Are you considering a move to the Grand Canyon State and wondering where are the best places to live in Arizona? Look no further. This comprehensive guide delves into the top-rated cities, considering various aspects such as quality of life, cost of living, outdoor activities, and the vibrant cultural scene.
We have mined the latest data, considering factors like crime rates, median income, unemployment rate, and quality of public schools. We aim to equip you with reliable, up-to-date information to help you make an informed decision. So, if you’re ready to move and put an offer on an Arizona home, check out properties in one of these fantastic cities.
Here Are the Best Places to Live in Arizona
We’ve compiled an extensive list of the best cities in Arizona, each unique in its charm and offerings. Whether you’re looking for a place with an abundance of outdoor activities, a city with excellent schools, or a place with a robust job market, there’s a perfect fit for you in Arizona.
Paradise Valley
Population: 14,000
Average Housing Price: $1.8M
Average Household Income: $211,393
Best For: Affluent families, retirees, and those seeking a luxury lifestyle
Paradise Valley, an affluent city between Phoenix and Scottsdale, offers residents a luxurious lifestyle, abundant outdoor activities, and excellent schools. It is best known for its golf courses and upscale shopping.
With Camelback Mountain providing a scenic backdrop, Paradise Valley is a haven for nature lovers, offering countless hiking trails and beautiful parks. The city also enjoys lower crime rates than the national average, offering a secure environment. For those considering the homes for sale in Paradise Valley, the market is primarily made up of single-family homes.
Paradise Valley is also known for its wellness-focused lifestyle. It hosts several luxury wellness resorts that offer yoga classes, spa treatments, and healthy dining options. This commitment to health and wellness extends to the local community, with many gyms and health clubs in the area.
Cave Creek
Population: 5,600
Average Housing Price: $550K
verage Household Income: $82,280
Best For: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs
Cave Creek, located north of Phoenix, offers a blend of Old West and New West. The town is known for its historic sites, arts scene, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking are popular activities, thanks to various paths set against the picturesque Sonoran Desert landscape.
Cave Creek also boasts a vibrant downtown with amazing restaurants, art galleries, and unique shopping experiences. The community’s public and charter schools are part of the highly-rated Cave Creek Unified District.
In addition to its rich historical and cultural offerings, Cave Creek also offers impressive eco-friendly initiatives. The town actively promotes recycling and sustainable water usage, and residents often participate in community clean-up events, reflecting the community’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty.
Phoenix
Population: 1.7 million
Average Housing Price: $335K
Average Household Income: $57,459
Best For: Young professionals, families, retirees
As Arizona’s capital and largest city, moving to Phoenix is a great plan. It provides an urban metropolis surrounded by stunning desert beauty. The city offers a dynamic blend of a prosperous tech industry and healthcare job market, cultural amenities, and various outdoor activities.
South Mountain Park, Papago Park, and Camelback Mountain offer hiking, mountain biking, and amazing city views. Downtown Phoenix has award-winning restaurants, first-class shopping, and a rich arts scene. The Phoenix real estate market is quite diverse, offering options ranging from affordable single-family homes to luxury properties.
Phoenix is also a leader in the sustainability sector, with programs to increase renewable energy use and reduce carbon emissions. The city’s commitment to green living can be seen in the large number of electric vehicle charging stations, farmers’ markets, and community gardens found throughout the city.
Peoria
Population: 175,000
Average Housing Price: $360K
verage Household Income: $75,323
Best For: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, retirees
Located in Maricopa County, Peoria is a fast-growing city known for its excellent schools, recreational activities, and quality of life. Its excellent school district and safe neighborhoods make it an excellent family choice.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the city’s beautiful parks and miles of hiking trails, while sports lovers can catch a game at the Peoria Sports Complex. The city also boasts a bustling downtown with various shopping and dining options. Real estate in Peoria is reasonably priced, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability.
Peoria also hosts various annual festivals and events that promote community engagement. These include the All-American Festival, Halloween Monster Bash, and Holiday Festival, which offer family-friendly fun and an opportunity for residents to connect.
