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About Avondale, AZ

About Avondale, AZ

Growing city 20 miles west of Phoenix

Set 20 miles west of Phoenix and beside the Estrella Mountains, the growing city of Avondale has a suburban vibe and lower home prices than neighboring cities. “I think the main draw here is the cost of homes versus the location,” says Aaron Carlson, a Realtor with Weichert, Realtors-Home Pro Realty, who has over 10 years of experience. “You would probably pay more money to live in Goodyear, but this is actually closer to Phoenix.” Since the early 21st century, the city has boomed with residential and commercial growth. “We came out here in 2004. There were maybe 35,000 people—that has grown to 90,000 in the last 20 years,” says Seyoue Sims, a Realtor with DeLex Realty, who has over 17 years of experience.

Avondale sits right on Interstate 10, which provides easy access to the Phoenix metro area. Many residents commute to Phoenix for work, including an area south of I-10 that Carlson refers to as “Phoenix’s industrial hub,” full of warehouses for Fortune 500 companies like Amazon and Macy’s. New recreation and retail spaces are currently being developed around I-10, but meanwhile, city highlights include the Phoenix Raceway, Estrella Mountain Regional Park and Old Town, which is full of locally owned businesses. “Avondale has a great small-town feel, even though you’re in a big metropolitan area,” Sims says.

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Looking over the Avondale Gateway neighborhood.
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Seamless access to 101 and i10, connecting you from Crystal Gardens.
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The entrance to Randall McDaniel Sports Complex in Avondale Gateway.
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Experience the adrenaline of racing at the renowned Phoenix Raceway.
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Lower home prices than Phoenix or Goodyear

The average home price in Avondale is $430,000, compared to $545,000 in Goodyear and $630,000 in Phoenix. “One of the biggest draws is getting a lower-priced home closer to Phoenix or Scottsdale, the major areas of employment,” Carlson says. Avondale’s homes were built during the late 20th century through today; most are new traditional Spanish-style with red clay-tiled roofs and tan stucco facades, but there are some minimal ranch-style as well. Single-family homes are typically set in planned neighborhoods with homeowners associations, like Garden Lakes, where neighbors share a park, walking paths and lakes with fishing and boat access. “Garden Lakes is probably the most popular area because there are lots of lakes there. It’s a huge deal,” Sims says. Attached garages and covered patios are typical in Avondale, but private pools or waterfront views are desirable features that can raise a home’s value.

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Spanish-style with red clay tiled roofs are common in Rancho Santa Fe.
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Avondale Gateway has ranch-style homes with gated yards.
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Immerse yourself in nature's beauty while fishing in the serene lakes of Garden Lakes.
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There are two scenic lakes at the heart of the Garden Lakes community.
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Parks with desert mountain views

There are nine neighborhood parks in Avondale, plus the surrounding desert mountain landscape. The 55-acre Friendship Park is popular for its splash pad and fishing pond, as well as sports like basketball and baseball. “That’s where all the kids’ sporting events happen. It’s bigger than the majority of parks by far—it’s huge,” Sims says. The 45-acre Festival Fields Park has a skate park, pickleball courts and an off-leash dog park, and Estrella Mountain Regional Park offers more than 30 miles of dirt-packed trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Set to open in 2025 next to the Avondale Library, the new Civic Center Park will include tree-shaded walking paths, a playing field and covered playgrounds.

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Immerse yourself in a culture of wellness and mindfulness in Coldwater Springs.
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Test your balance and other skills at Festival Fields Park’s pump track.
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A father takes his kid and dog to play at Festival Fields Park in Avondale.
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Pick up a new ride at The Trek Store of West Phoenix near Coldwater West.
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Preparing for the future at Avondale public schools

There are 10 school districts that serve Avondale, and Arizona offers open enrollment, so students can attend any school in the area, class size permitting. Agua Fria Union High School District serves about 9,500 students and earns an A-minus overall from Niche. The district offers several academic pathways that prepare high school students for in-demand careers, like app design, graphic design and construction. Students may also take dual-enrollment courses for college credit at Estrella Mountain Community College, located within the city.

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Rancho Santa Fe Elementary School in Avondale, received a B grade from Niche.
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Students in Coldwater Springs can attend options like Littleton Elementary.
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Agua Fria High School is a B-plus rated school in Avondale.
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Art takes center stage at the Performing Arts Center of Westview High School in Avondale.
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Year-round event schedule and NASCAR races

Avondale hosts a year-round schedule of community events. In February, the two-day Tres Rios Nature Festival at Estrella Mountain Regional Park invites locals to enjoy guided hikes, birding tours and other outdoorsy activities, like eco-crafts and rock climbing. May’s Avondale Fiesta in Old Town is another favorite that celebrates Mexican culture with fun traditions like live mariachi music, folklorico performances and lots of authentic cuisine, like carnitas and churros. There are also seasonal events, like the holiday tree lighting, an Easter egg hunt and July 4th’s Light Up the Sky festival. A few times a year, NASCAR comes to the Phoenix Raceway, drawing in fans from all over the Phoenix metro area.

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Relax and unwind in the shaded ramadas of Estrella Mountain Regional Park.
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Celebrating Old Town's cultural history with vibrant artwork at the Avondale Fiesta.
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Satisfy the cravings with authentic flavors at Rosendo's Taco in Old Town.
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Hunt for eggs at the Eggstravaganza at Donnie Hale Park in Avondale Gateway.
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Getting around from Avondale

Avondale is about 20 miles west of Phoenix via Interstate 10, a 20- to 40-minute drive during rush hour; local thoroughfares include Avondale Boulevard and 99th Avenue. “It’s very easy to get around. It’s only packed on NASCAR race days,” Sims says. Avondale is sidewalk-lined and bikeable, but generally, only the city’s commercial areas, like Old Town, are pedestrian-friendly; Valley Metro buses also stop in the city. The Abrazo West Campus Medical Center and Phoenix-Goodyear Airport are about 3 miles away in Goodyear, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is 22 miles away.

