
This analysis is powered by data from the Zillow Home Value Index, revealing Arizona’s most dramatically appreciating housing markets from 2016 through early 2025.
I’ve identified remarkable growth patterns across diverse communities, from border towns like San Luis to luxury enclaves like Paradise Valley, with some markets more than doubling in just nine years.
My findings suggest strategic opportunities remain plentiful for investors, while current homeowners in these 25 markets have experienced extraordinary equity growth that outpaces many traditional investment vehicles.
25. Show Low

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 116.12%
- 2025: $433,373
- 2024: $428,329
- 2023: $406,910
- 2022: $401,434
- 2021: $321,401
- 2020: $264,774
- 2019: $243,605
- 2018: $225,166
- 2017: $210,452
- 2016: $200,527
Your investment in Show Low would have outperformed major stock indices, delivering a remarkable 116% return in just nine years. This mountain community’s steady appreciation curve suggests fundamental demand rather than speculation, making it relatively resistant to market corrections. For sellers, this represents an ideal exit point after consistent gains, while buyers should expect growth to moderate as prices reach natural affordability limits for this recreational area.
24. San Tan Valley

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 116.13%
- 2025: $405,974
- 2024: $412,181
- 2023: $405,094
- 2022: $438,506
- 2021: $321,920
- 2020: $262,174
- 2019: $244,374
- 2018: $218,240
- 2017: $199,144
- 2016: $187,835
Your capital would have more than doubled in San Tan Valley, with appreciation averaging 12.9% annually since 2016. The recent price plateau and slight correction signal a market reaching equilibrium after explosive growth, presenting a strategic buying opportunity. The community’s proximity to Phoenix’s employment centers continues to drive demand, though investors should note the 2022-2025 cooling trend suggests the most dramatic growth phase has concluded.
23. Paradise Valley

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 116.22%
- 2025: $3,341,771
- 2024: $3,019,848
- 2023: $2,783,804
- 2022: $2,782,875
- 2021: $2,014,255
- 2020: $1,728,694
- 2019: $1,673,360
- 2018: $1,586,062
- 2017: $1,534,568
- 2016: $1,545,535
Paradise Valley’s luxury market has generated extraordinary wealth, with median properties adding nearly $1.8 million in value since 2016. This prestigious enclave shows remarkable resilience, with average annual returns of 12.9% outperforming even bullish stock market periods. The accelerating appreciation since 2021 suggests affluent buyer demand remains robust despite high interest rates, making this an exceptionally strong seller’s market with continued upside potential for long-term investors.
22. San Luis

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 118.83%
- 2025: $235,400
- 2024: $230,989
- 2023: $218,297
- 2022: $201,155
- 2021: $166,423
- 2020: $142,268
- 2019: $136,784
- 2018: $124,387
- 2017: $114,556
- 2016: $107,570
San Luis has transformed $100,000 invested in 2016 into nearly $219,000 today, with remarkably consistent year-over-year growth patterns. This border community’s appreciation accelerated significantly post-pandemic, suggesting structural economic improvements rather than cyclical trends. Investors benefit from both strong appreciation and comparatively low entry barriers, with current momentum indicating continued strong returns despite reaching price points that may pressure rental yield calculations.
21. Bellemont

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 119.02%
- 2025: $518,340
- 2024: $510,459
- 2023: $480,156
- 2022: $480,257
- 2021: $380,259
- 2020: $332,252
- 2019: $312,636
- 2018: $292,688
- 2017: $266,909
- 2016: $236,665
Bellemont’s property values have more than doubled, generating approximately $281,000 in new equity for homeowners since 2016. The strong growth trajectory suggests this mountain community near Flagstaff has fundamentally repositioned in the market, with limited housing supply continuing to drive appreciation. For investors, the post-2021 growth moderation indicates a maturing market where future returns will likely be driven by rental income rather than rapid appreciation, though values remain on a solid upward trajectory.
20. Forest Lakes

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 119.12%
- 2025: $562,894
- 2024: $550,389
- 2023: $515,816
- 2022: $512,605
- 2021: $385,636
- 2020: $325,309
- 2019: $298,491
- 2018: $277,936
- 2017: $267,248
- 2016: $256,889
Forest Lakes has delivered exceptional investment performance, with property values increasing by over $306,000 since 2016. The dramatic 33% surge between 2021-2022 signals this recreational community’s emergence as a premium second-home destination, with pandemic-driven demand for mountain retreats driving values. The consistent appreciation since 2022 suggests structural support for current pricing, though investors should note the slowing growth rate may indicate the market is approaching equilibrium.
19. Golden Valley

