For those who’re planning on shifting to Arizona, add these cities to your record.
House to pure wonders, sunny climate, and a quickly rising inhabitants, Arizona has all of it. The state can typically be break up into two sections: the cooler, mountainous area within the north; and the new, 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 the vast majority of the state’s inhabitants lives. Flagstaff is the principle northern hub, whereas Phoenix, Tucson, and their suburbs outline the south.
Arizona has seen great development lately. In reality, from 2023-2024, Arizona’s inhabitants elevated by 110,000. It’s anticipated to develop one other 25% by 2060. Phoenix is usually the popular vacation spot, often topping nationwide migration charts for homebuyers trying 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 reside in Arizona, rating them on qualities corresponding to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. You will discover 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 Lease Worth:
$1,431
Unemployment Price:
4.6%
Tucson tops our record as the perfect place to reside in Arizona. House to attractive climate, a world-renowned biking race, and surrounded by 4 mountain ranges with infinite vistas and climbing trails, Tucson is actually an out of doors haven. For instance, Saguaro Nationwide Park and Catalina State Park supply ample alternatives for climbing, tenting, and wildlife viewing. Close by, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum highlights the area’s distinctive historical past.
Tucson is situated at a better elevation than neighboring Phoenix. Thus, it’s about 5 levels cooler and sees almost 4 extra inches of rain. Most rain typically is available in bursts throughout the summer season monsoon season from July to September. Tucson is at its greatest throughout 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. The town additionally certifies eating places that meet particular standards, and many individuals go to Tucson simply to expertise the scrumptious meals.
If world-renowned out of doors 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 12 months spherical. The world’s financial system is highlighted by the UofA and the aerospace sector, with choices in healthcare and lots of different industries as nicely.
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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 Lease Worth:
$1,826
Unemployment Price:
4.2%
Tempe is available in because the second-best place to reside 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, procuring, occasions, and out of doors recreation. In style spots embody Hayden Butte Protect Park, which comprises rock artwork and desert flora, and the Tempe Market, which is house to over 1,000,000 sq. toes of out of doors procuring and eating. Close by, Tempe Seashore Park hosts out of doors festivals and different riverside actions.
Arizona State College has its most important campus in Tempe, house to the universities of liberal arts, sciences, design, artwork, innovation, and sustainability. Close by, Mill Avenue provides an eclectic mixture of eating places, outlets, and nightlife.
Much like most different Southern AZ cities, the perfect instances 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 Lease Worth:
$1,806
Unemployment Price:
3.3%
Mesa is the third-best place to reside in Arizona, in response to our methodology. Simply east of Tempe within the East Valley, Mesa is house 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 comprises the Mesa Grande temple mound, one in all two mounts constructed by the Hohokam peoples almost 1,000 years in the past.
A mix of suburban allure and desert surroundings, Mesa provides a mixture of single-family properties, trendy 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 comes, and gentle winters. Out of doors recreation is greatest within the cooler months, or throughout early morning in the summertime. Usery Mountain Regional Park is among the hottest out of doors hotspots amongst locals, as are the numerous 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 Lease Worth:
$1,962
Unemployment Price:
3.6%
The hub of the Southwest and capital of Arizona, Phoenix is fourth on our record of the perfect locations to reside in Arizona. Phoenix is chock-full of facilities, sights, and landmarks, together with almost 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 biggest zero-waste sporting occasion on the planet.
The most effective season in Phoenix is from November by way of early April, if 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 grew to become a magnet for coastal owners in search of a change of surroundings, boosting town’s inhabitants by over 200,000 to develop into the fifth-largest metropolis within the nation. Sunny climate and reasonably priced home costs proceed to be the largest attracts. Nevertheless, a long time of drought and growing warmth dangers are a rising concern. A brand new regular of utmost summer season warmth waves has just lately led some residents to contemplate shifting 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 Lease Worth:
$2,213
Unemployment Price:
5.0%
Flagstaff is the fifth metropolis on our record – 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 out of doors paradise. Flagstaff is sort of a bit costlier than most cities in Arizona, although, largely as a result of its easy accessibility to pristine out of doors recreation, cooler climate, and hip, energetic tradition.
The town lies on the tall Colorado Plateau, which extends all through the 4 corners space of the Southwest and comprises dozens of nationwide parks and monuments. The plateau is exceptional: rivers, extinct volcanoes, buttes, and canyons present coloration and memorable variety to the area. In reality, simply north of Flagstaff are the San Francisco Peaks, which comprises 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 many 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 nicely.
