Arizona isn’t often mentioned when it comes to the top places to live in America. This is due in large part to the elements. If you don’t find a hot and dry climate to be a problem, there are many things to love about the Grand Canyon State.
It is surrounded by beautiful mountains, lush palm trees, rivers, lakes, acres, and breathtaking sunsets. You will be surprised to learn that Arizona boasts one of the largest resort collections in one state.
This state is attractive for many reasons beyond its natural attraction. It has three of the top 10 high schools in the US, and offers employment opportunities.
We found these areas to be the 10 most desirable places to live in Arizona based on three factors: cost of living, public schools and job opportunities, as well as crime rate, and amenities.
Gilbert
Gilbert is a popular choice for those looking to live in a beautiful area with a low crime rate, high home values, median household income, and idyllic surroundings.
It is located in close proximity of Phoenix and one of the best areas in Arizona. The Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is home to ancient ruins. Fresh produce and farmland. Wineries. Golf courses. Arts bazaar. Wakeboarding is possible!
Although the cost of living is higher than in other areas of Arizona (Phoenix included), it’s easy to see why.
It’s generally well worth the effort.
Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a place you’ll find the most complete and interesting. It’s a land full of contrasts.
It retains a Wild West feel, and its motto The West’s Most Western Town is a great example of this. It is also modern and ranked eighth in the DataFox 2015 list of the best cities to start a startup.
It is home to one of the largest AAA Four Diamond hotels in America, as well as a number of golf courses.
Although the conurbation is often considered a retirement city, it is a great place to raise children. There are many amenities, a high quality education, low crime, and a high median household income.
Scottsdale’s weather is often described as mild in summer.
Chandler
Chandler is home to approximately 250,000 people. It is family-friendly yet cosmopolitan. It is home to an award-winning school district and a bustling downtown.
It is affordable and offers plenty of space for homebuyers.
Combine that with A-one amenities such as great security and outstanding restaurants, and it is easy to see why Chandler has been an integral part of many notable Top lists in the country over the past decade.
The Best Places to live. The Most Successful U.S. Cities. Best Cities for Young People. Best Cities for Fitness Walking. The Best Place in the U.S. to Start a Tech Startup. Chandler has it all
Tempe
You can see that Tempe is on the rise by quickly driving through it.
As they try to continue from the economic downturn, major construction projects are being undertaken throughout the town of 170,000. The result is an increase in earnings and a positive ripple effect for the local economy. This is the case with big tech companies.
This growth has helped Tempe be named one of the Top Cities To Live in the U.S. Google recognized Tempe’s high concentration in tech companies and named it its eCity in Arizona in 2014.
Tempe is a popular place for young professionals and college students. The suburbs of Tempe are full of single-family homes built in many architectural styles to draw homebuyers. It takes around 20 minutes to commute, which is a welcome surprise for both young school-goers and commuters.
There are many attractions in the city that will keep your family entertained on weekends.
Mesa
Mesa, a vibrant metropolis with 460,000 inhabitants, is home to a lot of people. This is the perfect place to go if you are looking for big city experiences, but not on the same scale as in Phoenix.
Mesa offers a wide range of home buying options, whether you’re looking for a single-family home with large lots or a modern townhouse that has on-site amenities. Its attractions are equally diverse, with everything from museums (the Arizona Museum of Natural History can be found here) to wild west towns, horseback riding, and golf.
Mesa’s safety ranking isn’t as high as those of its counterparts. However, that is a small blip on an otherwise excellent attraction rate. Top-quality public schools. Diversity – tops. The housing is good. Nightlife is thriving. Ideal place for families.
Glendale
Glendale, Arizona is an ideal place to call home if you’re looking for an affordable area to live. The cost of living and housing are the main factors. As of 2013, the median home value was $154,700. Rent averaged $950.
IT workers might find it easier to live in Scottsdale or Tempe. Tech jobs are scarce in these areas, except for a few that the large companies in town provide. However, if you are in the service sector (restaurants, bars, etc.), there is not enough to go around in this city of more than 230,000.
Glendale is a great place to be if you love football or hockey. It is also home to the Arizona Cardinals, and the Phoenix Coyotes.
This is also the location of the largest Arizona water park (Wet & Wild Phoenix); and the Luke Air Force Base, the largest fighter-pilot training facility on the planet – the Luke Air Force Base.
Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley, in Arizona’s most picturesque spot, is the place’s name. You will find natural beauty everywhere you turn in this peaceful suburb, from the Piestewa Peak Park to the west and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve to the south, to Echo Canyon Park to your south.
Paradise Valley, like Scottsdale, has a strong affinity for golf. There are even some courses that are championship-level. Despite all its beauty, it is hard to fault it.
The Valley of the Sun suburb features beautiful condos and single-family homes in a southwest style. These homes complement the area’s natural beauty and allow residents to have plenty of space.
Paradise Valley is not a place for small fry, as you might expect.
The average home is worth well over 1.2 million dollars. Additionally, the area ranks high in the bacon chain with every household earning an average $758,132. According to the Business Journal this easily propels the 14,000-strong area to the richest places in America.
Cave Creek
Cave Creek is the perfect place for you if you are looking for a small, close-knit community. This charming suburb of Phoenix has a population estimate of 5,122 based on the 2010 U.S. Census.
Although the median home value is just under half a million dollars ($465,500), it was calculated over roughly the same time period. The numbers clearly show Cave Creek’s expectations compared to the national average of $178,000.
Modern condos and single-family Southwest homes with stunning mountain views are available. You can enjoy a relaxed meal at one of the many art galleries or dine in comfort while enjoying delicious steak.
Golf enthusiasts will love Cave Creek’s courses. Frontier Town is the best place to shop because of its 1800s-inspired theme.
Children can have the best education possible in the country, oh!
Phoenix
The city itself. Phoenix is Arizona’s capital. This is because it is one of the few capital cities that can best portray the America of the past and the America of the future.
One, Phoenix is breathtakingly beautiful. There is also a vibrant pulse that makes it stand out from other cities. The city is rapidly growing and has a population of approximately 1.5 million. The city is full of people, including Hispanics as well as Asians, Blacks, and White Americans.
The capital’s median home value is $215,800. This is not too low or too high compared to smaller Arizona cities. It is reasonable to assume that the median home value for the state is $225,000.
The economy is strong, the city has a great college scene, and amenities are plentiful. And the nightlife is vibrant and well-run. Phoenix is still a very attractive city, even with the government revitalizing the downtown area.
Peoria
Peoria deserves to be included on our Arizona Best Places to Live list because it is well-organized. Then there’s more.
The public school system is highly-rated with 26 of 38 educational institutions being either Excelling or Highly Performing by the state. Peoria’s housing market is not too expensive. Sellers should not be worried.
This small, 164,000-strong city is located within easy reach of Phoenix. It is the ideal place for those looking for a balance between being able to travel to big cities for work and living in quiet suburbs.
The scenery is stunning, and many outdoor activities can be done with the family. The city takes great care to maintain its streets and gardens.
Peoria is the most popular place in Arizona for its overall appeal. This can be seen in how residents love talking about the town. You won’t find better places for the same price.