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 120.03%
- 2025: $247,062
- 2024: $247,410
- 2023: $240,470
- 2022: $243,024
- 2021: $199,221
- 2020: $167,232
- 2019: $147,227
- 2018: $132,312
- 2017: $118,433
- 2016: $112,287
Your investment in Golden Valley would have generated 120% returns, significantly outperforming traditional investment vehicles over this nine-year period. The most explosive growth occurred during 2020-2021, with the market stabilizing at new price points since 2022. For investors, the relatively low entry price combined with strong appreciation represents an ideal wealth-building scenario, while the recent price plateau suggests a strategic opportunity for buyers to enter before the next growth cycle.
18. San Manuel

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 120.29%
- 2025: $159,620
- 2024: $168,349
- 2023: $159,394
- 2022: $159,866
- 2021: $124,348
- 2020: $105,292
- 2019: $91,452
- 2018: $80,830
- 2017: $75,515
- 2016: $72,460
San Manuel demonstrates how affordable markets can deliver outsized returns, with properties more than doubling in value despite the modest price point. The recent price correction in 2024-2025 suggests a temporary adjustment rather than trend reversal, as fundamentals remain strong. For cash buyers, this mining community offers exceptional rental yield potential combined with strong appreciation history, though investors should note the recent volatility suggests approaching market maturity after years of consistent growth.
17. Paulden

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 120.82%
- 2025: $430,163
- 2024: $407,837
- 2023: $391,962
- 2022: $403,257
- 2021: $331,338
- 2020: $279,983
- 2019: $260,464
- 2018: $232,946
- 2017: $207,490
- 2016: $194,805
Paulden has delivered remarkable financial performance, generating approximately $235,000 in new equity for property owners since 2016. Recent acceleration in 2023-2025 suggests renewed market momentum after the slight correction in 2022, indicating strong fundamental demand. For investors, the consistent appreciation trajectory combined with 5.5% average annual growth over the past three years presents an ideal balance of growth and stability, with current pricing supporting continued upside potential.
16. Apache Junction

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 121.09%
- 2025: $381,810
- 2024: $385,192
- 2023: $365,631
- 2022: $382,873
- 2021: $292,514
- 2020: $244,693
- 2019: $227,971
- 2018: $203,743
- 2017: $186,127
- 2016: $172,697
Apache Junction’s property appreciation has created approximately $209,000 in new wealth for homeowners since 2016, delivering returns that would require significantly riskier investments in other asset classes. The recent price stabilization after the 2021-2022 surge represents a healthy market consolidation rather than weakness. For investors, the community’s proximity to Phoenix combined with still-affordable entry points creates an attractive value proposition, though the slight 2024-2025 correction suggests carefully evaluating current purchase prices.
15. Parks

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 121.4%
- 2025: $670,929
- 2024: $635,622
- 2023: $604,295
- 2022: $595,397
- 2021: $476,080
- 2020: $412,624
- 2019: $385,302
- 2018: $354,817
- 2017: $331,047
- 2016: $303,046
Parks has generated extraordinary wealth, with median properties appreciating by nearly $368,000 since 2016 – equivalent to earning $40,875 annually in passive appreciation. The accelerating growth trajectory since 2023 defies broader market trends, suggesting strong structural demand for this mountain community. For investors, the combination of high appreciation and strong vacation rental potential creates compelling total returns, while current sellers can capitalize on what appears to be peak market conditions.
14. Gadsden

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 122.56%
- 2025: $242,440
- 2024: $238,461
- 2023: $227,394
- 2022: $208,393
- 2021: $167,543
- 2020: $144,776
- 2019: $138,011
- 2018: $126,311
- 2017: $118,149
- 2016: $108,933
Gadsden exemplifies how border communities have become wealth-building engines, turning $100,000 invested in 2016 into $222,560 today. The market shows remarkable consistency with steady year-over-year gains and no significant corrections, suggesting fundamental demand factors. For investors, the combination of strong appreciation and relatively low entry costs creates an attractive yield profile, while the continued upward trajectory in 2024-2025 indicates ongoing momentum despite broader market headwinds.
13. Pine

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 124.0%
- 2025: $482,916
- 2024: $477,255
- 2023: $440,562
- 2022: $434,443
- 2021: $337,026
- 2020: $280,755
- 2019: $258,063
- 2018: $241,752
- 2017: $222,833
- 2016: $215,584
Pine’s property market has generated approximately $267,000 in wealth for homeowners since 2016, demonstrating how vacation destinations can deliver exceptional financial returns. The post-2021 growth curve shows remarkable resilience, with values continuing to climb despite interest rate pressures. The consistent appreciation reflects Pine’s limited housing supply and growing appeal as a mountain retreat, creating sustained seller advantage while suggesting buyers should expect continued appreciation albeit at a moderating pace.
12. Happy Jack

