Arizona is still one of the fastest-growing states in the country, and here in Greater Phoenix, the population is projected to grow from about 5 million to 6 million people over the next decade. That growth isn’t random. It’s being driven by a combination of steady job expansion, large-scale investment, and a shift in how people choose where they live.
The economic side is a big part of it. Arizona’s GDP recently grew around 4.5 percent, compared to the national average closer to 2.8 percent, and unemployment is holding around 3.5 percent. Major employers continue to expand here, with companies like TSMC, Intel, and LG Energy Solutions investing heavily in the region. At the same time, more of the people moving here are working-age, not just retirees, which matches what I’m seeing locally.
California is still the largest source of migration, but the decision-making process has changed. Most buyers I work with have already spent time here before making a move, whether visiting friends or testing different neighborhoods. By the time they buy, they’re usually very clear on what they want. A lot of it comes down to how their day-to-day life functions. “We didn’t have to stay where we were.” That shift toward flexibility, especially with remote and hybrid work, is playing a bigger role than it used to. People are choosing based on routine, not just location tied to an office.
And that’s where you start to see how Desert Ridge fits into the bigger picture. Growth here isn’t just about more homes. It’s about how the area is being built out around daily life. City North is a big part of that. It’s a multi-billion dollar mixed-use development already underway, bringing in residential units, office space, hotels, and retail within one connected environment.
Another project getting a lot of attention right now is the planned Blandford Homes community near Deer Valley Road and 40th Street, directly next to Fireside at Desert Ridge. The nearly 300-acre master planned development is expected to include single family homes and mixed-use space, and for many Fireside residents, it’s become one of the biggest local conversations. Developments like this can influence traffic, buyer demand, amenities, and long-term property values, which is why so many people in North Phoenix are watching it closely.
You’re already seeing that shift in how people use what’s here. Places like Trader Joe’s, High Street, and Desert Ridge Marketplace have become part of everyday routines, not just occasional stops. And with newer additions and incoming concepts like The Henry, Blanco Tacos & Tequila, Nadu, and Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse, the area continues to feel more self-contained.
On the housing side, the market has adjusted slightly with mortgage rates moving from around 5.99 percent to 6.7 percent, which has slowed some activity. Purchase applications have dipped, and new contracts are trending below last year, but overall conditions remain stable. The Cromford Market Index has held relatively steady, and pricing has stayed essentially flat year over year, with only modest increases in price per square foot.
So while there’s been a pause in momentum, the underlying growth hasn’t changed. What’s happening is a steady expansion, driven by jobs, infrastructure, and how people want to live day to day. And in areas like Desert Ridge, you’re seeing that play out in real time.
