If you're looking for a new place to call home in 2024, consider Arizona. The Grand Canyon State has a lot to offer, from stunning natural scenery to vibrant cities and cultural diversity. Whether you're a nature lover, a foodie, a tech enthusiast, or a retiree, you'll find a place in Arizona that suits your lifestyle and budget.
But with so many options, how do you choose the best place to live in Arizona? Well, that depends on your personal preferences and priorities. To help you narrow down your search, we've compiled a list of the best places to live in Arizona in 2024, based on various criteria such as affordability, safety, amenities, and quality of life.
12 Best Places to Live in Arizona
1. Best for Innovation: Chandler
If you're looking for a place that combines suburban comfort with cutting-edge technology, Chandler might be the perfect choice for you. Chandler is home to some of the world's leading tech companies, such as Intel and Microchip Technology, making it a hub for innovation and employment opportunities.
Chandler also has a vibrant downtown area, where you can enjoy gourmet food trucks, art walks, festivals, and more. Families will love the excellent schools and parks in Chandler, while outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Veterans Oasis Park, a 113-acre wetland that offers hiking trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Chandler is one of the fastest-growing cities in Arizona, but it still maintains its Southwestern charm and hospitality.
2. Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts: Flagstaff
If you love nature and adventure, Flagstaff is the place for you. Flagstaff is surrounded by stunning landscapes, from the majestic San Francisco Peaks to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. You'll never run out of things to do in Flagstaff, whether it's hiking, biking, skiing, camping, or stargazing.
Flagstaff is also a cultural and educational center, with a lively downtown area that hosts art galleries, museums, breweries, and restaurants. Flagstaff is home to Northern Arizona University, which adds to the city's youthful and diverse vibe. Flagstaff is one of the safest and most affordable places to live in Arizona, making it ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank.
3. Best for Families: Gilbert
Gilbert is one of the best places to raise a family in Arizona, thanks to its low crime rate, high-quality schools, and family-friendly amenities. Gilbert has a suburban feel, with spacious homes and neighborhoods that offer plenty of green spaces and playgrounds. Gilbert also has a thriving economy, with many businesses and industries located in the city.
Gilbert is not far from Phoenix, so you can easily access the big city's attractions and services. Gilbert also has its own attractions, such as the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, where you can see various birds and animals; the Hale Centre Theatre, where you can watch live performances; and the Gilbert Farmers Market, where you can buy fresh produce and local goods.
4. Best for Sports and Entertainment: Glendale
Glendale is the place to be if you're a sports fan or an entertainment lover. Glendale is home to two major sports venues: the State Farm Stadium, where the NFL's Arizona Cardinals play; and the Gila River Arena, where the NHL's Arizona Coyotes play. You can also catch college football games, concerts, and other events at these stadiums.
Glendale also has a vibrant entertainment district, called Westgate, where you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife options. Glendale also hosts the annual Glendale Glitters festival, which features millions of lights and festive activities.
5. Best for Economic Growth: Mesa
Mesa is one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in Arizona, with a strong and diverse economy. Mesa is home to many industries, such as aerospace, health care, education, and tourism. Mesa also has a rich cultural and historical heritage, with attractions such as the Mesa Arts Center, the Arizona Museum of Natural History, and the Mesa Grande Cultural Park. Mesa also offers plenty of recreational opportunities, such as golf courses, parks, and trails. Mesa is close to Phoenix and Scottsdale, so you can enjoy the amenities of these cities as well.
6. Best for Safety and Community: Oro Valley
Oro Valley is one of the safest and most livable places in Arizona, with a low crime rate, a high median income, and a high quality of life. Oro Valley is located in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, offering scenic views and a pleasant climate. Oro Valley is known for its active and friendly community, with many events and activities for residents of all ages. Oro Valley also has excellent schools, health care facilities, and public services. Oro Valley is a great place for outdoor lovers, with many parks, trails, and golf courses.
7. Best for Luxury Living: Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley lives up to its name, offering a luxurious and exclusive lifestyle for its residents. Paradise Valley is one of the most affluent places in Arizona, with large and elegant homes, upscale resorts, spas, and restaurants. Paradise Valley is nestled between Camelback Mountain and Mummy Mountain, providing stunning views and privacy. Paradise Valley is also close to Scottsdale and Phoenix, so you can access the best of both worlds.
8. Best for Urban Living: Phoenix
Phoenix is the capital and largest city of Arizona, offering a dynamic and diverse urban living experience. Phoenix has something for everyone, from arts and culture to sports and entertainment. Phoenix has a thriving downtown area, where you can find museums, theaters, galleries, restaurants, bars, and more. Phoenix also has many neighborhoods that cater to different tastes and lifestyles. Phoenix is also surrounded by natural beauty, with mountains, deserts, and lakes nearby.
9. Best for Upscale Shopping and Dining: Scottsdale
Scottsdale is one of the most popular and prestigious places to live in Arizona, with a reputation for luxury and style. Scottsdale is known for its high-end shopping and dining options, such as the Scottsdale Fashion Square, the Kierland Commons, and the Old Town Scottsdale.
Scottsdale also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many clubs, lounges, and casinos. Scottsdale also offers a lot of outdoor recreation, such as golfing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Scottsdale also has a rich cultural and artistic heritage, with attractions such as the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, and the Taliesin West.
10. Best for Natural Beauty and Spirituality: Sedona
Sedona is widely regarded as one of Arizona's most breathtaking locales, with its stunning red rock formations and mystical energy. Sedona is a place where you can connect with nature and yourself, with many opportunities for hiking, biking, meditation, yoga, and wellness. Sedona also has a vibrant arts and crafts community, with many galleries, studios, and festivals. Sedona is a place where you can find peace and inspiration, as well as adventure and fun.
11. Best for College Life and Nightlife: Tempe
Tempe is the home of Arizona State University, one of the largest and most innovative universities in the country. Tempe is a place where you can enjoy the best of college life, with a diverse and lively student population, a wide range of academic programs, and many extracurricular activities. Tempe also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, restaurants, and music venues. Tempe also offers a lot of cultural and recreational attractions, such as the Tempe Town Lake, the Tempe Center for the Arts, and the Tempe Festival of the Arts.
12. Best for Arts and Culture: Tucson
Tucson is the second-largest city in Arizona, but it has a distinct charm and character that sets it apart from other places. Tucson is a place where you can experience the rich history and culture of Arizona, with attractions such as the Mission San Xavier del Bac, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and the Pima Air and Space Museum.
Tucson is also a place where you can enjoy the arts and creativity, with venues such as the Fox Tucson Theatre, the Tucson Museum of Art, and the Tucson Folk Festival. Tucson is also a place where you can embrace the outdoors, with activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and golfing.
These are some of the best places to live in Arizona in 2024, but there are many more to explore and discover. Arizona is a state that offers a variety of lifestyles and settings, from urban to rural, from desert to mountain, from modern to historic. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it in Arizona.