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 124.72%
- 2025: $513,619
- 2024: $507,553
- 2023: $456,081
- 2022: $457,276
- 2021: $345,911
- 2020: $291,715
- 2019: $270,722
- 2018: $251,166
- 2017: $238,244
- 2016: $228,560
Happy Jack has transformed $228,560 invested in 2016 real estate into $513,619 today, delivering returns that would require significantly higher risk in traditional investment vehicles. The remarkable 32% surge between 2021-2022 reflects pandemic-driven demand for mountain properties, with subsequent stability confirming new price levels. For investors, the strong short-term rental potential combined with proven appreciation creates compelling total returns, while limited housing supply suggests continued upward price pressure.
11. Williams

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 127.74%
- 2025: $436,890
- 2024: $423,387
- 2023: $402,273
- 2022: $400,400
- 2021: $317,580
- 2020: $273,663
- 2019: $252,786
- 2018: $232,853
- 2017: $213,673
- 2016: $191,833
Williams has generated extraordinary returns, with property values increasing by approximately $245,000 since 2016 – equivalent to earning over $27,000 annually through passive appreciation. The market’s strong performance through interest rate cycles demonstrates fundamental demand rather than speculative activity. For investors, Williams’ tourism economy creates both strong rental potential and consistent appreciation, while current buyers benefit from the recent acceleration that suggests continued upward momentum despite broader market uncertainties.
10. Munds Park

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 130.53%
- 2025: $606,056
- 2024: $593,927
- 2023: $565,632
- 2022: $566,631
- 2021: $419,621
- 2020: $345,243
- 2019: $323,765
- 2018: $298,311
- 2017: $280,413
- 2016: $262,897
Munds Park has delivered exceptional financial performance, generating over $343,000 in wealth for property owners – far outpacing returns available in traditional investment vehicles. The dramatic 35% surge between 2021-2022 reflects pandemic-driven demand for recreational properties, with subsequent stability confirming new market fundamentals. For investors, the combination of strong appreciation and premium vacation rental potential creates compelling total returns, while limited housing supply suggests continued seller advantage despite reaching price points that may pressure affordability.
9. Winslow

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 138.0%
- 2025: $203,094
- 2024: $200,420
- 2023: $191,958
- 2022: $183,404
- 2021: $158,303
- 2020: $133,778
- 2019: $123,646
- 2018: $109,290
- 2017: $88,246
- 2016: $85,334
Winslow demonstrates how affordable markets can deliver outsized returns, with $85,334 invested in 2016 now worth over $203,000. The market shows remarkable consistency, with steady year-over-year gains and no significant corrections throughout the period. For investors, the combination of low entry costs and strong appreciation creates an ideal wealth-building scenario, while the continued upward trajectory in 2023-2025 suggests ongoing momentum that makes this an attractive market for both buyers and holders.
8. El Mirage

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 141.68%
- 2025: $353,173
- 2024: $356,329
- 2023: $346,059
- 2022: $363,772
- 2021: $265,518
- 2020: $223,142
- 2019: $203,146
- 2018: $184,364
- 2017: $164,404
- 2016: $146,135
El Mirage has transformed $146,135 invested in 2016 into $353,173 today, delivering exceptional wealth creation that would require significantly higher risk in alternative investments. The recent price stabilization after the 2021-2022 surge represents healthy market consolidation rather than weakness. For investors, the combination of Phoenix metro proximity and relatively affordable entry points creates strong rental yield potential, though the 2022-2025 correction suggests carefully evaluating current purchase prices against peak valuations.
7. Tolleson

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 146.02%
- 2025: $401,093
- 2024: $404,739
- 2023: $378,426
- 2022: $391,114
- 2021: $297,295
- 2020: $248,424
- 2019: $226,203
- 2018: $204,676
- 2017: $184,519
- 2016: $163,032
Tolleson’s property market has generated approximately $238,000 in wealth for homeowners since 2016, delivering 16.2% compound annual growth that far outpaces inflation. The market shows remarkable resilience through economic cycles, with strong momentum resuming after the brief 2022-2023 correction. For investors, Tolleson’s proximity to Phoenix’s employment centers combined with relatively affordable entry points creates strong rental yield potential, while recent price stabilization suggests a mature market approaching equilibrium after years of explosive growth.
6. Youngtown

