If you happen to’re planning on transferring to Arizona, add these cities to your checklist.
Dwelling to pure wonders, sunny climate, and a quickly rising inhabitants, Arizona has all of it. The state can typically be cut up into two sections: the cooler, mountainous area within the north; and the recent, dry desert area within the south.
Within the north lies the wondrous Grand Canyon, offering infinite panoramic views of mile-deep canyons. To the south lies the Sonoran Desert, a dry, cactus-filled panorama the place nearly all of the state’s inhabitants lives. Flagstaff is the principle northern hub, whereas Phoenix, Tucson, and their suburbs outline the south.
Arizona has seen super development lately. Actually, from 2023-2024, Arizona’s inhabitants elevated by 110,000. It’s anticipated to develop one other 25% by 2060. Phoenix is commonly the popular vacation spot, frequently topping nationwide migration charts for homebuyers seeking to relocate.
So, along with Phoenix, which different cities in The Grand Canyon State present probably the most bang for his or her buck? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the perfect locations to dwell in Arizona, rating them on qualities reminiscent of affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. You’ll find extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.
1. Tucson, AZ
Inhabitants:
547,239
Common Commute Time:
22.4 minutes
Per-Capita Revenue:
$24,468
Median Sale Worth:
$324,500
Median Hire Worth:
$1,431
Unemployment Price:
4.6%
Tucson tops our checklist as the perfect place to dwell in Arizona. Dwelling to attractive climate, a world-renowned biking race, and surrounded by 4 mountain ranges with infinite vistas and mountain climbing trails, Tucson is actually an outside haven. For instance, Saguaro Nationwide Park and Catalina State Park provide ample alternatives for mountain climbing, tenting, and wildlife viewing. Close by, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum highlights the area’s distinctive historical past.
Tucson is positioned at a better elevation than neighboring Phoenix. Thus, it’s about 5 levels cooler and sees practically 4 extra inches of rain. Most rain typically is available in bursts through the summer time monsoon season from July to September. Tucson is at its finest through the fall and spring, when sunny and gentle climate dominate the forecast.
Maybe most famously, Tucson is a UNESCO Metropolis of Gastronomy, giving credence to the area’s exceptional delicacies and dedication to Indigenous, Hispanic, and immigrant meals heritage. Town additionally certifies eating places that meet particular standards, and many individuals go to Tucson simply to expertise the scrumptious meals.
If world-renowned outside recreation and eating places aren’t sufficient, there’s much more that town has to supply. You’ll be able to catch athletic occasions on the College of Arizona and cheer on the Wildcats, or simply discover the huge campus and partake in a wide selection of actions yr spherical. The world’s economic system is highlighted by the UofA and the aerospace sector, with choices in healthcare and lots of different industries as effectively.
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2. Tempe, AZ
Inhabitants:
189,834
Common Commute Time:
21.3 minutes
Per-Capita Revenue:
$33,205
Median Sale Worth:
$480,000
Median Hire Worth:
$1,826
Unemployment Price:
4.2%
Tempe is available in because the second-best place to dwell in Arizona. This suburban metropolis is nestled between Scottsdale and Mesa simply east of Phoenix, with the Salt River meandering alongside town’s northern edge.
Tempe is understood for its parks, purchasing, occasions, and outside recreation. Standard spots embrace Hayden Butte Protect Park, which accommodates rock artwork and desert flora, and the Tempe Market, which is dwelling to over one million sq. toes of outside purchasing and eating. Close by, Tempe Seashore Park hosts outside festivals and different riverside actions.
Arizona State College has its most important campus in Tempe, dwelling to the universities of liberal arts, sciences, design, artwork, innovation, and sustainability. Close by, Mill Avenue presents an eclectic mixture of eating places, retailers, and nightlife.
