Commuting Guide to the Greater Phoenix Area

Phoenix is home to over 4.5 million citizens who reside in 6 major cities – Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix and Gilbert.

Unlike other highly populated cities, the Valley of the Sun is known for its urban sprawl. It’s in every homeowner’s best interest to find a neighborhood that works best for their commute, or to find methods of commuting that work best for them. Be sure to be on top of the best routes and neighborhoods with this commuting guide to the Greater Phoenix area.

Scottsdale

Scottsdale is home to a little over 240,000 residents and is a hotspot for families. Though located east and northeast of Phoenix, it is known as the “Most Western Town in the West.” Scottsdale offers tons of great school districts, housing types and a booming entertainment district. Best of all, the housing market is on the rise. Hop on the Loop 101 or Loop 202 to take advantage of the 30 minute ride to downtown Phoenix for a morning commute.

Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix, the heart of the Valley just off the 202, has become increasingly an popular area due to the growth of ASU’s downtown campus. With more students and workers preferring to live closer to Valley transit systems and work, the housing market in historic Phoenix neighborhoods has seen a sharp increase. Depending on the time of day and job location, commuters are looking at a 15-25 minutes commute by car.

Glendale

One of the original suburb ‘pockets’ located West from Phoenix, Glendale was once no more than a mere stop on the way to Wickenburg along the US 60. Now, this bustling Westside city is home to over 240,00 residents. The city is comprised of a number of large neighborhoods, and is positioned west of the I-17 and east of Loop 101. That means Glendale is only a 20 minute drive to the heart of downtown.

Tempe

Home to Arizona State University’s main campus, Tempe is both a college town and suburban escape. Three freeways run through or border the city of Tempe, including the US 60, the Loop 202, and the southern part of the Loop 101. This makes travel through Tempe to other major cities a snap, with a 25 minute commute to Phoenix and a 18 minute drive to downtown Scottsdale.

Mesa

Mesa is often the first stop for many heading east. With a population of over 480,000 and a spread over 133 miles, Mesa is easily one of the largest cities within the Greater Phoenix area. The cost of living in Mesa is 5% lower than the national average, making that 30 minute commute to Phoenix and 20 minute commute to Scottsdale icing on the cake.   

Gilbert

Gilbert is another one of the Greater Phoenix area’s idyllic suburban cities. Located in the east valley, Gilbert is home to a combination of suburban homes and farmland. The local school district is above average, making Gilbert one of the premier locations for families. Roughly 40 minutes from Phoenix but 30 minutes from Scottsdale, the drive from Gilbert is a breeze on the Loop 202 or US 60.

No matter where you live, it’s always best to have a commuting plan. Phoenix is laid out in a grid system, making general directions and distances pretty simple for commuters. And thanks to the many multi-lane freeways that run throughout the Greater Phoenix area, it never takes too long to get from one city to the next.

Driving

With a metro area so spread out, driving may seem like the first and most desirable option. If this is the case, commuters should consider investing in an ideal commuter car. Invest in a car that’s comfortable, fuel efficient and has a enough space for the whole family. In Arizona, 22.8% of household own at least one car – higher than the national average.

Public Transportation

The Valley Metro has a number of bus routes that can take commuters all across the valley. There are also neighborhood circuits that cost a dollar or under in Glendale, Scottsdale, and Tempe.

As of 2018, the US Census Bureau announced that the Phoenix metro area is the sixth most populous

The Metro Light Rail currently extends from the tip of Glendale at Metrocenter Mall and runs all the way to Mesa, passing through the heart of downtown Phoenix and Tempe. There are currently plans in the works for extending the lightrail all the way to the Cardinals Stadium.

Biking

Cities all across the greater Phoenix area have become increasingly bike friendly over the past few years. Scottsdale, Tempe, and Phoenix have all begun campaigns to increase bike networks, teach cycling skills and enforce new bicycle laws to encourage the use of bikes throughout the city. Many neighborhoods have even widened roads and added bike lanes to busy streets.

Whichever neighborhood, town or mode of transportation you choose, being ahead of the commuting game is any citizen’s first step towards living a happy life in the greater Phoenix area.  

Whether you are buying or selling a home in any of the metros above, The Holm Group is here to assist you. The Holm Group represents both buyers and sellers throughout the valley. Whether it’s a custom home, luxury home, town home you can rely on The Holm Group to ensure a smooth and successful transaction. Remove the stress from buying or selling and let and call The Holm Group today at 480-206-4265.