Author: Nicole Fetter
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These Arizona cities were named top places to live in 2026. See why
I’m always keeping an eye on what makes our Arizona communities stand out—and it’s no surprise to see so many local favorites featured on the 2026 best places to live list. Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, Marana, Sierra Vista, Peoria, Scottsdale, Surprise, and Goodyear all make the cut. For those looking at real estate, Gilbert leads the way, while Scottsdale shines for renters and overall happiness. If affordability is key, Surprise tops that list. With 17 years in the business and experience from loans to commercial to residential resale, I’ve had the privilege to help clients find homes in each of these thriving cities. There’s something truly special about helping couples and families discover the right neighborhood for their next chapter—whether that means vibrant Scottsdale or the value you find in Surprise. Every city on this list has its own character, and I love guiding clients through the unique opportunities each one offers.
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Cities with the fastest-growing home prices in Arizona
Having spent years helping clients across Arizona—from Gilbert and Buckeye all the way up to Anthem—I’ve seen firsthand how dynamic our housing market can be. Cities like Flagstaff, Tucson, and Phoenix are standing out these days with remarkable home price growth. We’re seeing values ranging from $155K up to $3.5M, with one-year increases reaching as high as 17.1% and five-year gains topping 64.2%. These numbers don’t just tell a story of rising prices—they reflect the incredible momentum and opportunity within our communities. After 17 years in real estate, starting on the loan side and spending time in commercial before finding my calling in residential resale, I’m always watching these trends closely for my clients. It’s truly rewarding to help families navigate these shifts and find places they can turn into homes they love.
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Price Cuts Hit 1 in 5 Listings
This past Late-Q3, we saw a notable shift in the market: about one in five listings experienced a price cut, while less than 6% were taken off the market entirely. Sellers across the country are clearly staying in the game, adjusting expectations rather than stepping aside. Mortgage rates made a noticeable jump as well—conforming 30-year fixed rates started in the high-6% range and crossed over 7% by mid-month, then continued to climb. Active inventory reached over 1.16 million homes, and the median listing price dipped by around 1% month-over-month to $419,300, opening up a bit more negotiation space for buyers. Meanwhile, the pace of new listings slowed slightly—down about 2% month-over-month to roughly 395,000. Higher borrowing costs are keeping some buyers from fully taking advantage of these shifts, and economists are watching closely to see if this environment will lead to even deeper discounts or longer selling times as we move into Early-Q4.
Having started my real estate career on the lending side and later navigating both commercial and residential real estate, I’ve seen how quickly market dynamics can change—and how important it is for sellers and buyers alike to adapt their strategies. My passion is helping Valley families and couples find homes they genuinely love, and that means keeping a close eye on these trends to guide clients through every twist and turn the market brings.
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Seller Concessions Reach a New US Peak
It’s not every day we see a shift like this: in the most recent rolling 3-month period ending Mid-Q3, nearly 45% of US home sales involved sellers offering concessions—a new high for this time of year, dating back to at least 2020. That’s even higher than last year’s 43%, and it’s a clear sign that buyers are gaining more leverage as inventory rises and competition eases nationwide. In my years helping families across Arizona, I’ve seen how these concessions—whether it’s help with repairs, closing costs, or even mortgage-rate buydowns—can make a real difference, giving buyers more ways to save beyond just negotiating the price. Sellers are getting creative: closing-cost credits and rate buydowns are now key parts of many deals, not just price cuts. About 16% of homes sold in Mid-Q3 included both a price reduction and a concession, opening the door for buyers to keep more in their pocket at closing. It’s a different negotiation landscape, and having someone who understands all the moving parts can help you make the most of these evolving opportunities.
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Peoria – Most Expensive Homes of September 2026
Curious about the pinnacle of luxury in Peoria this September? Here’s a snapshot of the most expensive homes on the market right now, with listings ranging from $1,744,000 down to $869,000. As someone who has spent over 17 years guiding buyers and sellers throughout Arizona, I always enjoy seeing how exceptional properties set new standards for the valley. From my early days in lending to years in commercial and now residential, I’ve learned that every price point tells a unique story—these standout listings are no exception. If you’re fascinated by high-end properties or simply want to understand how the top of the market moves, this list offers a glimpse into what’s possible in Peoria’s luxury segment.
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Homebuyers Enjoy Greater Choice as Listings Reach Six-Year High
We’re seeing a truly remarkable shift in the market: right now, there are nearly 58% more sellers than buyers, and listings are at their highest point in six years. Inventory has climbed 3.9%, while buyers have edged up just 0.1%. Yet, even with more options, affordability is still a challenge for many due to elevated mortgage rates and prices. As someone who has helped families across the Valley navigate every turn in the home buying and selling process, I know firsthand how these numbers translate on the ground. Whether you’re looking at selling in Gilbert or buying up in Anthem, understanding how to approach this buyer’s market is key. My background in both loans and residential real estate allows me to guide clients through these shifts and tailor strategies that fit their needs. As sales slow, having an experienced advocate by your side can make all the difference in finding the right opportunity.
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Honoring the Significance of Indigenous Day
Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of the Indigenous People
We take a stand for and support the indigenous people on this day.
We should also offer our support to those who invest and uplift the indigenous communities. -
Several Arizona cities rank among the best real estate markets
As someone who's spent over 17 years helping families find homes across the Valley, it’s exciting to see five of our Arizona cities—Gilbert, Surprise, Peoria, Tempe, and Chandler—recognized among the top 50 real estate markets nationwide. Rankings like these, which factor in home-price appreciation, affordability, and job growth, reflect what I see every day: strong communities with real opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. Having helped clients from Gilbert to Buckeye (and as far north as Anthem), I know firsthand how much these neighborhoods have to offer. It’s always a joy to help people find a house they truly love in places that continue to shine on a national stage.
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Gen Z buyers lead every generation on affordability trade-offs
It’s fascinating to see how Gen Z buyers are leading the way when it comes to making affordability trade-offs in today’s market. This generation is showing remarkable financial flexibility—willing to cut spending and opt for smaller homes just to achieve the dream of homeownership. Across the map, Canadians appear the most open to downsizing, while buyers in Britain are a bit more hesitant to compromise. After 17 years in Arizona real estate, I’ve seen firsthand how priorities shift with each generation, but the determination and adaptability I’m seeing from Gen Z is truly impressive. Whether it’s a starter condo in Gilbert or a cozy home further north, I love helping buyers—no matter their age—find a place that’s just right for where they are in life. Every buyer’s journey is unique, but the drive to make homeownership a reality is something I never get tired of supporting.
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