Just like most different Southern AZ cities, the perfect occasions to expertise Tempe are from late fall to early spring, when the solar is out, temperatures are decrease, and rain is much less frequent. Summers may be dangerously sizzling, although, and local weather change is poised to make them even hotter.
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3. Mesa, AZ
Inhabitants:
511,648
Common Commute Time:
25.4 minutes
Per-Capita Revenue:
$30,903
Median Sale Worth:
$460,000
Median Hire Worth:
$1,806
Unemployment Price:
3.3%
Mesa is the third-best place to dwell in Arizona, based on our methodology. Simply east of Tempe within the East Valley, Mesa is dwelling to distinctive tradition, delicacies, historical past, and humanities. The favored Mesa Arts Middle hosts quite a lot of exhibitions and sights all year long. Alongside the Salt River, you’ll discover the historic Mesa Grande Cultural Park, which accommodates the Mesa Grande temple mound, considered one of two mounts constructed by the Hohokam peoples practically 1,000 years in the past.
A mix of suburban allure and desert surroundings, Mesa presents a mixture of single-family houses, fashionable residences, and gated communities, many with mountain views.
As one other Phoenix suburb, Mesa’s local weather is similar to surrounding cities, with sizzling and typically moist summers, attractive falls and is derived, and gentle winters. Out of doors recreation is finest within the cooler months, or throughout early morning in the summertime. Usery Mountain Regional Park is without doubt one of the hottest outside hotspots amongst locals, as are the various tennis courts, golf programs, tracks, and trails round all through town.
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4. Phoenix, AZ
Inhabitants:
1,650,070
Common Commute Time:
26.2 minutes
Per-Capita Revenue:
$31,427
Median Sale Worth:
$445,000
Median Hire Worth:
$1,962
Unemployment Price:
3.6%
The hub of the Southwest and capital of Arizona, Phoenix is fourth on our checklist of the perfect locations to dwell in Arizona. Phoenix is chock-full of facilities, sights, and landmarks, together with practically 200 golf programs (The Stadium Course is probably the most well-known), 186 parks, and 200 miles of trails.
Nearer to town middle, world well-known museums just like the Heard Museum and Phoenix Artwork Museum dot the gridded streets, whereas the Desert Botanical Backyard highlights the varied flora within the space. Sports activities followers can cheer on the Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), and catch the PGA Waste Administration Phoenix Open in close by Scottsdale, the most important zero-waste sporting occasion on this planet.
The perfect season in Phoenix is from November by means of early April, once you’ll see blue skies and temperatures typically beneath 85 levels. With a Stroll Rating of 41, you’ll doubtless want a automobile to get round Phoenix, however Valley Metro gives some gentle rail and bus choices.
Phoenix has exploded in reputation just lately. Beginning within the 2010s, Phoenix turned a magnet for coastal owners on the lookout for a change of surroundings, boosting town’s inhabitants by over 200,000 to grow to be the fifth-largest metropolis within the nation. Sunny climate and inexpensive home costs proceed to be the largest attracts. Nevertheless, many years of drought and growing warmth dangers are a rising concern. A brand new regular of utmost summer time warmth waves has just lately led some residents to contemplate transferring out.
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5. Flagstaff, AZ
Inhabitants:
76,586
Common Commute Time:
15.4 minutes
Per-Capita Revenue:
$26,969
Median Sale Worth:
$660,000
Median Hire Worth:
$2,213
Unemployment Price:
5.0%
Flagstaff is the fifth metropolis on our checklist – and the one metropolis not within the desert valley. Positioned in Northern Arizona at 7,000 toes, town is surrounded by the Coconino Nationwide Forest. And because it’s simply 80 miles southeast of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff is an outside paradise. Flagstaff is sort of a bit dearer than most cities in Arizona, although, largely as a consequence of its quick access to pristine outside recreation, cooler climate, and hip, lively tradition.
