Living in Goodyear Arizona - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
What is Living in Goodyear Arizona Like?
Goodyear, Arizona, located in Maricopa County, is home to approximately 113,000 people. Living in Goodyear, Arizona, offers a unique blend of suburban living and desert charm. Situated west of Phoenix, Goodyear provides easy access to many outdoor activities, such as hiking, golfing, and exploring the nearby Estrella Mountain Regional Park. The city is conveniently located near Interstate 10, which connects it to other cities and attractions in the area. Goodyear embodies the Arizona lifestyle with its warm climate, stunning sunsets, and proximity to the Sonoran Desert. Residents and visitors can enjoy recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and exploring the nearby Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, and Safari Park. The Best of Goodyear includes a vibrant downtown area, modern shopping centers, and residential neighborhoods with breathtaking views of the desert landscape.
One of the main attractions in Goodyear, Arizona, is the Estrella Mountain Regional Park. This sprawling desert park offers hiking and biking trails, camping sites, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Another attraction in the area is the Goodyear Ballpark, a state-of-the-art baseball stadium that hosts spring training games for the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds. The ballpark also hosts various events and concerts throughout the year. Goodyear also has several community parks, such as Goodyear Community Park and Wildflower North Park, which offer playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas for residents and visitors to enjoy.
There are several large employers in and around Goodyear, Arizona, including Amazon, which has a large fulfillment center in nearby Phoenix, and the City of Goodyear, which operates various businesses and services in the area.
The cost of living in Goodyear, Arizona, is around the national average, making it a somewhat affordable option for those looking to live in the Southwest. Today, the average home value in Goodyear stands around $470,000, and the average cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Goodyear is around $1,500 a month. There are a variety of housing options available for Goodyear residents to choose from, including single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and apartments.
If you're looking for a medium-sized town with easy access to bigger cities, a charming downtown, excellent schools, and plenty of outdoor activities, Goodyear, Arizona, would be the perfect place for you! Keep reading to learn more about what living in Goodyear, Arizona, is like, including details about its neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, and some pros and cons of living in Goodyear, Arizona. This information should help you determine whether living in Goodyear, Arizona, is the right choice for you.
Are You Thinking About Buying a Home in Goodyear Arizona?
Would you like to buy a home in Goodyear, Arizona? Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in the Goodyear area. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in Goodyear, Arizona, to help you navigate your home buying journey, CLICK HERE. To start receiving emails with homes that match your criteria in Goodyear, CLICK HERE and sign up for Listing Alert. With a little info on what, where, and how much, you'll get newly listed homes matching your criteria sent to your inbox as they hit the market. This can give you a big leg up in your home search.
The first step in the home-buying process is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Todd Davidson is an experienced mortgage broker and can help you get the best financing option for your home purchase. Not quite ready yet? Todd can help you put together a plan to get you there. Whether you're thinking a few months or a year or more if you want to buy a home, reach out to Todd and he can help. CLICK HERE to email Todd and set up a call to get the process started.
Todd Davidson
Mortgage Broker
What is the Cost of Living in Goodyear Arizona?
If you're exploring a move to Goodyear, Arizona, or any place, the cost of living would be a significant factor in your decision-making. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Goodyear, Arizona, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Goodyear, Arizona, and rent, you would need to make $48,000 a year. To live in Goodyear, Arizona, and buy a home, you would need to make $62,000 a year. Rental amount is based on current low end cost of studio or one bedroom, purchase is based on recent low end sales of a three bedroom and monthly payment with 20% down.
Living in Goodyear Arizona Tips/Info/Blog Posts
23 FAQs A REALTOR GETS ASKED > CLICK HERE
18 MORTGAGE FAQs > CLICK HERE
NEW BLOG ALERT SIGN UP > CLICK HERE
WANT TO KNOW WHEN A HOME MATCHING YOUR CRITERIA GETS LISTED? SIGN UP FOR LISTING ALERT > CLICK HERE
MORTGAGE INFO > CLICK HERE
FREE HOME OWNERSHIP GUIDE > CLICK HERE
Top Neighborhoods in Goodyear Arizona
If you're moving to Goodyear, Arizona, the city offers a range of communities catering to varying lifestyles and budgets. From the picturesque views of Estrella Mountain Ranch to the resort-style living of Pebblecreek, each neighborhood has its distinct character and charm. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly environment, an active adult community, or a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, Goodyear's neighborhoods have something for everyone. Below is info on six of Goodyear, Arizona's, most popular neighborhoods:
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Estrella Mountain Ranch: Estrella Mountain Ranch is a picturesque neighborhood known for its stunning desert and mountain views. This community features a mix of single-family homes and custom-built residences, often highlighting a Spanish or Mediterranean architectural style. The neighborhood boasts a network of parks, hiking trails, and golf courses, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents can enjoy the South Lake Park, with its fishing opportunities and picnic spots. The Starpointe Residents Club offers recreational amenities like pools, fitness centers, and social events. Popular dining options include the Presidio Residents Club, where residents can relish delicious meals overlooking the lake.
