Maricopa Emerges as Trending ‘Burb’ for Affordable Homes Under $500K

Maricopa has emerged as the seventh most promising U.S. suburb for growth and affordable housing, according to a recent study by GOBankingRates.com. The findings, released on August 28, highlight the city’s appeal as a burgeoning residential area near Phoenix.

This research aims to pinpoint suburbs that offer a blend of economic potential and reasonable home prices. Notably, Buckeye surpassed Maricopa, positioning itself as the second most promising suburb in Arizona.

The study emphasizes the importance of suburbs for families seeking spacious living, diverse amenities, and reasonable prices compared to urban centers. The post-pandemic landscape has complicated this choice, yet it underscores the need for areas with growth potential and affordability.

As of July, Maricopa’s average home value stood at $364,112, significantly lower than the Phoenix metro average of $449,719. The city has experienced a remarkable population surge, registering an 18.4% increase from 2020 to 2022, bringing its numbers to approximately 60,000. Recent estimates suggest an additional influx of 15,000 residents since then, based on U.S. Census Bureau data.

GOBankingRates.com derived its rankings by assessing vital metrics such as population growth and housing prices, specifically targeting suburbs with at least a 9% population increase and average home values below $500,000.

Interestingly, the study found no single region dominating the rankings. Instead, states like Arizona, California, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, and Texas showcased the most vibrant suburbs.

Other notable Arizona suburbs included Goodyear at No. 10 with an average home price of $483,000, Sahuarita at No. 32 with a home value of $366,500, and Marana at No. 33 with a home average of $442,000.