Whether you already live in a nearby location or are lusting after the year-round sun Arizona offers, Phoenix is a city on the rise. According to the US Census, the population of Arizona has increased 9.8% since 2010, with the state’s population increasing 1.7% from 2016 to 2017. As the nation’s fifth-largest city, Phoenix is a growing, urban oasis contributing to the increase in population within The Grand Canyon State.
Insider tip from our Shea Homes® Arizona team: Now is the time for those in the market to buy a home in Phoenix to make a decision! It’s better to act while the home prices are still relatively affordable and interest rates are lower.
What to Expect When Moving to Phoenix, AZ?
While you may first envision a Sonoran Desert landscape filled with cacti, Downtown Phoenix also boasts a rich cityscape filled with restaurants, museums, theaters, college campuses and pro-sports arenas. But, of course, the expansive desert views are often what attracts people to the Phoenix area, and the city caters to these desires by offering more parks and preserves than any other major metro city in the United States, making the region perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Phoenix Neighborhoods to Consider
The greater Phoenix area is made up of several sections encompassing over 20 cities and towns. According to the city’s website, the Phoenix-metro area is relatively the same size as the state of Delaware. With Phoenix, Downtown Phoenix, Northwest Valley, Northeast Valley, Southeast Valley and Southwest Valley regions to explore, you’re sure to find a suburb within the greater Phoenix area that you may want to call home.
When Shea Homes looked to build in Arizona, we found a few locations we felt were ideal for Arizona living, keep reading to see which!
The Town of Gilbert, Arizona
Located in the Southeast Valley of the Phoenix area, Gilbert is a quickly growing area offering activities and attractions for all ages, such as the Hale Theater, plentiful nature walks, a farmers market and museum. Located a little over 20 miles outside of Phoenix’s city center, the town allows for residents to experience a close knit community vibe while being near to the offerings of the metro area.
Communities to Consider in Gilbert
Shea Homes also fell in love with Gilbert and has multiple communities in the area for homebuyers to consider.
The Reserves offers homebuyers a gated community with homesites sitting on approximately ¼ acre – giving buyers plenty of room to make their outdoor space their own. Community amenities include:
- A bocce ball court
- BBQ grills
- Picnic tables
- Outdoor fireplaces
- An amphitheater
Recker Pointe, also in Gilbert, is situated near the Santan Freeway/Loop 202, making its location very central and easy to get around the nearby area. This community offers homeplans of varying sizes and features to fit homeowners’ individual needs. The community also offers a shared pool, BBQ grills, picnic tables and ramadas.
Phoenix, Arizona
Of course, living in the city may be more your style! North Phoenix (known to locals as NoPho or the I-17 Corridor) is also a growing region in Arizona, making the housing market a competitive one.
Housing Communities to Consider in Phoenix
24 North by Shea Homes is nestled on an intimate section of desert land near Sonoran Foothills. This prime location is located within minutes of hiking, biking and horseback trails while also conveniently near shopping, entertainment and easy access to nearby freeways. Featuring two-story, stand-alone villas centered around a shared courtyard, these homes allow homeowners to have a private backyard along with a no-fuss, HOA-maintained frontyard!
If condo-living is more your style, consider visiting Vantage, a gated complex of luxury condos situated in the Ahwatukee foothills. 2-3 bedroom homes come standard with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, along with 1-2 car garages. Shared community amenities include:
- A pool and spa
- BBQ
- Exercise room
- Theater
The Town of Peoria, Arizona
Peoria is one of the largest municipalities by square miles in the metro Phoenix area. With the recent opening of the Loop 303 freeway, the access to this Northwest Valley town has become much more unhindered, and the growth in this area has exploded. The town of Peoria is anticipated to be the growth leader in the region for the next two decades. New shopping, restaurants, entertainment venues, and major community public parks are already open or in the planning stages to service the population growth that is currently occurring.
Housing Communities to Consider in Peoria
North Peoria is considered an outdoor-lovers paradise, located within fifteen minutes of Lake Pleasant, one of the largest regional lakes in the state. Being such a desirable location, Shea Homes has brought the Evolve at Cantilena community to the area. If you have a boater in your household, this location is a dream – allowing you to be out on the water within 20 minutes of leaving home! The community is also close to open desert space for outdoor enthusiasts to ride mountain bikes or off-road vehicles on the miles of trail systems surrounding the location. The region is also popular with runners and cyclists as the city has put in miles of new bike paths and improved paths along roadways.
Offering four unique floor plans, home buyers are sure to find something that fits their lifestyle – especially if a backyard pool may be desired to cool off from the Arizona sun!
No matter what neighborhood in the Phoenix area you are attracted to, the swiftly growing area is becoming attractive to a variety of different buyers – both those interested in living in the city center and those who are attracted to exploring the expansive desert Arizona has to offer. If you find yourself ready to investigate home ownership in the Phoenix area, learn more about Shea Homes communities in the region and leave your questions below.
Shea Homes Marketing Company (AZ ROC DRE #CO550381000). Construction: Shea Homes Limited Partnership (ROC 195895). This is not an offer for real estate for sale, nor solicitation of an offer to buy to residents of any state or province in which registration and other legal requirements have not been fulfilled. A PUBLIC REPORT IS AVAILABLE ON THE STATE REAL ESTATE DEPARTMENT WEBSITE. Pricing does not include options, elevation, or lot premiums, effective date of publication and subject to change without notice. All square footages and measurements are approximate and subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Equal Housing Opportunity.