Finding an affordable home in Metro Phoenix has become incredibly difficult due to high demand, limited inventory and rising interest rates. Bidding wars, cash buyers and rapid appreciation have driven prices up, making affordable options scarce. But there are bargains out there, according to research from Phoenix REALTORS®.
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Experts from from Phoenix REALTORS pulled two maps to identify listings priced below the current Metro Phoenix median home price of $448,000 (as reported in the June 2025 ARMLS report) and was surprised to find more than 2,000 single-family homes that met the criteria and were not in age-restricted communities. That means there are still a huge amount of great starter homes for people wanting to feel the pride of home ownership but needing to work with a smaller budget. Upon closer inspection, Phoenix REALTORS found significant opportunities in Mesa, Goodyear, Buckeye, Laveen, and, of course, Phoenix.
Cities offering the most bargains
If you are looking for an affordable home in Metro Phoenix, here are Valley cities ranked by number of listings that fall below the current Metro Phoenix median home price of $448,000:
- Phoenix – 663
- Surprise – 323
- Buckeye – 257
- Glendale – 170
- Mesa – 148
- Avondale – 86
- Peoria – 73
- Goodyear – 67
“While Phoenix has the most, that is more likely due to the size of land mass and properties within the city boundaries,” said Christy Walker, board president of Phoenix REALTORS. “We know there are bargains out there, but other factors such as condition, age and amenities come into play. The best thing to look for when buying a home is location, location, location. You can likely get more for your money by looking in outlying areas or looking for the worst house in the best neighborhood to get started on building equity through homeownership.”
