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El Mirage

El Mirage

Located in Maricopa County

$354,733 Average Value
$219 Average Price per Sq Ft
78 Homes For Sale

Desert suburbs and retirement communities in the Phoenix metro area

Set about 25 miles northwest of Phoenix, the city of El Mirage has a comparatively small-town appeal, with lower-priced homes, a slower pace of life and less urban sprawl. However, El Mirage's roughly 35,000 residents still enjoy easy access to big-city conveniences around the Phoenix metro area. “El Mirage is often overlooked because it’s mostly residential, but the homes are really nice,” says Cindy Freitas, Realtor with West USA Realty, who’s lived in El Mirage for 13 years. Homes here are generally set in planned subdivisions, and the city’s popular with retired folks, offering a handful of 55-plus communities. “It’s great for retirement, but you don’t have to be retired,” says Josiah Miller, a Realtor with Josiah Miller Homes who’s lived in the area for 20 years.

Construction and manufacturing are major local industries, and many locals work at LogistiCenter at Copperwing, a business park with offices for companies like Microsoft, Tippmann Innovation and Cives Steel. Luke Air Force Base is 7 miles away, and residents may hear occasional air traffic. “That’s where they train pilots on the F35,” Miller says. “You’re probably going to hear jets flying over.”

El Mirage is a vibrant area that offers a great quality of life with plenty of amenities.
El Mirage is a vibrant area that offers a great quality of life with plenty of amenities.
El Mirage residents travel with ease along the bustling and scenic Highway 60.
El Mirage residents travel with ease along the bustling and scenic Highway 60.
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Home prices lower than neighboring cities

“People get more bang for their buck here,” Freitas says. “The same house in Surprise costs less in El Mirage.” The median home price in El Mirage is about $360,000, compared to $430,000 in Surprise and $450,000 in Phoenix. Most homes here were built during the late 20th century through today and are set in planned, sidewalk-lined subdivisions; new traditional Spanish-inspired homes with desert-colored stucco exteriors and clay-tiled roofs are typical. There are also several 55-plus neighborhoods in the city, including Pueblo El Mirage, a golf course community with one- to two-bedroom manufactured and ranch-style homes, as well as shared access to a fitness center, pool and other private amenities.

Experience the low-maintenance living and durability of Spanish homes in El Mirage.
Experience the low-maintenance living and durability of Spanish homes in El Mirage.
El Mirage offers the perfect balance of modern conveniences and natural beauty.
El Mirage offers the perfect balance of modern conveniences and natural beauty.
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Over a dozen local parks and shared spaces

Spread over more than 50 acres of public land, El Mirage offers about a dozen parks and shared spaces, including the El Mirage Community Garden where locals grow veggies and flowers. The 13-acre Gateway Park is the city’s largest park, and it’s a favorite for its playgrounds, playing fields, skate park and dog park. Next door at the Northwest Valley YMCA, locals can cool off in the pool on hot summer days. Golfers can hit the links at the nearby, semi-private, 18-hole Pueblo El Mirage Golf Course, and Pueblo El Mirage residents can enjoy the community’s clubhouse, pools and pickleball courts. For desert mountain views, Estrella Mountain Regional Park is about 20 miles away, with over 30 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails.

Discover endless fun for kids of all ages at Gateway Park's playground near El Mirage.
Discover endless fun for kids of all ages at Gateway Park's playground near El Mirage.
Gateway Park's natural beauty and amenities are a highlight of El Mirage.
Gateway Park's natural beauty and amenities are a highlight of El Mirage.
Welcoming visitors with a charming park sign at Estrella Mountain Regional Park near El Mirage.
Welcoming visitors with a charming park sign at Estrella Mountain Regional Park near El Mirage.
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Dysart Unified School District receives high marks from Niche

El Mirage is part of the Dysart Unified School District, which serves about 24,000 students and earns an overall B-plus from Niche. The district partners with Rio Salado College to offer dual-enrollment courses for high school students. At the B-rated Dysart High, students may also take career and technical education courses in fields like graphic design and marketing.

Dysart Middle School in El Mirage is an academic hub of the city.
Dysart Middle School in El Mirage is an academic hub of the city.
Dysart High in El Mirage is a top-rated institution that provides academic excellence.
Dysart High in El Mirage is a top-rated institution that provides academic excellence.
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Lots of authentic Mexican restaurants

The city doesn’t have a traditional downtown, but most of El Mirage’s shopping and dining scene is clustered in the city’s north end. Grocery stores here include Walmart and Food City, and there are a handful of fast-food eateries. Thunderbird Road is lined with locally owned restaurants, including La Bamba Mexican Grill—popular for its homemade tortillas and street tacos. “I would say that’s probably El Mirage’s strongest suit: a lot of Mexican restaurants—the authentic ones, not the chains,” Miller says. Nearby, Humberto’s is known for their rolled tacos, and Mariscos El Sinaloco specializes in authentic Sinaloa-style seafood. “You’re also close to lots of restaurants in surrounding areas, like Surprise, Rio Mirage Cafe, and Sun City,” Miller says.