Seasonal recreation is a serious amenity in Flagstaff. Ski resorts, nordic ski trails, and sledding hills come alive throughout the winter, whereas festivals, markets, occasions, and extra dominate the summer season. Biking, climbing, path operating, strolling, or simply sitting and having fun with the attractive surroundings are all widespread 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 Lease Worth:
$2,882
Unemployment Price:
2.1%
Scottsdale is available in at quantity six on our record of the perfect locations to reside in Arizona. The town is known for its upscale residing, 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, residing in Scottsdale may be very costly. Housing and rental costs are almost double that of Phoenix, and the price of residing is 13% increased than the nationwide common.
Scottsdale is usually divided into 4 sections: South Scottsdale, Previous City, Central Scottsdale (Shea Hall), and North Scottsdale. All are set towards the backdrop of Camelback Mountain to the west and Chaparral Park to the east. One of many costlier neighborhoods is Silverleaf at DC Ranch, which is in North Scottsdale. The neighborhoods in South Scottsdale are typically extra reasonably priced.
With luxurious residing additionally comes an abundance of facilities. The Fifth Avenue Purchasing District is the central hub of town, whereas quite a few different malls, parks, and nation golf equipment convey individuals collectively. Additional to the east, The Butterfly Wonderland, OdySea Aquarium, and Paradise Earth all supply 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 Lease 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 record. Traditionally a cowboy city, Yuma is formally the sunniest metropolis on the planet and one of many hottest cities within the U.S., making it perfect for out of doors recreation, agriculture, and basking within the solar. This has turned Yuma right into a high spot amongst snowbirding owners. In reality, town’s inhabitants almost doubles throughout the winter months. A really reasonably priced price of residing can also be a giant plus.
There’s lots to do inside Yuma. Strolling by way of its historic downtown or exploring one in all three close by nationwide wildlife refuges are nice choices. Climbing, canoeing, and biking are additionally widespread.
Due to the area’s dry and sunny local weather and easy accessibility to the Colorado River, Yuma is good for year-round agriculture. Yuma is definitely the biggest producer of winter produce within the U.S., with lettuce topping the record. Greater than 1 billion kilos of produce is harvested each month.
Water shortage is among the major points the area faces. Yuma sees lower than 4 inches of rain per 12 months, and the Colorado River, which provides 36% of Arizona’s water, has been overallocated for many years. Consequently, 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 save lots of water with out decreasing crop yields.
Yuma properties 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 Lease Worth:
$2,266
Unemployment Price:
3.1%
If Phoenix feels too massive, 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 residing 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 house to 2 huge Intel campuses, in addition to different digital engineering companies.
For sports activities followers, residing in Chandler means you could have easy accessibility to Cactus League MLB Spring Coaching video games from February by way of March. It’s additionally handy to observe one in all {many professional} sports activities leagues in Phoenix for a enjoyable evening out.
The town butts up towards the Gila River Indian Reservation to the South and West, and primarily comprises master-planned communities and gridded streets. The Ocotillo is a very widespread and costly neighborhood constructed round an expensive 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 Lease Worth:
$2,373
Unemployment Price:
2.9%
Simply east of Chandler, Gilbert is the eighth metropolis on our record of the perfect locations to reside in Arizona. Gilbert’s most well-known attraction is its downtown, referred to as the Heritage District. The Heritage District is the guts of town and residential to full of life eating places, bars, and native outlets, like Culinary Dropout, Liberty Market, and Snooze. Gilbert can also be house 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 almost doubled since January 2020. Commuting into Phoenix may even take a little bit longer. Much like most areas within the Phoenix metro, neighborhoods are typically break up into remoted developments which are 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 Lease Worth:
$1,971
Unemployment Price:
3.7%
Glendale, AZ rounds out our record because the tenth-best place to reside in Arizona. Simply south of Peoria, Glendale is house to sunny climate and desert mountain views. Arizona State College has a campus in Glendale as nicely.
Glendale prides itself because the Vintage Capital of Arizona and has outlets and structure in its Historic Downtown to show it. Many shops occupy previous brick buildings, and the adjoining Catlin Court docket neighborhood options Nineteen Twenties and 30s bungalows. In whole, there are almost 70 vintage outlets and specialty shops unfold throughout ten blocks between the 2 neighborhoods. Drawn to Comics and The Astrology Retailer are widespread spots alongside widespread Glendale Avenue.
Glendale’s different highlights embody its parks, festivals, and nice delicacies. You may also catch springtime Cactus League baseball video games at Camelback Ranch and go to the State Farm Stadium to observe the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals throughout the fall and winter.
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Methodology
Redfin’s Finest Locations to Dwell rankings are supposed to assist house searchers make an knowledgeable determination when selecting the place to reside. To try to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes into consideration a number of key elements, together with entry to healthcare, open out of doors area, navigability, housing tendencies, employment statistics, earnings, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of 20,000 or higher have been thought-about for our Arizona record. Extra details about our methodology may be discovered right here.
Knowledge legitimate January 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.