8 Best Places to Live in Arizona

When it comes to natural beauty, few places rival Arizona. Its stunning deserts, majestic canyons, and rugged mountains create an idyllic backdrop for life. But good looks aren’t all Arizona has to offer. If you’re thinking about relocating here, you’re in luck because there’s practically a city for everyone. From Scottsdale for the upper echelon folks, Phoenix for the hipsters, and Chandler for the families, here are some of the best places to live in Arizona.

Chandler:

Chandler is half cosmopolitan and half family-friendly. People who live here have access to award-winning school districts and a vibrant downtown area with everything from pub crawls to jazz festivals, farmers’ markets to free yoga in the park. Housing is affordable despite being Chandler being one of Arizona’s most populous cities. The city is also just a three-and-some-change-hour drive from some of Arizona’s most beautiful lands, including the Petrified Forest and Grand Canyon National Park.

Scottsdale:

Scottsdale is a curious city. On one hand, its Old Town district conjures up Wild West vibes; on the other hand, its downtown and shopping area is super modern. With golf courses galore and the highest concentration of AAA Four-Diamond hotels in the nation, it’s one of the best places to live in Arizona if your bank account balance will allow it. It’s perfect for families, the crime rate is low, the education is top-notch, and some the best shopping in the Phoenix area.

Strawberry:

Just two hours north of Phoenix and closest to the city of Payson, Strawberry is the perfect place for nature lovers. Wrap your arms around ancient Ponderosa Pines, or take a stroll across Tonto Natural Bridge, one of the world’s only natural travertine bridges. Though the town is relatively small and probably not ideal for those who always need to be in the middle of the action, it’s one of the best places to live in Arizona if you enjoy hiking and serenity.

Tempe:

Tempe, as popular as it already is, is currently experiencing a growth spurt. The city is especially popular among college students (it’s home to Arizona State University) and young professionals but has many attractions to keep families happy, as well. The city’s suburbs boast single-family homes, and the commute from the suburbs into the city is only about 20 minutes. It’s also located along the Salt River, providing locals with a waterfront for outdoor activities like biking, jogging, and kayaking.

Paradise Valley:

The name is not deceiving; Paradise Valley truly is a slice of paradise. Picturesque and serene, this city teems with natural beauty. From Echo Canyon to Phoenix Mountains Preserve to the Piestewa Peak Park, there’s something gorgeous at every turn in Paradise Valley. Just like Scottsdale, its neighbor to the south, Paradise Valley is known for its golf courses and affluent residents. It’s no surprise then, that it’s also home to 10 resorts and spas. 

:Phoenix

As the capital of Arizona, Phoenix is a thriving city with a rapidly-growing population. It’s culturally diverse and home to many diverse communities. The city has a vibrant college scene and amenities to boot. And as you would expect in a town with a thriving college scene that’s also the state capital, the nightlife here is booming. Check out Cobra Arcade Bar and The Churchill to get yourself properly acquainted with Downtown Phoenix’s lively bar scene. Comparatively safe, a relatively low cost of living, excellent schools, and incredible weather are all reasons why thousands of people move to Phoenix each year.

:Mesa

If you like city life but are overwhelmed by a place as fast-paced as Phoenix, perhaps Mesa will suit your needs. Though Mesa isn’t as safe as some of the other cities on this list, it does have exceptional public schooling, a thriving nightlife, and tons of diversity. Oh, and did we mention it’s also home to two different Spring Training stadiums? Catch the Oakland A’s and Chicago Cubs as they get some practice in before the official start of the MLB season. 

:Gilbert

Gilbert regularly ranks high on “best places to live in Arizona” lists. Shoot, it’s even been listed as one of the best cities to live in the nation. And with a low crime rate, good public schools, a high median income, and an impressive high school diploma attainment rate, why should you expect any different? While it’s not necessarily a stone’s throw from some of Arizona’s most impressive natural parks, it’s definitely not too far from them either. In fact, it’s only a short drive from Boyce Thompson Arboretum and Lost Dutchman State Parks.

With glorious weather, natural beauty, world-class amenities, and something for everyone, it’s no wonder Arizona is one of the fastest-growing states. If you’re thinking about moving to The Grand Canyon State, we hope you found our list of the best places to live Arizona helpful.