Located in the southwest United States, Arizona is well-known for its weather and landscape. This state has a winning combination of a good economy and a low cost of living. Considering this and all other factors, Arizona is an excellent choice for people who desire refreshing scenery and an abundance of outdoor activities.
In this blog post, we will talk about the 9 best places to live in Arizona!
9 Best Places to Live in Arizona
#9 Paradise Valley
The first location we’ll go through in this video is unquestionably a paradise. With its serene and stunning splendor, Paradise Valley is one of the most scenic areas in the state of Arizona. From Piestewa Peak Park to Echo Canyon Park, this area offers a variety of attractions. Additionally, Paradise Valley is recognized for its golf courses and wealthy citizens. Furthermore, this place is home to stunning modern condos and single-family homes in the southwest style. Therefore, you can expect a relatively costly cost of living here. In fact, housing costs are 412 percent more expensive than the national average.
#8 Glendale
Quite the opposite of Paradise Valley, Glendale has a lower cost of living. Glendale has a cost of living that is 7% less than the national average and 3% less than the state average. Additionally, Zillow estimates the average property market price to be $359,560, and RENTCafe reports an average rental cost of $1,326 per month. If you are a fan of hockey or football, you will adore Glendale, as this is where the Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Coyotes call home.
Other benefits you can have living in this city include the high education ranks and the pleasing job market. The city’s largest employers are Tanger Outlets, Banner Health Systems, Arrowhead Mall, Walmart, Conair Corporation, and Glendale Community College.
#7 Mesa
Mesa is a vibrant metropolis with around 460,000 residents. It is an excellent location for anyone seeking a taste of the big metropolis. Visiting museums, parks, and gathering fruit are just a few of the best things to do here.
Mesa also offers a diverse range of housing alternatives, whether you’re searching for a spacious single-family home on a large lot or a modern condo with on-site amenities. Additionally, Mesa’s cost of living is 7% less than the national average. This, however, can vary depending on your career, the typical wage in your field, and the local real estate market.
#6 Tempe
Let us now travel to a place that is extremely popular amongst college students. Tempe is home to Arizona State University, which was named the most innovative university in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Apart from this, the city features many attractions that will appeal to both young professionals and families.
Due to the area’s accessibility to the Salt River, residents have access to a waterfront for outdoor activities such as biking, running, and kayaking. The cost of living in Tempe is 2% more than the national average. Furthermore, Zillow reports a median home price of $427,903 and we found on the RENTCafe website that the average rent for an apartment in this neighborhood is $1,750.
#5 Strawberry
Strawberry is an ideal location for nature enthusiasts. The Fossil Creek Road, Ponderosa Pines, Bearfoot Trailhead, and Tonto Natural Bridge are just a few of the best spots to see in this area. Though the town is small and certainly not perfect for individuals who require constant proximity to activities, it is one of the best places in Arizona to live if you prefer hiking and quiet.
#4 Scottsdale
Moving on, Scottsdale is an interesting place, to say the least. It is Arizona’s second-best suburb, and it is America’s number one retirement destination. The crime rate is low, the education is excellent, and the shopping is some of the best in the Phoenix area. Scottsdale is also ideal for nature lovers, as it boasts some of the best trails in the country. Taking all of this into account, this is the perfect city for families. However, Scottsdale’s housing costs are 44 percent higher than the national average.
#3 Chandler
Chandler has been attracting a growing number of residents, causing the Phoenix metropolitan area’s population to rise tremendously during the last two decades or so. The weather, education, and inexpensive cost of living are just a few of the reasons why people prefer this place.
Chandler’s summers are hot and dry, while the winters are crisp and clear. Meanwhile, local residents benefit from award-winning school districts. The median home value in this area is approximately $469,291, according to Zillow. Overall, Chandler, with a population of over 200,000, is regarded as one of the nicest suburbs in the state of Arizona.
#2 Phoenix
As Arizona’s capital city, Phoenix is culturally diversified and home to numerous ethnic groups. Phoenix is also breathtakingly gorgeous and has a vibrant pulse that is difficult to match in most places. The city is rapidly expanding and now has a population of approximately 1.8 million. Moreover, Phoenix has a strong job market. Their industry is based on manufacturing, business services, electronics, and tourism.
Zillow reports the capital’s median home value to be $376,684, which is neither too low nor too expensive in comparison to the state’s smaller cities. Given that the state’s median home worth is $383,799, we can say that Phoenix is one of the most affordable cities to live in Arizona.
#1 Gilbert
Taking the number one spot on our list, we have the city identified as one of the best places to live in Arizona numerous times. Gilbert has a low crime rate, excellent public schools, a high median household income, and affordable median rent. The town is located near Phoenix and is one of the regions in the state that showcases the best of Arizona. Moreover, Gilbert is home to some of the world’s most famous locations, including the Grand Canyon and ancient ruins.
Additionally, residents of this city enjoy approximately 300 days of sunshine per year. As a result, families can participate in a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking to golf. Considering all the benefits, the cost of living is 9% more than the national average. Moreover, we found on the Realtor website that home values in this city average $530,000.
