Should you’re planning on shifting to Arizona, add these cities to your record.
Dwelling to pure wonders, sunny climate, and a quickly rising inhabitants, Arizona has all of it. The state can usually 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 primary northern hub, whereas Phoenix, Tucson, and their suburbs outline the south.
Arizona has seen great progress in recent times. In actual fact, from 2023-2024, Arizona’s inhabitants increased by 110,000. It’s anticipated to develop another 25% by 2060. Phoenix is usually the most 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 essentially the most bang for his or her buck? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the most effective locations to stay in Arizona, rating them on qualities resembling affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. You could find 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 Value:
$324,500 |
Median Lease Value:
$1,431 |
Unemployment Price:
4.6% |
Tucson tops our record as the most effective place to stay in Arizona. Dwelling to beautiful climate, a world-renowned cycling race, and surrounded by four mountain ranges with infinite vistas and mountain climbing trails, Tucson is actually an out of doors haven. For instance, Saguaro Nationwide Park and Catalina State Park supply ample alternatives for mountain climbing, tenting, and wildlife viewing. Close by, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum highlights the area’s distinctive historical past.
Tucson is positioned at the next elevation than neighboring Phoenix. Thus, it’s about five degrees cooler and sees almost 4 extra inches of rain. Most rain usually is available in bursts through the summer season monsoon season from July to September. Tucson is at its finest through the fall and spring, when sunny and delicate climate dominate the forecast.
Maybe most famously, Tucson is a UNESCO City 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 the 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 large campus and partake in a big selection of actions 12 months spherical. The realm’s financial system is highlighted by the UofA and the aerospace sector, with choices in healthcare and lots of different industries as effectively.
Tucson houses on the market | Tucson houses for rent | Tucson apartments for rent
2. Tempe, AZ
| Inhabitants:
189,834 |
Common Commute Time:
21.3 minutes |
Per-Capita Revenue:
$33,205 |
| Median Sale Value:
$480,000 |
Median Lease Value:
$1,826 |
Unemployment Price:
4.2% |
Tempe is available in because the second-best place to stay in Arizona. This suburban metropolis is nestled between Scottsdale and Mesa simply east of Phoenix, with the Salt River meandering alongside the town’s northern edge.
Tempe is understood for its parks, purchasing, occasions, and out of doors recreation. Common spots embody Hayden Butte Protect Park, which incorporates rock artwork and desert flora, and the Tempe Market, which is residence to over one million sq. ft of out of doors purchasing and eating. Close by, Tempe Seashore Park hosts out of doors festivals and different riverside actions.
Arizona State College has its main campus in Tempe, residence 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.
Just like most different Southern AZ cities, the most effective 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 could be dangerously scorching, although, and climate change is poised to make them even hotter.
Tempe houses on the market | Tempe houses for rent | Tempe apartments for rent
3. Mesa, AZ
| Inhabitants:
511,648 |
Common Commute Time:
25.4 minutes |
Per-Capita Revenue:
$30,903 |
| Median Sale Value:
$460,000 |
Median Lease Value:
$1,806 |
Unemployment Price:
3.3% |
Mesa is the third-best place to stay in Arizona, in accordance with our methodology. Simply east of Tempe within the East Valley, Mesa is residence to distinctive tradition, delicacies, historical past, and humanities. The favored Mesa Arts Heart hosts a wide range of exhibitions and sights all year long. Alongside the Salt River, you’ll discover the historic Mesa Grande Cultural Park, which incorporates the Mesa Grande temple mound, certainly one of 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 houses, trendy flats, and gated communities, many with mountain views.
As one other Phoenix suburb, Mesa’s local weather is similar to surrounding cities, with scorching and generally moist summers, beautiful falls and comes, and delicate winters. Outside recreation is finest within the cooler months, or throughout early morning in the summertime. Usery Mountain Regional Park is likely one of the hottest out of doors hotspots amongst locals, as are the numerous tennis courts, golf programs, tracks, and trails round all through the town.
