Glendale, AZ Real Estate: Top Homes for Sale & Community Insights

Arizona continues to solidify its reputation as one of the best places to raise a family, with nine cities ranking among the best in the U.S. in a new study by This Old House. The report analyzed 149 of the most populous U.S. cities based on factors such as affordability, safety, school quality, healthcare access, and family-friendly amenities. Leading the pack is Scottsdale, which claimed the No. 1 spot nationwide. But it’s not just Scottsdale making waves—several other Arizona cities earned high rankings, making the Grand Canyon State one of the top choices for families looking for a strong community, great schools, and an excellent quality of life. Arizona Cities Ranked Among the Best for Families Arizona had the fourth most cities on the list, trailing only California (26), Texas (18), and Florida (10). Here’s where Arizona’s cities landed in the national rankings: Scottsdale – No. 1 Gilbert – No. 6 Chandler – No. 8 Tempe – No. 15 Phoenix – No. 36 Mesa – No. 55 Glendale – No. 66 Peoria – No. 69 Tucson – No. 77 This strong showing underscores Arizona’s growing appeal to families, thanks to its high-quality schools, affordable housing compared to other major markets, outdoor recreation, and family-focused communities. Why Arizona Cities Are Among the Best for Families The rankings were based on several key factors, including education quality, childcare availability, healthcare access, safety, and recreational opportunities. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Arizona’s top-ranked cities stand out. Exceptional Education & Childcare One of the biggest factors influencing these rankings was school quality, and several Arizona cities excelled in education. Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Chandler all earned a 9 out of 10 rating for their school districts, placing them among the best in the nation. Childcare availability is another key factor, with Scottsdale offering 5.34 childcare providers per 1,000 children under five—ensuring families have access to trusted childcare options. Tempe and Mesa also offer numerous early childhood education programs and top-rated preschools. Strong Healthcare Access Arizona’s top cities also offer excellent healthcare access, ensuring families have the medical resources they need. Scottsdale has the highest primary care provider ratio among the top five ranked cities, with 6.65 providers per 1,000 residents. Phoenix, Chandler, and Gilbert also rank well for healthcare access, making them attractive options for families prioritizing quality medical care. Tucson is home to the University of Arizona Medical Center, providing top-tier pediatric and family healthcare. Outdoor Recreation & Family-Friendly Amenities Arizona’s climate and stunning natural landscapes provide year-round outdoor opportunities—a major perk for families. Scottsdale ranked No. 2 in the U.S. for kids’ activities (2.81 per 1,000 residents) and No. 4 for libraries (0.14 per 1,000 residents). Tempe, Mesa, and Peoria are also home to beautiful parks, outdoor playgrounds, and sports complexes, offering plenty of recreation options for children and families. Gilbert’s Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch and Chandler’s Tumbleweed Park provide fantastic outdoor adventures for kids. The abundance of hiking trails, golf courses, and lakes in these cities also makes them ideal for families who love the outdoors. Safe and Secure Communities Safety is always a top concern for families, and Arizona’s top cities boast lower crime rates compared to other major metro areas. Gilbert ranked No. 5 in the U.S. for lowest crime rates. Chandler ranked No. 23, and Scottsdale No. 28, reinforcing the fact that these communities are secure and well-maintained. Even larger cities like Phoenix, Mesa, and Glendale have dedicated safety initiatives that contribute to their family-friendly environments. Cost of Living Breakdown for Arizona Cities Arizona offers a mix of affordable and upscale living options, making it attractive for families at different budget levels. City Median Home Price Average Rent Cost of Living Index Scottsdale $800,000 $2,500 113% (Above National Average) Gilbert $550,000 $2,100 102% Chandler $520,000 $2,000 100% Tempe $480,000 $1,900 98% Phoenix $450,000 $1,750 95% Mesa $430,000 $1,700 94% Glendale $410,000 $1,650 93% Peoria $425,000 $1,700 94% Tucson $370,000 $1,500 89% (Below National Average) While Scottsdale is known for its luxury real estate, cities like Phoenix, Tucson, and Glendale offer more affordable housing options, making Arizona accessible to families with different financial needs. Arizona’s Job Market & Economic Growth A strong job market is crucial for families, and Arizona’s top-ranked cities offer excellent career opportunities: Chandler and Gilbert are home to major employers like Intel, PayPal, and Northrop Grumman. Phoenix and Tempe are booming tech hubs with companies like Amazon, State Farm, and ASU driving job growth. Scottsdale features a mix of healthcare, finance, and tourism industries, with Mayo Clinic and Vanguard as major employers. Tucson has a growing aerospace and defense industry, with Raytheon Technologies leading the way. Conclusion: Why Arizona Continues to Be a Top Destination for Families With strong school systems, high safety ratings, abundant recreation opportunities, and a family-friendly lifestyle, Arizona is proving to be one of the best states for raising children. Whether you’re drawn to Scottsdale’s top-rated schools, Gilbert’s safety, Chandler’s thriving job market, or Tempe’s vibrant atmosphere, Arizona has a city that fits every family's needs. If you’re considering moving to one of Arizona’s top-ranked cities, now is a great time to explore your options. Contact me today to find the perfect home for your family!  

