Phoenix has always had a magnetic pull. It’s sunny, spread out, and full of neighborhoods that seem to reinvent themselves every few years. But lately, the city isn’t just growing, it’s morphing. People are moving in faster than developers can keep up, and 2026 looks like another record-setting year for new residents.
Let’s take a closer look at where everyone’s heading, what’s behind the boom, and why understanding these shifts matters, whether you’re renting, buying, or planning a big move across town.
1. The East Valley’s Continued Momentum
If there’s one thing that hasn’t changed, it’s the East Valley’s popularity. Gilbert, Chandler, and Queen Creek are still the poster children of suburban growth. Families love the good schools and newer housing stock, and tech workers are sticking around thanks to the growing semiconductor and aerospace industries.
What’s changed is the pricing. Homes that were once “starter” level are now edging toward premium territory, pushing first-time buyers to look at more affordable outskirts like San Tan Valley and Apache Junction.
And when competition heats up, people start renting longer. That’s where property managers become invaluable, helping tenants find quality homes and helping owners keep up with rising demand and maintenance needs that come with rapid area growth.
2. Uptown Phoenix: The Comeback Core
Once considered a middle ground between downtown and the suburbs, Uptown has quietly transformed. Old bungalows are being flipped into modern mid-century hybrids, and small retail strips are now buzzing with coffee shops and dog-friendly breweries.
What’s driving the shift? Walkability, mostly. People want to be close to things again after years of suburban sprawl. Uptown’s central location makes it easy to get to downtown jobs without the full chaos of city-center living.
Still, this isn’t everyone’s cup of iced cold brew. Prices are climbing, and parking is a growing frustration. But for those craving that community feel, the kind where you bump into your neighbor at a local farmers’ market, Uptown hits the mark.
3. South Phoenix: The Underdog Story
Here’s where it gets interesting. South Phoenix, long overlooked, is starting to glow under the spotlight. Big infrastructure projects like the South Central Light Rail Extension are changing perceptions and accessibility.
Developers are catching on, and residents are noticing improvements in schools, parks, and public safety. While home prices remain more affordable than in other areas, the window of opportunity is narrowing.
According to Brady Realty Group from Las Vegas, similar revitalization patterns in undervalued neighborhoods often lead to double-digit appreciation once amenities catch up. Phoenix appears to be following that same trajectory, meaning those who buy or rent here in 2026 might look back in a few years feeling pretty glad they did.
4. Glendale and Peoria: Growth Meets Affordability
To the northwest, Glendale and Peoria are thriving for a different reason: balance. There’s still affordability, but you don’t have to sacrifice proximity to jobs or entertainment. Glendale’s sports and event scene continues to draw attention, while Peoria’s master-planned communities keep expanding with schools, shopping centers, and green spaces that feel surprisingly serene.
Many new residents are choosing these suburbs because they’re not just affordable, they’re practical. And practicality is what people crave right now. Property managers in these areas have reported higher inquiry volumes and faster leasing times, especially for mid-tier single-family homes.
5. Tempe and Mesa: The Next Wave of Renters
Tempe and Mesa have always been strongholds for renters, but the mix is changing. What used to be mainly students and young professionals is now families and remote workers chasing good infrastructure and flexible leases.
The new light rail expansions and proximity to tech campuses have made these neighborhoods magnets for those who want convenience without Scottsdale-level prices. Property managers are seeing this shift firsthand, with rental inspections in Mesa and property walkthroughs across the East Valley becoming almost daily routines to meet tenant turnover and maintenance demands.
If you’re curious about how Arizona’s climate factors into all of this (and it really does), you might also want to check out how to protect your belongings from Arizona’s extreme heat during a move. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about preserving your stuff in a place where summers mean business.
6. Downtown Phoenix: The Tech-Driven Resurgence
Downtown has done a complete 180 over the past decade. Once avoided after dark, it’s now full of co-working spaces, rooftop lounges, and sleek condos catering to a younger crowd. The big employers, health tech, finance, and education, aren’t just hiring; they’re building long-term roots here.
That said, growth has a price. Parking remains scarce, rent prices are rising, and turnover is high. For landlords and investors, that’s both a challenge and an opportunity. Managing frequent move-ins and move-outs requires clear systems, something many owners learn the hard way. Resources like these best practices to handle move-outs for tenants and landlords can help keep the process smooth and professional, avoiding disputes that could drag out turnover times.
7. Why Everyone’s Still Moving to Phoenix Anyway
Despite rising prices, people keep coming. According to a recent report from U.S. News, Phoenix remains one of the top cities in the country for inbound migration. The reasons aren’t mysterious: job growth, affordability relative to coastal markets, and lifestyle. You can work remotely with fiber internet, play golf in February, and still afford a decent home with a backyard.
There’s also the less quantifiable factor, the sense of “newness.” People like the idea of starting fresh somewhere that’s still expanding and redefining itself. Phoenix delivers that in spades.
8. Preparing for the Move
If you’re planning to move in 2026, think ahead. Growth means competition, for homes, schools, even moving trucks. Booking early and working with experienced movers can save both time and stress. Local property managers can also help you identify rentals in up-and-coming areas before they hit the broader market.
And when it comes to the actual logistics, a professional moving team makes a world of difference. From climate-protected storage to careful handling, there’s something to be said for letting experts handle the heavy lifting , literally.
Final Thoughts
Phoenix is in one of those rare sweet spots where opportunity and energy overlap. Some neighborhoods are maturing; others are just waking up. But across the board, 2026 looks like another year where people will keep planting roots here, drawn by the sun, the space, and the promise of growth.
At A to B Movers, we’ve helped hundreds of families and businesses make their next move across the Valley. Whether you’re heading into a trendy condo in Uptown or a quiet cul-de-sac in Queen Creek, we’re here to make the process smoother and a little less stressful. Let’s move smarter, not harder. Learn more about our moving services.