Where to Live Now
Best Places To Live in Arizona
Best Places To Live in Arizona
Besides beautiful scenery and plentiful outdoor activities, Arizona also offers thriving industries and an affordable cost of living. Here are 10 cities to consider.
Arizona is a popular destination for families thanks to its diversity of employers, notable public school systems and low cost of living. But it also draws in a variety of entrepreneurs eager to make their mark, seniors who want to enjoy the warm climate and outdoor recreational opportunities and young minds ready to pursue higher education in a state that makes it easy to work, play and live all in one place.
Located in the southwestern region and home to about 7.4 million people, Arizona has a reputation for its incredible landscape. Living here gives you easy access to sweeping mountain ranges, the Sonoran Desert and the Grand Canyon. All manner of industries flourish here, such as health care, tourism, education and agriculture. Paired with the numerous amenities, the warm climate and relatively low cost of living, it’s easy to see why people are looking for the best places to live in Arizona.
In This Article
Buckeye
Why Buckeye is one of the best cities to live in Arizona
Buckeye, AZ, is one of the fastest growing communities in the country — and for good reason. Formerly known as Sidney before earning its new name in 1886 after the Buckeye Canal was finished, this small town has a reputation for being a top suburb of Phoenix and a beloved home to outdoor enthusiasts who want to take advantage of its multitude of recreational opportunities. From hiking and biking to horseback riding, the quality of life for families and adventurers is unparalleled in Buckeye.
If you want to spend as much time as possible outside, you will enjoy living here. Locals brag about the Sonoran Desert sunsets, the mountain trails and innumerable spots to go trail riding, golfing, swimming and backpacking. Skyline Regional Park is considered one of the greatest outdoor assets in Buckeye, covering about 8,700 acres at the southern edge of the White Tank Mountains. Coupled with the city’s quality education system, low crime rate and proximity to Phoenix, it’s easy to see why Buckeye is a best place to live in Arizona.
Compared to state and national averages, living in Buckeye is a touch more expensive. The latest numbers suggest you can expect to spend about 3 percent more on housing and necessities here. The Economic Policy Institute says a family of four needs an income of around $90,000 a year to live in Buckeye, which covers everything from housing and transportation to health care and basic necessities.
Chandler
Why is Chandler one of the best cities to live in Arizona?
Where do you even begin to narrow down the list of reasons why you should live in Chandler, AZ? This burgeoning Phoenix suburb is often praised for its remarkably good school system, renowned golf courses, affordable cost of living and myriad outdoor recreational opportunities for both families and sports enthusiasts. Tack on the fact that this beautiful desert town has near perfect weather and a record of more than 300 sunny days per year and you can’t help but want to live here.
With a population round 257,000 and an annual growth rate of around 1.42%, Chandler is a city on the rise. People are flocking to this gorgeous desert city for a multitude of reasons, among which are its proximity to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and convenient location near cities like Tempe and Mesa. The revitalized downtown offers a number of top-rated restaurants, local boutiques, child-friendly parks and annual festivals and events, which may have something to do with the city receiving the title of “All-America City” from the National Civic League.
Families interested in putting down roots here will be glad to know the Chandler Unified School District is known for its highly rated system. The latest numbers suggest around 57 percent of students are proficient in math and nearly 60 percent in reading. The student-to-teacher ratio clocks in at around 18 to one, and some of the top-ranked schools include Knox Gifted Academy, Bogle Junior High School and Hamilton High School.
Flagstaff
Why Flagstaff is one of the best places to live in Arizona
Nestled among the Ponderosa Pine forests and praised for its beautiful weather and multitude of outdoor recreational activities, is it any wonder people are eager to make their home in Flagstaff, AZ? This breathtaking mountain town not only boasts a scenic backdrop for you to enjoy a life rich in activities such as hiking, biking and fishing. It also offers quality schools, a welcoming community and a host of amenities that make it easy to live, work and play all in one place.
It’s hard to argue with the reality that many locals are here to make the most of the area’s natural beauty and recreation. Located about 7,000 feet above sea level and not far from the highest mountain range in the state, Flagstaff is ripe with opportunities to explore some of the most beautiful ranges and peaks in the region. Humphreys Peak, The Kachina Peaks Wilderness area and the Ponderosa Pine Forest are three of the many local gems that entice residents and tourists alike to leave behind the modern world and indulge in a little fresh air and sunshine.
