Are you planning on moving to Goodyear AZ or want to know what it is like to be living in Goodyear AZ? Either way, you’ve set your sights on one of the fastest-growing cities in the entire country, and there’s a lot to love about that decision.
Tucked into the West Valley at the base of the Estrella and White Tank Mountains, Goodyear has transformed from a quiet farming town into a thriving suburban city of more than 128,000 residents and it’s still growing at more than 4% a year. Whether you’re relocating from out of state, moving from the East Valley, or buying your first home, here’s everything a newcomer needs to know about living in Goodyear AZ.
Read on and download our Goodyear Living Guide full of fun things to do in Goodyear AZ.
1. The Growth Is Real — and It’s a Good Thing
Goodyear’s population has grown more than 31% since the 2020 Census, when the city recorded just under 98,000 residents. Today it’s home to over 128,000 people and still climbing. But unlike some boomtowns, Goodyear is growing with intention. The city is actively investing in roads, parks, recreation centers, and infrastructure to keep pace with demand. For newcomers, that means you’re buying into a community that has a real plan for the future and not just rapid, unmanaged sprawl.
2. Downtown Goodyear Has Arrived: Meet GSQ
One of the most exciting developments in the city is GSQ (Goodyear Civic Square), a 150-acre mixed-use downtown district anchored by a new city hall, a two-story library, and a two-acre community park. Around that civic core, a growing collection of restaurants and retailers is opening such as Fogo de Chão, First Watch, CAVA, Black Rock Coffee, Trader Joe’s, and Nordstrom Rack on the way. For a city that not long ago required a drive across the Valley for a great night out, GSQ is a game-changer.
3. Yes, Arizona’s First Buc-ee’s Is Here
If you know, you know. Arizona’s very first Buc-ee’s — the legendary Texas-based travel center famous for its brisket, Beaver Nuggets, and award-winning bathrooms — opened in Goodyear in June 2026 near Interstate 10 and Bullard Avenue. It’s more than a gas station; it’s a destination, and its arrival is one more sign that Goodyear has officially become a West Valley hotspot.
4. The Outdoor Lifestyle Is Hard to Beat
Goodyear is an outdoor lover’s dream. The city offers more than 20,000 acres of outdoor space, 56 miles of trails, and over 300 days of sunshine a year. The crown jewel is Estrella Mountain Regional Park, a 20,000-acre natural playground offering hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, camping, bird watching, stargazing, and water activities. Add in the nearby White Tank Mountains and you’ve got more weekend adventures than you could fit into a year.
5. Sports Fans Will Feel Right at Home
Baseball fans, take note: Goodyear Ballpark is the spring training home of the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds. Every February and March, the city fills with that fun, community-centered spring training energy. And with State Farm Stadium (home of the Arizona Cardinals) and other major venues just a short drive away in neighboring Glendale, you’re never far from a big game or a concert.
6. Schools and Family Life
Goodyear is a popular choice for families, and for good reason. The city is served by several respected school districts, including the Avondale, Litchfield, and Liberty elementary districts and the Agua Fria Union and Buckeye Union high school districts, along with highly rated charter options like BASIS Goodyear. Top-performing schools such as Millennium High School draw families to the area, and the city’s ongoing investment in new schools (such as brand-new Goodyear High School) reflects its commitment to keeping up with its growing population.
7. Getting Around: Commutes and Connectivity
Goodyear sits about 17 to 19 miles west of downtown Phoenix, with easy access via Interstate 10 and Loop 303. Most commuters use these freeways to reach jobs in Phoenix, Glendale, and beyond, and while rush hour can get busy, many residents find it manageable — especially compared to some East Valley drives. Living closer to the freeway makes a big difference, and Goodyear’s western location is increasingly convenient as employers expand throughout the West Valley, including the booming semiconductor corridor along Loop 303.
8. Cost of Living and Housing
Goodyear offers a strong quality of life with a cost of living that, while slightly above the national average, remains more affordable than central Phoenix and much of the East Valley. The median household income sits above $103,000, and the median home price is around $475,000 which is a strong value when you factor in the newer construction, larger lots, and community amenities the city offers. New-construction communities in Goodyear typically include parks, community pools, trails, and recreational facilities, adding even more value for families moving to Goodyear AZ.
One thing every newcomer should budget for: summer energy costs. Arizona summers mean higher cooling bills, which is exactly why buying a newer, energy-efficient home can make such a meaningful difference to your monthly budget.
9. The Weather (Let’s Be Honest)
Goodyear enjoys a classic desert climate with mild, beautiful winters with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s, and hot summers that regularly climb past 100° and occasionally spike above 110°. If you love sunshine, you’ll be in heaven with more than 300 sunny days a year. The summer heat is real, but with a modern, energy-efficient home, a pool or community pool, and the Arizona tradition of early-morning and evening outdoor time, residents settle into a rhythm that works beautifully when living in Goodyear AZ.
10. New Homes Are Coming: Welcome to La Privada
If you’re moving to Goodyear and want a brand-new home, the timing couldn’t be better. Scott Communities is bringing La Privada to Goodyear in 2026 — a community of nearly 300 single-story homes near Yuma Road and 183rd Avenue. La Privada will feature twelve unique floor plans, three elevation styles per plan, and options including RV garages, up to 4-car garages, and Next Generation suites for multigenerational living. Homes are anticipated to start in the $400s, and every home will be ENERGY STAR® Certified, built specifically for comfortable, efficient Arizona living.
As a builder that’s been part of Arizona’s growth since 1994, we’re proud to bring everything we’ve learned to one of the state’s most dynamic cities.
Ready to Call Goodyear Home?
Goodyear offers the rare combination of small-town spirit and big-city opportunity — mountain views, a brand-new downtown, top outdoor recreation, growing schools, and a community that genuinely feels like home. And it’s only getting better.
Want to be among the first to know when La Privada floor plans, pricing, and lot availability are released? Join our V.I.P. list at ScottCommunities.com/communities/la-privada. You can also explore all of our communities across Peoria, Goodyear, and Casa Grande at ScottCommunities.com, or reach our team directly at hello@scottcommunities.com.
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