With nearly 1.7 million residents, Phoenix, Arizona, is the fifth largest city in the United States and has been ranked by Forbes as one of the fastest growing metro areas in the nation. Residents and tourists alike enjoy area amusement parks and cheering on the professional sports teams. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to Camelback Mountain that stands guard like a sentinel.
Many retirees, or snowbirds, flee south to the Phoenix area to escape harsh winter climates. Even if you aren’t retiring, we can help in your decision-making with our list of the 10 safest cities in Arizona. So, if you’re thinking of moving to Phoenix, check out these suburbs that encompass the city proper.
10. Queen Creek
- Population: 42,503
- Median Home Value: $339,400
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 33.4 minutes
- School Ranking: B+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 378
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 87
Queen Creek is a smaller town with a cozy feel and low crime rates. What’s not to like about that? With parks, trails and farms, this slice of serenity is an equestrian lover’s dream come true. Explore this desert gem to find your new home.
9. Tempe
- Population: 192,364
- Median Home Value: $255,800
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 21.1 minutes
- School Ranking: B+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 7,802
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 913
Tempe is home to Arizona State University. You’ll also find live music, a vibrant night life, shopping and an abundance of spectacular views. If you long for even more entertainment, it’s only a 15-minute drive to Phoenix. With plenty of options for new construction homes, you’ll find a new home in no time.
8. Goodyear
- Population: 82,835
- Median Home Value: $274,500
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 30.1 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,081
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 203
Just 20 minutes west of Phoenix is Goodyear. Enjoy spring training at Goodyear Ballpark or hike around the two lakes in town. With just under 100,000 people, this family-friendly city offers a more remote feel, and residents feel safe here. Plant your roots in one of Goodyear’s new home communities.
7. Peoria
- Population: 172,259
- Median Home Value: $248,700
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 28.4 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 3,241
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 388
Peoria sits roughly 20 miles northwest of Phoenix and is surrounded by the rugged terrain of the Sonoran Desert; it’s a playground for outdoor recreation. This city is known for its awe-inspiring serenity and breathtaking sunsets. With almost 3,000 new homes under construction, there is no doubt you will find the perfect match.
6. Fountain Hills
- Population: 24,987
- Median Home Value: $404,800
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 27.2 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 244
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 45
As its name implies, Fountain Hills is known for its impressive fountain, which was at one time was the tallest in the world. This charming town comes with great schools and low crime rates, and is only 30 miles from Phoenix. That’s good news to commuters. Come look through Fountain Hills’ new home communities to find your desert dream home.
5. Mesa
- Population: 518,012
- Median Home Value: $209,700
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 24.8 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 10,024
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 1,837
Just 20 miles east of Phoenix, Mesa is the largest suburb on our list, with more than 500,000 people calling it home, also making it one of the largest suburbs in the country. Mesa is surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, which means endless hiking trails. If you need to cool off, take a refreshing dip in the nearby rivers and lakes; there’s no short fall of water recreation here. There’s a wealth of new construction homes to choose from in Mesa, so discover yours today!
4. Gilbert
- Population: 248,279
- Median Home Value: $310,400
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 27.9 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 3,273
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 234
Gilbert is only 20 miles southeast of Phoenix. It’s a grand, high-end town with stellar schools and plenty of entertainment. Residents can take advantage of the ample shops, restaurants and boutiques, as well as area parks and various indoor and outdoor recreational facilities. Find your new home in Gilbert today!
3. Scottsdale
- Population: 255,310
- Median Home Value: $455,900
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 22.1 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 5,683
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 422
Scottsdale has deep roots in history, arts and culture, and is considered one of the premier golfing destinations in the world. Just 20 miles away from Phoenix, Scottsdale is home to over 250,000 residents and earns high grades for its school system. Here you will have a difficult decision awaiting you, with more than 2,000 new construction homes going up in the area.
2. Paradise Valley
- Population: 14,502
- Median Home Value: $204,145
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 22.4 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 196
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 3
Paradise Valley is an affluent, charming town filled to the brim with boutiques, luxury golf courses and local restaurants. If you like quiet, we’ve found your niche, and commuting to the big city is an easy 15-mile drive. Check out the new homes available here and discover your slice of paradise.
1. Chandler
- Population: 257,165
- Median Home Value: $285,000
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 24 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 5,430
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 606
Known for its majestic mountain views, Chandler can magically lure people to settle down here. A family-friendly community that’s only a 30-minute drive to Phoenix, Chandler is home to several major employers and offers vibrant nightlife, cultural events and plenty of outdoor recreation. Don’t wait to make your new home a reality in Chandler!
Additional Suburbs
| Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glendale | 250,702 | $197,600 | 28.1 minutes | B+ | 10,186 | 1,167 |
| Avondale | 85,835 | $196,000 | 28.4 minutes | B | 2,739 | 286 |
| El Mirage | 35,670 | $151,500 | 28.7 minutes | B- | 933 | 77 |
| Buckeye | 74,370 | $196,800 | 32.3 minutes | B- | 1,348 | 125 |
| Florence | 26,419 | $142,600 | 24.9 minutes | C+ | 127 | 34 |
| Casa Grande | 57,232 | $142,500 | 22.3 minutes | C+ | 1,478 | 346 |
| Maricopa | 50,024 | $185,600 | 35.3 minutes | C+ | 489 | 93 |
| Eloy | 19,391 | $83,100 | 22.1 minutes | C | 351 | 81 |
| Apache Junction | 41,739 | $97,400 | 27.1 minutes | C | 773 | 81 |
| Coolidge | 12,993 | $92,500 | 23.6 minutes | C- | 433 | 37 |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.
Heather Allen is a freelance writer who began her career 20 years ago at a small Texas NBC affiliate, while attending SFASU. She’s written blogs on a diverse range of topics.
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