Phoenix, Arizona marks the transition point separating outrageously cheap Texas and Gulf Coast gas from the equally outrageously expensive Southern California filling station fare. Rather than Phoenix gas prices remaining within one tight band situated between the Texas – California spectrum, Maricopa County prices fluctuate wildly, largely as a function of the neighboring real estate values pertaining to Arizona’s most exclusive communities.
Smart Valley of the Sun consumers must take heed and learn to play the angles.
According to the Tax Foundation, Arizona gas sales are privy to a 19-cent per gallon tax rate, which ranks as 40th Nationally. Despite this favorable tax treatment, Phoenix commuters are still slapped with the average $2.636 mark at the pump. This Phoenix estimate is very much so in line with the $2.642 June 29, 2009 U.S. Department of Energy National reading.
Certainly, the 1,000-mile distance to the Gulf of Mexico and the dearth of oil refineries within the state of Arizona effectively limits supply and pressures Phoenix gasoline prices. Regardless of today’s bust, the speculative real estate boom of yesteryear still looms large as an upward driver of commercial real estate costs, which have been passed onto the consumer at the pump.
This cheap gas guide proves that the most expensive destinations to purchase fuel within the Phoenix metropolitan area also overlap the very same developments that personified the U.S. credit boom, bust, and complete debacle.
Our directives begin by articulating the most costly areas to buy Phoenix gasoline, prior to closing with viable cheap gas solutions for Maricopa County. The use of the word “viable” suggests that high tailing across the desert in order to save gas money at Tucson would be pure foolishness.
Where NOT to Buy Gas in Phoenix, AZ
Do not buy gas in Scottsdale.
Scottsdale is arguably Maricopa’s most exclusive community. Scottsdale, population 231,127, is home to beautiful golf courses, tidy cul de sacs, and sweeping estates. Today, this suburb features an exorbitant median home price of roughly $350,000. Still, this $350,000 mark is down dramatically from the outrageous $630,000 housing figure that was recorded at the 2006 peak of the real estate boom.
Scottsdale, Arizona is synonymous with the real estate bust.
Regardless of the fallout, the tony suburb represents the most diverse mix of leisure, stately living quarters, and entertainment in the Southwest outside of Las Vegas. Scottsdale is often cited as one of America’s Best Places to Live and has even been awarded the New York Times “South Beach of the Desert” moniker.
Motorists will pay for said trendiness at the pump.
Scottsdale prices range from $2.75 to $2.85 and are the highest in Maricopa County. Chevron is peddling regular unleaded gas for $2.79 at the intersection of Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard and E. Via Linda, while Shell matches this $2.79 mark at 8225 N. Via Paseo Del Norte, off Hayden Road.
Scottsdale, particularly the Old Town and Shea Boulevard sections, is the Phoenix epicenter for expensive gas. The Scottsdale Airpark area, which is bounded by Loop 101, Thunderbird, and Scottsdale Road, does present a pocket of gas stations that are less expensive per Scottsdale standards.
Chevron is peddling gas for $2.69 at 6347 N. Greenway in Scottsdale.
Interestingly, the only Phoenix area service stations that match the upward trajectory of these Scottsdale prices are often isolated locations marking fresh developments into desert. These sprawling new home communities have degenerated into ghost towns and highlight the remnants of the aforementioned property bubble. Chevron is selling gas for $2.79 at the Carefree Highway and Interstate 17 junction.
This audacious price is posted up 20 miles north of downtown Phoenix, within close proximity to the boom time planned communities at Tramanto and Anthem.
Locals will recognize that gas should never be purchased at any complex that is a poster child for the Phoenix real estate credit sham and outright bust. Tourists should simply remember to avoid buying gas in Scottsdale, Arizona, altogether.
Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Phoenix, AZ
Gas is cheap in the West Valley sections of Phoenix. The West Valley represents Phoenix proper west of Central and the communities of Glendale, Telleson, Avondale, and Goodyear. These municipalities are the historical stepchildren of Maricopa County and have only begun to recently narrow the score. The 2006 completion of University of Phoenix Stadium at Glendale crystallized said happenings.
Still, gas prices cheapen at Central, and continue to fall heading further west of this divider.
ARCO service stations typically manage to undersell the neighboring competition by 10 to 20 cents per gallon on the West Coast.
ARCO does have a West Valley presence, beginning at Central Avenue and transitioning into the outskirts of Greater Phoenix via Indian School Road. These service stations are moving cheap gas for $2.51, $2.49, and $2.55 at Indian School Road and Central, I-17, and N. 75th Avenue, respectively.
QuickTrip also operates in the Maryvale section of Phoenix at Indian School Road and at 2151 N. 83rd Avenue, just off The 10 Freeway. QT is hawking cheap gas for $2.55 at both stores.
Phoenix’ West Valley between Loop 101, Indian School Road, and I-10, represents Maricopa County’s most viable solution for cheap gas. Of course, North and East Valley residents may balk at the proposed recommendation that carries motorists across town and past The Stack I-10 / 17 bottleneck.
Downtown commuters will stop and patronize the 1825 N. 24th Street ARCO filling station for $2.51 gas. This location sits adjacent to the confluence of State Route 51, Loop 202, and The 10.
Deeper into the East Valley, ARCO retails cheap gasoline at Mesa, Chandler, and Tempe, beneath the $2.50 price point. The Mesa ARCO at Country Club Drive and U.S. 60 / Superstition Freeway is one of the more convenient locations and is retailing regular fuel for $2.39 at the moment.
Happy Trails.
Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Phoenix, Arizona, Sources:
The City of Phoenix, http://phoenix.gov/
The City of Scottsdale, http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/site4.aspx
Phoenix Gas Prices, http://www.phoenixgasprices.com/
