The Phoenix Metro Area is home to the nation’s 4th largest city and 7th most populous metro area. With such a large population, many cities make up the greater Phoenix area. The cost of living in Arizona is very low compared to other states, especially true of the cities in the Phoenix metro area.
There are currently over 20 cities within the greater Phoenix area with a population of 50,000 or more, according to a 2016 census conducted by The United States Census Bureau. Nine of these twenty cities have been recognized as being among the most affordable cities in Arizona.
The following list contains 10 of those most affordable cities in the Phoenix-Metro area:
1. Buckeye
This city, located in Maricopa County, is home to over 52,000 people. The cost of living index is a whopping 14% below the average for all U.S. cities and is 66% lower than Phoenix, which is just a short drive away from Buckeye. What makes this a great city for its residents is that it’s an area of financial stability. Large companies like Honeywell, Bank of America, and the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station are headquartered in Buckeye.
2. Surprise
Surprise is located in Maricopa County and borders Buckeye to the west. The cost of living in this city is a whopping 20% below the average compared to all U.S. cities making it a great choice for anyone looking for a safe place with affordable homes and low crime rates. This city is so appealing to families with children because several top-rated school districts are located within the area, including Litchfield Elementary School District, Agua Fria Union High School District, Cave Creek Unified School District, and Vail Unified School District, and Dysart Unified School District.
3. Chandler
Chandler is located in Maricopa County and has a population of over 260,000 people. This city has been acknowledged as being one of the best cities for young families to live in.
The cost of living index is 18% below average compared to all U.S. cities making it an excellent choice for young working professionals just starting their careers looking to find a home that they can afford. There are also many attractions within this city, including The OdySea Aquarium. This massive 200,000 square feet facility includes over 2 million gallons of water worldwide, with more than 5,000 animals from 500 different species swimming inside.
4. Goodyear
In addition to having affordable homes and living costs, Goodyear also has a low crime rate. Located in Maricopa County, this city is approximately 12 miles southwest of downtown Phoenix and only around 13 miles from Buckeye. The population currently sits at about 63,000 people, making it the second-largest city in the greater Phoenix area by the total population. With such a large amount of affordable housing options to choose from, we’re not surprised that this city’s population continues to grow every year.
5. Litchfield Park
Litchfield Park is located in Maricopa County, only about 10 minutes west of Goodyear.
This city has one of the lowest crime rates in all of Arizona, making it an excellent choice for young families. The cost of living index is 18% below average compared to all U.S. cities. There are many attractions to visit, including Litchfield Petroglyph Preserve, which features over 2,000 petroglyphs created by Native American tribes who once lived within this area thousands of years ago.
6. Avondale
This city lies west of Buckeye and is approximately 30 minutes away from downtown Phoenix via highway 60 or Interstate 10 West Freeway if you prefer to travel by car. The population currently sits at about 61,000 people, and this city has a cost of living index that is 16% below average compared to all U.S. cities making it an excellent choice for young working professionals just starting their careers who are looking for affordable housing options that they can get excited about.
7. Tolleson
Located in Maricopa County, Tolleson is only about 10 minutes west of downtown Buckeye. This city has a population that currently sits at around 20,000 people and an average home cost that is 15% below the national average compared to all U.S. cities making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for affordable homes with great designs and layouts that are easy on the wallet while still maintaining their high-quality standards.
8. Peoria
Peoria is a city located in Maricopa County and has a population of just about 178,000 people. This city has been recognized as one of the best cities to live in, according to Bloomberg Business from 2014-2016. In addition to being an excellent place for young working professionals just starting, this city also has everything you could ever want or need, all within a reasonable distance, making it an ideal location for those who wish to pursue whatever their dreams may be. Future developments are currently taking place in this area which is promising even better things for the future of Peoria.
9. Mesa
Mesa is located approximately 20 minutes east of downtown Buckeye and has an average home cost of 15% below the national average. This city has a population of just over 434,000 people, making it one of the most populated cities in Arizona. Mesa provides its residents with many great schools, including Hamilton High School, Mountain View High School, Red Mountain High School, Westwood High School, and more.
The crime rate in this city is 5% lower than the rest of the U.S., making it safe for families to live here while still feeling secure in their homes each night when they go to sleep at night after another fun-filled day within Mesa itself!
In conclusion, there are many affordable cities in the Phoenix Metro Area that people from all over the U.S. have been moving to for decades because of their reasonable prices and great locations. These ten cities listed above are no exception and offer a safe environment while still affordable, making them an excellent option for anyone looking to purchase a new home while also trying to save money while doing so! If you are looking in the Phoenix area to buy a home we suggest looking up The Kay-Grant Group, they are an excellent real estate team and will be able to help you out.
