Top Investment Opportunity Near Phoenix

Let me say this upfront — I don’t get excited about investment properties in most of the Phoenix metro right now.

The numbers often don’t make sense.

But Casa Grande?

That one made me pause.

And here’s why.

THE CATALYST: LUCID MOTORS IS EXPANDING

Lucid Motors is expanding its Arizona operations in 2026, and approximately 1,900 new employees are expected to arrive by August.

Not entry-level hires.

We’re talking engineers and highly specialized professionals — many earning $200,000–$300,000+ per year — often on three-year contracts.

And here’s the key:

They’re not buying.

They’re renting.

And they’re used to a certain lifestyle.

THE PROBLEM: THERE AREN’T ENOUGH QUALITY RENTALS

Casa Grande has a serious shortage of clean, modern rental homes.

We know this firsthand because we handle Lucid relocations here in Arizona. The demand is already overwhelming, and the bulk of what’s available simply doesn’t match the expectations of high-income professionals.

These renters are looking for:

• Newer construction
• Clean finishes
• Low-maintenance homes
• Functional layouts
• Safe, quiet neighborhoods
• Proximity to work

Most of that? Hard to find.

Which is where the opportunity comes in.

THE OPPORTUNITY: RIGHT-SIZED NEW CONSTRUCTION

I started looking at this from an investor’s lens.

You don’t need a 3,000+ sq ft house here.

A 3-bedroom, 2-bath around 1,600 sq ft is the sweet spot.

There’s a brand-new community by KB Home offering homes just under 1,620 sq ft, priced around the high $200s to low $300s.

From an investment standpoint, this checks a lot of boxes:

• Brand-new = minimal maintenance
• Simple, durable finishes
• Functional floor plans
• Garage-to-kitchen access (great for everyday living)
• Manageable size for long-term rental

And here’s something important:

The lot sizes in Casa Grande are often larger than what you’ll get in Phoenix, which renters appreciate.

BACKYARD STRATEGY: DON’T CUT CORNERS

If you buy new construction, you’ll likely need to finish the backyard.

And please — don’t just throw down dirt.

That hurts both:

• Lease value
• Resale value

If you're positioning this as a rental for six-figure earners, install:

• Turf, OR
• Clean landscaping with real grass and irrigation

Presentation matters at this price point.

WHY THE NUMBERS WORK HERE (BUT NOT IN PHOENIX)

I rarely recommend investment properties in the Phoenix area right now.

The market is saturated with:

• Short-term rentals
• Flippers
• Overleveraged investors

But Casa Grande is different.

This is:

• Workforce-driven demand
• Long-term rental demand
• Industrial expansion demand

There are also major warehouse and logistics companies expanding in the area — not just Lucid — creating additional rental demand.

If you're a cash investor, cap rates here can be attractive.

If you're financing, you must run the numbers carefully. Non-owner-occupied rates are higher, and you want at least break-even or slight positive cash flow.

These are long-term hold properties.

This isn’t a flip strategy.

It’s a “let someone else pay off your mortgage over 20–30 years” strategy — potentially paired with 1031 exchanges down the road.

LET’S BE HONEST: CASA GRANDE ISN’T FOR EVERYONE

Now let’s talk owner-occupied buyers.

Casa Grande is:

• Small
• Quiet
• Historically agricultural
• Warehouse/industrial growth focused

Pros:

• Affordability
• Arizona weather
• Slower pace
• Basic conveniences

Cons:

• Limited shopping (no Costco, no Trader Joe’s, no Whole Foods)
• One hospital with rotating contract doctors
• Lower-rated schools
• Limited entertainment

If you want vibrant city energy, upscale shopping, or high-performing school districts — this probably isn’t your spot.

In fact, if you’re relocating for lifestyle, I often recommend looking at Maricopa over Casa Grande.

But if you’re an investor?

Different conversation.

WHY THIS WINDOW MATTERS

When I heard we were helping engineers earning $300K+ secure rentals in Casa Grande, my brain immediately went to:

“There’s an opportunity here.”

And there is.

Because supply is behind demand.

And when that happens — investors who move early win.

If you're:

• A cash investor looking for long-term rental holds
• Someone comfortable with a smaller town environment
• Interested in workforce-driven demand
• Thinking about strategic 1031 planning

Casa Grande deserves a serious look.

If you're relocating and wondering whether it’s right for your family — that’s a deeper conversation.

No hype. No sugarcoating.

Just strategy.

If you’re considering investing in Casa Grande — or anywhere in the greater Phoenix area — reach out. We’ll run the numbers together and make sure the math actually works.

That’s how you invest smart in Arizona.