Arizona Housing Affordability Tracker

Is it a good time to buy a home in Arizona in 2026?

For most Maricopa County cities, yes. Our Housing Opportunity Index scores above 60 for Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Peoria, Glendale, Surprise, and Queen Creek. Rates are higher than 2021 but they have been falling.

The market is structurally healthy. Inventory is recovering. Qualified buyers using FHA or conventional financing may find the numbers work in their target city. All loans are subject to credit approval. Talk to a Stewardship Mortgage advisor to understand what you can qualify for.

What is the median home price in Maricopa County?

Median home prices across Maricopa County range from roughly $345,000 in Surprise to over $725,000 in Scottsdale. Cities like Mesa, Glendale, and Peoria remain the most accessible entry points for first-time buyers in the Arizona housing market, with medians between $355,000 and $390,000. The city price chart above is updated weekly from Census and Zillow data. If you want to know what a home in that range would cost monthly at today's rates, our affordability calculator runs those numbers in real time.

Is Arizona in a housing bubble?

No. The data does not support a housing bubble in Arizona. Home prices are elevated because of supply constraints and population growth, not speculative or reckless lending. Foreclosure and delinquency rates in Arizona are near historic lows. Homeowners hold record levels of equity. Lending standards today are far stricter than the mid-2000s.

This is a different market with different fundamentals. The data section below makes that case with real numbers side by side. If you want to understand what the Maricopa County housing market means for your specific plans, Stewardship Mortgage can walk through it with you.

Which East Valley city is most affordable for first-time buyers?

Based on our Housing Opportunity Index, Surprise, Glendale, and Mesa score highest in Maricopa County right now. If you're focused on the East Valley specifically, Mesa and Chandler offer the best combination of price, community, and access to employment. Queen Creek has strong opportunity scores despite higher price points, because household incomes in that corridor are also higher.

You can see each city's score in the index section above. First-time buyers in Arizona often find these East Valley cities offer the best entry point for building equity quickly. Stewardship Realty works across all of these markets.

What mortgage rate can I get as a first-time buyer in Arizona?

As of early 2026, 30-year fixed rates are near 6.0% nationally, down from the 7.79% peak in late 2023. FHA loans typically run slightly lower than conventional and may be a fit for qualified first-time buyers. FHA loans are subject to FHA guidelines, mortgage insurance requirements, and credit approval. Stewardship Mortgage works with 50+ lenders to find the right loan for your situation across the Arizona housing market. Lender availability and programs are subject to change and eligibility requirements vary. The live rate bar at the top of this page shows current national averages.