For decades, downtowns were the focal points of economic activity—but that’s changing fast. Across the country, and especially in metro areas like Phoenix, new employment hubs are emerging in suburban and secondary markets, redefining how and where people work, live, and invest.
This shift is driven by several powerful trends. Hybrid work has reduced the need for large, centralized office footprints, prompting companies to locate closer to where their employees live. At the same time, suburban areas have become magnets for both residents and employers thanks to lower costs, available land, and improved infrastructure. Cities like Chandler, Gilbert, Peoria, and Queen Creek are prime examples—each now home to thriving clusters of technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing employers.
For commercial developers, these new employment nodes create diverse opportunities. Office and flex developments are being designed to offer collaboration space with suburban convenience, often near new multifamily communities. Retail and restaurant operators benefit from increased daytime populations, while industrial developers gain access to growing labor pools and transportation networks that support logistics and production.
Infrastructure investment is also accelerating this trend. Expanded freeway corridors, fiber networks, and public transit enhancements are making it easier for employers to decentralize operations without sacrificing connectivity. In many cases, these suburban employment hubs are becoming self-sustaining communities—where residents can live, work, and play within a few miles of home.
The rise of suburban employment centers is not just a post-pandemic phenomenon—it’s a long-term structural shift in how growth occurs. As companies continue to seek flexibility, affordability, and access to talent, suburban markets will play a critical role in shaping the next generation of commercial real estate. For investors and developers, the edge lies in following—and fueling—this decentralized momentum.
PLAZA COMPANIES IS THE PREMIER CHOICE IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Plaza Companies is a full-service real estate firm specializing in the leasing, management, construction, and development of some of the most innovative medical office and commercial real estate projects in Arizona. Our firm specializes in staying connected and conscientious of all emerging trends in commercial real estate. Contact us today to learn more about leasing the right space or anything else we offer!