Small businesses and modern shopping centers

Old Town is popular for its pedestrian-friendly streets and mom-and-pop charm. The area’s lined with locally owned establishments, including Mexican eateries and coffee shops—some with hand-painted murals on their sides. Avondale EDGE, an economic development team, is working to expand the city’s commercial centers by partnering with small businesses and attracting new national chains. Most of Avondale’s commercial expansion has been in newer areas, like The BLVD, a mixed-use district with recreation, office space and plenty of retail and restaurants. Shopping plazas are often set around Interstate 10 and include grocery stores, big-box retailers and fast-food chains.

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Treat the taste buds to a culinary journey in Old Town's family owned restaurants.
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Discover Old Town's artistic wonders through captivating murals.
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The BLVD, a mixed-use district with recreation, office space, and retail in Avondale.
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Big box stores and restaurants including Costco are in Avondale Gateway.
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Extreme heat, decreased crime rates, and a risk of wildfires

According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, the number of violent- and property-related crimes reported in Avondale decreased roughly 25% between 2013 and 2023, from 3,600 to 2,700. Between 2018 and 2023, about 89% of these incidents were property-related, compared to 80% nationally. Residents may partner with the Avondale Police Department through neighborhood watch organizations (locally referred to as Block Watch) to help deter crime in their communities.

Extreme heat and wildfires are ongoing environmental concerns here. In the summer, temperatures regularly top 100 degrees, so air conditioning is a must, and private pools are sought-after additions. In mid-2024, there was a brush fire near Dysart Road and the Agua Fria River; no injuries or property damage were reported. There are six fire stations in the city, and locals may sign up for Avondale Alerts to receive emergency notifications.

Travis Rocha
Written By
Travis Rocha
John Williams
Photography Contributed By
John Williams
Luke Basinger
Video By
Luke Basinger

Neighborhood Map

Avondale Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$439,900
Median Sale Price
$419,990
Median Single Family Sale Price
$430,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$280,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
900
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-$1
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$226

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
295
Months of Supply
3.90

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Top Schools in Avondale, AZ

Source:

Best Public Elementary Schools

Litchfield Elementary School
#1 Litchfield Elementary School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Palm Valley Elementary School
#2 Palm Valley Elementary School
A-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Barbara B. Robey Elementary School
#3 Barbara B. Robey Elementary School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Estrella Mountain Elementary School
#4 Estrella Mountain Elementary School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Union Elementary School
#5 Union Elementary School
B-
Niche
Corte Sierra Elementary School
#6 Corte Sierra Elementary School
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Rancho Santa Fe Elementary School
#7 Rancho Santa Fe Elementary School
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Wigwam Creek Middle School
#8 Wigwam Creek Middle School
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Garden Lakes Elementary School
#9 Garden Lakes Elementary School
B
Niche
4
GreatSchools

Best Public Middle Schools

Litchfield Elementary School
#1 Litchfield Elementary School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Palm Valley Elementary School
#2 Palm Valley Elementary School
A-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Western Sky Middle School
#3 Western Sky Middle School
A-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Estrella Mountain Elementary School
#4 Estrella Mountain Elementary School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Wigwam Creek Middle School
#5 Wigwam Creek Middle School
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
L. Thomas Heck Middle School
#6 L. Thomas Heck Middle School
B+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Garden Lakes Elementary School
#7 Garden Lakes Elementary School
B
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Rainbow Valley Elementary School
#8 Rainbow Valley Elementary School
C
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Rio Vista Elementary School
#9 Rio Vista Elementary School
C+
Niche
5
GreatSchools

Best Public High Schools

Agua Fria High School
#1 Agua Fria High School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Estrella Foothills High School
#2 Estrella Foothills High School
B
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Desert Edge High School
#3 Desert Edge High School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Tolleson Union High School
#4 Tolleson Union High School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Westview High School
#5 Westview High School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Copper Canyon High School
#6 Copper Canyon High School
B-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
La Joya Community High School
#7 La Joya Community High School
B-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
West-Mec - Agua Fria High School
#8 West-Mec - Agua Fria High School
West-Mec West Point High School
#9 West-Mec West Point High School

Best Private Schools

St Thomas Aquinas Grade School
#1 St Thomas Aquinas Grade School
Trinity Lutheran School
#2 Trinity Lutheran School

Agents Specializing in this Area

Agent Spotlight

Neal Brown
(623) 294-8878
I Have been licensed as a Realtor in Arizona full time for 10 years this is accented by over 25 years of food service management and corporate training experience
( Making Service First!!!).I am a 25 year valley resident and have experienced first hand the Valleys bust to boom to bust Real Estate Market.Active in the community
and work with leaders in the Valley advocating for such projects as Surprise sports complex,Jobing.com arena and Westgate City Center.
I am certified as a Buyers representative as well as having represented many sellers in the short sale process giving me experience on both side of the short sale Transactions.
Also an Auction sale consultant for Hudson and Marshall,Redc and Certified HUD home Sales Agent.
My client list includes investors from many other states I assist them with winter homes,retirement homes,cash flow properties,rehab and resale properties,Trustee sales,
Auction purchases and simple relocation's.
I am confident I can assist you with your home purchase.Thank you for the opportunity.
See Full Agent Profile
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Top Neighborhoods in this City

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.