Mesa houses on the market | Mesa houses for rent | Mesa apartments for rent
4. Phoenix, AZ
| Inhabitants:
1,650,070 |
Common Commute Time:
26.2 minutes |
Per-Capita Revenue:
$31,427 |
| Median Sale Value:
$445,000 |
Median Lease Value:
$1,962 |
Unemployment Price:
3.6% |
The hub of the Southwest and capital of Arizona, Phoenix is fourth on our record of the most effective locations to stay in Arizona. Phoenix is chock-full of facilities, sights, and landmarks, together with nearly 200 golf courses (The Stadium Course is the most famous), 186 parks, and 200 miles of trails.
Nearer to the 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 Management Phoenix Open in close by Scottsdale, the biggest zero-waste sporting occasion on this planet.
One of the best season in Phoenix is from November by way of early April, once you’ll see blue skies and temperatures usually under 85 levels. With a Walk Score of 41, you’ll doubtless want a automobile to get round Phoenix, however Valley Metro gives some mild rail and bus choices.
Phoenix has exploded in recognition just lately. Beginning within the 2010s, Phoenix turned a magnet for coastal owners searching for a change of surroundings, boosting the town’s inhabitants by over 200,000 to turn into the fifth-largest metropolis within the nation. Sunny climate and inexpensive home costs proceed to be the largest attracts. Nonetheless, decades of drought and increasing heat risks are a rising concern. A new normal of maximum summer season warmth waves has just lately led some residents to contemplate shifting out.
Phoenix houses on the market | Phoenix houses for rent | Phoenix apartments for rent
5. Flagstaff, AZ
| Inhabitants:
76,586 |
Common Commute Time:
15.4 minutes |
Per-Capita Revenue:
$26,969 |
| Median Sale Value:
$660,000 |
Median Lease Value:
$2,213 |
Unemployment Price:
5.0% |
Flagstaff is the fifth metropolis on our record – and the one metropolis not within the desert valley. Situated in Northern Arizona at 7,000 ft, the town is surrounded by the Coconino Nationwide Forest. And because it’s just 80 miles southeast of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff is an out of doors paradise. Flagstaff is kind of a bit costlier than most cities in Arizona, although, largely on account of its easy accessibility to pristine out of doors recreation, cooler climate, and hip, lively tradition.
The town lies on the tall Colorado Plateau, which extends all through the 4 corners space of the Southwest and incorporates dozens of nationwide parks and monuments. The plateau is exceptional: rivers, extinct volcanoes, buttes, and canyons present colour and noteworthy variety to the area. In actual fact, simply north of Flagstaff are the San Francisco Peaks, which incorporates 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 much cooler than lowland areas of the state and has seen temperatures as low as -30°F, though excessive highs and lows are uncommon. Wildfires could be a problem in the summertime as effectively.
Seasonal recreation is a serious amenity in Flagstaff. Ski resorts, nordic ski trails, and sledding hills come alive through 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 gorgeous surroundings are all well-liked when the solar is out.
Flagstaff houses on the market | Flagstaff houses for rent | Flagstaff apartments for rent
6. Scottsdale, AZ
| Inhabitants:
244,394 |
Common Commute Time:
21.8 minutes |
Per-Capita Revenue:
$64,992 |
| Median Sale Value:
$857,500 |
Median Lease Value:
$2,882 |
Unemployment Price:
2.1% |
Scottsdale is available in at quantity six on our record of the most effective locations to stay in Arizona. The town is well-known for its upscale dwelling, luxurious spas, and golf courses, most notably TPC Scottsdale, which hosts the Phoenix Open. Though the town has been touted for its high quality of life, dwelling in Scottsdale could be very costly. Housing and rental costs are almost double that of Phoenix, and the value of dwelling is 13% increased than the nationwide common.
Scottsdale is usually divided into 4 sections: South Scottsdale, Outdated 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 usually extra inexpensive.
With luxurious dwelling additionally comes an abundance of facilities. The Fifth Avenue Procuring District is the central hub of the town, whereas quite a few different malls, parks, and nation golf equipment carry folks collectively. Additional to the east, The Butterfly Wonderland, OdySea Aquarium, and Paradise Earth all supply alternatives for everybody to expertise pristine pure magnificence.
