The old playbook that says cities are for renters and suburbs are for homeowners? It’s getting a serious rewrite — and even Phoenix, long known for its suburban homeowner culture, is starting to flip a few pages.
According to a new analysis by Point2Homes, based on U.S. Census data, renter households are surging across suburban areas nationwide — and Phoenix’s suburbs are right in the middle of it. While no suburb here has yet become renter-majority, many are trending in that direction fast.
🔍 Phoenix Metro Highlights: Renters on the Rise
- Glendale leads the pack locally, with renters now making up 42.4% of all households. It’s the closest Phoenix suburb to hitting renter-majority status.
- Peoria saw the largest gain in renter households over the past five years — adding 2,374 new renters.
- Goodyear added another 1,687 renter households in the same period.
- Sun Lakes recorded the fastest growth rate, with a 41.3% increase in renter households.
Close behind were Saddlebrooke (+39.3%) and Eloy (+34.7%).
This trend mirrors what’s happening nationally, where over 200 suburbs in the 20 largest U.S. metro areas are now renter-majority — 15 of which flipped from owner-majority in just the last five years.
Source: Point2Homes – Renters Outnumber Owners in 203 U.S. Suburbs
💡 Why Is This Happening?
Several factors are driving this renter movement into the suburbs:
- Affordability pressures — homeownership is out of reach for many due to rising prices and interest rates.
- Lifestyle preferences — more people want flexibility, less maintenance, and room to breathe.
- Remote work freedom — fewer workers need to live near city centers.
- Changing priorities — younger generations and downsizing boomers alike are choosing renting over owning.
💼 Investor Insight: This Is Your Wake-Up Call
If you’re an investor (or thinking about becoming one), this trend is your green light to take the suburbs seriously — especially in Phoenix.
📍 Why Phoenix Suburbs Are Prime for Rental Investment:
- Growing renter demand in suburbs like Peoria, Goodyear, and Glendale means stable occupancy and rising rents.
- New inventory options include single-family build-to-rent communities and townhomes — great for long-term holds.
- Value-add opportunities exist in fast-growing areas like Eloy and Sun Lakes, where older homes can be updated for modern renters.
💰 Translation: The suburban rental market isn’t just expanding — it’s maturing. Phoenix landlords who previously focused on city condos may want to diversify into single-family homes or multifamily in the burbs.
📊 Final Takeaway
The suburban rental boom is no longer just a coastal or big-city trend. It’s happening here in Metro Phoenix — and while no suburb has flipped yet, the pace suggests it’s only a matter of time.
Whether you’re a homeowner deciding to rent instead of sell, a renter eyeing the next move, or an investor ready to expand your portfolio — suburban Phoenix should be on your radar.
AriZona Real Estate insider! 
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