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Palm Valley: Palm Valley is a family-friendly community that offers a diverse range of housing options. This neighborhood includes single-family homes, townhomes, and condos, making it suitable for various lifestyles. The area is known for its well-maintained streets, spacious parks, and tree-lined boulevards. The Palm Valley Park is a hub for sports activities with its baseball fields, playgrounds, and trails. For golf enthusiasts, the Palm Valley Golf Club offers a challenging course. Local dining options include both family-friendly restaurants and upscale eateries, providing residents with plenty of choices.
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CantaMia: CantaMia is an age-restricted community catering to active adults. This neighborhood features a variety of home types, including single-family homes and attached villas. The community is designed with the retirement lifestyle in mind, offering amenities like a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and social clubs. The nearby lakes and walking paths provide ample opportunities for leisurely strolls. The CantaMia Village Center offers numerous services and events for residents. For dining and shopping, the Goodyear area offers a mix of options, ensuring that residents have access to all their necessities.
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Cottonflower: Cottonflower is a charming neighborhood with a focus on single-family homes. This community is characterized by its well-manicured streets, spacious yards, and a sense of community. Parks like the Wildflower North Park provide green spaces for recreation, and the nearby Goodyear Community Park offers additional amenities such as sports fields and playgrounds. For dining, residents can explore the local eateries and restaurants along Estrella Parkway, which offer a variety of cuisines and atmospheres.
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Pebblecreek: Pebblecreek is a resort-style community known for its active adult lifestyle. The neighborhood offers a mix of single-family homes and attached villas, catering to various preferences. Residents can enjoy amenities like golf courses, tennis courts, fitness centers, and pools. The Tuscany Falls Sports Complex provides a hub for recreational activities. The nearby White Tank Mountain Regional Park offers hiking trails and scenic vistas. Local dining options encompass a range of cuisines, ensuring that residents can savor diverse flavors.
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Sarival Village: Sarival Village is a growing community with a mix of housing options, including single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. The neighborhood prides itself on its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to schools and parks. Community parks like Sarival Village Park provide play areas and green spaces. The Goodyear Ballpark, home to Major League Baseball spring training, is a major attraction for sports enthusiasts. Dining options in the vicinity offer a variety of flavors, ranging from casual dining to more upscale choices.
20 Pros and Cons of Living in Goodyear Arizona
Living in Goodyear Arizona Pros
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Beautiful Desert Landscape: Goodyear is surrounded by the stunning Sonoran Desert, providing residents with breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor exploration.
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Affordable Housing: The cost of living and housing in Goodyear is generally more affordable compared to other parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
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Strong Job Market: Goodyear's proximity to major business hubs and industrial centers has contributed to a robust job market with opportunities in various industries.
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Family-Friendly Communities: Many neighborhoods in Goodyear are designed with families in mind, offering excellent schools, parks, and community activities.
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Recreational Amenities: The city offers numerous parks, golf courses, sports complexes, and hiking trails, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Weather: Goodyear enjoys a warm and sunny climate for most of the year, which is especially appealing to those who prefer milder winters.
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Proximity to Phoenix: Goodyear's location just west of Phoenix grants residents easy access to the city's cultural attractions, professional sports, and entertainment options.
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Community Events: The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of community and opportunities to connect with neighbors.
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Diverse Dining Scene: Goodyear offers a range of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, serving diverse cuisines to satisfy different palates.
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Education and Healthcare: The city is home to quality schools and healthcare facilities, ensuring that residents have access to essential services for themselves and their families.
Living in Goodyear Arizona Cons
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Hot Summers: The desert climate means Goodyear experiences extremely hot temperatures during the summer months, which can be uncomfortable for some residents.
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Water Scarcity: The desert environment means water resources can be scarce, leading to water conservation efforts and potentially higher water costs.
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Lack of Greenery: While there are parks and recreational areas, the overall desert landscape lacks the lush greenery that some people prefer.
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High Cooling Costs: The hot summers can lead to high cooling costs for homes, as air conditioning is essential.
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Traffic Congestion: While it's not as severe as in some larger cities, traffic congestion can still be an issue during peak hours.
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Dust and Sandstorms: The desert climate can lead to occasional dust and sandstorms, affecting air quality and visibility.
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Wildlife Encounters: Living in a desert environment means encountering wildlife like scorpions and snakes, which can be unsettling for some people.
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Long Commutes: Depending on your job location and the city's layout, some residents might experience long commutes to work or other destinations, especially if they work in Phoenix.
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Limited Public Services on the Outskirts: If you live on the outskirts of Goodyear, you might have limited access to certain public services and amenities, requiring longer travel times for essentials.
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Seasonal Population Changes: Goodyear might experience fluctuations in population during the winter months as "snowbirds" (seasonal residents) come and go, potentially affecting the local atmosphere.
FAQs About Living in Goodyear Arizona
What is Goodyear Arizona known for?
Goodyear, Arizona, is most known for its annual Balloon Festival, which takes place every February and celebrates the vibrant display of hot air balloons in the sky. The festival attracts visitors from all over the world and features various events and activities such as balloon rides, night glow shows, live entertainment, and a carnival. The colorful spectacle of the hot air balloons soaring through the desert landscape is a sight to behold and has become an iconic symbol of Goodyear and the surrounding region.