Scottsdale houses on the market | Scottsdale houses for rent | Scottsdale apartments for rent
7. Yuma, AZ
| Inhabitants:
100,858 |
Common Commute Time:
16.7 minutes |
Per-Capita Revenue:
$26,679 |
| Median Sale Value:
$295,000 |
Median Lease Value:
$1,595 |
Unemployment Price:
4.7% |
Situated 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 town, Yuma is formally the sunniest city in the world and one of many hottest cities within the U.S., making it ultimate for out of doors recreation, agriculture, and basking within the solar. This has turned Yuma right into a prime spot amongst snowbirding owners. In actual fact, the town’s population nearly doubles through the winter months. A really inexpensive value of dwelling can also be a giant plus.
There’s lots to do inside Yuma. Strolling by way of its historic downtown or exploring certainly one of three close by nationwide wildlife refuges are nice choices. Climbing, canoeing, and biking are additionally well-liked.
Due to the area’s dry and sunny local weather and easy accessibility to the Colorado River, Yuma is right for year-round agriculture. Yuma is definitely the largest producer of winter produce within the U.S., with lettuce topping the record. Greater than 1 billion pounds of produce is harvested each month.
Water scarcity is likely one of the main points the area faces. Yuma sees less than four inches of rain per 12 months, and the Colorado River, which provides 36% of Arizona’s water, has been overallocated for decades. In consequence, farmers in Yuma have made cuts to their irrigation use, and the state has offered incentives to transition to extra environment friendly irrigation strategies. The state authorities and native establishments are continuing to innovate to save lots of water with out decreasing crop yields.
Yuma houses on the market | Yuma houses for rent | Yuma apartments for rent
8. Chandler, AZ
| Inhabitants:
280,711 |
Common Commute Time:
24.9 minutes |
Per-Capita Revenue:
$42,580 |
| Median Sale Value:
$549,500 |
Median Lease Value:
$2,266 |
Unemployment Price:
3.1% |
If Phoenix feels too huge, Chandler could also be a fantastic possibility. Simply half-hour southeast from downtown Phoenix, Chandler gives a pleasant mixture of city facilities and laid-back dwelling 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, the city has forayed into the tech business and is residence to 2 huge Intel campuses, in addition to different digital engineering corporations.
For sports activities followers, dwelling in Chandler means you have got easy accessibility to Cactus League MLB Spring Coaching video games from February by way of March. It’s additionally handy to observe certainly one of {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 incorporates master-planned communities and gridded streets. The Ocotillo is a very well-liked and costly neighborhood constructed round an expensive golf membership.
Chandler houses on the market | Chandler houses for rent | Chandler apartments for rent
9. Gilbert, AZ
| Inhabitants:
275,411 |
Common Commute Time:
27.1 minutes |
Per-Capita Revenue:
$39,073 |
| Median Sale Value:
$555,000 |
Median Lease Value:
$2,373 |
Unemployment Price:
2.9% |
Simply east of Chandler, Gilbert is the eighth metropolis on our record of the most effective locations to stay in Arizona. Gilbert’s most well-known attraction is its downtown, known as the Heritage District. The Heritage District is the center of the town and residential to full of life eating places, bars, and native outlets, like Culinary Dropout, Liberty Market, and Snooze. Gilbert can also be residence 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. Just like most areas within the Phoenix metro, neighborhoods are usually break up into remoted developments which are laid out on a city-wide grid.
Gilbert houses on the market | Gilbert houses for rent | Gilbert apartments for rent
10. Glendale, AZ
| Inhabitants:
253,855 |
Common Commute Time:
28.6 minutes |
Per-Capita Revenue:
$26,395 |
| Median Sale Value:
$449,050 |
Median Lease Value:
$1,971 |
Unemployment Price:
3.7% |
Glendale, AZ rounds out our record because the tenth-best place to stay in Arizona. Simply south of Peoria, Glendale is residence to sunny climate and desert mountain views. Arizona State College has a campus in Glendale as effectively.
Glendale prides itself because the Antique Capital of Arizona and has outlets and structure in its Historic Downtown to show it. Many shops occupy outdated brick buildings, and the adjoining Catlin Courtroom neighborhood options Nineteen Twenties and 30s bungalows. In complete, 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 well-liked spots alongside well-liked 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 through the fall and winter.
Glendale houses on the market | Glendale houses for rent | Glendale apartments for rent
Methodology
Redfin’s Greatest Locations to Stay rankings are supposed to assist residence searchers make an knowledgeable determination when selecting the place to stay. To aim 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 better had been thought of for our Arizona record. Extra details about our methodology could be discovered right here.
Information legitimate January 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
