West Valley Seeing Biggest Gains

Six of the top ten Maricopa County communities that saw the biggest home-value percentage gains last year were in the West Valley, according to the Arizona Republic analysis.

Sun City West, Waddell, Avondale, Litchfield Park, Goodyear and Glendale were all in the top ten. Sun City West saw a 48.1 percent rise, Waddell saw 52.7 percent, Goodyear rose 42 percent, Avondale rose 44.8 percent, Buckeye saw 37.6 percent and Tolleson rose 32 percent.

People are being drawn to the West Valley by entertainment amenities (Glendale Arena and Westgate), freeways, new shopping malls, and the overall newness of the area. Jay Butler, director of the Arizona Real Estate Center at ASU says that the West Valley's biggest challenge will be getting roads, freeways and other infrastructure in place to keep up with the West Valley's population boom. Attracting major employers to the west side will also be critical. More...