Americans love Arizona! And why wouldn’t you? The state is also known as the Grand Canyon State. Arizona’s population reached 7.5 million, and it is expected to increase by another 1 million people by 2029. This will be mainly because the state has a great job market and an excellent education system.
Apart from the pleasant weather, the Grand Canyon State offers affordable living. The cost of living in the state is just 6% higher than the national average. Arizona is one of the few states that has recovered from its pandemic-inflicted job losses, regaining 105.1% of jobs. Let’s explore the best places to live in Arizona.
Best Places to Live in Arizona in 2024
Here’s our ranking of the top cities in Arizona to live in. We’ve considered the community well-being score, median home price, monthly expenses, and the population of the cities.
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Gilbert | 275,411 | $625,000 | $7,480 | 62/100 |
| 2. | Scottsdale | 243,050 | $900,000 | $7,514 | 62/100 |
| 3. | Flagstaff | 76,586 | $679,000 | $8,066 | 58/100 |
| 4. | Tucson | 547,239 | $325,000 | $6,405 | 57/100 |
| 5. | Chandler | 280,167 | $547,400 | $7,792 | 62/100 |
| 6. | Phoenix | 1,650,070 | $440,000 | $7,514 | 62/100 |
| 7. | Mesa | 511,648 | $450,000 | $7,514 | 62/100 |
| 8 | Tempe | 189,834 | $496,500 | $7,247 | 62/100 |
| 9 | Peoria | 198,750 | $520,000 | $7,239 | 62/100 |
| 10 | Prescott | 47,757 | $612,500 | $7,601 | 51/100 |
10 Best Places to Live in Arizona
Here’s our list of the top 10 cities that offer comfortable living options in the Grand Canyon State:
#1 Gilbert
Gilbert is one of the best places to live in AZ.
- Median Home Price: $625,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Gilbert: $115,179.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 62/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Gilbert, AZ: 85295 | 85298 | 85296
Gilbert, the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World,” has evolved from an agricultural town into a thriving suburb. The city has trendy restaurants, local boutiques, and the Hale Centre Theatre. Also, it is home to some of the most renowned schools in the town and over 30 of them have an A+ rating.
Moreover, Gilbert has a booming job market. Big corporations like Banner Health and GoDaddy Inc. are based here. The city’s economy has grown significantly over the years, particularly in health sciences, aerospace and defense, and manufacturing.
» Gilbert Homes for Sale: View properties in this best place to live in AZ.
#2 Scottsdale
Scottsdale is among the best cities to live in Arizona.
- Median Home Price: $900,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Scottsdale: $104,197.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 62/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Scottsdale, AZ: 85251 | 85255 | 85254
Scottsdale is famous for its luxurious lifestyle. It has top attractions, like the Scottsdale Fashion Square and TPC Scottsdale, a top golf course. Also, Scottsdale’s healthcare system is rated as one of the top 10 in the country.
Home prices in Scottsdale are 42% more expensive than the national average. However, the unemployment rate is just 2.7%. The city’s economy is powered by a mix of sectors, including tourism, healthcare, technology, and finance. Also, the Phoenix metro area is just a 22-minute drive from the city center.
» Scottsdale Homes for Sale: Find your home in The West’s Most Western Town.
#3 Flagstaff
Flagstaff is one of the good places to live in Arizona.
- Median Home Price: $679,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Flagstaff: $65,652.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 58/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Flagstaff, AZ: 86001 | 86004 | 86005
Flagstaff, the “City of Seven Wonders,” is famous for its natural beauty. It’s close to the Grand Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, and the San Francisco Peaks. The city is also a hub for astronomical research, thanks to the Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered.
Flagstaff’s job market is projected to grow by 36.30% in the next ten years. Also, It is home to Northern Arizona University, which provides jobs to students each year.
» Flagstaff Homes for Sale: Find your home in this beautiful city.
#4 Tucson
Tucson is one of the best areas to live in Arizona.
- Median Home Price: $325,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Tucson: $52,049.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 57/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Tucson, AZ: 85705 | 85743 | 85756
Tucson is famous for its myriad of museums, theaters, music concerts, and art fairs. The city is surrounded by five mountain ranges and is known for the iconic Saguaro National Park. Also, it is home to the University of Arizona, which drives the city’s education sector and is one of its largest employers.
Tucson is a hub for aerospace and defense, with companies like Raytheon and Bombardier contributing to the city’s growing job market. Also, events like an annual Gem and Mineral Show, attract visitors from around the world.
» Tucson Homes for Sale: Explore best neighborhoods in Tucson.
#5 Chandler
Chandler is one of the best places to live in Arizona.
- Median Home Price: $547,400.[2]
- Median Household Income in Chandler: $91,299.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 62/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Chandler, AZ: 85225 | 85249 | 85286
Chandler is a hub for the tech and advanced manufacturing sectors. The city is home to major employers like Wells Fargo, Microchip, and Intel. They are contributing to the city’s flourishing job market. Also, it has the prestigious Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
The city hosts the famous Ostrich Festival and has attractions like the Chandler Fashion Center and Tumbleweed Park. Moreover, Chandler offers a great transportation network. The city center is just a 20-minute drive from major hubs like Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
» Chandler Homes for Sale: View the best luxurious properties for sale in Chandler.
