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Best Places to Live in Arizona in 2023
By Noel Dávila MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
If you’re considering relocating to Arizona, you’re in luck. The Grand Canyon State offers an array of options for living, with its diverse communities, stunning natural beauty, and favorable weather.
In this article, we’ll explore the top five places to live in Arizona in 2023 based on population, median household income, median home price, and unemployment rate.
Read on to learn more about these top-rated places in the state of Arizona.
Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a lively and upscale city with a population of around 248,000. Scottsdale boasts a median household income of $97,409 and a median home price of $745,849, making it one of the most affluent cities in Arizona. Scottsdale has a diverse economy, with major industries including healthcare, tourism, and technology. The unemployment rate in Scottsdale is 2.5%.
In addition to its upscale reputation, Scottsdale is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness. The city has implemented numerous green initiatives, such as the Green Building Program, which encourages using environmentally-friendly building practices and installing electric vehicle charging stations throughout the city.
Scottsdale is also home to a flourishing arts scene, with several annual festivals and events, including the Scottsdale Arts Festival and the Scottsdale Culinary Festival. For families, Scottsdale offers highly-ranked schools, a low crime rate, and plenty of family-friendly activities, such as the OdySea Aquarium and the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
Scottsdale is known for its high-end shopping, world-class dining, and notable cultural institutions. The city has numerous galleries, museums, and theaters, including the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.
With over 330 days of sunshine per year and access to beautiful outdoor recreation areas such as McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale is ideal for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Phoenix
Phoenix, the state capital and largest city in Arizona, offers a bustling urban lifestyle with a population of over 1.6 million. The city boasts a median household income of $64,927 and a median home price of $394,870, making it a more affordable option than other cities. Industries such as healthcare, education, and technology support Phoenix’s diverse economy. The unemployment rate in Phoenix is currently at 2.9%.
Phoenix is a hub for cultural and sporting events, with numerous museums, art galleries, and sports teams such as the Arizona Cardinals and the Phoenix Suns. The city also offers exceptional dining options, with a thriving food scene that ranges from trendy gastropubs to upscale restaurants. In addition, Phoenix has an active nightlife and entertainment scene, with many bars, clubs, and music venues catering to various tastes.
With its warm climate and proximity to outdoor areas like South Mountain Park and Papago Park, Phoenix is an excellent choice for those who love the outdoors. The city is also home to several beautiful parks, such as the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo, which offer opportunities for families to enjoy nature and wildlife.
In short, Phoenix has something for everyone, from cultural attractions and sports events to outdoor recreation and family-friendly activities.
Gilbert
Located in the southeast part of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Gilbert is a rapidly growing suburb with a population of around 285,000. Gilbert boasts a median household income of $105,733 and a median home price of $535,746, making it one of the more affluent cities in Arizona. The unemployment rate in Gilbert is currently at 2.5%.
In recent years, Gilbert has experienced rapid development, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. This growth has created numerous employment opportunities, with major industries including healthcare, education, and technology. Additionally, Gilbert is home to several distinguished schools, including nationally recognized charter schools such as BASIS and Great Hearts.
The city also offers a variety of amenities, including parks, shopping centers, and exceptional dining options. With its proximity to the San Tan Mountains and the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Gilbert is a perfect choice for those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching.
Gilbert also offers numerous parks and recreational areas, such as Freestone Park and the Southeast Regional Library, which hosts various community events and programs. With its high quality of life and family-friendly atmosphere, Gilbert is a great place to call home.
Chandler
Located in the southeastern part of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Chandler is a booming city with a population of around 287,000. Chandler boasts a median household income of $91,299 and a median home price of $491,993. The unemployment rate in Chandler is currently at 2.5%.
Chandler is also known for its vibrant downtown area, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. That’s where you’ll find the Chandler Center for the Arts, a cultural hub that hosts plenty of events throughout the year, including theater productions, concerts, and art exhibits.