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  Phoenix Metro on the Rise: Key Developments Shaping the Future The Greater Phoenix Metro is a hotbed of growth, with new retail hubs, entertainment spaces, and thriving residential areas continually emerging. Whether you're a local, investor, or just curious about the changes, staying informed is key. In this week’s roundup, we explore the most significant projects driving the region forward. Discover the latest updates and learn how these developments could shape your future decisions! Major Homebuilders Fuel West Valley Expansion with New Massive Master-Planned Communities The West Valley is seeing a surge in real estate development, with several major builders expanding their footprints. Scottsdale-based Shea Homes recently purchased the last 120 acres of the historic Rovey Farms in Glendale, paying $15.57 million for the land. This acquisition expands Shea Homes' Legacy Place master-planned community to 280 acres, where 920 homes will be built. Pre-sales for the first community within Legacy Place are expected to begin in 2025. Shea Homes is also continuing to develop in the West Valley with projects in Peoria, including the Northpointe at Vistancia community, which will eventually include 415 homes.  Other builders are also focusing on the West Valley as land becomes scarcer in the East Valley. PulteGroup is preparing to develop a 6,355-acre master-planned community called NorthPark near the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. plant in north Phoenix.  Update in Buckeye, Howard Hughes Holdings is prepping the land for the massive 37,000-acre Teravalis community, selling lots to multiple builders for more than 8,000 homes. The increasing focus on the West Valley underscores its growing importance as a core area for residential expansion in Phoenix. Chandler’s District Downtown Development: New Plans for Hotels, Retail, and Mixed-Use Space in Key City Expansion The District Downtown, a key development for downtown Chandler, is moving through the city's approval process. Initially approved in 2022, an updated version of the project was recently approved by Chandler’s Planning & Zoning Commission. The project spans nearly 45 acres at the corner of Pecos Road and Arizona Avenue, just north of Loop 202. Featuring 360,000 square feet of office space across four buildings, a five-story hotel with 180 rooms, 795 apartments, and nearly 45,000 square feet of retail space, plus an additional 34,000 square feet for restaurants. The new plans reduce office space to 72,000 square feet in two buildings and commercial space to 45,115 square feet across eight buildings. Additionally, the updated proposal includes two hotels with a total of 196 rooms. The project will be built in phases, starting with infrastructure improvements along Pecos Road and Arizona Avenue. The second phase will involve part of the commercial plans, one hotel, and the multifamily component, while office buildings and auto dealerships will be developed based on market demand. VAI Resort Glendale: Unveiling Arizona's Largest Luxury Destination with New Theater and Conference Center The VAI Resort in Glendale, Arizona, which is under construction, is undergoing several significant changes, including plans for an indoor theater and a conference center. Slated to begin opening in late 2025, this resort is set to become Arizona's largest, featuring four hotel towers, the Mattel Adventure Park, a public beach, and a $50 million amphitheater. The developers of the $1 billion project, VAI Resorts LLC, are expanding its offerings as the city of Glendale updates its development agreement to reflect these new amenities. The additions include a 180,000-square-foot theater venue with 2,000 seats and a new 200,000-square-foot convention center. These facilities will be available for civic and recreation events, with bookings expected in 2026. Glendale has agreed to waive up to $1 million in fees for the construction of each of these new facilities and up to $4 million in additional fees, provided the developer meets specific obligations. One of the major changes in the project is the removal of a 25-year property tax abatement that was initially valued at $107 million. This change follows a lawsuit filed by a local advocacy group, challenging the incentives. Glendale no longer plans to offer these tax abatements for the project, although it expects to gain $32 million in annual tax revenue once the resort is operational. In addition to the resort features, including 1,100 hotel rooms, the Mattel Adventure Park, a large amphitheater, and luxury dining and shopping, there are plans to vote on a $20 minimum wage initiative for hotel and event workers in Glendale in November, which could affect projects like the VAI Resort. Seafood City Supermarket to Open in Chandler Fashion Center Arizona will welcome its first Seafood City Supermarket in 2025, opening at Chandler Fashion Center in the former Sears space. The grocery chain, known for its Filipino specialties and diverse Asian products, will occupy over 65,000 square feet on the mall's upper level. This new location is part of a trend toward unique tenants filling traditional mall spaces, with Round1 Bowling & Arcade leasing the lower level of the former Sears building. Founded in 1989, Seafood City has locations across the U.S. and Canada, and this Chandler store will feature not only a wide selection of Asian groceries but also multiple restaurants and a community room for events. The store's arrival is expected to boost foot traffic at Chandler Fashion Center, which has already seen a 20% increase in visitors due to the opening of a Scheels sporting goods store in 2023. The growth of Asian grocery stores in the Phoenix metro area continues as the region's Asian population expands, especially in the East Valley. Other chains, such as H Mart and 99 Ranch, have also opened locations in the area. With the rise of the semiconductor industry and the influx of Taiwanese workers, there has been a concerted effort to attract more Asian businesses to the Phoenix area. Stay in the Loop The Greater Phoenix Metro is undergoing rapid transformation, with groundbreaking developments across entertainment, business, and residential sectors. As the region continues to grow and innovate, the possibilities for new opportunities are endless. Make sure to check our 'News, Updates, and Coming Soon' page frequently to stay informed about the latest trends and projects shaping your community. Wondering how these exciting changes can impact your real estate strategy? Let’s connect and explore how you can take advantage of the growth in the Greater Phoenix Metro. Schedule a consultation today to discuss aligning your real estate goals with the dynamic opportunities in this thriving market.  

