Often called the “Valley of the Sun,” Phoenix, Arizona, is truly the sunniest city in the entire country. With nearly two hundred city parks and over 40,000 acres of desert parks and mountain preserves, it’s a perfect place for anyone who loves the outdoors. But Phoenix isn’t only about hiking trails and soaking up the sun. The city also has vibrant arts and culture scene, plus a wide range of unique dining spots. And if you think you have to live right inside the city to enjoy everything Phoenix offers, think again. Take a look at some of the best cities near Phoenix instead.
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Cities Near Phoenix
Offering some of Arizona’s best living perks with easy access to the Phoenix area, here are some of the best cities near Phoenix to explore!
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 to move to the Phoenix area, Tempe is a great option for an easy commute. It sits just 18 minutes east of Phoenix and offers plenty of outdoor spaces along with a lively, energetic atmosphere. With a population of under 200,000, Tempe is known as one of the best small cities near Phoenix, Arizona.
Arizona State University, one of the most well-known universities in the state, is located in Tempe. Many local residents either study or work there, and the campus adds to the city’s overall lively atmosphere.
Another reason it’s one of the best cities near Phoenix is its strong local arts and culture scene, largely influenced by ASU. Tempe has several art galleries, including the Art Museum of Arizona State University. The area also has more than 50 community parks that offer many types of outdoor activities. Some of the city’s most scenic parks include Selleh Park, Tempe Town Lake and Daumler Park, where you can enjoy 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 tough to find a city as charming as Scottsdale. Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale is one of the best cities near Phoenix, offering a wide range of dining and entertainment options along with top-tier golfing. In fact, some of the nation’s best golf courses are found here, including the Grayhawk Golf Club and TPC Scottsdale.
The area is also known for its beautiful natural setting and many residents are naturally drawn to the outdoors. They enjoy a wide variety of activities, from swimming in scenic lakes to hiking and biking on 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 main cities near Phoenix and a great place to live if you want to move to the Phoenix Metro Area but aren’t quite ready for the fast pace of city life.
One of the newest additions to the area’s outdoor scene is the Gilbert Regional Park, located in the southeast part of the community. With this park, the city has protected the natural desert landscape while giving the youth of Gilbert a great outdoor space to enjoy and explore.
If you enjoy shopping for fresh produce, the Gilbert Farmers Market is the perfect place for you. This market is held every Saturday in the city’s Heritage District. Vendors offer a wide range of hand-crafted items and freshly grown produce, from 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 a great choice for nature lovers who enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. It’s located in the East Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area, surrounded by the Sonoran Desert and close to the Tonto National Forest.
A great way to connect with the area and its natural surroundings is by hiking in the city. Mesa has miles of desert trails, each one winding through the Sonoran Desert’s many cacti and native plants.
Known for its diverse cuisine and southwestern charm, Mesa is also a great place for anyone who loves food. The city has a wide range of restaurants and cafés for every taste. Some of the most popular spots 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 easy to find in Chandler, as the city has many attractions and events perfect for children. Besides the Crayola Experience, there are other kid-friendly spots like Makutu’s Island which includes an arcade and small amusement area. The Arizona Railway Museum is another great place to explore and learn interesting history.
The city of Chandler is also known for its great live music and fun atmosphere, making it a perfect place for parties and hanging out with friends. One of the top spots to meet up is The Ostrich, a vintage-style bar. And if you want a drink made with locally distilled whiskey or gin, you can stop by 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, located near Mesa, Gilbert and San Tan Valley, is one of the best places to live in the East Valley. It sits near the San Tan Mountain, giving residents easy access to the Sonoran Desert.
Queen Creek is easy to get around and there are plenty of fun things to do, including hiking, mountain biking and taking family walks. You can also visit the San Tan Mountain Park, which features more than 10,000 acres of desert landscape to explore.
One of Queen Creek’s most popular attractions is the Olive Mill, known for its excellent olive oil. It also gives residents the chance 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 sits between Sun City and Glendale and stretches all the way to Lake Pleasant. A fun fact about Peoria is that the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres hold their major league spring training here. The training facility, known as the Sports Center of Peoria, covers 145 acres.
In addition to being a great place to live, Peoria also has plenty of entertainment options. One of these is the West Wing Mountain preserve which gives hikers beautiful views of the valley. Rio Vista Park is another popular spot closer to the city center and offers 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 founded in 1970 as a master-planned community. Before it was developed, the area was part of a large cattle ranch in Arizona.
The art scene in Fountain Hills stands out from nearby communities, with more than 150 art pieces displayed in public buildings and throughout the downtown area. Many of these works are sculptures and fountains featuring southwest themes and designs which are an important part of the town’s heritage. You can also find petroglyphs from the ancient Hohokam culture 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 surrounded by nearby cities like Avondale, Phoenix, Goodyear, Buckeye, Youngtown, Surprise and El Mirage. The community gets its name from Paul Weeks Litchfield, a Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company executive from the early 1900s.
The Goodyear Community Park is a must-visit spot in Litchfield Park, offering great facilities like a baseball field, skate park, tennis courts and a splash pad that’s perfect for kids of all ages.
The Wigwam Golf Club is another major highlight in the area, offering three championship golf courses. It serves local residents and features a community pool, an upscale dining spot 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 located just outside the city of Scottsdale and is an upscale community known for its slower pace of life. According to Niche, Paradise Valley is one of the safest cities near Phoenix, AZ.
If you’re searching for a great golf course, you’ll find plenty of options in this area. The Paradise Valley Golf Course is definitely a spot worth visiting for a few rounds. It’s a challenging yet enjoyable course that will keep you coming back. And when you’re ready to grab something to eat, you can visit El Chorro or Elements for delicious food and beautiful views.
Let STI Moving & Storage 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 once you’ve chosen which Phoenix area is right for you, STI Moving & Storage — a trusted Phoenix moving company — can help you get there. Our team of professional Phoenix movers will handle the heavy lifting, transport your belongings safely and deliver everything to your new AZ home. The best part? STI Moving & Storage makes the entire moving process simple and worry-free from start to finish. Get your free quote today!
Editor’s Note: To make the information easier to read, monthly rent prices were rounded to the nearest $25, and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.
Cities Near Phoenix — FAQs
Which city is close to Phoenix?
Tempe is one of the closest cities to Phoenix, just an 18-minute drive away.
What is the nicest suburb of Phoenix?
According to Niche, Chandler is considered one of the nicest suburbs in the Phoenix area.
How many cities surround Phoenix?
More than 20 cities and towns make up the Greater Phoenix Region.
Which cities are close to Phoenix, Arizona?
Tempe, Scottsdale and Gilbert are some of the main cities located near Phoenix, Arizona.