Chandler also has a strong sense of community, with events like the annual Ostrich Festival, which celebrates the city’s agricultural heritage and features live music, carnival rides, and ostrich races. With its diverse economy, excellent schools, and welcoming community, Chandler is a great choice for families and professionals.
Chandler offers a variety of amenities, including first-rate shopping and dining, as well as several parks and green spaces. The city is home to major employers like Intel and PayPal, making it an excellent choice for those looking for job opportunities in the tech industry.
Lastly, because of its warm climate and proximity to the Sonoran Desert and South Mountain Park, Chandler is an ideal place to live for those who love the outdoors.
Tempe
Tempe, located southeast of Phoenix, is a vibrant college town home to Arizona State University. With a population of around 186,000, Tempe offers urban amenities and college-town charm. The median household income is $64,080, and the median home price is $442,783. The unemployment rate is currently at 2.7%.
Tempe is also home to several annual events, including the Tempe Festival of the Arts and the Ironman Arizona triathlon. The town’s proximity to ASU makes it a hub for intellectual and cultural activities, including guest lectures, music performances, and theater productions. Tempe is conveniently located near major freeways, making traveling to other parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area easy.
Tempe has several cultural attractions, including the ASU Art Museum and the Tempe Center for the Arts. The town also has a lively downtown area with numerous bars, restaurants, and shops.
Tempe is also known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, with several parks and trails for hiking, biking, and water sports.
Methodology
To determine the best places to live in Arizona, we looked at several factors: population, median household income, median home price, and unemployment rate. We also considered other factors such as quality of life, access to amenities, and overall affordability.
In addition to these quantitative factors, we considered qualitative aspects such as each city’s overall culture and character and the availability of diverse recreational activities and entertainment options. We also considered the local school systems, healthcare facilities, and transportation infrastructure to understand each city’s livability comprehensively. Our goal was to provide a well-rounded and informative guide for individuals and families considering relocating to Arizona and looking for the best places to call home.
We consulted a range of sources, including government data, industry reports, and expert opinions, to compile our list of the top five places to live in Arizona in 2023.
FAQs
What is the weather like in Arizona?
Arizona has a desert climate, typically hot and dry most of the year. Summers can be scorching, with temperatures regularly reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are generally mild, with temperatures averaging around 60 degrees. However, nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, especially in desert areas. It's important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun when spending time outdoors in Arizona.
What are the top schools and universities in Arizona?
Arizona has several excellent universities, including Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University. These universities offer a range of programs and are known for their research and academic excellence. Regarding K-12 education, some of the top-rated school districts in Arizona include Scottsdale Unified School District, Chandler Unified School District, and Gilbert Public Schools.
What are some important things to know about Arizona's culture and history?
Arizona has a rich history and is home to many indigenous cultures, including the Navajo, Hopi, and Apache tribes. The state is also known for its cowboy and mining culture, with many historic sites and museums dedicated to these industries. In terms of arts and culture, Arizona has a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and performance venues. The state is also known for its cuisine, which includes a variety of Mexican and Southwestern dishes.
What are some popular attractions to visit in Arizona?
Arizona has many popular attractions, including the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and the Hoover Dam. The state also has several national parks, including Petrified Forest National Park and Saguaro National Park. For those interested in history and culture, there are many historic sites and museums to explore, such as the Heard Museum in Phoenix and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson. Additionally, Arizona has many outdoor recreation opportunities, such as hiking, camping, and water sports.
The bottom line
Arizona has much to offer, from natural beauty to booming cities.
In addition to its warm climate, Arizona has something for everyone. The state offers a wide range of recreational activities, from hiking and biking to skiing and snowboarding in the northern parts of the state.
Arizona also has a rich cultural history, with numerous Native American tribes calling the state home. With various housing options and a growing economy, Arizona has become a popular destination for people from all over the country.
With a strong job market, a low cost of living, and a high quality of life, Arizona is a remarkable choice for those looking to relocate. Whether looking for a peaceful suburban lifestyle or a vibrant urban environment, you may find the perfect place to live in Arizona.
