Pathway to Purchase Arizona — eligible ZIP codes and qualifying cities in 2026
Pathway to Purchase is Arizona's most generous closing-cost assistance — but it only works in specific ZIP codes. Most buyers don't know it exists, and most lenders don't bother to check.
Cities + ZIP codes currently eligible
These ZIPs are designated based on HUD-defined low-to-moderate income census tract criteria. Not every block in these ZIPs qualifies — the program looks at the exact street address. Pre-screening via the program portal confirms eligibility instantly.
| City | Eligible ZIP codes |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | 85003, 85004, 85006, 85007, 85008, 85009, 85015, 85016, 85017, 85019, 85020, 85021, 85031, 85033, 85034, 85035, 85037, 85040, 85041, 85042, 85043 |
| Tucson | 85705, 85706, 85710, 85711, 85713, 85714, 85716, 85719, 85730 |
| Yuma | 85364, 85365, 85367 |
| Casa Grande | 85122, 85194 |
| Glendale | 85301, 85302, 85303 |
| Kingman | 86401 |
| Bullhead City | 86442 |
| Sierra Vista | 85635, 85650 |
Income and purchase price limits
Pathway to Purchase has income limits based on household size. 2026 figures cap roughly at 80% of area median income — for a household of four in Maricopa County, that's around $84,720. Above that, you're not eligible regardless of ZIP.
Purchase price limit follows HUD's Section 184 cap for the area — typically $470,000 in Maricopa, less in rural counties. Verify with the lender at pre-approval.
How to use this if your target home isn't in an eligible ZIP
- Check 1-2 ZIPs over from your target — sometimes neighboring zips qualify.
- Pair with a city-specific program (City of Tucson, City of Yuma) if Pathway doesn't fit.
- Consider Home in Five or Home Plus if you're not in an eligible Pathway zip.
- Some neighborhoods straddle ZIP boundaries — confirm via official ZIP lookup before assuming.
Common questions
How is Pathway to Purchase forgiven?
5-year forgivable second mortgage. 1/60th forgiven each month. Sell or refinance during the 5-year window and the unforgiven balance is due.
Does Pathway work with a VA loan?
Yes — Pathway is one of the few Arizona programs that explicitly pairs with VA. Especially valuable for veterans whose closing costs exceed seller concession limits.
What if my income is just over the limit?
Check if Home in Five Advantage or Home Plus has different income tiers that might fit. Pathway is strict at the AMI cap.
How fast does Pathway funding run out each year?
Typically depleted by August or September. Apply early in the calendar year if you can.
How Mike + Cornerstone help
I check ZIP eligibility for Pathway in real-time during pre-approval — most lenders skip this. If your address fits, we structure the offer around using Pathway from day one. If it doesn't, we pivot to whichever program does (Home Plus, Home in Five, Chenoa) without slowing down your timeline.
Talk to Mike first Get pre-approved
No pressure, no commitment. Free 20-minute consult. Mike will look at your scenario and tell you straight whether this works for you.