Living in Glendale, AZ: Pros, Cons and What to Know Before You Move

"Is Glendale a good place to live?" is one of the most common questions I hear from people moving to the West Valley. The honest answer is that it depends on which part of Glendale you mean and what you want from a home. Here is how I break it down.

What people like

• Variety of housing. Glendale has older neighborhoods near downtown, mid-century and 1990s subdivisions, and newer communities in the north end. That means more price points and styles than many newer suburbs.
• Location. The city sits on the west side of the Phoenix metro, with access to Loop 101, I-17 and Grand Avenue. Many residents commute to Phoenix, Scottsdale or the West Valley job centers.
• Things to do. Westgate, Historic Downtown Glendale, parks and major sports events are all in the city. See my guide to things to do in Glendale.
• Established infrastructure. Mature trees, established shopping and services, and neighborhoods that have been settled for decades.

The trade-offs

• Event traffic. Homes near State Farm Stadium, Desert Diamond Arena and Westgate see heavier traffic and parking restrictions on event days.
• Older homes need more attention. Older roofs, plumbing, windows and air conditioning systems are the usual items. A thorough inspection matters. See my guide to Arizona home inspections.
• Summer heat. Like the rest of the Valley, July and August are very hot, and cooling costs are a real part of the monthly budget.
• It is a big city. Neighborhoods differ a lot, so a home search should be specific to an area rather than "Glendale" in general.

How to choose a part of Glendale

Instead of asking which neighborhood is best, I ask buyers about their commute, lot size, how old a home they will consider, HOA preferences, and whether they want a pool or room for a casita. Those answers point to different parts of the city.

The different parts of Glendale

Because Glendale is big, I describe it in general zones rather than picking winners.

• Central and downtown: older neighborhoods and historic areas with more established lots and trees.
• Around Westgate and the stadiums: newer mixed-use and apartment-style housing alongside neighborhoods that are impacted by event traffic.
• North Glendale, including the Arrowhead area: newer subdivisions, larger master-planned communities and a suburban feel.

These are broad descriptions. Within each area, streets and subdivisions differ, so look at specific homes.

A checklist for touring a Glendale home

1. Visit at different times of day and on a weekday evening.
2. Check the age of the roof, air conditioning and water heater.
3. Ask about HOA fees and rules, if any.
4. Look for event traffic if the home is near Westgate or Loop 101.
5. Check flight paths and freeway noise by standing in the backyard.
6. Confirm the school boundary through the district's own tool.
7. Drive the commute to your workplace at the time you would actually go.

Home types you will see

Glendale has single-family homes, townhomes, condos and a number of homes with guest houses and larger lots. If you want a guest house or an RV space, search specifically for it. Properties with those features exist but are less common, particularly with HOAs that restrict them.

Buying versus renting while you learn the city

If you are relocating and unsure, some people rent for a few months to learn the area before buying. Others buy with confidence after a few tours. Either is reasonable, and I can help you think through the trade-offs, including what down payment assistance could do for a first purchase.

Frequently asked questions

Is Glendale, AZ a good place to live?

It can be, depending on what you want. Glendale has varied housing, access to freeways and many things to do. The experience differs across the city, so the right question is which part fits you.

Is Glendale cheaper than Peoria or Scottsdale?

Prices vary by neighborhood, home age and size, so I do not make blanket claims. I can pull current comparisons for the areas and price range you want.

What are the downsides of living in Glendale?

Event traffic near the stadiums, the extreme summer heat and older homes needing maintenance are the usual ones.

Where do commuters from Glendale usually work?

Residents commute across the Valley, including central Phoenix, the West Valley employment areas and Scottsdale. Check the real drive time for your route.

Budget questions

Many buyers start by asking what it costs to live here. I cover how to build a realistic budget in cost of living in Glendale, Peoria and Surprise, and if a down payment is the obstacle, see my down payment assistance guides.

For safety, schools and other neighborhood facts, I recommend checking official sources: the city's police department publishes crime information, and each school district publishes its boundaries and school reports. I am glad to point you to the right ones for a specific address.

Ready to look? Start with my Glendale real estate page or contact me and I will build you a custom list.