Town lies on the tall Colorado Plateau, which extends all through the 4 corners space of the Southwest and accommodates dozens of nationwide parks and monuments. The plateau is exceptional: rivers, extinct volcanoes, buttes, and canyons present shade and memorable range to the area. Actually, simply north of Flagstaff are the San Francisco Peaks, which accommodates the state’s highest level, Humphreys Peak (12,633’).
Flagstaff experiences all 4 seasons, with very snowy winters and heat and sunny summers. The local weather is dry, however like a lot of the state it sees monsoons from July to September. Flagstaff is way cooler than lowland areas of the state and has seen temperatures as little as -30°F, though excessive highs and lows are uncommon. Wildfires may be a difficulty in the summertime as effectively.
Seasonal recreation is a serious amenity in Flagstaff. Ski resorts, nordic ski trails, and sledding hills come alive through the winter, whereas festivals, markets, occasions, and extra dominate the summer time. Biking, climbing, path working, strolling, or simply sitting and having fun with the attractive surroundings are all standard when the solar is out.
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6. Scottsdale, AZ
Inhabitants:
244,394
Common Commute Time:
21.8 minutes
Per-Capita Revenue:
$64,992
Median Sale Worth:
$857,500
Median Hire Worth:
$2,882
Unemployment Price:
2.1%
Scottsdale is available in at quantity six on our checklist of the perfect locations to dwell in Arizona. Town is known for its upscale dwelling, luxurious spas, and golf programs, most notably TPC Scottsdale, which hosts the Phoenix Open. Though town has been touted for its top quality of life, dwelling in Scottsdale may be very costly. Housing and rental costs are practically double that of Phoenix, and the price of dwelling is 13% greater than the nationwide common.
Scottsdale is commonly divided into 4 sections: South Scottsdale, Previous City, Central Scottsdale (Shea Hall), and North Scottsdale. All are set in opposition to the backdrop of Camelback Mountain to the west and Chaparral Park to the east. One of many dearer neighborhoods is Silverleaf at DC Ranch, which is in North Scottsdale. The neighborhoods in South Scottsdale are typically extra inexpensive.
With luxurious dwelling additionally comes an abundance of facilities. The Fifth Avenue Buying District is the central hub of town, whereas quite a few different malls, parks, and nation golf equipment convey folks collectively. Additional to the east, The Butterfly Wonderland, OdySea Aquarium, and Paradise Earth all provide alternatives for everybody to expertise pristine pure magnificence.
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7. Yuma, AZ
Inhabitants:
100,858
Common Commute Time:
16.7 minutes
Per-Capita Revenue:
$26,679
Median Sale Worth:
$295,000
Median Hire Worth:
$1,595
Unemployment Price:
4.7%
Positioned within the far southwest of Arizona, within the coronary heart of the Sonoran Desert, Yuma is available in at quantity seven on our checklist. Traditionally a cowboy city, Yuma is formally the sunniest metropolis on this planet and one of many hottest cities within the U.S., making it preferrred for outside recreation, agriculture, and basking within the solar. This has turned Yuma right into a prime spot amongst snowbirding owners. Actually, town’s inhabitants practically doubles through the winter months. A really inexpensive price of dwelling can be a giant plus.
There’s loads to do inside Yuma. Strolling by means of its historic downtown or exploring considered one of three close by nationwide wildlife refuges are nice choices. Mountain climbing, canoeing, and biking are additionally standard.
Due to the area’s dry and sunny local weather and quick access to the Colorado River, Yuma is right for year-round agriculture. Yuma is definitely the most important producer of winter produce within the U.S., with lettuce topping the checklist. Greater than 1 billion kilos of produce is harvested each month.
Water shortage is without doubt one of the main points the area faces. Yuma sees lower than 4 inches of rain per yr, and the Colorado River, which provides 36% of Arizona’s water, has been overallocated for many years. In consequence, farmers in Yuma have made cuts to their irrigation use, and the state has supplied incentives to transition to extra environment friendly irrigation strategies. The state authorities and native establishments are persevering with to innovate to avoid wasting water with out decreasing crop yields.