Litchfield Park
Population: 6,500
Average Housing Price: $420K
Average Household Income: $84,112
Best For: Families, retirees
Litchfield Park is a small city in Maricopa County known for its excellent quality of life. The city offers beautiful landscapes, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community.
Outdoor lovers can enjoy its beautiful parks and recreational areas, while golf enthusiasts can spend their days at the city’s numerous beautiful golf courses. The housing market primarily comprises single-family homes, making it an attractive place for families.
Litchfield Park is home to the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, & Safari Park, which hosts over 600 species and is dedicated to the conservation of endangered animals. This reflects the city’s commitment to wildlife and the environment.
Prescott
Population: 43,000
Average Housing Price: $396K
Average Household Income: $55,734
Best For: Students, young professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, retirees
Prescott is a charming city known for its historic downtown, friendly community, and outdoor recreation opportunities. This college town is home to Prescott College and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has a vibrant downtown full of local shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Its location, surrounded by national forests, offers residents easy access to hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. The city’s housing market offers affordable options for renting and buying, making it an attractive option for students, young professionals, and retirees.
Prescott also has a rich cultural scene, with many art galleries, museums, and theaters showcasing local talent. The Prescott Center for the Arts, Elks Theatre, and numerous art festivals held throughout the year offer residents a diverse range of cultural experiences.
Scottsdale
Population: 258,000
Average Housing Price: $570K
Average Household Income: $84,601
Best For: Professionals, retirees, luxury seekers
Scottsdale, located in Maricopa County, is one of the state’s most prosperous cities, known for its upscale living, excellent schools, and vibrant arts scene. It offers various outdoor activities, from hiking in the beautiful McDowell Sonoran Preserve to golfing on its beautiful championship-level courses.
The city’s housing market is diverse, ranging from luxury homes in the affluent neighborhood of Paradise Valley to more affordable options closer to the city center.
Scottsdale is also a pioneer in environmental conservation, with its McDowell Sonoran Preserve being the largest urban preserve in the United States. The city has made considerable efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices among residents.
Chandler
Population: 261,000
Average Housing Price: $385K
Average Household Income: $80,130
Best For: Families, professionals
Chandler is a fast-growing city in Maricopa County, with a strong job market driven by tech industries and major employers like Intel and Wells Fargo. Known for its high quality of education, Chandler boasts excellent public and charter schools.
Further enhancing its appeal is the city’s focus on innovation and tech development, particularly within the Price Road Corridor—a thriving tech hub home to global giants and promising startups.
The city also offers various recreational activities, from cultural activities at the Chandler Center for the Arts to outdoor adventures at the Veterans Oasis Park. The Chandler real estate market is varied, offering options for all budget types.
Tempe
Population: 195,000
Average Housing Price: $345K
Average Household Income: $52,210
Best For: Students, young professionals, academic professionals
Tempe, home to one of the largest colleges in the U.S., Arizona State University, is a lively college town that offers a vibrant downtown area, a robust job market, and plenty of recreational opportunities. Residents can enjoy water activities at Tempe Town Lake, hiking on the trails at Papago Park, or catching a game at Sun Devil Stadium.
The Tempe real estate market caters to a diverse range of budgets and lifestyles, from affordable condos to turn into rentals for students to more upscale single-family homes.
Tempe’s commitment to education extends beyond ASU, with the city also hosting various educational programs and workshops in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for young learners. This commitment helps foster a community that values education and continuous learning.
Mesa
Population: 518,000
Average Housing Price: $310K
Average Household Income: $52,155
Best For: Professionals, families
Mesa, the third-largest city in Arizona, is a thriving metropolis with a rich history and a robust job market. Mesa offers many employment opportunities as a hub for the aerospace industry and numerous tech firms.
Besides its strong economic prospects, Mesa is an art lover’s paradise. It’s home to the Mesa Arts Center, the largest arts complex in Arizona, where residents can enjoy theater performances, art exhibits, and classes. The city’s historical attractions, such as the Mesa Historical Museum and the Arizona Museum of Natural History, add to its cultural richness.