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 152.76%
- 2025: $307,054
- 2024: $310,907
- 2023: $296,638
- 2022: $304,333
- 2021: $229,027
- 2020: $195,767
- 2019: $175,796
- 2018: $157,358
- 2017: $140,191
- 2016: $121,482
Youngtown exemplifies extraordinary investment performance, turning $121,482 invested in 2016 into $307,054 today – a 152.8% return that would require significantly higher risk in traditional investment vehicles. The dramatic appreciation curve accelerated most notably during 2020-2022, reflecting fundamental market repositioning rather than speculative activity. For investors, the combination of strong appreciation and relatively low entry costs creates compelling rental yields, while recent price stabilization suggests a maturing market with sustainable valuations.
5. Superior

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 154.28%
- 2025: $193,594
- 2024: $201,496
- 2023: $184,521
- 2022: $196,404
- 2021: $163,216
- 2020: $126,103
- 2019: $113,194
- 2018: $95,128
- 2017: $81,504
- 2016: $76,134
Superior demonstrates how affordable markets can deliver exceptional returns, with $76,134 invested in 2016 growing to $193,594 today – a 154% gain that far outpaces traditional investment vehicles. The most explosive growth occurred during 2020-2022, suggesting a fundamental market repositioning. For investors, the combination of low entry costs and strong appreciation creates exceptional rental yield potential, though the recent price correction in 2024-2025 suggests the market may be finding new equilibrium after years of dramatic growth.
4. Coolidge

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 158.24%
- 2025: $282,749
- 2024: $292,748
- 2023: $290,479
- 2022: $292,932
- 2021: $210,623
- 2020: $175,214
- 2019: $160,655
- 2018: $134,320
- 2017: $115,113
- 2016: $109,492
Coolidge has delivered phenomenal investment returns, with $109,492 invested in 2016 growing to $282,749 today – a 158% return that far outperforms traditional wealth-building vehicles. The explosive 39% growth during 2020-2021 signals a fundamental market repositioning, with subsequent stability confirming new price levels. For investors, the slight correction in 2024-2025 may present a strategic entry point after years of dramatic appreciation, while the overall trajectory suggests strong fundamentals despite recent moderation.
3. Tonopah

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 159.9%
- 2025: $405,653
- 2024: $394,220
- 2023: $374,002
- 2022: $378,866
- 2021: $296,702
- 2020: $243,044
- 2019: $224,493
- 2018: $208,337
- 2017: $179,970
- 2016: $156,081
Tonopah has generated extraordinary financial returns, with property values increasing by nearly $250,000 since 2016 – equivalent to earning $27,500 annually through passive appreciation. The market shows remarkable consistency with steady gains and continued momentum through 2023-2025, defying broader market headwinds. For investors, Tonopah’s relatively low entry point combined with proven appreciation trajectory creates compelling total returns, while limited housing supply suggests continued seller advantage despite reaching price points that may pressure affordability calculations.
2. Eloy

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 159.9%
- 2025: $270,766
- 2024: $275,316
- 2023: $269,243
- 2022: $274,825
- 2021: $210,802
- 2020: $177,091
- 2019: $152,350
- 2018: $126,485
- 2017: $103,974
- 2016: $104,181
Eloy exemplifies exceptional investment performance, turning $104,181 invested in 2016 into $270,766 today – a remarkable 159.9% return that would require significantly higher risk profiles in traditional investment vehicles. The explosive 38.5% surge during 2020-2021 reflects fundamental market repositioning rather than speculative activity. For investors, the recent price stabilization suggests a maturing market finding equilibrium after years of dramatic growth, while the overall trajectory confirms Eloy’s emergence as a significant value play in Arizona’s diverse property landscape.
1. South Tucson

- % change from 2016 to 2025: 163.72%
- 2025: $216,074
- 2024: $215,911
- 2023: $210,203
- 2022: $198,024
- 2021: $164,088
- 2020: $141,066
- 2019: $122,620
- 2018: $108,236
- 2017: $101,302
- 2016: $81,934
South Tucson has delivered Arizona’s strongest property appreciation, turning $81,934 invested in 2016 into $216,074 today – an extraordinary 163.7% return that far outperforms traditional investment vehicles. The market shows remarkable consistency with steady year-over-year gains and no significant corrections throughout the period. For investors, the combination of low entry costs and proven appreciation trajectory creates exceptional rental yield potential, while the continued upward momentum through 2023-2025 suggests structural demand factors remain firmly in place.