Yuma houses on the market | Yuma homes for lease | Yuma residences for lease
8. Chandler, AZ
Inhabitants:
280,711
Common Commute Time:
24.9 minutes
Per-Capita Revenue:
$42,580
Median Sale Worth:
$549,500
Median Hire Worth:
$2,266
Unemployment Price:
3.1%
If Phoenix feels too huge, Chandler could also be an incredible choice. Simply half-hour southeast from downtown Phoenix, Chandler gives a pleasant mixture of city facilities and laid-back dwelling within the Valley of the Solar.
Chandler is understood for its agricultural and industrial historical past and celebrates it on the Chandler Museum and the Arizona Railway Museum. Extra just lately, town has forayed into the tech trade and is dwelling to 2 huge Intel campuses, in addition to different digital engineering corporations.
For sports activities followers, dwelling in Chandler means you might have quick access to Cactus League MLB Spring Coaching video games from February by means of March. It’s additionally handy to observe considered one of {many professional} sports activities leagues in Phoenix for a enjoyable evening out.
Town butts up in opposition to the Gila River Indian Reservation to the South and West, and primarily accommodates master-planned communities and gridded streets. The Ocotillo is a very standard and costly neighborhood constructed round an opulent golf membership.
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9. Gilbert, AZ
Inhabitants:
275,411
Common Commute Time:
27.1 minutes
Per-Capita Revenue:
$39,073
Median Sale Worth:
$555,000
Median Hire Worth:
$2,373
Unemployment Price:
2.9%
Simply east of Chandler, Gilbert is the eighth metropolis on our checklist of the perfect locations to dwell in Arizona. Gilbert’s most well-known attraction is its downtown, known as the Heritage District. The Heritage District is the center of town and residential to full of life eating places, bars, and native retailers, like Culinary Dropout, Liberty Market, and Snooze. Gilbert can be dwelling to many parks, together with Freestone District Park and the Riparian Protect at Water Ranch.
Gilbert is a bit more costly than close by Chandler and Mesa, and residential costs have practically doubled since January 2020. Commuting into Phoenix may also take slightly longer. Just like most areas within the Phoenix metro, neighborhoods are typically cut up into remoted developments which might be laid out on a city-wide grid.
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10. Glendale, AZ
Inhabitants:
253,855
Common Commute Time:
28.6 minutes
Per-Capita Revenue:
$26,395
Median Sale Worth:
$449,050
Median Hire Worth:
$1,971
Unemployment Price:
3.7%
Glendale, AZ rounds out our checklist because the tenth-best place to dwell in Arizona. Simply south of Peoria, Glendale is dwelling to sunny climate and desert mountain views. Arizona State College has a campus in Glendale as effectively.
Glendale prides itself because the Vintage Capital of Arizona and has retailers and structure in its Historic Downtown to show it. Many shops occupy outdated brick buildings, and the adjoining Catlin Courtroom neighborhood options Nineteen Twenties and 30s bungalows. In whole, there are practically 70 vintage retailers and specialty shops unfold throughout ten blocks between the 2 neighborhoods. Drawn to Comics and The Astrology Retailer are standard spots alongside standard Glendale Avenue.
Glendale’s different highlights embrace its parks, festivals, and nice delicacies. You can too catch springtime Cactus League baseball video games at Camelback Ranch and go to the State Farm Stadium to observe the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals through the fall and winter.
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Methodology
Redfin’s Greatest Locations to Reside rankings are supposed to assist dwelling searchers make an knowledgeable choice when selecting the place to dwell. To try to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes under consideration a number of key elements, together with entry to healthcare, open outside house, navigability, housing tendencies, employment statistics, revenue, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of 20,000 or better have been thought of for our Arizona checklist. Extra details about our methodology may be discovered right here.
Information legitimate January 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
