Top 9 Arizona Cities to Live: Insights from Local Real Estate Experts

If you’re considering a move to the Grand Canyon State, these vibrant communities should be at the top of your list.

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., acts as a magnet for young professionals seeking well-paying jobs. Cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Tucson offer robust employment opportunities in various industries such as technology, healthcare, education, and tourism. Moreover, small and big cities across Arizona provide abundant entertainment and outdoor recreation options, ensuring residents remain active and satisfied.

Below, we’ve rounded up nine of the best places to live in Arizona.

01. Scottsdale

“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. Consequently, 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 come with higher price tags—$764,073 is the median home value, according to Zillow, but Olson explained that roughly 30 percent of available properties are currently priced over $2 million.

02. Phoenix

Arizona’s capital and most populous city—with about 1.6 million people—checks all the boxes of an excellent place to live, especially for those in their 30s or 40s (the city’s median age is 34.5 years) and who enjoy golf and outdoor adventures. With over 200 golf courses spread 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 attracting many young professionals seeking urban conveniences and relatively affordable real estate. Currently, the median home value here is $404,818, 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, emphasizes the importance of working with a local broker. “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.”

03. Tucson

Tucson is a nature enthusiast’s haven, surrounded by five mountain ranges offering dramatic landscapes and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. With over 50,000 college students living here (the city is home to the University of Arizona), there’s definitely a vibrant atmosphere, with numerous cultural and athletic opportunities for residents. The stable job market and affordable real estate market (the median sale price is $367,300) are factors that keep many of those young graduates in the city.

Unlike other large urban areas with hot real estate markets where properties go under contract quickly, buyers here usually have, on average, 38 days to choose a home. However, Nara Brown, an agent with Long Realty/Luxury Portfolio International, notes that the housing market is currently characterized by low inventory, predicting that this situation will not change much in the next six months.

04. Chandler

Those who find Phoenix too large should consider moving to Chandler, located 30 minutes southeast of Arizona’s capital. The city offers plenty of urban amenities and good jobs; however, with a population of about 280,000 residents, it has a more laid-back vibe. There’s also plenty to do on your days off—60 parks, a golf course, a performance venue, and many restaurants and shops will keep you and your family busy exploring.

Most buyers here prefer updated or new homes ready to move in. “Turnkey listings are selling extremely fast,” Alanna Foudy, a realtor at Arizona Best Real Estate, mentioned. “Generally, the Ocotillo area of Chandler is very desirable because it’s anchored by a beautiful golf course and is very close to the Price Corridor tech hub. It’s also marked by beautiful lakes running throughout the community.”

If you seek luxury, resort-style amenities, Foudy recommended exploring homes in gated communities such as Stellar Airpark, Citrus Preserve, and Whitewing at Krueger.

05. Gilbert

This suburb of Phoenix in East Valley attracts many families due to its excellent school system, numerous parks, and a walkable downtown area, Heritage District, abuzz with new restaurants, boutiques, and bars.

“It really is one of the best cities in the Valley! Many neighborhoods offer golf courses and lakeside living,” said Amy Frazier, an agent with Long Realty Old Town/Luxury Portfolio International. “Whether it be a new-construction home in Waterston or a quaint bungalow in Agritopia, there is something for everyone.”

Home prices in Gilbert have slightly decreased since last year, and the median home value is now $547,328, with more than 60 percent of listings selling below asking price.

“The gated neighborhoods tend to offer larger lots and a more enclosed park-like setting, making them highly desirable. These homes rarely come on the market, so having an agent networking with active luxury agents in the area is crucial,” Kim Catalanotto, a realtor at Arizona Best Real Estate, added.

06. Tempe

If real estate is all about location, then you really can’t beat Tempe, situated in East Valley. It borders Scottsdale and Phoenix, has access to four major freeways, and is a very short drive to Sky Harbor International Airport.

There is, of course, more to the city that makes it one of the best places to live in Arizona—namely, its arts scene. The Tempe Center for the Arts opened in 2007 and stages many public events for free. To get your Broadway show fix, head to Gammage Auditorium. Sports enthusiasts have Temple Sports Complex at their disposal, a 60-acre athletic facility with fields for softball and soccer and a skate park.

Kristi Newman of Arizona Best Real Estate explained that families flock to South Tempe, drawn to the large homes in the area. “Northern Tempe is more popular among young professionals, singles, and those who appreciate the activity of the university [Arizona State University],” she noted.

07. Flagstaff

Flagstaff offers something few cities in Arizona can provide—four seasons. Nestled among the largest ponderosa pine forest in the world, this Northern Arizona city is enveloped in stunning emerald-hued vistas that boast crisp breezes (average summer temperatures stay in the low 80s) and an endless list of outdoor activities. The city is also among the top spots for stargazing in the country and was designated the world’s first International Dark Sky City in 2001.

“In the winter, you can enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and recreational snow parks. In the evening, sit by a fire and watch the quiet mountain snowfall,” Kelly C. Walthour, an agent at Long Realty in The Pines/Luxury Portfolio International, said. However, the real estate market here is highly competitive—properties stay on the market for an average of only nine days, and the median home value is $626,052.

08. Glendale

The sun is always shining in Glendale. Located in Maricopa County next to Phoenix, Glendale is well-known for its sunny weather, idyllic neighborhoods focusing on luxury homes, State Farm Stadium (which has hosted two Super Bowls), top-notch recreation, pet-friendly city policies, and antique vendors (the city prides itself on being the Antique Capital of Arizona). Consequently, the strong sense of community and diverse housing options have made it a top choice for families moving to the area.

“The market is dynamic, and homes in Glendale tend to sell quickly, with an average time on the market of 36 days,” Apryle Borst, a realtor at Arizona Best Real Estate, stated, adding that buyers seeking luxury residences have plenty of choices available here.

09. Paradise Valley

If luxury living, resort-style amenities, panoramic desert views, quality education, and proximity to big-town conveniences are at the top of your list, then Paradise Valley might be the best option for you.

“The town boasts a tranquil and idyllic ambiance with its spacious, well-maintained estates and beautifully landscaped surroundings,” Pete Torrez, a broker with Long Realty Old Town, mentioned, adding that the town has strict zoning regulations in place to preserve its natural landscape.

“Paradise Valley offers several gated communities that cater to affluent buyers seeking exclusivity, security, and a luxurious lifestyle. Explore neighborhoods like Clearwater Hills, Judson, or Mountain Shadows Estates, among others, to find the right fit for your preferences,” Torrez suggested.