When people say they are moving to Phoenix, many actually end up in one of the neighboring cities. The Valley of the Sun is made up of more than a dozen separate cities and towns, each with its own government, services and personality. This guide compares the ones newcomers ask about most, so you can decide where to focus your search.
Key takeaways
- Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale and Peoria are separate cities with their own rules and services.
- The East Valley is often chosen for tech and university jobs; the West Valley for newer, often more affordable housing.
- City sales tax rates and services differ, so confirm which city an address belongs to.
Why the city line matters
Each city sets its own portion of the sales tax, runs its own police and fire departments, and handles trash, water and building permits in its own way. Two homes a mile apart can have different utility providers, school districts and rules for things like short-term rentals. Always check the city and school district for a specific address rather than going by the name on a listing.
Scottsdale
Scottsdale sits east of Phoenix and stretches far to the north. Its southern part includes Old Town, with restaurants, galleries and nightlife, while the north is known for large homes, golf courses and desert preserve land. It is often one of the more expensive places to live in the Valley. Many people who work in tourism, health care and finance live here.
Tempe
Tempe is home to a large state university campus and has a younger, busier feel near Mill Avenue and Tempe Town Lake. It is central, with quick access to the airport and several freeways, and it is on the light rail line. Housing ranges from student apartments to established single-family neighborhoods in the south of the city.
Mesa
Mesa is one of the largest cities in the Valley and one of the largest in the state by population. It offers a wide range of housing, from older neighborhoods near its revitalized downtown to newer communities in the east near the airport and the growing industrial areas. The light rail reaches into Mesa, and many residents value its access to the Salt River and the mountains to the east.
Chandler and Gilbert
Chandler and Gilbert, in the southeast Valley, grew rapidly as master-planned suburbs. Chandler has a large technology employment base, while Gilbert is known for family-oriented neighborhoods and its restored downtown area. Both have many homeowner associations, community parks and newer schools. Commutes into Phoenix can be long, so many residents work in the East Valley.
Glendale, Peoria and the West Valley
Glendale is home to sports and entertainment venues in its western part and older neighborhoods closer to Phoenix. Peoria stretches far to the north with newer communities and access to Lake Pleasant. Farther west, cities such as Goodyear, Avondale, Buckeye and Surprise have added large amounts of new housing, often at lower prices than the East Valley. Commutes toward central Phoenix on the I-10 can be heavy.
At a glance
| City | Known for | Consider if you |
|---|---|---|
| Scottsdale | Old Town, golf, northern preserves | Want upscale options and resort amenities |
| Tempe | University, central location, light rail | Want a busy, central base |
| Mesa | Large, varied housing, East Valley access | Want range and value in the east |
| Chandler | Tech employers, planned communities | Work in the southeast Valley |
| Gilbert | Family neighborhoods, downtown district | Want suburban family life |
| Glendale and Peoria | Sports venues, newer north areas | Work or play in the West Valley |
Tip: Pick your likely workplace first, then draw a 30-minute rush-hour circle around it. That shortlist of cities is usually more useful than any ranking.
How to compare suburbs fairly
- Check each city’s sales tax rate and any local fees on utilities.
- Look up the school district and attendance boundaries for the exact address.
- Ask about HOA rules, fees and what they cover.
- Compare water, trash and electric providers and their typical summer bills.
- Visit parks, libraries and grocery stores you would actually use.
Common mistakes
A common mistake is assuming a Phoenix mailing address means the home is in the City of Phoenix. Some addresses labeled with a nearby city name are in unincorporated county areas, which have different services. Another mistake is choosing a far-out suburb for a lower price without costing the commute, fuel and time. Add those up before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
What is the East Valley?
It is the informal name for the cities east of Phoenix, including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and Scottsdale’s southern parts.
What is the West Valley?
The cities west of Phoenix, including Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear, Avondale and Buckeye.
Do suburbs have light rail?
The light rail reaches Tempe and Mesa. Most other suburbs rely on buses and driving.
For the neighborhoods inside the city itself, see Phoenix Neighborhoods: A Newcomer’s Overview. To weigh costs, read Renting vs Buying a Home in Phoenix.