9 Best Places to Live in Arizona, According to Local Real Estate Experts
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Sourced By: Travel + Leisure
With national parks, rich history, and a unique blend of cultures, Arizona draws many vacationers. However, it is also one of the fastest-growing states in the country, where 13 percent of the population was born abroad.
So what makes the state so attractive to newcomers? While natural beauty and cultural diversity are certainly factors, the state's strong economy, ranked fifth best in the U.S., is a magnet for young professionals seeking well-paying jobs. Cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Tucson offer robust employment opportunities in many industries, such as technology, healthcare, education, and tourism. Of course, there's more to life than work, and small and big cities across Arizona offer abundant entertainment and outdoor recreation options that keep their residents active and happy.
Below, we’ve rounded up nine of the best places to live in Arizona.
Related: 10 Most Beautiful and Affordable Places to Live in the U.S.
Scottsdale
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JACKSON VANCE/TRAVEL + LEISURE
"People used to think of Scottsdale as a place to retire, but that's simply not the case anymore," Colleen Olson, realtor at Arizona Best Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International and a Scottsdale resident of over 30 years, said. With vibrant arts and hospitality scenes, a robust job market (the unemployment rate was just 2.9 percent in April 2023), top-notch schools, plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, and a major airport only a 20-minute drive from the city, Scottsdale is thriving.
According to Olson, the city's golf communities draw the most interest from buyers.
"Some of the most sought-after include Silverleaf, DC Ranch, Desert Mountain, and Mirabel. Gainey Ranch Golf Club is another community that people come here to buy within," she added. One of her top tips for house hunting is to take your time and visit a property both in the summer and the winter months. However, residences here do come with higher price tags — $764,073 is the median home value, according to Zillow, but Olson explained that roughly 30 percent of the available properties are currently priced over $2 million.
Phoenix
JACKSON VANCE/TRAVEL + LEISURE
Arizona's capital and most populous city — with about 1.6 million people — checks all the marks of an excellent place to live, especially if you are in your 30s or 40s (the city's median age is 34.5 years) and are into golf and outdoor adventures. With over 200 golf courses spread out across the Valley of the Sun, 180 city parks, world-class sports teams and facilities, and some of the best museums in the country, Phoenix is a cosmopolitan city that attracts many young professionals seeking urban conveniences and relatively affordable real estate. Currently, the median home value here is $404,818, which is slightly down from last year. The market offers many options for potential homeowners — from newly built developments to older homes with plenty of character.
Amy Haight, a realtor with Arizona Best Real Estate, said working with a local broker is essential. "Do you want walkability? Do you need a variety of restaurants and entertainment within a short distance? How about public transportation or freeway access? What about the best schools?" she explained. "A local expert can really help you understand the lay of the land and get you exactly where you want to be with the amenities you desire."
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