There is much to see and explore in Arizona. From the vast rock formations and abundant wildlife of the state’s parks and preserves to the award-winning resorts, world-class dining and urban lifestyle of metro areas, Arizona is a one-of-a-kind place to call home for outdoor and city enthusiasts alike.
To help those who are considering moving to the Grand Canyon State, Redfin has listed the 10 Best Places to Live in Arizona, ranking each of the state’s metro areas with a population of 20,000 or more across several key factors, including access to healthcare, open outdoor space, navigability, housing trends, employment statistics, income and travel time to work.
Here are the 10 best places to live in Arizona, found across its northern, mountainous region and southern desert area.
1. Tucson
Tucson’s gorgeous weather and nearby mountains and attractions make it the best place to live in Arizona, according to Redfin’s rankings. Four mountain ranges surround the southern Arizona city, ideally located near Saguaro National Park and Catalina State Park, giving residents access to an abundance of outdoor recreational activities. Tucson is also home to the University of Arizona and a world-renowned cycling race, providing athletic enthusiasts with many games and events to enjoy. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Tucson also offers remarkable cuisine that honors Indigenous, Hispanic and immigrant food heritage. Tucson is also affordable, having the second lowest median sale price of $340,000, after Yuma.
2. Phoenix
As the hub of the Southwest and Arizona’s capital, Phoenix is the second best place to live in Arizona. Residents have access to a plethora of amenities, attractions and landmarks, including nearly 200 golf courses, 186 parks and 200 miles of trails. In addition to offering top outdoor recreation options, Phoenix is home to world-famous museums like the Heard Museum and Phoenix Art Museum, along with many sports events, including the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks home games and Cactus League Spring Training. Phoenix’s sunny weather and affordable housing continue to make it a popular destination for new residents.
3. Tempe
Tempe is Redfin’s thir- best place to live in Arizona. Primarily known for its parks, shopping, events and outdoor recreation, Tempe offers an array of entertainment and experiences for residents and is just a short drive from Phoenix. From the rock art and desert flora at Hayden Butte Preserve Park to the large selection of outdoor shopping and dining at Tempe Marketplace and outdoor festivals and riverside activities at Tempe Beach Park, there are many exciting opportunities for Tempe residents.
4. Mesa
Known for its unique culture, cuisines, history and arts, Mesa lands as the fourth-best place to live on Redfin’s list. The city is home to the popular Mesa Arts Center, which hosts a variety of exhibitions and attractions throughout the year, as well as the historic Mesa Grande Cultural Park, where residents can view history of the region’s Hohokam people. As a suburb of Phoenix, Mesa experiences hotter summers and mild winters, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor recreational activities during most times of the year.
5. Scottsdale
At No. 5 on Redfin’s Best Places to Live is Scottsdale, which makes a name for itself with luxury living, shopping and experiences. Scottsdale’s cost of living is nearly double that of Phoenix yet residents enjoy many upscale amenities, including The Fifth Avenue Shopping District, spas, resorts and high-end dining. Scottsdale is also known for its golf courses, most notably TPC Scottsdale, which hosts the WM Phoenix Open.
6. Flagstaff
Located in northern Arizona at an elevation of 7,000 feet, Flagstaff is No. 6 on Redfin’s Best Places to Live in Arizona. Flagstaff’s mountainous location provides a cooler climate with snowy winters and mild summers, which residents can take advantage of while enjoying the vast array of outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, climbing, cycling and more at the nearby Coconino National Forest and surrounding rivers, peaks and canyons. While ski resorts, nordic ski trails and sledding hills come alive during the winter, residents also enjoy festivals, markets, events and more in the summer.
7. Chandler
At No. 7 on Redfin’s Best Places to Live in Arizona is Chandler. Just 30 minutes southeast of downtown Phoenix, Chandler offers a great mix of urban amenities and laid-back living. The city has a strong agricultural and industrial history, which residents can explore at the Chandler Museum and the Arizona Railway Museum. Chandler is also home to two massive Intel campuses, as well as other electronic engineering firms, and provides sports fans with easy access to major games and events in Phoenix and surrounding cities. There are many master-planned communities in Chandler, including The Ocotillo, which is integrated into a luxurious golf club.
8. Gilbert
Gilbert lands as No. 8 on Redfin’s list of best places to live in Arizona. Located just east of Chandler, Gilbert is home to a lively downtown called the Heritage District, where residents can explore restaurants, bars and local shops, and features many outdoor parks, including Freestone District Park and the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. The cost of living in Gilbert is a little more expensive than that of Chandler and Mesa while the commute from Gilbert to Phoenix is also a little longer.
9. Yuma
Yuma lands at No. 9 on Redfin’s list of best places to live in Arizona. Located in the far southwest of Arizona, Yuma boasts a hot, sunny climate that attracts a lot of snowbird homeowners in the winter. The region’s dry and sunny climate and easy access to the Colorado River have made Yuma ideal for year-round agriculture. While water scarcity has become a primary issue in Yuma, the state government and local institutions are continuing to innovate water conservation efforts that support crop yields. As for recreational activities, Yuma residents enjoy hiking, canoeing, cycling and exploring the historic downtown, Old Yuma Territorial Prison and nearby national wildlife refuges.
10. Peoria
Peoria completes Redfin’s list of the 10 best places to live in Arizona. Located in northwest metro Phoenix, Peoria offers a suburban lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty, including the Bradshaw Mountains and nearby Lake Pleasant Regional Park. Residents enjoy local attractions, such as The Peoria Sports Complex and Challenger Space Center, as well as annual events like the Peoria Arts & Cultural Festival. Peoria is also home to 36 neighborhood parks and 60 miles of trails. Redfin notes that—like all cities in this region—Peoria is prone to droughts, extreme heat and flash flooding during monsoon season.
Read Redfin’s full report here.
