PHOENIX — Renters in Scottsdale, Chandler and Gilbert may have it better than just about any others in the country, according to a recent study from WalletHub.
Only Overland Park, Kansas, was rated ahead of the East Valley cities on a list of the best places to rent in the United States, respectively, out of 182 locations evaluated.
The 182 cities, including the 150 most-populated cities in the country with each state represented at least twice, were scored in two categories: “rental market affordability” and “quality of life.”
What sets Valley cities apart for renters?
Scottsdale took a high spot on the national list through its quality of life, being the best city for availability of jobs and the driving environment. It also ranked fourth in weather and sixth in recreation.
The study acknowledged how expensive the city can be, but it was still near the top 50 of 182 in affordability with residents spending an average of 21% of their annual income on rent. Renters also save an average of $387 per month on housing costs compared to their homeowner counterparts.
Chandler has the same 21% rate spent on rent, and it offers renters the perk of landlords who can’t charge more than two months’ rent in a security deposit. Chandler homes are spacious at 1,909 square feet on average, and more than 16% of the homes were built between 2010 and 2023.
Five other Valley cities — Peoria, Mesa, Phoenix, Glendale and Tempe — ranked in the top 30, and Tucson landed at No. 51. Arizona’s state laws addressing bedbug infestations worked in the cities’ favor, WalletHub noted.
Where Arizona cities rank on list of best places to rent
2. Scottsdale
3. Chandler
4. Gilbert
8. Peoria
14. Mesa
17. Phoenix
21. Glendale
27. Tempe
51. Tucson
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