Adrian Berlutti
Not all Arizona towns are created equal when it comes to future home values. As development expands beyond the big metros, certain areas are seeing sharper attention from buyers and builders alike. This list explores 10 towns where median home prices may be on the rise, along with their current market trends based on Zillow data from May 2025.
Prescott Valley ($464,893)
It used to be a secret. Then, investors noticed the low inventory and spiking interest from out-of-staters. Located just 90 minutes from Phoenix, Prescott Valley has seen values trend steadily upward since 2022. Retirees and first-time buyers are all competing here now, and they’re not shy with offers.
Queen Creek ($649,090)
Can a farming town become a housing boomtown? Queen Creek says yes. The area has transformed with tech companies nearby and endless master-planned communities. In 2024 alone, prices rose nearly 8%. Schools are strong, traffic is light, and buyers looking for square footage are pouring in.
Wickenburg ($542,087)
Historic charm meets modern draw in Wickenburg. Known for its cowboy roots and wide skies, the town has quietly built a strong market. Home values have surged over 50% in five years. Buyers love the slower pace, but competition’s growing, especially as Phoenix buyers push farther west in search of space.
Marana ($447,886)
Growth in Marana is picking up speed. Positioned just northwest of Tucson, this town has seen its population soar by nearly 50% in a decade. Buyers are drawn to new subdivisions and high-end developments. With infrastructure expanding and inventory tightening, home prices here are steadily gaining ground.
Oro Valley ($522,324)
Upscale but not unapproachable, Oro Valley has quietly become one of Arizona’s most desirable towns. Tech companies and healthcare hubs have made it a magnet for well-paid professionals and retirees. Median home prices continue to rise, supported by low crime and demand that rarely dips, even seasonally.
Chino Valley ($503,343)
New subdivisions keep popping up, but Chino Valley still feels like a place where you know your neighbor’s dog. Housing demand is shifting here, especially for folks priced out of Prescott. Inventory remains low, and with land available for development, price appreciation has started to follow a clear upward trend.
Gilbert ($585,900)
Gilbert doesn’t feel like a small town anymore, yet its market is acting with big-town restraint. Though prices dipped 0.5% this year, demand remains high, and inventory is tightening. With limited land left to build and continued tech-sector interest, Gilbert could be on the verge of another upward turn.
Payson ($455,322)
High in Arizona’s Rim Country, Payson blends pine-covered calm with an increasingly competitive market. Once known mainly for cabins and retirees, it’s now catching the attention of full-time residents seeking escape from the Phoenix heat. Limited buildable land and steady interest have kept values climbing.
Florence ($344,932)
Florence flies under the radar, but not for long. One of Arizona’s oldest towns, it’s gaining modern appeal thanks to affordable housing and access to both Tucson and Phoenix. The new development is inching in, and with rising demand across Pinal County, Florence is poised for price pressure soon.
Sahuarita ($366,514)
Sahuarita’s market hit pause, but that might not last. Though prices dipped slightly in 2025, the town’s steady influx of families and proximity to Tucson continue to fuel long-term demand. If available homes become scarce again, the stage will be set for prices to bounce back, making Sahuarita a hidden gem to keep an eye on.
