Chandler Ranked One of the Best Housing Markets in the Country...Here’s What That Means

by Jessica Vukobratovich

One thing I do for my clients is keep a close eye on national and local housing data so you don’t have to. Recently, I dug into a report from WalletHub that compared 300 U.S. cities on both real estate strength and affordability.

Here’s what stood out: Chandler ranked 21st in the entire country. That puts our city in the top 10% nationwide — a strong signal of stability, demand, and long-term value for anyone who lives here or is thinking about moving here.

To give you some perspective, Gilbert came in at #7 overall (and #1 in Arizona), followed by Chandler at 21st, Peoria at 23rd, and Surprise at 25th. Mesa landed at 56th, while Phoenix ranked just 76th overall.

Why Chandler Ranked So High

In this study, WalletHub compared cities across things like:

Home values and appreciation
Days on market (how fast homes are selling)
Foreclosure rates and mortgage health
Building permits and new home construction
Cost of living, job growth, and credit health

Chandler really stood out on the real estate fundamentals — things like appreciation, stability, and overall demand. While some nearby cities like Peoria and Surprise scored higher on pure affordability, Chandler outperformed them on overall housing strength.

That’s important: affordability is only part of the picture. A strong real estate market means homes hold their value, demand stays steady, and the city keeps attracting buyers.

What This Means if You Live in Chandler

Homeowners: You’re in one of the most stable markets in the country. Your equity is supported by strong demand and healthy fundamentals.
Sellers: Chandler’s high ranking signals buyers are looking here. Compared to Phoenix, Mesa, and even Scottsdale, Chandler is outperforming — meaning your home is less likely to sit on the market.
Renters/Investors: Rental demand stays strong in markets like this, which is good for investors but also means renters may see continued competition.

What It Means if You’re Considering Chandler

If you’re thinking about making a move, this is where Chandler shines. It might not be the cheapest city in the Valley, but it’s one of the most reliable long-term bets. Between job opportunities, schools, development, and community amenities, Chandler is consistently one of the top-performing markets in Arizona.

East Valley Takeaway

This study also confirmed something I see every day: the East Valley continues to lead the way. Gilbert ranked #7 overall, Chandler came in at 21st, and Mesa outperformed Phoenix. While Phoenix pulled in at 76th, the surrounding East Valley cities are showing stronger growth and stability.

Conclusion

Based on the data I’ve been tracking, Chandler isn’t heading for a boom or a bust. What we’re seeing is a steady, stable market with modest price growth — and that’s exactly what you want for long-term confidence.

If you’re already here, you can feel good about where you own. If you’re thinking about moving here, Chandler (and the East Valley overall) is still one of the smartest places to put down roots.