If you’re concerned about being stuck inside during the winter, think again. Flagstaff has four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s. Because of its high elevation, you won’t have to deal with the intense desert heat that the southern cities experience. Fall brings cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage, while winter offers enough snow for skiing, sledding and snowshoeing.
Gilbert
Why is Gilbert one of the best places to live in Arizona?
Interested in moving to Gilbert, AZ? You aren’t the only one. More than 273,000 people call this vibrant community home. Backed by a strong economy, a growing job market and access to a multitude of recreational activities and nationally ranked schools, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand why Gilbert is considered a best place to live in Arizona.
If you enjoy the great outdoors, you’ll be pleased to know Gilbert has more than 300 days of sunshine each year. This makes it the perfect place to get outside and soak up the sun. Downtown is teeming with eclectic dining, a renowned Heritage District, and literally hundreds of annual events that draw in residents and tourists alike. Weekends are best spent savoring the city’s natural beauty at places like Greenfield Lakes Golf Course or Freestone Park. You can also take advantage of the city’s 135 miles of trails on foot, bicycle, or horseback.
If you want to enjoy nice weather year round, build a career in industries like clean technology or advanced manufacturing, or enroll your children in top-notch schools, you will probably like living in Gilbert, Arizona. The job market is booming thanks to the high concentration of innovative minds and new graduates, which has inspired more and more employers to establish operations within the city. Add on the variety of events, activities and leisure options readily available within and surrounding the city, and you can quickly begin to understand why Gilbert is a great place to live in Arizona — and one of the Top 25 Best Places To Live in the Southwest.
Mesa
Why Mesa is a best place to live in Arizona
Mesa, AZ, often ranks among the top places to live in the state, and we couldn’t agree more. Even though this city is considered a suburb of Phoenix, it offers residents a multitude of amenities that make it the perfect place to put down roots. A reasonably priced housing market and an abundance of jobs in industries such as aerospace and health care make it an appealing destination for young families and individuals hoping to build their careers. Retirees also find the city to be a great place to live because of the warm weather and opportunity for an active lifestyle. Whether you want to spend your days golfing, hiking or exploring the area’s natural beauty — it’s one of the few places in America where you can still see wild horses — you have plenty of chances to indulge in everything this majestic region of the country has to offer. Mesa is also home to several affordable 55+ communities and a variety of advanced and specialized health care facilities.
Whether you want to pursue higher education for yourself or want to enroll your children in a quality public school system, Mesa gives you options. The city is home to the largest school district in the state with traditional and non-traditional (Distance Learning Program) paths. Mesa Community College and Maricopa Community College District are among the list of higher education campuses, as well as Arizona State University’s Polytechnic Campus. If that’s not enough, you can also make the quick and easy 15 minute commute to ASU’s main campus in Tempe.
Phoenix
Why is Phoenix a best place to live in Arizona?
Known across the country as the state capital, Phoenix, AZ, has a reputation for warm weather and a strong local economy. But it also boasts a growing population, a variety of quality neighborhoods and a lively calendar of events with activities and festivals designed to inspire and delight residents of all ages and walks of life. Downtown boasts a multitude of sporting events, cultural gems and shopping districts, as well as enough dining opportunities to keep you satisfied for a lifetime.
Averaging around 300 days of sunshine per year, Phoenix is a great place to call home if you like being outside. Whether you want to spend your days soaking up the sun at a unique park or exploring a botanical garden, you can find ample opportunities both within the city and on its outskirts. Pleasant temperatures make it easy to get outside and the relatively affordable housing and cost of living make it an easy place to enjoy a full and rewarding life.
You’ll have no trouble finding a job in the Phoenix metro area. The area is said to have one of the best labor markets in the country, with job growth predictions that suggest there will be an additional 550,000 new jobs in the area between 2019 and 2029. The average salaries are more than 20 percent higher than the national average, which makes sense considering its top industries include aerospace, health care and financial services.
Scottsdale
Why Scottsdale is a great place to live in Arizona
Scottsdale, AZ, may be known as a hotspot for retirees (and winter vacations), but this rapidly growing city also appeals to young professionals and families with small children. It’s simple enough to understand why. The sweeping desert landscapes, steady job market and growing economy make it a reliable place to put down roots, build a career and raise a family. Combined with the storybook scenery of places like McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which stretches across more than 30,000 acres, and innumerable outdoor recreational activities like golfing, hiking, biking and horseback riding, locals are more than happy to call this place home.
