AI-assisted summary

Surprise, Arizona ranks as one of the best cities for first-time homebuyers in a WalletHub study.

Surprise ranked first for its real estate market, indicating increasing home values.

Gilbert and Chandler also ranked highly.

Those looking to buy their first home in metro Phoenix have access to one of the best cities in the country to do so, according to a WalletHub study.

Surprise came in as the fourth best city for first-time homebuyers out of 300 cities across the United States in WalletHub's 2025 ranking. WalletHub ranked cities by housing affordability, the strength of the real estate market and quality of life.

Although No. 4 overall, Surprise ranked No. 1 for its real estate market. A strong real estate market is good for first-time home buyers because it

See Full Page