side.

This list is for families and retirees who want affordable, sunny suburban living with good schools and short freeway commutes. Every suburb below is a real city in the Phoenix metro, ranked on median home price, school ratings, commute, and amenities.

1. Gilbert 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Gilbert, about 22 miles southeast of downtown Phoenix, is repeatedly named one of the best and safest places to live in America. The median home price is roughly $520,000, and Gilbert and Chandler school districts are strongly rated.

The Heritage District downtown has become an acclaimed dining and entertainment destination, and the city blends master-planned neighborhoods with parks and trails. Commutes downtown run 30 to 45 minutes via US-60 and Loop 202. It is best for families who want top safety, strong schools, and a genuine downtown in one community.

2. Chandler

Chandler, about 20 miles southeast of Phoenix, has a median home price near $500,000 and a major tech job base, including a large Intel fabrication campus. Chandler Unified is among the higher-rated districts in the state.

The downtown has been revitalized with restaurants and a hotel, and the Chandler Fashion Center anchors retail. Commutes downtown run 25 to 40 minutes. Chandler suits tech professionals and families who want jobs, schools, and a reviving downtown.

3. Surprise 💎 BEST VALUE

Surprise, about 25 miles northwest of Phoenix in the West Valley, offers the best value here, with a median home price near $430,000 and large quantities of newer construction. The Dysart Unified district and several charters serve the area.

The Surprise Recreation Campus hosts Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals spring training. Commutes downtown run 35 to 50 minutes via Loop 303 and US-60. For buyers who want the newest homes and the lowest prices in the metro, Surprise is the standout value.

4. Scottsdale

Scottsdale, immediately northeast of Phoenix, has a median home price near $850,000 and is the metro's upscale destination, with Old Town nightlife, championship golf, resorts, and top schools in the Scottsdale Unified district.

Commutes downtown run 20 to 35 minutes. Scottsdale suits high earners who want resort-style living, golf, fine dining, and proximity to the city, and are willing to pay the metro's premium prices.

5. Tempe

Tempe, about 10 miles east of downtown Phoenix, has a median home price near $525,000 and the most urban, walkable character, anchored by Arizona State University and the Mill Avenue district along Tempe Town Lake.

The Valley Metro light rail connects Tempe to downtown in about 20 to 30 minutes, the shortest transit commute here. Tempe is best for young professionals and buyers who want walkability, nightlife, and the metro's only light-rail-served downtown.

6. Peoria

Peoria, about 20 miles northwest of Phoenix, has a median home price near $490,000 and the popular P83 entertainment district near the Peoria Sports Complex spring-training site. The Peoria Unified district serves the area.

Lake Pleasant offers boating nearby. Commutes downtown run 30 to 45 minutes via Loop 101. Peoria suits families who want West Valley affordability, entertainment, and outdoor recreation.

7. Queen Creek

Queen Creek, about 30 miles southeast of Phoenix, has a median home price near $580,000 and a fast-growing, semi-rural character with large lots and master-planned communities. The Queen Creek Unified district is newer and well regarded.

Commutes downtown run 40 to 55 minutes. Queen Creek is best for families who want newer construction, larger lots, and a quieter, more rural feel on the metro's southeast edge.

8. Mesa

Mesa, about 15 miles east of Phoenix, is the metro's largest suburb, with a median home price near $470,000 and a wide range of neighborhoods from historic downtown to master-planned eastern districts. Several school districts serve it.

Light rail reaches downtown Mesa, and commutes run 25 to 40 minutes. Mesa suits buyers who want variety, affordability, and transit access, with options from urban condos to suburban single-family homes.

9. Goodyear

Goodyear, about 20 miles west of Phoenix, has a median home price near $470,000 and rapid growth driven by new master-planned communities and a growing job base. The Agua Fria and Avondale districts serve the area.

The Goodyear Ballpark hosts Cleveland and Cincinnati spring training. Commutes downtown run 30 to 45 minutes via I-10. Goodyear is best for buyers who want new construction and West Valley value with improving local jobs.

10. Fountain Hills

Fountain Hills, about 30 miles northeast of Phoenix beyond Scottsdale, rounds out the list with a median home price near $700,000 and a scenic setting around its landmark 560-foot fountain. The Fountain Hills Unified district serves the town.

Commutes downtown run 35 to 50 minutes. Fountain Hills suits buyers and retirees who want dramatic desert and mountain views, a quiet pace, and an upscale, low-density community.

How to Choose

• Prioritize schools and target Gilbert, Chandler Unified, and Scottsdale Unified, all among the higher-rated districts in Arizona.
• Prioritize budget and Surprise, Mesa, and Goodyear offer the lowest medians here.
• Prioritize commute with Tempe and Mesa, both reachable in 20 to 40 minutes and served by Valley Metro light rail.
• Prioritize jobs with Chandler (Intel) and Tempe (ASU and tech offices) on the East Valley side.
• Prioritize lifestyle with Scottsdale's resorts, Gilbert's Heritage District, or Fountain Hills' desert views.

FAQ

Which Phoenix suburb has the best schools? Gilbert, Chandler Unified, and Scottsdale Unified consistently rank among the higher-performing public school districts in Arizona for test scores and graduation rates.

Which Phoenix suburb offers the best value? Surprise offers strong value, pairing newer construction and family amenities with a median home price near $430,000, the lowest on this list and well below East Valley premiums.

Which suburb has light rail to downtown Phoenix? Tempe and Mesa are served by the Valley Metro light rail, allowing commutes into downtown Phoenix of roughly 20 to 40 minutes without driving.

Which suburb is best for tech jobs? Chandler is the East Valley tech hub, anchored by a large Intel fabrication campus, while neighboring Tempe and Gilbert also host growing technology employers and short commutes for tech workers.

Bottom Line

For the best overall combination of safety, schools, and a real downtown, Gilbert leads the Phoenix metro at a median near $520,000. For the best value, Surprise pairs newer construction and family amenities with a median around $430,000.

Sources

• Arizona Department of Education A-F school letter grades
• Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) median price data
• Niche.com "Best Suburbs of Phoenix" rankings
• Valley Metro light rail maps and schedules
• Town of Gilbert and City of Surprise official sites
• U.S. News & World Report best high schools
• U.S. Census Bureau metro estimates