You might have heard whispers, but Arizona’s secret is officially out! Once a magnet for retirees chasing year-round sunshine, the Valley is now catching the eye of younger crowds and families. Why? With its affordable cost of living, diverse housing options, growing job opportunities, and plenty of recreational activities, it’s no surprise that Arizona is quickly becoming a top destination.
This trend was clear in our 2024 studies, and I wanted to share some insights that might be particularly interesting for young families.
More Space for Your Growing Family
One of the biggest draws for young families is Arizona’s abundance of spacious and affordable housing. Buckeye, for example, boasts the largest rental homes in the U.S., with an average size of 1,409 square feet – more than double the space of a typical rental in California! And it’s not just Buckeye. Twelve other Arizona cities offer apartments exceeding the national average of 901 square feet, including Gilbert, Chandler, and Scottsdale. Even Phoenix and Tucson offer more space than the national average, at 801 square feet and 765 square feet per apartment, respectively. (Source: StorageCafe) So, if you’re looking for room for your kids to grow, Arizona’s suburbs and exurbs could be the perfect solution.
Affordability: Still a Challenge, But There’s Hope
While Arizona’s housing market is booming, affordability remains a challenge due to the high demand. The middle housing market is one area that needs improvement to create more diversity in housing options. However, there are still ways for young families to find an affordable place to live. Some areas, like Gilbert, Avondale, and Surprise, have seen significant inventory growth, which can help drive down prices. (Source: StorageCafe)
Moving to Arizona from California? You’re Not Alone
Arizona’s affordability is a major draw for many young families, especially those relocating from California. With a lower cost of living and significantly cheaper housing, Arizona offers a welcome change. In fact, over 630,000 Californians – roughly the size of Tucson – have made Arizona their new home in the last decade! Californians moving from Los Angeles to Phoenix, the most popular route, can save an average of $361,000 on a home. Maricopa County boasts homes that are 49% cheaper than Los Angeles County – that’s a difference of $371,400 vs $732,200! (Source: StorageCafe). However, data provided by ARMLS shows the median home price in Maricopa County is actually $476,035, reflecting local market nuances.
Arizona’s Strong Job Market and Growing Economy
Beyond affordability, Arizona’s strong job market and vibrant entertainment scene make it a desirable place to raise a family. Phoenix, in particular, has shown remarkable resilience following the health crisis. This, combined with a growing population of 1.65 million (up 9% from a decade ago), has led to a construction boom to meet the housing demand. Many residents are also choosing to move to suburbs and exurbs like Queen Creek, Buckeye, and New Kingman-Butler, seeking quieter atmospheres and strong community ties. (Source: StorageCafe)
Self-Storage: A Sign of a Thriving Community
The growth in Arizona’s population has also led to a surge in self-storage demand. Cities like Phoenix, Gilbert, and Mesa have seen significant expansions in storage facilities, with rents remaining affordable at around $117 per month. (Source: StorageCafe) This need for storage reflects the overall growth and busyness of Arizona’s communities.
Arizona: A Perfect Place to Raise a Family
Arizona’s robust real estate market, driven by population growth, suburban expansion, and the increasing need for storage solutions, paints a clear picture: Arizona is a thriving state. But for young families, the most important factors are affordability, space, and a strong community. Arizona delivers on all three!
You can explore these and other insightful trends here: https://www.storagecafe.com/blog/arizona-outranks-most-states-in-real-estate-performance/
Let me know in the comments below if you’re considering a move to Arizona.
AriZona Real Estate insider! 
Leave a comment