Experience the warm and inviting ambiance of Rio Mirage Cafe near El Mirage.
Experience the warm and inviting ambiance of Rio Mirage Cafe near El Mirage.
Savor the bold and flavorful Mexican cuisine at Humberto's in El Mirage.
Savor the bold and flavorful Mexican cuisine at Humberto's in El Mirage.
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Local events with artisans and musicians

Community events are often held at Bill Gentry Park, found north along Thunderbird Road. The monthly Music in the Park concert series features a wide range of local artists and musical genres, from country to Japanese Taiko drumming. In April, the Spring Faire offers food, games and the Children's Entrepreneur Market, where kids show off their talents and sell their creations, like snacks and stickers. September’s Fiesta de la Gente is a celebration of the community’s Hispanic culture and includes traditions like live mariachi music and Lucha Libre wrestling. Other annual events include the Fall Harvest Festival in October and December’s Winterfest, which includes photo-ops with Santa and a parade.

Getting around from El Mirage

Locals can hop on Highway 60 for a 10-mile drive to Glendale or a 25-mile drive to Phoenix. “Less commuters live out here because it’s kind of a pain during rush hour, but there are people who do it every day,” Miller says. Most streets here are sidewalk-lined and bikeable, though only major thoroughfares, like Thunderbird Road, have dedicated bike lanes; Valley Metro buses also stop in the city and travel the Phoenix metro area. St. Joseph's Westgate Medical Center is about 8 miles away in Glendale, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about 30 miles away.

Crime and environmental factors

According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, El Mirage's rates of property crime decreased by about 50% between 2013 and 2023. Local rates of both property and violent crime are generally lower than those in Arizona and the nation.

Extreme heat and the risk of wildfires are ongoing environmental concerns here. Summer temperatures regularly top 100 degrees, and community pools are a popular way to beat the heat. There haven’t been any recent wildfires in El Mirage, but the El Mirage Fire Department responds to local emergencies.

Travis Rocha
Written By
Travis Rocha
John Williams
Photography Contributed By
John Williams
Peter Medawar
Video By
Peter Medawar

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Julie Calza, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
9,360
Number of Homes for Sale
78
Median Year Built
2001
Months of Supply
3.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,619
Below the national average
1,930
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Mar 21
    Open Sat 10AM - 2PM

    12823 W Ash St, El Mirage, AZ 85335

    $435,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,691 Sq Ft
    • 12823 W Ash St
    • New 11 days ago

    Don't miss out on this 2-story charmer that's ready to impress! It welcomes you with a 2-car garage and an RV gate. It offers a warm interior featuring tile and wood-look flooring throughout. Whip up your favorite dishes in a kitchen that shines with stainless steel appliances, granite counters, generous cabinetry, walk-in pantry, and a center island perfect for casual bites. Need extra space?

    Rodica Bartels Century 21 Northwest

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  • Saturday, Mar 21
    Open Sat 2PM - 4PM

    12721 W Greenway Rd Unit 114, El Mirage, AZ 85335

    $87,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,568 Sq Ft
    • 12721 W Greenway Rd
    • Unit 114

    Welcome to this charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom manufactured home built in 2000, offering comfort and convenience in a well-loved El Mirage community. The bright and open layout provides a welcoming space for everyday living, while the primary suite offers privacy with its own full bath. Step outside to enjoy nearby biking and walking paths along with a children's playground just moments away.

    Sunny Hwang eXp Realty

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  • Saturday, Mar 21
    Open Sat 10AM - 1PM

    12216 W Windrose Dr, El Mirage, AZ 85335

    $318,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,238 Sq Ft
    • 12216 W Windrose Dr
    • New 7 days ago

    Discover the charm of this inviting three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence nestled in the heart of El Mirage. Freshly painted interior and new kitchen lighting. This delightful home is an ideal starter home or a lucrative rental opportunity, perfectly positioned close to schools and offering convenient access to the city. Enjoy the perfect blend of comfort and accessibility in a community that's

    Richard Evans Fathom Realty

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

El Mirage Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
34,874
Median Age
31
Population Density
173 ppl/acre
Population under 18
31.9%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.6%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$69,610
Below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$77,558

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
78.5%
Below the national average
89%
College Graduates
14.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.7%
% Population in Labor Force
73.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
8''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
107°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Fairly friendly

Bike Score®®

50 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walk Score®®

20 / 100

Not friendly

Transit Score®®

0 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
El Mirage