What cities and attractions is Goodyear close to?
Goodyear, Arizona, is situated in Maricopa County, in the southwestern part of the state. The city is approximately 20 miles west of downtown Phoenix and 130 miles east of the California border. Goodyear is in close proximity to several other cities in the area, including Avondale, about 5 miles to the east, and Buckeye, about 15 miles to the west. The city is also within easy driving distance of other popular destinations in the region, such as the White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Estrella Mountain Regional Park, and the Sonoran Desert National Monument. Goodyear's central location in Maricopa County makes it a convenient starting point for exploring the surrounding natural beauty and nearby cities.
What is the weather like in Goodyear Arizona?
Living in Goodyear, Arizona, you can expect hot and dry weather throughout the year. In the winter months, the average high temperatures range from 65°F to 70°F, and the average low temperatures range from 40°F to 45°F. The city rarely experiences any snowfall during the winter. Summers in Goodyear are extremely hot, with average high temperatures ranging from 100°F to 105°F and occasional heatwaves reaching temperatures above 110°F. The city receives very little rainfall, with an average of only 8 inches of precipitation annually, mostly occurring during the monsoon season in the summer months.
Does Goodyear have good public schools?
Students in Goodyear, Arizona, attend public school in four elementary school districts (Avondale, Liberty, Litchfield & Mobile), two high school districts (Agua Fria Union & Buckeye Union), and several charter schools. All are ranked highly. The Agua Fria Union High School District is notable. For school year 2022-23, Niche.com ranks the District 19th amongst all school districts in Arizona, giving it an overall A- rating. With a diverse student population and strong partnerships with local organizations and businesses, families in Goodyear, Arizona, can have confidence in the quality education their children will receive in the public school system.
Is Goodyear Arizona safe?
Living in Goodyear, Arizona, you'll find it a pretty safe place. Property crime rates in Goodyear are lower than the national average, and violent crime rates are significantly lower than the national average. NeighborhoodScout.com states Goodyear has a crime rate lower than 68% of all US cities. Goodyear, Arizona, residents should feel relatively safe in their daily lives.
What is there to do living in Goodyear Arizona?
Living in Goodyear, Arizona, you will always have things to do. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Estrella Mountains and the Gila River, offering ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing. Goodyear boasts several parks, including Estrella Mountain Regional Park and Goodyear Community Park, which feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic walking trails. The city hosts several annual events, including the Goodyear Lakeside Music Festival, which attracts visitors from around the area, and the Goodyear Ballpark Spring Training, offering baseball games and entertainment. If you're looking for a day trip, Goodyear is located near attractions like the Wildlife World Zoo and the White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities or cultural experiences, there is always something to do in Goodyear, Arizona.
Who are the large employers in Goodyear Arizona?
If living in Goodyear, Arizona, some of the top employers include the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, which employs over 1,000 workers and the City of Goodyear, which employs over 800 people. Other notable employers of those living in Goodyear, Arizona, include Amazon, Lockheed Martin, and various manufacturing companies. With a diverse range of employers, residents of Goodyear can find opportunities in healthcare, government, education, technology, and more.
How is the healthcare in Goodyear Arizona?
Living in Goodyear, Arizona, puts you near the Abrazo West Campus, which is a level III trauma center and has 188 beds. This hospital would likely be able to provide you with most of your medical needs. If you are looking for a specialist and can't find them in the Goodyear area, you're 20 miles away from Phoenix and most of the state's largest hospitals, where you'd have access to any specialist you'd need.
Is living in Goodyear Arizona good for retirees?
If you're retired or thinking of retiring, Goodyear, Arizona, can be a good choice for many reasons. The weather in Goodyear is one of its primary attractions, with its warm, sunny climate providing an inviting environment for retirees seeking to escape colder regions. The abundance of outdoor activities, such as golfing, hiking, and exploring nearby natural wonders like Estrella Mountain Regional Park, ensures retirees can maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Taxes can be a big consideration, especially in retirement. Arizona does not tax Social Security benefits, the state's income tax rates are relatively moderate, and the sales tax isn't high, providing some financial relief for retirees. Property taxes can vary depending on the specific county in Arizona, but overall, property taxes in Arizona are fairly low. Overall, Goodyear's pleasant weather, diverse recreational activities, and affordable tax policies make it an appealing destination for retirees seeking a comfortable and fulfilling retirement.
Is Goodyear Arizona a good place to live?
Goodyear, Arizona is a great place to live because of its beautiful weather with over 300 days of sunshine each year, making it perfect for outdoor activities and a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the city offers a strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a wide range of amenities including shopping centers, parks, and recreational facilities.
I want to relocate to Goodyear Arizona. How do I make it happen?
You've come to the right spot if you're looking to move to Goodyear, Arizona. There’s a lot of information on this website to help including some helpful links below. If you want to ask questions, try our Facebook Group > Moving to Arizona where we have broad group of locals to answer any question you might have. If you’re looking to buy a home in the Goodyear area, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first step. For Mortgage Info, reach out to me. I would love to tell you more about what living in Goodyear, Arizona, is like as well as help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home.