People moving to Mesa will enjoy various recreational activities, including hiking and mountain biking in the nearby Superstition Mountains. The city’s housing market is diverse, with median home prices below the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
Glendale
Population: 252,000
Average Housing Price: $285K
Average Household Income: $51,162
Best For: Sports fans, families, retirees
Located just northwest of Phoenix, Glendale is a bustling city known for its sports attractions, including the State Farm Stadium, home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, and the Gila River Arena, home of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes.
Glendale is also a destination for antique enthusiasts, with its historic downtown known as “Antique Central,” hosting numerous shops offering unique collectibles. The Westgate Entertainment District provides a lively atmosphere for music and event lovers with various restaurants, shopping outlets, and live performances.
Besides sports, Glendale offers plenty of other entertainment options, including vibrant dining and shopping experiences in its walkable downtown area. The city has an affordable housing market with various options for families, professionals, and retirees. The neighborhoods in Glendale are also highly desirable and top-ranked in terms of location, amenities, and reviews.
Things To Consider About Moving to Arizona
When considering a move to Arizona, one should note its desert climate, which results in hot summers and mild winters. Moreover, Arizona’s fast-growing cities provide a vibrant lifestyle with unique cultural activities, stunning natural beauty, and various outdoor recreational opportunities. However, it’s crucial to research each city’s job market, cost of living, and public schools to ensure it aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals.
FAQs: Best Places to Live in Arizona
Here are some of the most common questions when considering moving to Arizona.
Where is the best place to live in Arizona?
The best place to live in Arizona depends on your lifestyle, job, and personal preferences. Gilbert and Chandler are popular choices for families due to their excellent schools and family-friendly amenities. For professionals, Phoenix and Scottsdale offer a vibrant downtown scene and robust job markets.
What is the most beautiful part of Arizona to live in?
Arizona is home to many areas of natural beauty. With its red rock formations, Sedona is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes.
The mountain towns of Flagstaff and Prescott also offer scenic beauty. Meanwhile, Oro Valley and Fountain Hills are lauded for their picturesque landscapes within city limits.
Which city in Arizona has the best weather?
While Arizona is known for its warm climate, the city with the most desirable weather is often considered Prescott, with its moderate temperatures, low humidity, and four seasons.
However, if you enjoy hot summers and mild winters, you might find the neighborhoods and suburbs of Tucson or Phoenix more to your liking.
Where do most rich people live in Arizona?
Paradise Valley is known for its concentration of wealthy individuals and luxury homes. It’s one of the most affluent towns in Arizona, featuring beautiful desert landscapes and high-end amenities. Other wealthy enclaves include North Scottsdale and the Catalina Foothills in Tucson.
Where do most people retire in Arizona?
Many people choose to retire in Arizona for its warm climate and affordable living costs. Popular retirement destinations include Sun City, one of the country’s first 55-plus active adult communities, and Green Valley, renowned for its golf courses and recreation centers.
Does it get hotter in Florida or Arizona?
While both states have hot climates, Arizona typically experiences higher temperatures, especially in the summer. However, Florida has high humidity levels, which can make the heat feel more intense.
What is the least hot city in Arizona?
Flagstaff is generally considered the least hot city in Arizona. Nestled in the mountains, it experiences cooler temperatures than the lower-elevation cities and even sees snowfall in the winter.
What is the healthiest town in Arizona?
While many Arizona towns promote a healthy lifestyle, Gilbert often ranks high in health due to its abundance of outdoor activities, bike-friendly roads, and access to healthcare services.
Additionally, its focus on healthy eating is evident in the variety of fresh produce markets and health-conscious restaurants.
Best Places to Live in Arizona Conclusion
In conclusion, Arizona’s best places to live offer a blend of vibrant city amenities, natural beauty, quality education, and robust job markets.
Whether you’re looking for an active outdoor lifestyle, a peaceful retirement community, or a city with a bustling downtown, Arizona has something for everyone.
To find your ideal home in Arizona, search for properties on eXp Realty. Already found that dream property? Contact a local eXp agent for personalized assistance in the homebuying process.
