Arizona, nicknamed the ‘Grand Canyon State, is the 48th state in the USA and the sixth largest state in the country. The capital city of the state is Phoenix which is also the largest city in the state. Arizona attracts many tourists due to its amazing natural landscape, including forests, national parks, tribal lands, sky islands, and wildlife preserves.
Arizona is one of the most populous states in the country and is home to many beautiful cities. Here are some of the best places to live in Arizona.
Which Is the Nicest City to Live in Arizona?
The cost of living in Arizona is low compared to the national average, making it attractive for home buyers. The state is very investment friendly and is home to many startups. The job opportunities here are abundant, which makes it very popular among youngsters.
The state has many spectacular cities and towns which are robust in education, healthcare, and transportation. Here is a well-curated list of some of the best places to live in Arizona.
1. Paradise Valley
Paradise valley is a town in the suburbs of Phoenix in Maricopa County, one of the country’s wealthiest municipalities. This town is one of the best places to live in Arizona because of its real state, shopping options, public schools, golf courses, and restaurants.
1.1. What Is the Population?
The Paradise Valley population is nearly 13000. Here most residents have their own houses, and this is one of the state’s wealthiest communities.
1.2. Is It Safe?
Paradise valley has a very low crime rate, making it one of the best places to live in Arizona.
1.3. Does the City Have Good Schools?
Paradise Valley is one of the best places to live in Arizona has many renowned Public and Private schools and elementary and high schools.
Some popular schools are BASIS Scottsdale, Desert Trails Elementary, Paradise Valley High School, Horizon Valley High School, North Ranch Elementary School, Pinnacle High School, and many more.
1.4. Which Are Some of the Best Places to Visit in Paradise Valley?
Some popular places to visit if you are in the neighbourhood are,
a) Barry Goldwater Park
This is a small well-maintained park dedicated to Senator Barry Goldwater. The park has a small stream along with a variety of cacti.
b) Spa Centers
For a relaxing experience after a busy day, the visitors can go to Joya Spa, Sanctuary Spa, or Mary Linn’s Massage and Spa centers.
c) Market
Paradise Valley has numerous shops and markets for all shopping needs, from groceries to high-end products. Some popular shopping places are Scottsdale Fashion Square, Kierland Commons, Biltmore Fashion Park, and others.
2. Phoenix
Phoenix is the state capital and is one of the best places to live in Arizona. The city boasts of young energy and is loved by people who love outdoor activities with thriving nightlife and spring training home in summer.
The city has many tech firms and a very thriving job market. The tech industry here provides loads of opportunities for job growth. This is one of those capital cities renowned for its golf courses, museums, luxury resorts, jeep safari, rock climbing, hot air ballooning, and many such exciting things and places.
2.1. What Is Phoenix’s Population?
According to the national data, the city’s population is close to 1.4 million and is growing steadily. This is one of the best cities in Arizona, comprising many young professionals. The average commute time has increased here throughout the years.
2.2. Which Frontier Town Is in Phoenix?
Cave Creek is a frontier town in the city of Phoenix and takes you back in time. The place looks like a movie set where performers and costumed shop owners can be seen.
2.3. Which Famous Small Town Is Near Phoenix?
Jerome is a historic and beloved town located a few miles from Phoenix in Verde Valley. This small town was once a gold and copper mining town and is now a popular tourist destination. People enjoy city living in this mostly rural town.
2.4. What is the Crime Rate?
This is a safe city to live in, and the crime rate here is lower than in other cities. Phoenix is one of the best places to live in Arizona.
2.5. Does the City Have Good Schools?
This big city has more than three hundred excellent schools that, include elementary schools, high schools, private schools, and public schools. This is one of the best places to live in Arizona.
Some well-known and excellent-quality schools located here are Horizon Elementary school, BASIS Chandler, Phoenix Union Bioscience High school, and many more such prominent schools.
2.6. Which Popular Places Are a Must-Visit?
Some popular places to visit in the city of Phoenix are,
a) Desert Botanical Garden
This garden is located in Papago park and was established in 1939. The place has thousands of plants that also include some rare and endangered species.
b) Camelback Mountain
This is a popular place for rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking among visitors; the place got its name as the mountain resembles the hump of a camel and is one of the few places that is a must-visit.
c) Golf Course
The Camelback Golf Course is very popular among golfers. The course is well maintained, and the desert experience here is remarkable.
d) Piestewa Peak Park
This beautiful recreational area has plenty of hiking trails and amazing views. This park is kid-friendly, with a few easy trails to enjoy idyllic nature.
e) Downtown Phoenix
The historic downtown Phoenix has numerous restaurants, bars, entertainment centers, cafes, live music spaces, brew points, and an Arizona state university campus.
3. Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a popular tourist destination due to its spectacular golf courses, spas, and mesmerizing natural beauty, and it is one of the best places to live in Arizona.
This suburban city and one of the best college towns has many cultural and natural attractions, making it a must-visit tourist destination if you are in Arizona.
3.1. What is Scottsdale’s Population?
The city’s population comprises more than two hundred thousand and diverse ethnicities and religions.
3.2. Crime Rate- Is the City Safe?
This is a safe city to live in in Arizona due to the low crime rate compared to other cities in the state. This is one of the best places to live in Arizona for young professionals.