Occasionally overlooked for the natural beauty and well-attended annual events, the art and culture scene in Scottsdale is not one to be missed. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is world-renowned, as is the Museum of the West. You can indulge in all manner of cuisine at the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, attend weekly art walks, enjoy Broadway performances and seek out the 10 phenomenal public art installations during walking tours of Old Town.
With all the leisure and recreational activities, you may think Scottsdale is lacking in the work department. But you might be pleasantly surprised. Despite its reputation as a retirement community, the city supports a strong economy and thriving job market that includes industries ranging from health care and finance to technology and education. Many well-known tech companies are based in the city and many entrepreneurs are inspired to launch businesses in this city that has it all.
Tempe
Why is Tempe a great place to live in Arizona?
An affordable housing market and proximity to Phoenix may be the initial draws of life in Tempe, AZ. But they certainly aren’t the last. A growing economy and employment opportunities in everything from finance and health care to technology and education means you can easily make a living in this charming college town. But Tempe also affords residents a multitude of opportunities to eat, drink and play without having to wander too far from home.
Free shuttle services and quality public transportation makes it easy to get around downtown Tempe. And trust us when we say you’re going to want to make time to explore the city. Tempe is home to several parks, including Tempe Beach Park, which is a local favorite for activities such as boating and fishing. The city is also home to all manner of arts and culture, including the collections and programs at Tempe History Museum, the theatrical performances at Tempe Center for the Arts and the many annual festivals like Tempe Festival of the Arts. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle, you can always hit up a few trails like South Mountain National Trail or Papago Park Butte Loop.
Tempe is home to Arizona State University, a public institution with a renowned research school. The university attracts around 75,000 students with its more than 350 programs, ranging from finance and psychology to biology and engineering. Because the school is also known for its Division I athletics programs, you can expect to find plenty of football, baseball, basketball, golf and soccer fans proudly wearing maroon and gold.
Tucson
Why Tucson is a great city to live in Arizona
Are you thinking about moving to Tucson, AZ? This scenic valley city is rich in Wild West history, natural beauty, outdoor recreation and all kinds of excellent cuisine. But there’s more to the city than tacos and desert sunsets. Tucson is considered one of the most affordable places to live in the state with cost of living averages coming in well below the national numbers. There are ample budget-friendly neighborhoods with high safety ratings and plenty of job opportunities in industries such as aerospace, tourism and manufacturing. A few of the top employers include Caterpillar Inc., Tucson Medical Center and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Because the market is thriving and the cost of living is low, you can expect to find residents of all ages and from all walks of life, from children all the way up to retirees.
Nestled amid some of the most dramatic and beautiful desert scenery in the country, Tucson is world-renowned for its lively Mexican-American culture, unbeatable cuisine, historic sites and vibrant arts and culture scene. Visitors from around the world flock to this city to get up close and personal with the desert landscape. Tourists are particularly keen on seeing the Saguaro cactus, a variety which is only found in the Sonoran Desert. Thanks to its proximity to Mexico, the city also draws in masses who are eager to take advantage of the food culture, which ranges from iconic Mexican fare to flavorful modern spins on traditional favorites.
Yuma
Why is Yuma a great city to live in Arizona?
Tucked in the southwest pocket of the country in the renowned Sonoran Desert, Yuma, AZ, is flanked by the Colorado River and the Mexican border. The city boasts a wide range of temperatures that regularly climb above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and a location below sea level. It was even dubbed the “Sunniest City on Earth” with an average of 4,000 hours of sunshine per year. While it may be warm, the lower humidity means you aren’t likely to break much of a sweat here — even if you’re taking advantage of the area’s popular outdoor activities like whitewater rafting and fishing.
Job opportunities continue to grow in this burgeoning area, especially in industries like agriculture and the renewable energy sector. Lettuce is a significant crop in the area, so much so that the city hosts an annual Lettuce Days celebration to honor this valuable local asset. Wind farming is another industry that continues to grow and expand with each passing year.
The cost of living in Yuma is about 11 percent lower than the national average, which means finding affordable housing is an easier task here than in many other cities around the country. Utilities and necessities are also significantly less than you might find in comparable cities. If you’re on a budget, Yuma is a worthwhile contender if you want to buy a home without breaking the bank. And you won’t ne living on beans and rice — Yuma is known for excellent Mexican cuisine, which helped land it a spot on The Most Romantic City In Every State.
Thinking About Moving to Arizona?
Trying to find the best places to live in Arizona can feel like a lot of work. But we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. We have all the information you need about moving to Arizona, as well as other best places to live in the Southwest. We’re ready to help you decide where to move and find other best places to live in the U.S.