Many people are relocating for the opportunity to call the sunny state of Arizona “home.”
In fact, Maricopa County is the fastest-growing county in the United States. Apartments and condos under construction are a common sight around the state. Arizona residents are fielding texts from friends and family about the best places to live in the Grand Canyon state.
With so many choices, you may be wondering, “Where is the best place to live in Arizona?”.
It’s really a subjective question, which is why we asked Arizona residents about their opinions. Here are the ten best cities to live in Arizona according to these local experts and a few fast facts from WalkScore, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the FBI Crime Statistics.
Arcadia
If you are a small business enthusiast like me, Arcadia is the best place to live in Arizona! This up-and-coming part of Phoenix is the sweetest place for young, growing families. You can find a variety of gorgeous newly built houses, delicious local eateries, and great local boutiques as well. If you are looking to make a move, consider checking out some real estate in Arcadia.
Nikitha Lokareddy, Markitors
Arcadia Fast Facts
- Population: 41,102 residents
- Average Income: $102,192/year
- Walkability Score: 77
- Safety Grade: C+
- Unemployment Rate: N/A
North Scottsdale
North Scottsdale is one of the best places to live in Arizona. Whether you are raising children, establishing yourself as a young professional, or settling down as a retiree, North Scottsdale has a little something for everyone. Great dining, plenty of job opportunities, safe suburban areas, parks, some of the best schools in Arizona – there’s plenty of reasons to consider North Scottsdale for residence.
Carey Wilbur, Charter Capital
North Scottsdale Fast Facts
- Population: 123,245 residents
- Average Income: $84,601/year
- Walkability Score: 73
- Safety Grade: A-
- Unemployment Rate: 4.6%
Phoenix
I really like living in the Phoenix area. In the cooler winter months, there is plenty to do in the Valley. In the hot summer months, you are just a couple of hours away from driving to the relief of cooler temperatures. It’s the best of both worlds! Phoenix is a great place to call home.
Jon Schneider, Recruiterie
Phoenix Fast Facts
- Population: 4,511,000 residents
- Average Income: $46,881/year
- Walkability Score: 91
- Safety Grade: B
- Unemployment Rate: 6.5%
Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley, Arcadia, Phoenix, and Scottsdale are the best places to live in Arizona. In those cities, the best communities to live in are The Village at Silverleaf, The Village at Mountain Shadows, The Village at Seven Desert Mountain, Paradise Reserve, Cholla Heights, Ironwood Golf Villas, and Ascent at the Phoenician.
All seven communities have a 24/7 guard-gate. The Village at Mountain Shadows and Ascent at the Phoenician are great to live in because they have access to the resort amenities. The Village at Mountain Shadows has access to the Mountain Shadows Resort and Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort. Soon-to-be homeowners at Ascent at the Phoenician will have access to The Phoenician. The Village at Seven Desert Mountain has access to seven golf courses, clubhouses, hiking trails, and dining. Cholla Heights is located on the northeast slope of Camelback Mountain.
Arizona communities are great places to consider living because of easy access to top golf courses, dining, resort amenities, city and mountain views, clubhouses, and hiking trails.
Paul Colwell, Cullum Homes
Paradise Valley Fast Facts
- Population: 15,003 residents
- Average Income: $82,022/year
- Walkability Score: 49
- Safety Grade: B
- Unemployment Rate: 6.1%
Gilbert
Living in Gilbert brings the best of all worlds; big metropolitan city benefits with a small local community feel. Arizona is such a diverse state with lakes, mountains, and canyons that are just hours away while living in a mild dry desert climate!
Mark Christensen, People & Partnerships
Gilbert Fast Facts
- Population: 263,461 residents
- Average Income: $42,564/year
- Walkability Score: 55
- Safety Grade: B-
- Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
Tempe
I am so lucky to live in this community, which is full of vibrant businesses, many strong academic institutions (Forks Up!), great parks and recreation including the Western Canal Path, Tempe Town Lake, Kiwanis Park, and so much more. Most of all, I love that my neighbors care about one another, are friendly and compassionate, and regularly support their local community.
Nicole Spracale, Coaching and Consulting
Tempe Fast Facts
- Population: 151,531
- Average Income: $30,221/year
- Walkability Score: 53
- Safety Grade: C
- Unemployment Rate: 5.2%
Old Town
I love living in Old Town Scottsdale. We are conveniently close to Tempe, North Scottsdale, and Phoenix. Trees and landscaping are mature, and the culture is always diverse and lively. Our town is clean, and the parks are amazing! It’s been so fun having so many people enjoying our parks and bike paths during the quarantine.
Candace Cotton, HALO Branded Solutions
Old Town Fast Facts
- Population: 41,102 residents
- Average Income: $102,192/year
- Walkability Score: 70
- Safety Grade: C+
- Unemployment Rate: 4.6%
Flagstaff
In the Valley, Gilbert is the best place to live because I have two young kids with one on the way. It offers a plethora of professional opportunities in the tech industry, great places to dine and shop, and is ultimately a crime-free area. My son is autistic, so city safety is a huge priority. However, if our blended family could live wherever we wanted, we would definitely live in Flagstaff. This northern Arizona city offers everything similar to Gilbert, but with better weather! I definitely consider it the best place to live in Arizona.
Sarah Potter, Mother of Marketing
Flagstaff Fast Facts
- Population: 77,590 residents
- Average Income: $26,954/year
- Walkability Score: 38
- Safety Grade: C+
- Unemployment Rate: 8%
Tucson
Can we give Tucson some love? The Old Pueblo is a great place to live in Arizona. The Tucson community has strong pride and gathers around The University of Arizona, which is an energy that permeates throughout the city. There are almost a million people living in Tucson, but it has a small-town vibe with some of the best food gems and outdoor escapes. If you love art, a slow pace, and getting off the grid, then Tucson can be an appealing place to settle down and call home.
Brett Farmiloe, Best of HR
Tucson Fast Facts
- Population: 554,503 residents
- Average Income: $43,676/year
- Walkability Score: 87
- Safety Grade: C
- Unemployment Rate: 6.6%
The Open Road
Arizona offers so many opportunities to live a little with outdoor adventures. Whether that’s a week stay in Sedona or an exploratory trip to the Grand Canyon, there are plenty of places in Arizona to temporarily call “home.”
Randall Smalley, Cruise America
Settle into Arizona with BestCompaniesAZ
Whether you’re in search of a new job that will have you relocating to the sunny state or just need the ultimate guide to moving to AZ, BestCompaniesAZ has you covered. We can help you find the best companies to work for across a variety of fields, landing you the ideal position in the heart of Arizona. With our guide to the best place to live in Arizona, you’re bound to be ready for your next adventure!
Contact us today to learn more about the job search process or our tips and tricks for moving to The Grand Canyon state!