#6 Phoenix
Phoenix is one of the best places in Arizona to live.
- Median Home Price: $440,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Phoenix: $72,092.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 62/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Phoenix, AZ: 85032 | 85018 | 85016
Phoenix, known as the “Valley of the Sun,” is the fifth-largest city in the U.S. and one of the fastest-growing metro areas. The city’s cost of living is 3% less than the state average. Also, Phoenix is home to financial giants like JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and American Express.
Phoenix has an excellent neighborhood, it is located between cities like Texas, El Paso, and Los Angeles. Coupled with this, the city has more than 300 sunny days, the most of any other city in the country.
» Phoenix Homes for Sale: View the best properties in Phoenix online.
#7 Mesa
Mesa is one of the best cities to live in AZ.
- Median Home Price: $450,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Mesa: $73,766.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 62/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Mesa, AZ: 85212 | 85207 | 85209
Mesa is the third-most populous city in Arizona. It is located near Phoenix and other big cities. This gives easy access to transport networks, including Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.
The median home price in Mesa is 9% higher than the national average. Nevertheless, the city is home to some big corporations like Banner Health and Boeing Company. Mesa’s unemployment rate is 3.40%, which is decreasing at a decent pace.
» Mesa Homes for Sale: Find your dream home on Houzeo.
#8 Tempe
Tempe is one of the best cities in Arizona to live in.
- Median Home Price: $496,500.[2]
- Median Household Income in Tempe: $72,022.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 62/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Tempe, AZ: 85282 | 85281 | 85283
Tempe is a vibrant city located in the East Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Arizona State University is one of the largest public universities in the US is located here. Tempe’s cost of living is 9% higher than the national average.
Tempe also has a strong job market with a projected growth rate of 45.48%. Additionally, the city is close to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. It has excellent public transport, including the Valley Metro Rail.
» Tempe Homes for Sale: Discover luxury properties available in Tempe today.
#9 Peoria
Peoria is one of the best places to live in Arizona.
- Median Home Price: $520,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Peoria: $86,759.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 62/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Peoria, AZ: 85383 | 85345 | 85382
Peoria, located northwest of Phoenix, is known for its strong community and quality of life. The cost of utilities in the city is 2% lower than the national average. Moreover, Peoria has a thriving job market. Major employers include Huntington University and the Arizona Broadway Theatre.
Besides this, Peoria has top-rated schools, like Peoria Traditional School. Also, the city has various recreational outdoor sports like the Lake Pleasant Regional Park which offers boating, fishing, and hiking. All this makes the city as an ideal location for families.
» Peoria Homes for Sale: Find your ideal home in Peoria.
#10 Prescott
Prescott is one of the best towns in Arizona to live in.
- Median Home Price: $612,500.[2]
- Median Household Income in Prescott: $66,330.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 51/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Prescott, AZ: 86305 | 86301 | 86303
Known as “Everyone’s Hometown,” Prescott has a rich history and a welcoming community. The city offers a mild climate with cooler temperatures than the rest of Arizona.
Prescott’s economy is primarily driven by healthcare, education, and tourism. Major employers are Yavapai Regional Medical Center and Prescott Unified School. Downtown Prescott gives a historic vibe, with Whiskey Row and art galleries. Also, the city is surrounded by the Prescott National Forest.
» Prescott Homes for Sale: Find your perfect home in this charming city.
Best Places to Live in Arizona Based on Demographics
We have researched the best places for single families, young professionals, and retirees. The cities are ranked on parameters like education, employment opportunities, and healthcare facilities.
| Demographic | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| Single Families | Oro Valley | Paradise Valley | Gilbert |
| Young Professionals | Scottsdale | Phoenix | Chandler |
| Retirees | Paradise Valley | Sun City | Sedona |
Is Arizona the Right Place for Your Next Move?
Arizona is the best place to live in the US due to its thriving job market and great climate. Other things that contribute are its low crime rate and excellent city life. Moreover, the state is ranked 10th among the best economies in the country.
With the current low mortgage rate of 6.25%, there is an increase in home-buying demand in Arizona. So, to make your offer stand out from the competition, you must get a mortgage pre-approval.
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Research Methodology for Best Places to Live in Arizona
We considered different regions to rank the best places in Arizona. Comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Arizona and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Arizona Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Redfin[2]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[3]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[4]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[5]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[6]
Additionally, we have listed the best cities to live in Arizona for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, and retirees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arizona a good place to live?
Yes, the Grand Canyon State is a good place to live with pleasant weather and growing job market. Gilbert, Scottsdale, and Flagstaff are some of the good cities to live in.
What is the best city to live in Arizona?
Phoenix is the best city in Arizona, It is home to big financial giants like JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, American Express, and Bank of America.
What are the nicest parts of Arizona to live in?
The nicest parts of Arizona are north, south, and central regions. These include Chandler, Phoenix, Tucson, and more.
Where is the nicest but cheapest place to live in Arizona?
Tucson is one of the nicest and cheapest places to live in Arizona. This is due to its thriving job market and a low cost of living which is 3% below the state average.
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