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Shaping Tomorrow: The Latest in Greater Phoenix Metro Development The Greater Phoenix Metro is buzzing with expansion, from exciting retail centers and cutting-edge entertainment venues to vibrant new residential communities. Whether you're a resident, investor, or simply curious about what's ahead, staying on top of these changes is crucial. In this week's update, I dive into the most impactful projects shaping the region’s future. Discover what’s happening and how it might influence your next move!   The Nox: A New Entertainment Venue Set to Transform Southeast Mesa’s Nightlife A new entertainment venue, The Nox, is set to bring live music and events to southeast Mesa, an area with limited nightlife options. Developed by the Bongiorno family, founders of the Potato Barn furniture chain, The Nox will be located near Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. Streamline Cos., a Mesa-based company, will oversee its development, with construction starting in mid-2025 and expected completion by 2027. The 60,000-square-foot venue will accommodate up to 2,000 concert-goers and host a range of events, including corporate gatherings, weddings, and intimate concerts. Designed with a Chicago-inspired brick and iron theme, The Nox will also feature video and audio recording studios. Streamline’s CEO, David Hrizak, highlighted The Nox’s multi-purpose design and its appeal to both local audiences and visitors, leveraging its proximity to the airport and nearby hotels. Scottsdale Lands $400M ASM Semiconductor HQ: 1,200 New Jobs and Cutting-Edge Innovation Advanced Semiconductor Materials (ASM) is moving ahead with its new North American headquarters in north Scottsdale after the City Council approved a $6.35 million reimbursement for public infrastructure. To qualify, ASM must build a 400,000-square-foot facility, create 500 jobs, and reach a $55 million payroll within six years. ASM plans to invest over $400 million in the project, which includes sustainable water commitments. The new facility will feature cutting-edge labs and employee amenities, adding over 1,200 jobs to the area. This expansion strengthens Scottsdale’s presence in Arizona’s booming semiconductor industry. Thirsty Lion Roars Into Glendale: Unveiling The States Largest Location at Westgate Entertainment District Thirsty Lion, owned by Scottsdale's Concept Entertainment Group, is preparing to open its largest Arizona restaurant at Glendale's Westgate Entertainment District in early October. The two-story location, spanning over 14,000 square feet including patio space, is situated between Desert Diamond Arena and Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa. This Westgate location is significantly larger than Thirsty Lion's usual 6,000-square-foot prototype. The new restaurant will attract large crowds due to Westgate's growing popularity and recent hotel renovations. The venue includes a rooftop patio, private event space, and a dedicated parking area, catering to both game days and private buyouts. Future expansion in the West Valley has been hinted as well, with possible locations in Peoria, driven by local economic growth and increased demand for dining options. Arizona's Bright Future: Booming Jobs, Growing Investments, and a Thriving Housing Market Arizona's economic outlook remains bright despite concerns about a potential recession and a slight slowdown in job and population growth. The state has shown resilience, recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic faster than other regions. Major investments and job creation continue to fuel Arizona's economy, with job growth projected at 2.1% in 2025 and 1.9% in 2026, maintaining a competitive edge over national averages. Over the past decade, Arizona has added around 50,000 manufacturing jobs, diversifying its economy to withstand future downturns. State leaders are proactively addressing workforce challenges by implementing training programs in key industries such as semiconductors and clean energy, while also focusing on attracting top talent through population growth. Arizona's housing market is thriving as well, with Phoenix ranking among the top metros for single-family home permits. Lower mortgage rates and ongoing construction are helping meet the housing demand created by the influx of new residents. All this ensures sustainable economic growth for Arizona in the years to come.   Stay Updated on the Latest The Greater Phoenix Metro is evolving at an incredible pace, with new developments reshaping the landscape. From exciting new entertainment venues and major corporate headquarters to a booming economy, the Greater Phoenix Metro is thriving with growth, opportunity, and innovation across every sector. Visit our 'News, Updates, and Coming Soon' page regularly to stay up to date with the latest projects and trends in your community. Curious how these developments could benefit your real estate plans? Let’s connect and explore how to leverage these changes for your next big move. Schedule a meeting below to discuss how we can align your real estate goals with the exciting opportunities ahead.  

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