3.3. Which is the Award-Winning School District?
According to the latest survey, Scottsdale Unified School District is one of the award-winning school districts and is among the top-ranked school districts in Arizona.
There are many excellent quality public schools in this big city, including Sequoya Elementary school, Basis Goodyear, Basis Scottsdale, Desert Canyon Elementary school, and many others.
3.4. Which Popular Places Are a Must-Visit?
Some of the best and most popular places in one of the best cities in Arizona are,
a) Mcdowell Sonoran preserve
This urban conservation in the city is huge and is renowned for its mesmerizing natural beauty and various trails.
b) Sonoran Desert
Tourists can enjoy horseback riding, hot air ballooning, and many other fun adventure things with the help of various guides.
c) Golf Courses
The city of Scottsdale is famous for its golf courses like a Phoenician golf club, Legend trail golf club, orange Tree golf club, and many championship-level courses.
d) Museum of Contemporary Art
This city museum is dedicated to modern contemporary art with few permanent and rotating collections. The skyscape collection is a big attraction here.
e) Butterfly Wonderland
Visitors see thousands of butterflies in their natural habitat and a butterfly 3d movie. This is a fun place for kids and nature lovers.
4. Mesa
Mesa is one of the best places to live in Arizona and is famous for its history, culture, natural views, desert, museums, parks, and numerous other things.
4.1. What Is the Population?
This big city is one of the best places to live in Arizona, with a population of over five hundred thousand comprising a diverse ethnicity of people. The city has many affordable housing projects.
4.2. Which Popular Places Are Located Here?
Here is a list of popular places and things to do in the beautiful city of Mesa,
a) Arizona Museum of Natural History
Arizona museum of natural history is located here in Mesa. This popular museum has interactive displays and exhibits. You can view the dinosaurs and learn a lot about them.
b) Mesa Arts Center
This huge arts center in downtown Mesa comprises art galleries, studios, and theaters. This award-winning place has beautiful architecture and is a must-visit by all.
5. Tempe
Tempe is known for its diverse art and culture, schools, recreation facilities, art galleries, museums, and theatres. Tempe is one of the most preferred suburban cities to live in Arizona by students from all over the country for its excellent quality education.
5.1. Tempe Population
Tempe is one of the largest cities in Arizona, and the population has declined compared to previous years. Tempe is on the list of one of the best places to live in Arizona. The crime rate in Tempe has increased slightly over the years, but it is a relatively safer city than others.
The average home price has increased in Tempe, and the cost of living is reasonable here, along with a hoard of local amenities.
5.2. Is Tempe a Walkable City?
The average commute time here has increased from the previous years, but the city can be easily covered through walking or biking. The city is one of the best places to live in Arizona without owning a vehicle.
5.3. What to See and Do in Tempe?
Some popular and fun things to see and do in Tempe are as follows,
a) Papago Park
The park has a spectacular landscape, desert views, picnic areas, and trails for visitors. The park is dog friendly with plenty of other amenities.
b) Tempe town lake
This is a beautiful lake with amazing architecture. People come here for boating, watch sunsets, eat at restaurants, walk, and enjoy the serene landscape.
c) ASU Art Museum
This is located on the university campus and is a small museum displaying pieces by students, faculty, and artists worldwide.
5.4. Where is Arizona State University located?
Arizona State University is located in Tempe and is one of the top research facilities in the world, attracting several college students and researchers.
6. Flagstaff
Flagstaff is one of the best places to live in Arizona, with beautiful surroundings, natural spaces, schools, markets, a tight-knit community, and a strong sense of belonging.
The best part is Flagstaff’s proximity to the world-renowned Grand Canyon National Park and also has an international airport which is very convenient for travellers.
6.1. What Is the Population?
Flagstaff’s population is close to seventy thousand, and it is one of the most populous cities in Arizona. This a small city in terms of size compared to Phoenix and Tuscon, and the average commute time is lower than the national average.
6.2. What Is the Median Income Here?
The median income is high here as it’s one of the most expensive cities to live in Arizona. The average cost of living is above 2000$ here. The city has a reasonable cost of living with many single-family homes and is one of the best places to live in Arizona.
6.3. Where Is Northern Arizona University Located?
Northern Arizona University was founded in 1899 in Flagstaff, Arizona. The university is one of the top 500 universities in the country.
6.4. What to See at Grand Canyon National Park?
This Grand Canyon National Park is one of the country’s most visited parks and is a natural miracle. The park has various hidden caves, fossils, wildlife, and architectural marvels.
This national park was formed millions of years ago due to climate changes and various geological activities.
Final Words
The state has numerous cities and towns that are considered some of the best places to live in Arizona, along with mesmerizing natural beauty. A plethora of great job opportunities, housing, education, natural beauty, ease of commuting, and reasonable cost of living has made this state the most preferred and attractive destination for all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the safest place to live in Arizona?
San Luis is the safest place to live in Arizona.
2, What city in Arizona has the best weather?
Phoenix is known to have the best weather in Arizona.
Also check out: A Tour Guide to Rockaway Beach Oregon.
Last Updated on March 21, 2023 by Ananya Sreen
