Why Is the East Valley One of the Best Places to Buy a Home Right Now?
Short answer: because the numbers back it up. Five Valley cities just landed among the fifty best real estate markets in the entire country, with Gilbert leading the way, thanks to a rare mix of affordability, strong job growth, and room to grow. Here is what that ranking really means for you as a buyer.
Here is the direct answer: the East Valley is drawing national attention because a recent analysis of three hundred cities named five Valley communities among the fifty best real estate markets in the country. Gilbert led the Arizona group, and it did especially well on the measures that matter to everyday buyers, affordability paired with a strong local economy. This is not hype, it is the East Valley’s real fundamentals showing up in the data. Here is what made the list, what the ranking actually measures, and what it means for you.
Which Valley cities made the list?
Five communities across Metro Phoenix earned spots in the national top fifty, several of them right here in the East Valley.
Beyond the top fifty, other Arizona cities placed across the broader three-hundred-city ranking, including Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Mesa, so Metro Phoenix as a whole showed up well. But five communities in the national top fifty is a genuinely strong showing for the region.
What does the ranking actually measure?
This is the important part, because a good ranking is only useful if you know what is behind it. The analysis weighed seventeen different indicators, not just today’s prices.
Gilbert’s high mark for affordability and economic environment reflects a real balance: home costs that remain within reach next to a strong, growing local economy.
A healthy job market supports demand and stability over time, one of the reasons Valley cities scored well and a meaningful factor for anyone planting roots here.
Newer housing and potential for home-value growth point to communities that are building for the future, not just riding past gains.
What does this mean for me as a buyer?
Rankings like this are genuinely useful, as long as you read them the right way.
Strong marks for affordability, jobs, and growth are exactly the things that make a place a sound long-term choice to own a home, not just a nice place to visit.
If you already live here or are thinking about it, this is data-backed reassurance that the East Valley is a solid place to put down roots, which pairs with our look at how long until buying beats renting in Arizona.
Read it as a starting point, not a promise
A market ranking describes a region, not your specific home or timing. It does not guarantee any home will rise in value, and it does not replace the work of finding the right property at the right price for your situation. Think of it as strong evidence that the fundamentals here are sound, then build your own plan on top of it. Our guides on the East Valley housing market and whether you are really priced out can help.
If you are a veteran looking at the East Valley, this is a great market to use your benefit in. Buying with no down payment required in a community with strong affordability and job growth is a smart way to plant roots and build equity over time. Let us look at which of these cities fits your goals and get you ready to buy there.
To keep the lanes clear: choosing the right city, neighborhood, and home within these markets is your real estate agent’s expertise. My job is the financing, getting you positioned and pre-approved so you can buy confidently in Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, or anywhere across the Valley when you find the one. Start that with our East Valley mortgage team.
The bottom line
The East Valley is earning national recognition for good reason: five Valley cities ranked among the fifty best real estate markets in the country, led by Gilbert at number thirteen and number seven for affordability and economic strength. Those rankings reflect real fundamentals, affordability, jobs, and room to grow, that make this a sound place to own a home. Treat it as strong evidence, then build your personal plan with our East Valley mortgage team, and buy with confidence, right here across the East Valley.
Why is the East Valley considered one of the best places to buy a home?
A recent analysis of three hundred U.S. cities ranked five Metro Phoenix communities among the fifty best real estate markets in the country, led by Gilbert. The strong showing reflects a mix of affordability, job growth, and room to grow, which are the fundamentals of a healthy market.
Which Arizona cities ranked among the best real estate markets?
Five Valley cities made the national top fifty: Gilbert at number 13, Surprise at 27, Peoria at 42, Tempe at 46, and Chandler at 50. Gilbert also ranked number 7 nationally for affordability and economic environment. Other Arizona cities placed across the broader three-hundred-city list.
What makes a real estate market rank highly?
More than just current home prices. The analysis weighed seventeen indicators, including cost of living, potential home-value growth, the availability of newer homes, and the strength of the local job market, so a high rank reflects broad economic health, not just affordability alone.
Does a high market ranking mean my home will go up in value?
No. A ranking describes a region's overall fundamentals, not any individual property, and it does not guarantee future value. It is best read as evidence that the area's fundamentals are sound, while your specific outcome still depends on the home, the price, and your own timing.
Should I buy in Gilbert, Chandler, or another East Valley city?
Each has its own strengths, and the right fit depends on your budget, lifestyle, and goals. A local real estate agent can help you compare neighborhoods, while a lender gets you positioned and pre-approved so you are ready to buy in whichever community suits you best.
This article is for general educational purposes and is not financial or investment advice or a commitment to lend. Market rankings and statements attributed to WalletHub and its analyst reflect a third-party analysis and published views, are paraphrased for context, reflect that source's methodology and a point in time, may change, and do not predict or guarantee future home values, appreciation, or investment results; that organization and individual are not affiliated with and do not endorse CrossCountry Mortgage or the author. A market ranking describes a region, not any individual property or transaction. Home selection, values, and neighborhood specifics should be evaluated with a licensed real estate agent. Loan approval depends on credit, income, and assets, and getting pre-approved does not guarantee loan approval. VA loan eligibility and benefits depend on individual circumstances. CrossCountry Mortgage is a private lender and is not acting on behalf of, or at the direction of, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Equal Housing Opportunity.
