With over 100 wineries, 22 national parks, 35 state parks, and 800 miles long hiking trails, it’s not a surprise that Arizona is one of the most visited states in the USA. Since its establishment in 1912, thousands of people have moved to Arizona as either permanent or temporary residents.
The captivating landscapes, abundant job vacancies, affordable cost of living, mild winters, and vast land to build a home and commercial premises have made Arizona one of the most popular destinations where international and national citizens settle. Despite being a land of opportunities, not all cities in Arizona are favorable for living. Especially if you are moving from California, choosing the right city will have a huge impact on you.
So, whether you are an international or a local citizen who is searching for the best city to live in Arizona, then read on as I got you covered through this article. I will provide you with a listicle of the 5 Best Cities To Live In Arizona.
I will also walk you through the following details about each city; The estimated population, the area the city covers, the approximate cost of renting an apartment, the total number of learning institutions and hospitals, and some of the exciting things you can do in these cities.
5 Best Cities To Live In Arizona
Below are 5 of the best cities to live in Arizona. This list was compiled after extensive surveys were carried out to determine which towns Arizona residents find the best to live in.
#5. City of Tempe
This is the 8th largest city in Arizona.
- Estimated population; 191,607
- Area the city covers; 104.18 sq km
- The approximate rental cost of an apartment; is a 1-bedroom apartment cost around $1,580, whereas a medium-sized 2-bedroom apartment costs approximately $1,655.
- The total number of learning institutions is 37 colleges, 8 high schools, and 3 public school districts.
- There are over 30 hospitals that are equipped with modern technologies.
Fun activities to do; Hiking to the botanical gardens and at the Hunt’s Tomb, visiting the Arizona Heritage center, touring the Eisendrath House, engaging in indoor rock climbing, going shopping, visiting the Tempe Marketplace, and listening to live music, and reconnecting with mother nature by exploring the Tempe Town Lake.
According to real estate experts, Tempe is the best city for one to relocate to after retirement. The crime rates in Tempe are relatively low compared to most cities in Arizona. This retiree-friendly city has low property taxes and a reasonably low cost of living making it the best city for seniors. It is also ideal weather favorable for seniors who experience seasonal allergies triggered by adverse weather conditions.
#4. City of Scottsdale
This is the 5th largest city in Arizona.
- Estimated population; 254,995
- Area the city covers; 477.70 sq km
- The approximate rental cost of an apartment is $2,087.
- The total number of learning institutions is 38 colleges, 30 district schools, and 6 high schools.
- The total number of health care facilities is more than 20 modernized hospitals.
Fun activities you can engage in include golfing, hiking, Hot air balloon riding, shopping, sightseeing and taking pictures in the Old Town Scottsdale, wine tasting tour, visiting the Odysea Aquarium, and challenging yourself at the Laser and Mirror maze.
Experts recommend that young people look for a city to expand their careers or for a fresh start living in this city, Scottsdale.
#3. City of Glendale
This is the 6th largest city in Arizona.
- Estimated population; 255,204
- Area the city covers; 160.56 sq km
- The approximate rental cost of an apartment is $1,504. To rent a 1-bedroom apartment, you will have to pay at least $1,350. Medium-sized 2-bedroom apartment rent is approximately $1,430.
- The total number of learning institutions is 35 colleges, 11 high schools, and 34 district schools.
- The total number of health care facilities is 42 hospitals.
Fun activities: Hiking in Thunderbird Park, visiting the doll and toy museum, learning more about desert plants in the Xeriscape Botanical gardens, and watching a movie with your loved one at the Drive-in Theatre.
This city is ideal for a family with young kids or those planning to have kids. This is so since there are many kids’ fun centers, numerous learning institutions, and plenty of diverse career opportunities to explore.
#2. City of Chandler
This is the 4th largest city in Arizona.
- Estimated population; 280,982
- Area the city covers; 150 sq km
- The approximate rental cost of an apartment is $1,882.
- The total number of learning institutions is 27 colleges, 7 high schools, and 45 unified district schools.
- The total number of health care facilities is more than 42 fully functional hospitals.
Fun activities you can do; Get artistically inspired by visiting the Chandler Centre for Art, enjoy a peaceful afternoon in the Veterans Oasis Park, shop for the trendy fashions in the Chandler Fashion center, and enhance your golfing skills in the San Marcos Golf Course and reconnect with nature by hiking in the Water Ranch Trails
If you are looking for a versatile, culturally endowed city with diverse career opportunities to explore, then the City of Chandler got you covered.
#1. City of Phoenix
This is the largest city in Arizona.
- Estimated population; 1,640,641
- Area the city covers; 1,338 sq km
- The approximate rental cost of an apartment is $1,590.
- The total number of learning institutions is 17 colleges and 18 high schools.
- The total number of health care facilities is 52 hospitals.
Fun activities one can do; Visit the Desert Botanical Garden, hike in the Piestewa or Pinnacle Peaks, dine in the 5-star hotels and resorts, shop in the luxurious malls, and time travel to the world of music by visiting the Musical Instrument Museum.
If you are looking for a city to advance your business career, medical career, or invest in, then the city of Phoenix is the ideal city for you.
What’s the best city to live in Arizona?
The best cities to live in Arizona are; the City of Tempe, the City of Scottsdale, the City of Glendale, the City of Chandler, and the City of Phoenix. All these cities have favorable costs of living and various fun things for every age group to engage in.